21+ Cover Letter Examples in 2023 [For All Professions]
No matter where you are in your career, or what job you’re applying for, submitting a cover letter with your resume is a must .
Done right, a cover letter will effectively complement your resume and explain to the hiring manager in more detail why you’re the right person for the job.
Writing a cover letter, however, is easier said than done.
You have to effectively demonstrate that you’ll be able to perform the responsibilities listed in the job description and that you’d be a better fit for the company compared to other candidates.
And unless you’re a professional writer, this can be a very hard task.
Fortunately, we created these cover letter examples to inspire you and help you get started with your own cover letter!
Let’s dive in!
21 Cover Letter Examples
#1. career change cover letter example .
Here’s what this cover letter does right:
- Has an ideal length. This cover letter includes all the relevant information for the hiring manager without getting into too much detail.
- Relevant introduction. The candidate explains that they’re changing careers and why they want to work in this new field from the get-go.
- Explains their related experience. The candidate explains how their previous experience in retail sales can help them succeed in PR.
Want to learn how to write a career change resume that’s on par with your cover letter? Check out our guide!
#2. Recent Graduate Cover Letter Example
- Personally greets the hiring manager. The candidate has taken the time to find the hiring manager’s name and address them by it, which makes the opening of the cover letter much more personal.
- Wraps up with a call to action. The candidate wraps up the cover letter by suggesting a meeting with the hiring manager, which makes them more memorable.
- Explains why the candidate is the right person for the internship. In this cover letter for an internship , the candidate explains how they’ve previously interned in a different firm, which gives them the experience to succeed in this role.
Have you just graduated from college? Make sure to check out our guide on writing an entry-level cover letter from start to finish!
#3. Middle Management Cover Letter Example
- Use of bullet points. The candidate presents the information in a concise and reader-friendly way, making it easy for the hiring manager to find their key achievements.
- Formal closing. The candidate has used a formal and polite tone to conclude their cover letter, which combined with a call to action makes them look professional and passionate about getting the job.
- Explains how the company would benefit from hiring them. The candidate outlines exactly what they could do for the company, which not only highlights their skills but also shows they’ve done their research on the company’s needs.
#4. Business Manager Cover Letter Example
- Detailed header. In addition to the must-have contact details, this candidate has also included their professional Twitter and LinkedIn profiles, making it easy for the hiring manager to look more closely into their career.
- Concise and to the point. This candidate has used short paragraphs and bullet points to make the cover letter easy to skim through.
- Wraps up with a call to action. By letting the hiring manager know they’ll be contacting them soon, they’re more likely to make an impression.
Check out this article for a complete writing guide and an inspiring business manager resume sample.
#5. Ph.D. Cover Letter Example
Here’s what this cover letter does right:
- Attention-grabbing introduction. In the opening paragraph, this candidate explains why they’re passionate about pursuing a Ph.D. in great detail.
- Explains the candidate’s qualifications in detail. The candidate builds on their passion by explaining how they’re also qualified for the degree because of their education history and academic achievements.
#6. Senior Executive Cover Letter Example
- Professional and minimalistic template. This senior executive has used a professional but minimalistic template that lets their work experience do the talking.
- Achievement-oriented opening paragraph. Right from the get-go, this candidate explains what makes them so good at their job, effectively grabbing the hiring manager’s attention.
- Wraps up with a call to action. By suggesting to have a meeting and discussing how they can help the company meet its goals, the candidate stands more chance to make a positive lasting impression.
#7. Architect Cover Letter Example
- Modern resume template. This architect has picked a template that perfectly matches his industry, as it is professional and modern at the same time.
- A personal greeting to the HR. They address the hiring manager by their first name, which helps make a better first impression.
- Measurable achievements. By quantifying their achievements, the candidate proves their achievements instead of just claiming them.
Struggling with your architect resume ? Check out our full guide!
#8. Business Analyst Cover Letter Example
- Detailed contact information. The candidate has listed both their LinkedIn and Twitter profiles, providing the HR manager an opportunity to learn more about the candidate.
- Mentions what the candidate can do for the company. This cover letter doesn’t just explain why the job would be great for the candidate, but also how the candidate would benefit the company. Win-win, right?
- Error-free and reader-friendly. It’s super important for the cover letter to have no spelling or grammatical errors and be reader-friendly. This candidate made sure they did both.
Need a resume alongside your cover letter? Check out our guide on how to write a business analyst resume .
#9. Consultant Cover Letter Example
- Professional cover letter template. Being an experienced consultant, this candidate has picked a professional template that doesn’t steal the spotlight from their achievements.
- Experience and achievement-oriented. The candidate has effectively elaborated on their top achievements relevant to the job.
- Highlights the candidate’s passion. To show they want the job, this candidate has also explained how passionate they are about their profession.
For more advice on landing a job as a consultant, check out our guide to writing a consultant resume .
#10. Digital Marketing Cover Letter Example
- Creative cover letter template. This digital marketer highlights their originality by picking a creative cover letter template.
- Lists the candidate’s awards. The candidate has taken advantage of the cover letter to list their most noteworthy awards in the industry.
- Concludes with a call to action. As they used a call to action to conclude their cover letter, the HR manager will be more likely to remember them.
Want to take your digital marketing resume to the next level? Check out our guide!
#11. Graphic Designer Cover Letter Example
- Detailed contact information. The candidate has included additional contact information such as their website link, as well as their LinkedIn and Twitter profiles.
- Ideal length. This cover letter is concise, which means that the HR manager is more likely to read it from start to finish.
- Draws attention to the candidate’s strong points. Although this candidate is a recent college graduate, they’ve managed to effectively show that they have enough knowledge and experience to do the job right.
Read this guide to write a graphic designer resume that’s just as good as your cover letter!
#12. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Example
- Minimalistic cover letter template. The candidate picked a well-designed but minimalistic template for their cover letter.
- Focused on skills and achievements. This cover letter is packed with the candidate’s skills and achievements, proving he can be an excellent employee.
- Formal closing. Politeness can go a long way and the candidate has used this to their advantage to make an impression.
Our article on how to write an administrative assistant resume can help you take your job application to the next level.
#13. Front Desk Cover Letter Example
- Modern cover letter template. This template incorporates memorable colors and clear lines, which make the cover letter very visually appealing.
- Attention-grabbing introduction. Using an attention-grabbing intro, the candidate is more likely to make an impression.
- Calls the HR to action. By including a call to action, the candidate is reminding the HR of their immediate availability.
#14. Human Resources Cover Letter Example
- It is concise and to the point. The candidate doesn’t dwell on unimportant details the HR won’t be interested in.
- Uses a traditional cover letter template. The cover letter design is more on the conventional side, which fits the industry better.
- Highlights the candidate’s strong points. The candidate has rich work experience and they use the cover letter to elaborate on it.
This HR resume guide can help you get your resume just right.
#15. Sales Agent Cover Letter Example
- Attention-grabbing cover letter template. As a salesperson, this candidate knows how important first impressions are, so they’ve picked a catchy cover letter template.
- Has an ideal length. At the same time, they’ve also made sure to keep their cover letter at just the right length.
- Lists the candidate’s career highlights. The candidate has made perfect use of the space by mentioning their most impressive professional achievements.
Check out this sales agent resume guide to create an attention-grabbing sales resume .
#16. Receptionist Cover Letter Example
- Modern but minimalistic cover letter template. The template’s design hints the candidate is creative but professional at the same time.
- Uses a catchy introduction. The candidate has used an attention-grabbing opening paragraph to catch HR’s attention.
- Concludes the cover letter formally. The candidate proves that they’re polite and well-spoken, a quality very much important for the role they’re applying for.
Take your receptionist resume to the next level with this receptionist resume guide .
#17. Information Technology Cover Letter Example
- Mentions measurable achievements. Numbers make an impact, which is why this candidate has included measurable achievements.
- Lists both soft and hard skills. The candidate has mentioned a great mix of soft and hard skills, showing how well-rounded they are.
- Contains relevant contact information. The candidate’s GitHub, website name, LinkedIn, and Twitter profiles are all great additions to the resume.
Looking for tips to help you write a great IT resume ? Check out our guide!
#18. Real Estate Cover Letter Example
- Ideal length. Short and to the point, this cover letter is bound to get noticed by the HR manager.
- Wraps up with a call to action. This candidate reinforces the HR to call them back through a final call to action.
- Mentions the right skills. On top of their sales accomplishments, the candidate touch upon important soft skills such as customer service and communication .
This real estate resume guide will help you take your resume from good to great.
#19. Teacher Cover Letter Example
- Mentions relevant contact information details. This candidate has included optional (but relevant) contact information details, such as their LinkedIn, Quora, and Medium profiles.
- Achievement-oriented. The candidate has elaborated on their achievements in more detail throughout their cover letter.
- Highlights the candidate’s passion. For some jobs, being passionate is much more important than for others. Teaching is one of these jobs, which is why this candidate explains their passion for the job.
Our guide on how to write a teacher resume has all the tips you need to land the job.
#20. Project Manager Cover Letter Example
- Leverages a catchy introduction. Through a catchy introductory paragraph, this candidate is sure to grab the HR’s attention and get them to read the rest of their cover letter.
- Lists measurable accomplishments. This candidate explains exactly what they’ve achieved using numbers and hard data.
- Personally greets the HR. A personal greeting sounds much better than “Dear Sir/Madam,” and the candidate knows this.
This guide on how to write a project manager resume can help you perfect your appication.
#21. Paralegal Cover Letter Example
- Minimalistic cover letter template. This cover letter design looks good but doesn’t steal the show from the candidate’s abilities.
- Mentions the candidate’s academic achievements and extracurricular activities. Although the candidate is a recent graduate, they’ve used the cover letter to explain they have enough skills and achievements to do the job.
- Lists measurable achievements. The candidate proves they did well in their internship by mentioning quantifiable achievements.
Check out this paralegal resume guide to perfect yours.
What is a Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a one-page document that you submit as part of your job application, alongside your resume .
Its purpose is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, your cover letter should be from 250 to 400 words long .
A good cover letter can give the hiring manager more insight into what makes you a good candidate and help them make up their mind about whether they should invite you for an interview. A bad cover letter, though, will get ignored (at best) and lose you the job (at worst).
So, to make sure this doesn’t happen, it’s essential to know how to write a convincing cover letter.
The first thing to remember is that a cover letter is a supplement to your resume, not a replacement. Meaning, you shouldn’t just repeat whatever is mentioned in your resume and call it a day.
Optimally, you should use your cover letter to shed more light on your skills and qualifications, as well as explain anything you didn’t have space for in your resume (e.g. a career gap or why you’re changing careers).
If you’re writing a cover letter for the first time, though, putting all this together might seem pretty tough.
Fortunately, you can follow our tried-and-tested format to make the experience much easier:
- Header - Input your contact information.
- Greeting the hiring manager - Open the cover letter with a “Dear Sir or Madam,” or use the hiring manager’s name if you know what that is.
- Opening paragraph - Grab the hiring manager’s attention by getting straight to the point. Mention what your professional experiences are, and what role you’re applying for.
- The second paragraph - Explain why you’re the perfect candidate for the job. Mention your top 2-3 achievements, your top skills, why you want to work in that specific industry, and whatever else is relevant.
- The third paragraph - End your cover letter with a call to action. E.g. “I would love to meet personally and discuss how I can help Company X.”
- Formal closing - Something like this: “Thank you for your consideration. Best, John Doe.”
Here’s what this looks like in practice:
9 Tips to Write a Cover Letter (the Right Way)
Now that we've covered the basics, let's talk about cover letter tips . Below, we'll give you all the knowledge you need to take your cover letter from "OK" to "great."
#1. Pick the right template
A good cover letter is all about leaving the right first impression.
And what’s a better way to leave a good impression than through a professional, well-formatted, and visual template?
You can simply pick one of our tried-and-tested cover letter templates and you’ll be all set!
#2. Add your contact details on the header
The best way to start your cover letter is through a header.
Here’s what you want to include there:
- Phone Number
- Name of the hiring manager / their professional title
- Name of the company you’re applying to
Optionally, you can also include the following:
- Social Media Profiles - Any type of profile that’s relevant to your field. Social Profiles on websites like LinkedIn, GitHub (for developers), Medium (for writers), etc.
- Personal Website - If you have a personal website that somehow adds value to your application, you can mention it. Let’s say you’re a professional writer. In that case, you’d want to link to your content portfolio site or blog.
#3. Greet the hiring manager the right way
Once you’ve listed all your relevant contact information, it’s time to address the hiring manager reading your cover letter.
A good practice here is to find the hiring manager’s name and address them directly instead of using the traditional “dear sir or madam.” This shows that you’re really invested in the company and that you took your time to do some research about the job.
So, how can you find out the hiring manager’s name?
One way to do this is by looking up the head of the company’s relevant department on LinkedIn. Let’s say you’re applying for the position of Communication Specialist at Novoresume. The hiring manager is probably the Head of Communications or the Chief Communications Office.
Or let’s say you’re applying for the position of server at a restaurant. In that case, you’d be looking to find out who the restaurant manager is.
If this doesn’t work, you can also check out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.
If you still can’t find out the hiring manager’s name, here are several other greetings you can use:
- Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
- Dear Hiring Manager
- To whom it may concern
- Dear [Department] Team
#4. Create an attention-grabbing introduction
Recruiters get hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of applications. Chances are, they’re not going to be reading every single cover letter end-to-end.
So, it’s essential to catch their attention from the very first paragraph.
The problem with most cover letter opening paragraphs, though, is that they’re usually extremely generic, often looking something like this:
Hey, my name is Jonathan and I’d like to work as a Sales Manager at XYZ Inc. I’ve worked as a sales manager at MadeUpCompany Inc. for 5+ years, so I believe that I’d be a good fit for the position.
As you can probably tell, this opening paragraph doesn’t tell the hiring manager anything other than that you’ve worked the job before - and that’s not really helpful in setting you apart from other candidates.
What you want to do, instead, is start off with 2-3 of your top achievements to really grab the reader’s attention. Preferably, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position.
For example:
My name’s Michael and I’d like to help XYZ Inc. hit and exceed its sales goals as a Sales Manager. I’ve worked with Company X, a fin-tech company, for 3+ years. As a Sales Representative, I generated an average of $30,000+ in sales per month (beating the KPIs by around 40%). I believe that my previous industry experience, as well as my excellence in sales, makes me the right candidate for the role of X at Company Y.
The second example shows how the candidate is a top performer. The first just shows that they’ve worked a sales job before.
Which one are YOU more likely to invite for an interview?
#5. Show you’re the perfect person for the job
One great thing about cover letters is that they allow you to expand more on the top achievements from your resume and really show the hiring manager that you’re the right person for the job.
A good way to do that is to first read the job ad and really understand what skills/experiences are required, and then to ensure that your cover letter touches upon the said skills or experiences.
In my previous role as a Facebook Marketing Expert at XYZ Inc. I handled customer acquisition through ads, managing a monthly Facebook ad budget of $20,000+. As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation and management process end-to-end. This means I created the ad copy and images, as well as picked the targeting, ran optimization trials, and so on.
Other than Facebook advertising, I’ve also delved into other online PPC channels, including:
- Google Search
#6. Explain why you’re a great company fit
The HR manager doesn’t only look at whether you’ll be good at the job or not. They’re looking for someone that’s also a good fit for the company culture.
After all, employees that don’t fit in are bound to quit, sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary .
To convince the hiring manager that you’re a great company fit, do some research on the company and find out what it is you like about them, or about working there. You want to know things like:
- What’s the company’s business model?
- What’s the company's product or service? Have you used it?
- What’s the culture like? Will someone micro-manage your work, or will you have autonomy on how you get things done?
Then, turn your top reasons for liking to work there into text and add them to your cover letter!
#7. Wrap up with a call to action
To make the end of your cover letter as memorable as possible, you want to:
- Wrap up any points you couldn't in the previous paragraphs. Mention anything you’ve left out that you think could help the hiring manager make up your mind.
- Thank the hiring manager for their time. After all, it never hurts to be polite.
- Finish the cover letter with a call to action. A call to action is a great way to make your cover letter ending as memorable as possible.
#8. Write a formal closing
Once you’re done with the final paragraph, all you have to do is write down a formal “goodbye” and you’re good to go.
Feel free to use one of the most popular conclusions in a cover letter:
- Best Regards,
- Kind Regards,
#9. Proofread your cover letter
Last but not least, make sure to always proofread each and every document that you’ll be including in your job application - cover letter included.
The last thing you want is to be claiming you’re a great candidate for the job with a cover letter full of typos!
For an even more comprehensive guide on how to write an impactful cover letter , check out our article !
Cover Letter Writing Checklist
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you still have some questions about cover letters? Check out the answers below:
1. How do I write a simple cover letter?
To write a cover letter that’s simple but also professional, make sure to include a header with your personal information, a formal greeting to the hiring manager, an attention-grabbing opening paragraph, a second paragraph explaining why you’re a good candidate for the job, and a formal closing (preferably with a call to action).
2. What are the 3 parts of a cover letter?
The three parts of a cover letter are:
- The introduction , namely the header, the greeting to the hiring manager, and the opening paragraph.
- The sales pitch is usually the body of the cover letter.
- The conclusion involves a formal closing and a signature line.
3. What makes a great cover letter?
A great cover letter should be personalized for each job you’re applying for, instead of being overly generic. It’s also preferable to address the hiring manager by their name and not use the overly-used “Dear Sir/Madam.”
To make a great first impression, you should mention 1-2 of your top achievements in your opening paragraph - the more job-specific they are, the better. Also, don’t stop at showing the hiring manager why you’re a great candidate for the job. Make sure to also talk about how you’re a good culture fit for the company.
Last but not least, wrap up your closing paragraph with a call to action to give the hiring manager a little extra something to remember you by.
4. When is a cover letter necessary?
Unless the job ad specifically states otherwise, you should always include a cover letter with your job application .
Even if the hiring manager doesn’t read it, you will look more professional simply by including one.
And that’s a wrap! We hope our cover letter examples and writing tips will inspire you to write a cover letter that will land you your next job.
If you’re looking for more invaluable career advice and articles, make sure to check out our career blog , or any of these related articles:
- How to Make a Resume in 2023
- Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
- Cover Letter Format (w/ Examples & Free Templates)
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Home Cover Letter Help Best Cover Letters of 2022
Best Cover Letter Examples of 2022 & Why They’re So Good
Scroll down to see eight of the best cover letter examples we’ve found in 2022, and learn what makes them great. Then use what you learn to make your own great cover letter.
The 8 best cover letters of 2022
Below are eight of the best cover letters our team has seen so far this year. While these cover letters might not work in every situation, they all have standout features that are easily adapted to any cover letter.
So take inspiration from these unique cover letter examples . Then copy (or download) the best cover letter template , and learn about how to write the best cover letter and the best cover letter format .
Using these resources to write your own cover letter will improve your chances of landing an interview (and hopefully the job too).
1. The professional cover letter
In this great cover letter example, the applicant landed a job by proving they had the required project management skills and experience with highlights from their career:
Why this is a good cover letter example
From the start, the applicant knows how to address a cover letter properly, referring to the hiring manager by name, rather than using the generic “ To Whom It May Concern .”
Then, the candidate introduces some of their basic qualifications, and establishes a personal connection to the organization. Doing so shows the hiring manager that the candidate did their research and cares about the needs of the company.
Following a great introduction, the candidate includes a list of job-relevant accomplishments . This list makes the candidate look perfect for the specific role they’re applying to fill.
2. The funny cover letter
This clever cover letter from former ESPN anchor Kenny Mayne is one of the best examples of how to land a job with a joke:
Submitting a cover letter like this one is a bold move, and wouldn’t work in most situations. But sometimes a little (or in this case, a lot) of confidence can go a long way.
Kenny’s clever take on the traditional cover letter caught the attention of ESPN executive John Walsh, and landed Mayne his dream job in sports media.
We don’t recommend you send a cover letter like this to employers, but it’s an excellent example of how, in the right circumstances and with enough confidence, a cleverly written cover letter can get you hired.
3. The most-improved cover letter
Below is an improved version of a wordy cover letter . The applicant discovered it in their email outbox years after submitting it, and sent it to experts to rewrite it as an experiment.
The result? Their cover letter now does a great job of selling their passion for the job, despite a lack of experience:
The candidate’s original cover letter was difficult to read because of its length and unimpressive content that didn’t highlight their qualifications. It simply repeated bullets from their resume’s work experience and didn’t show their interest in the position.
The redone version, on the other hand, has concise paragraphs and an impactful opening line, making it much easier to read. And it highlights the candidate’s passion for the specific position they’re applying to fill.
Ultimately, this updated cover letter is much more likely to hook the hiring manager and help the candidate score an interview.
4. The fun-loving cover letter
This cover letter is an ideal example of how to balance professionalism with humor:
The candidate starts their cover letter by expressing their enthusiasm and summarizing their main qualifications, all in a fun, informal tone.
Additionally, they manage to balance their humor with substantial information about their professional achievements. This way, the hiring manager stays engaged and comes away with a good idea of the candidate’s skills and experience.
However, this approach isn’t for everyone. Adding some humor to your cover letter is a great idea if you’re applying in more casual fields like social media management. But you should avoid informal language when applying for positions in formal industries like law or accounting, because employers in these industries expect a traditional cover letter.
5. The short and sweet cover letter
This cover letter uses a simple, to-the-point approach:
This short cover letter doesn’t waste any time explaining why the candidate is a good fit for the nursing position they’re trying to land. In a few concise paragraphs, the candidate states their interest in the position and confidently summarizes their professional achievements.
While cutting down on the details doesn’t work for every application, in this case the applicant knows exactly what the employer is looking for. The candidate then addresses that need directly, saving the hiring manager the work of finding the information they want in a long cover letter.
6. The unique cover letter
This sales cover letter is one of the best examples we’ve seen of how to mix creativity with professionalism:
In an industry as competitive as sales, you need your application to be convincing and memorable. This candidate takes that lesson to heart.
Starting with an unusual cover letter introduction helps this job seeker immediately set themselves apart from more traditional competitors. Then, they move into a convincing sales pitch about their relevant skills and qualifications.
Also, they present their most impressive accomplishments in an easy-to-read, eye-catching cover letter format by using:
- a numbered list
- bolded paragraph headers
- italic text to emphasize the names of their past companies
By putting a unique twist on the cover letter and backing it up with a summary of their professional background, this candidate crafts a cover letter that’s both memorable and convincing.
7. The video cover letter
Here’s a perfect example of a video cover letter:
This applicant’s video cover letter works because they:
- show examples of their work
- clearly structure it with an introduction, 3 reasons they should be hired, and a compelling conclusion that summarizes their target work environment
- include links to their contact information and portfolio
But when you submit a video cover letter — whether the job ad requests it or to stand out from other applicants — always send a traditional cover letter as well. Sending a written cover letter prevents hiring managers who prefer to read about your qualifications from ignoring your application.
8. The young applicant
This adorable cover letter probably didn’t land the applicant a job, but we have to give them credit for trying:
What this young candidate lacks in experience (or legal working age), they make up for in enthusiasm.
And they even provide real-life examples of why they think they’re qualified to manage the National Railway Museum. The best cover letters always have examples and hard numbers that prove the applicant can produce results.
The best cover letter template
Here’s the best cover letter template you can use to write your own. Either download it as a free Word file or copy and paste the text version, and fill in the blanks (marked with brackets) with your information:
Download Best Cover Letter Template (MS Word)
Best Cover Letter Template (Text Version)
(123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | www.linkedin.com/in/your.name/
[Today’s Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name] [123 Company Address] [Company’s City, State, Zip Code] [(xxx) xxx-xxxx] [[email protected]]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx.] [Hiring Manager’s Last Name],
I was excited to see your listing for the [Position Name] position at [Company Name] on [Website Name] recently. As a dynamic [Your Occupation] with [# Years] of professional experience doing [Primary Work Task] to drive results, I’m confident that I’d be an asset to your team.
Your job listing mentions a need for someone knowledgeable in [Area of Expertise], which is an area I have extensive experience in. I’m currently employed at [Current Company Name], where I’ve honed my skills doing [Relevant Tasks Performed]. While employed here and at other companies listed on my resume, I have successfully:
- [ Action verb ] [achievement #1, including hard numbers and examples for context]
- [Action verb] [achievement #2 with more data and examples]
- [Action verb] [achievement #3 with more data and examples]
I’m confident that my track record of excellent work ethic, unparalleled attention to detail, and knack for [Relevant Skill] will make me an immediate asset at [Company Name] and let me contribute to your success.
I look forward to discussing the [Position Name] position and my qualifications with you in more detail. I’m available to talk at your soonest convenience. I’ll be in touch next week to follow up, just to make sure you’ve received my application.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
[Your Name]
Why this is the best cover letter template
This is a great cover letter template because it has:
- professionally designed formatting that makes your application stand out
- bracketed writing prompts that tell you exactly what to write to impress hiring managers
- bullet points for readability
- a link to a matching resume template (also free to download) in the Word version
How to write the best cover letter
There’s no single right way to write the best cover letter, because no two applicants or job ads are exactly the same. But here are some general guidelines to help you make the best cover letter for your target job with your relevant skills and experience:
- Start with a catchy first sentence that shows your passion for the work, a bit of research about the company, or some appropriate humor
- Include relevant hard numbers and examples that show you’re a perfect fit for the job
- Finish with a strong conclusion that thanks the hiring manager, requests an interview, and lists your contact information (again, for the reader’s convenience)
The best cover letter format
An excellent cover letter uses business letter formatting with:
- your name and contact information at the top
- the hiring manager’s name and company contact details
- a salutation addressing the hiring manager by name
- 3–4 paragraphs and a bulleted list
- a polite sign-off (like “Sincerely,”) and your name
Every structural detail of the best cover letters is also optimized, including:
- margins : adjusted between ½ and 1 inch to space information evenly on the page
- line spacing : set to between 1 and 1.5 spaces so your text isn’t too spread out or overly crammed together
- font : chosen for readability and professionalism (Calibri and Georgia are examples of the best fonts for resumes and cover letters)
- font size : set between 10 and 12 points for easy reading
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Written by Aaron Case, CPRW
Aaron Case is a Content Specialist & Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) at Resume Genius, where he loves writing resume and cover letter tips that give job... more
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How to Write a Cover Letter (Cover Letter Tips + Free Templates)
A well-written cover letter to accompany your resume can help you stand out to employers and significantly impact a hiring manager’s decision to call you for an interview.
David Grimes, director of people and talent operations at Taulia LLC, gave us his insight as a hiring manager and human resources industry veteran:
“From my perspective, I sincerely appreciate cover letters, as they signal to me an amplification of interest and offer an additional opportunity to convey that [job candidates] have taken the time to truly review the position or organization and see an alignment.” He notes that “when done well, a cover letter can provide a window into the candidate as they picture themselves at our organization.”
So, how do you make a cover letter that influences hiring managers to interview you ? We’re here to show you!
Our detailed guide will cover:
Table of Contents
- What is a cover letter for a resume, and how long should a cover letter be?
What should a cover letter look like?
- How to write a cover letter for a job
How to make a cover letter fast
- Cover letter tips
Cover letter examples
How to write a cover letter: important takeaways, how to write a cover letter faq, more help writing a cover letter.
What is a cover letter, and how long should a cover letter be?
A cover letter is a one-page business letter, between 250 and 500 words, that can:
- Introduce you to hiring managers.
- Provide a glimpse of your personality.
- Give an overview of your qualifications.
- Tell employers why you want to work for them.
- Explain circumstances like job hopping or gaps in employment.
- Launch your career.
All cover letters follow a basic business letter structure that looks like this.
What to include in a cover letter
A professional cover letter must contain:
Your contact information
The current date
The hiring manager’s name and title
The company’s address
The hiring manager’s email address
A salutation (greeting)
An opening paragraph
Body paragraphs
A closing paragraph
How to write a cover letter
What should a cover letter say? Follow the steps below to learn what to write in a cover letter to pique a prospective employer’s interest.
STEP 1 Add your contact information.
Place your name, city, state, ZIP code, phone number and email address in your cover letter heading. Your email address should be professional like [email protected] and not personal like [email protected] Include links to your LinkedIn profile or professional online portfolio if you have one.
STEP 2 Add the recipient’s address.
Here’s how to address a cover letter correctly:
First, write the current date followed by a space. Then include the hiring manager’s name and title, company address and hiring manager’s email address (in that order).
It should look like this:
Pro tip Always follow instructions in the job ad. If an ad directs you to address your cover letter to a human resources team member or the HR department, use the information the prospective employer provides for the recipient’s address.
STEP 3 Address the hiring manager (by name).
Writing a good cover letter salutation is relatively straightforward. Always start with “Dear Ms., Mr., Miss or Mrs. [surname]. If you do not know the person’s gender or marital status, then use “Dear [hiring manager’s full name],” but if your research doesn’t turn up a name, then use “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Hiring Team.” If you know their title, then write “Dear [Title].
Don’t use informal language like “Hello,” or “Hi,” or old-fashioned salutations like “Dear Sir or Madam,” or “To Whom it May Concern,” to greet the person reading your letter.
Pro tip What if you don’t know the hiring manager’s name? Try to find it! Doing so conveys resourcefulness, interest and determination — all qualities most hiring managers want in their employees. Search the company’s website, look on LinkedIn or call the HR department and ask. It can’t hurt!
- Dear Lucy Garcia,
- Dear Ms. Lowe,
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear Vice President of Marketing,
- Hey Mr. Jones,
STEP 4 Grab the hiring manager’s attention with a powerful opening paragraph.
The first few sentences of a cover letter are the most important because they have to grab the reader’s attention immediately and keep them on the page. But how do you start a cover letter?
Think of your introduction as a sales pitch: You’ve got to convey your message clearly and concisely in a compelling way. Try some of the following time-proven techniques to get prospective employers to notice you and want to learn more:
Exude confidence, passion and enthusiasm.
Talk up your skills and experience.
Show you’ve done some research.
Mention an interesting fact or statistic from an article, news story or the company’s website.
Highlight an impressive accomplishment , award or honor and use numbers when possible.
Be creative.
Tell a story about why you are applying.
Mention a shared contact (only if you’re sure it’s a positive connection!)
STEP 5 Tell them why they should hire you in the main body of your letter.
While your resume should summarize the most notable aspects of your career, the body of your cover letter should paint an in-depth picture of your professional life and provide insight into your personality. Here’s how to write a cover letter body that complements your resume and stands out from the competition.
- Provide further details about work accomplishments you list on your resume, and use numbers to quantify the results of your actions. Numbers provide impact and help make your capabilities resonate with hiring managers.
- Showcase your most relevant skills and detail how you can apply them to the job for the company’s benefit.
- Explain what’s motivated you to change careers or jobs and how your skills will contribute to the company’s success. Job-change cover letters focusing on transferable skills are more effective because they show prospective employers that they can perform the necessary work.
- Draw a connection between your work experience and the new target role by connecting your previous job responsibilities with what the new position requires. Don’t have work experience? No problem! Connect this new opportunity with a personal or school project, extracurricular activity or internship.
- Show you understand the company culture, goals and values and explain how you’re a great culture fit. Doing so will help convey that you’re the best candidate for the role.
NEED MORE GUIDANCE? Check out our extensive library of cover letter examples for most job titles in every industry. We also have matching resume examples !
STEP 6 Write your closing paragraph.
When you write a cover letter closing statement, make it clear that you’re excited about the possibility of working for the employer and that you are confident you have the expertise to be successful at the job.
You must also thank your reader for their time and consideration, and perhaps most importantly, end with a call-to-action that encourages the reader to follow up with you.
Remember that you’re writing a cover letter to a specific person, so thank them for their time and consideration. You should also encourage the recipient to follow up (e.g., “I look forward to further discussing my qualifications with you.”).
Here are a few examples of how to create a cover letter closing statement.
STEP 7 Sign off.
What goes in a cover letter sign-off? Honestly, it’s not complicated, but you have to get it right if you want a chance at the job.
That means you must be respectful, polite, professional and formal.
- Best regards,
- Kind regards,
Now that you know what to put in a cover letter don’t forget to proofread your document at least once when you’re finished writing. Typos and grammatical and spelling mistakes can reduce your chances of getting hired. When you’ve finished, have someone else read it for you, too, just to be sure it’s application-ready.
And there you go! That’s how to write a good cover letter.
Cover letter writing checklist
- Did you choose a design that matches your resume?
- Are your name, location, phone number and email address up-to-date and displayed at the top of your cover letter?
- Did you add a link to your professional portfolio or website and your current LinkedIn profile (if you have them)?
- Did you add the current date at the top of your cover letter?
- Did you address your letter to the hiring manager by name and include their title, email address and the correct company address?
- Did you greet the hiring manager, recruiter, or HR associate by name or title?
- Did you use a polite but formal greeting?
- Are the first few sentences of your cover letter clear and compelling?
- Do you convey enthusiasm for the job?
- Did you effectively express how you can apply your skills, experience and achievements to the target job to help the company achieve its goals?
- Did you highlight one or two things you like about the company, such as their values or culture, and why?
- Did you thank the reader for their time?
- Did you end your cover letter with a call to action?
- Did you use a proper, formal closure to end your letter?
The best place to start a cover letter is a professional cover letter template .
Download one for free to create a cover letter from scratch, or use one of our expertly designed templates with our Cover Letter Builder to make a cover letter in minutes.
Our templates frame your qualifications with the correct cover letter format , and they meet the latest applicant tracking system (ATS) requirements.
Our builder makes writing a cover letter a snap with:
- Job-specific phrases and skills: No matter the job you’re applying for, we give you the right words and relevant skills you can incorporate with just one click.
- Step-by-step guidance: Get expert advice at every step to help you present your best self and get the job.
- Easy customization: Write a cover letter for every job application and save as many versions of it as you need.
- Multiple download formats: Save and export your cover letter as a PDF, DOCX or plain text.
Did you use our online resume maker ? If so, upload your new resume to our cover letter generator to get a cover letter customized to match your resume
Pro tip Always match your cover letter template to your resume template for a polished job application.
Make a cover letter with My Perfect Resume
Our Cover letter builder can help you write the perfect cover letter. Start Now!
Cover letter writing tips
We’ve given you almost all the cover letter advice you need, but we’ve saved some of our favorite pointers for last.
Here are our top five tips for how to write a cover letter that makes an impact:
TIP #1 Follow instructions. This is probably the most important cover letter tip: Read the job description carefully and do what it says. If the job posting says to send your letter as a PDF, don’t send a Word document. If it tells you to send your cover letter as an email attachment, then do so. If the job posting says to write your cover letter in the body of an email, then do that. If you fail to follow all instructions in a job ad, you will likely not be considered for the position.
TIP #2 Tailor your cover letter to the job. Hiring managers know a generic cover letter when they see one — and they usually ignore them. That’s why it’s critical to customize your cover letter to show your enthusiasm for the specific job and company you’re applying to. To do this, use keywords from the job description when they apply to you. Doing so also ensures ATS software can find you and signals to hiring managers that you meet their requirements. Our Cover Letter Builder makes it fast easy to customize a cover letter for every job you target.
TIP #3 Don’t apologize. If you have some of the required skills for the job, play them up but never point out the skills you lack. The same goes for experience: If you are qualified for the job but don’t have much experience in the field, don’t apologize. Instead, focus on experiences like volunteering, school projects and community service you’ve done that make you a good fit and play up your transferable skills.
TIP #4 Don’t overshare. While using your cover letter to explain a career change or job gap is a good idea, sharing every detail about your life or career is not a good idea. Here are some of the biggest no-no topics to keep to yourself when you create a cover letter:
- Political views.
- Current or past salary or salary expectations for the target job.
- Exaggerations and lies (about anything).
- Personal details such as marital status, family background, financial situation, ethnicity or religious beliefs
- Negative thoughts about your former boss, company or coworkers.
- Irrelevant personal hobbies.
- Details about work from more than three years ago that doesn’t pertain to your target job.
TIP #5 It’s possible to be too enthusiastic. We stress the importance of conveying enthusiasm for the job, passion for the work, and a keen interest in the company when you write a cover letter because you should. However, use caution when displaying your zeal for the role. Keep the tone professional, be genuine and never present yourself as desperate.
Cover letter examples by job and industry
Get inspired with our professionally crafted cover letter examples for top jobs and industries. You can use them with our builder to make a cover letter that’s as unique as you are.
- Business operations
- Customer service
- Administration
- Social services
Cover letter examples by situation
Example of a cover letter for a job with no experience.
Use this example to help you make a cover letter for a career change.
Here’s what to include in a cover letter if you have employment gaps .
Example of how to write a “cold call” cover letter.
This example shows how to write a cover letter for a job that isn’t advertised.
Here’s how to write a cover letter for a temporary to a permanent position.
Example of a cover letter for a job with the same company.
This example shows how to write a cover letter when seeking a promotion.
Let’s recap the basics of what to include in a cover letter one more time:
- A cover letter is a one-page document that complements your resume and helps you market yourself as the best candidate.
- Address the letter to the hiring manager. If you don’t know who to address the cover letter to or can’t find their name, it is acceptable to address the letter to the department.
- Write a cover letter introduction that immediately grabs the hiring manager’s attention and compels them to keep reading.
- Cover letters should explain why your skills and experience are perfect for the job and why you want to join the employer’s company.
- A good cover letter thanks the hiring manager for their time and consideration before signing off. Remember to prompt them to follow up.
- It’s a good idea to use a professionally designed template to ensure your cover letter is formatted correctly.
- Consistency is essential, so ensure your cover letter and resume match.
- A good cover letter is a custom cover letter. Tailor yours to your target job and use keywords from the job description if they fit your abilities.
What is a cover letter for a job application?
A cover letter is a business document that should complement a CV or a resume as part of an application for a job. Its purpose is to give insight into the job applicant’s personality, career goals and details about their work experience, skills and education.
Is a cover letter necessary?
Yes! Unless a job posting specifically states not to send one, writing a cover letter for a job application is a must if you want to stand out from the competition. Sending a cover letter along with your resume shows recruiters that you are a professional who is sincerely interested in the job and willing to go the extra mile for it — traits employers look for in job candidates.
What do I write in a cover letter?
Generally, cover letters should tell employers why you’re the best fit for your target job. Write about your background and how it fits the job, show your personality, and explain precisely what you can do for the employer and how. It’s also a good idea to explain unique situations like job gaps and the reasons for a career change in a cover letter.
Of course, you should also include your name, contact information, links to professional profiles, the employer’s address, addressee’s name and title, a greeting, a job applicant’s contact information, the employer’s address, a compelling introduction, a strong closing inviting the hiring manager or recruiter to follow up and a formal sign off.
What does a good cover letter look like?
A good cover letter looks like a classic business letter. Some cover letter templates have splashes of color, like this one:
Kellie Hanna
Content strategist, career advice expert.
Kellie is the content strategist for My Perfect Resume. She has more than 20 years of experience in digital media and is passionate about helping job seekers navigate their careers. She has a B.A. in English and writing from Temple University.
Get Hired Fast: Best Cover Letter Writing Tips of 2022
From researching the company to cutting the fluff, these seven cover letter tips will help you write a cover letter in the right frame of mind.
5 Qualities That Are Part of Every Successful Cover Letter
Ever wonder what makes one cover letter effective but not another? Read on to learn the secrets of a good cover letter.
4 Ways A Cover Letter Can Launch Your Career
More than an introduction, a cover letter could take you to the next level. Read more to find out how.
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Good cover letter examples that land jobs in 2022
Summary/Overview
What is a cover letter.
A cover letter is a one-page introductory letter that addresses why you are the right choice for a job. This letter allows you to go further than the information available on your resume and really show off why you’re interested in a position, and why you’re the ideal candidate for whatever the position is.
Why include a cover letter?
Writing a cover letter gives you a chance to provide additional context for your background, experience, education, and skillsets that wouldn’t otherwise be automatically evident from your resume. Cover letters personalize your application and allow the employer to get to know you more before they enter the interview portion of the hiring process.
Not all employers will ask you for a cover letter so be sure to carefully read the application requirements for each position you apply for before you start writing.
How to write a good cover letter:
Begin with the appropriate greeting based on who is hiring or who will be reading this letter. If you don’t know their gender or title, write out their full name. If you don’t know who will be receiving your letter, the standard “To whom it may concern” will suffice.
Examples: Dear Ms. Clalock / Dear Kyle Mills / To whom it may concern
Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph in a way that is personable and highlights why you would be a great fit for the role or company.
Example: I recently saw your posting for Social Media Manager on LinkedIn and felt deeply compelled to apply. I feel my skillset, industry experience, and career goals align with your company’s mission, and I would love the opportunity to grow with your company to further visibility for future campaigns.
Provide context for your interest in the middle paragraphs and explore your relevant experience. Stand out as someone passionate about what this role involves or how this company caters to something you care about.
Example: My responsibilities at these organizations have included content production, content strategy, data mapping, product marketing, and social network development. I developed the company-wide market strategy at WineNet and extended that strategy into a multi-year campaign that benefitted the company and their non-profit partners.
In the closing paragraph, solidify your interest in future correspondence and thank the reader for their time and interest.
Example: Thank you for your time and consideration. I appreciate this opportunity to learn more about your company, and I look forward to sharing in the values of your company’s mission.
End the letter with your signature
Example: Sincerely, Joss Chen
Remember: Know your audience. Tailor how you address your reader based on which industry you’d trying to work within. These letters, though made for template customization, should not be one-size-fits-all.
Features of a good cover letter
- Use referrals if you have them. A cover letter is a perfect setting to let an employer know that you already have a relationship with someone they trust, know, or have employed.
- If you’ll be applying to jobs in multiple industries, it can be helpful to explore your own industry cross-over appeal by developing a cover letter than can be applied to multiple jobs. That way, you can plug-and-play the job titles and information for each individual position for which you apply.
- Length is important! Be clear, direct, and concise. No cover letter needs to be longer than a page; general rule of thumb is that the longest a cover letter should ever be is 500 words, or the same length as a college application essay.
Common types of cover letters
The three most common types of good cover letters are known as applying, networking, and prospecting. They all have a different place and purpose in the working world.
Applying cover letter:
The applying cover letter is the standard mode of cover letter. It introduces you, explains why you’re interested in the position, and what experience you have that is relevant to the position desired. This letter should turn the flatness of a resume into a compelling story about your passions and strengths, and how they would apply to this particular job. Think of this letter as a concise — but warm-blooded — summation of the value you would bring to this workplace and why you are the best candidate for the role available.
Applying cover letter sample template:
Edit this template
Networking cover letter:
The networking cover letter is fueled by a personal or professional connection. The purpose of this letter mode is to reach out, ask for employment advice, or inquire as to open position referrals within a particular company. This letter is commonly directed at contacts you’ve gained through your industry, past positions, social media platforms like LinkedIn, specific networking events or conferences, or any other environment in which referrals can be passed along. Keep it simple but personable, with the knowledge that the person to which you direct this letter would be helping you out with your job search.
Networking cover letter sample template:
Prospecting cover letter:
The prospecting cover letter is used as outreach to a particular company or business in which you’re interested. If they don’t seem to have any open positions, or perhaps you just have a good feeling about them and want to know more, you can use this letter to inquire about opportunities or make new connections within the company for future use. This style of letter can also be sent to recruiters who hire within a specific industry; upon receiving your letter, they can fold you into their bank of prospective employees to pull from for their clients.
Prospecting cover letter sample template:
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Professional cover letter examples by industry and job title
Anatomy of a cover letter example, 6 cover letter examples for unique job situations, 7 benefits of using a sample cover letter for a job application, more resources.
Peruse our library of cover letter examples to find the one that is right for the job title you seek. Choose from a broad range of industries, job titles and experience levels to find the appropriate cover letter example for your role. Study it to learn exactly how to craft your own.
A cover letter should contain six basic sections — the header, a greeting, an opening paragraph, body paragraphs , a closing statement and a professional signoff. All good cover letter examples contain these critical sections:
Header: Your header contains your contact information and links to your LinkedIn account and your professional website, if applicable.
Greeting: Here, you greet the person reading your letter. Typically this will be a recruiter or hiring manager. Do your best to find the name of the person who will read your letter and avoid generic greetings whenever possible.
Opening paragraph: In your first paragraph, introduce yourself and express enthusiasm for the role.
Body paragraphs: In the body of your letter, give specifics about your work experience and relevant skills, and include measurable achievements that show you are the right person for the role.
Closing paragraph: Here, express your interest in learning more about the role and invite the hiring manager to reach out to you.
Professional signoff: End your letter with a polite and professional signoff, such as “Sincerely.” Avoid overly familiar signoffs, like “Love” or “Cheers.”
See what people are saying about us
So far, we’ve focused on standard cover letters, but some circumstances call for variations on the classic application letter. Below, we outline some common scenarios job seekers face and provide cover letter examples that show how to explain them.
Pro tip: Adding a personal touch to your cover letter is a must
Cover letter examples 14-Day Trial
Create a job-winning cover letter with dozens of great cover letter examples. And get help writing your resignation letter, acceptance letter, thank you note, and more.
Good cover letter examples can help job candidates:
- Pick the best cover letter template for their job and industry.
- Ensure that their letter adheres to accepted standards.
- Choose the appropriate Format their cover letters correctly.
- Decide what information to use and leave out.
- Set the proper tone for their cover letters.
- Pick the best keywords for their cover letters.
- Find the best words to express their experience and interest.
Pro tip: Research pays off!
How do I write a simple cover letter?
A strong cover letter doesn’t have to be long and complicated. In fact, the best cover letters are simple and to the point. Use your cover letter to introduce yourself to the hiring manager and outline the skills and qualifications that make you the right fit for the position. Study our professional cover letter examples for the job title you seek to learn how to craft a letter that will get you noticed.
What makes a strong cover letter?
A strong cover letter outlines the work experience and hard and soft skills that make you unique. Concentrate on highlighting the ones that relate directly to the role you seek. Be succinct — many recruiters read dozens of cover letters for every open role. Keeping the contents of your letter on point and relevant will improve your chances of landing a job interview.
What is the best opening line for a cover letter?
While there is no magic opening line for a cover letter, the opening paragraph of your cover letter should introduce you as a candidate and express your interest and enthusiasm for the role. Keep the opening lines of your cover letter professional and refrain from being overly casual or familiar. Our cover letter examples show you how to write a strong opening for your cover letter.
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But wait — that’s not all. We have many more articles on cover letters to support your job search.
Cover letter-writing articles:
Once your cover letter is in line, don’t forget about the main event — your resume.
We have an entire library of free articles on the subject.
Resume articles:
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How to format a cover letter in 2023: examples and tips
It just might be the most important letter you’ll ever write. Your carefully crafted cover letter could lead to lifelong job satisfaction, buy you a house or put your kids through college. And so you wonder if cover letter format is important?
You know your field, you know your skills and you know the people you want to work for. Now all you have to do is write them a one-page letter. Every journey to a dream job begins with a standout resume and a stellar cover letter.
But whether you’re a rocket scientist or a railroad worker, you may experience brain freeze when faced with this blank piece of paper and this seemingly simple task. And it IS a simple task, though it isn’t necessarily easy.
It’s actually one of the ultimate feats of persuasive writing — a one-page letter so irresistible that it lands the writer a new job. It’s the kind of letter that can change your life. So what are the secrets to getting this crucial part of your job application right? What is the appropriate format for a cover letter? How do you start and end a cover letter? What do employers look for in a cover letter?
How to format a cover letter
While the content of your application letter will be completely unique, the elements are standard. The proper cover letter format includes:
- The greeting
- The body, or middle paragraphs
- The conclusion and call to action
- The signature or sign-off
Now that you understand the components of a cover letter format, here are our top 10 tips to cover letter formatting, writing and design. Below is a complete cover letter format sample follow by our top 10 tips to cover letter formatting, writing and design.
1. Start with a well-designed cover letter header.
Good cover letter layout starts with a header, an electronic version of what used to be called a letterhead. This is the space at the top of the page containing your name, address, phone number and email. (Sometimes the mailing address is omitted, and sometimes people add their contact info for LinkedIn or other platforms.)
The main purpose of the header is to convey your critical contact information so that the potential employer knows how to reach you.
But the secondary purpose of the header is also important: to provide an attractive design element at the top of the page. Everything below the header will be black body text, which hopefully will be interesting to read but unfortunately isn’t very interesting to look at.
The header is critical because it’s the one place on the page where you have any real design options. You can opt for color, creative use of typography and other touches that start your page off with a visual bang. That doesn’t mean it should be garish or loud, but it should be pleasing to the eye.
You can check out Resume.io’s collection of cover letter format examples to get an idea of some good design options for your header.
A letter of interest and a cover letter are similar but not identical documents used to apply for a job. Here we explore the differences and discuss how to write each of them to maximize your chances of getting the job that’s right for you in 2023.
2. Engage the hiring manager with an appropriate cover letter greeting.
In old-timey days, it used to be OK to write “To Whom It May Concern,” “Dear Sir or Madam,” or even “Gentlemen” in a cover letter greeting . But those days are long gone.
Always try to address your letter to a specific person. If the job posting doesn't mention the hiring manager's name, do some research, and make a call if necessary, to find out who the decision-maker is on the job you want. (But don’t even THINK of misspelling that person’s name, and be sure you know what title they prefer.)
Psychologists have found that people get a little thrill from reading their own names, and it tends to make them to sit up and pay attention. Also, a letter addressed to a specific person is more likely to be answered than a letter sent to an entire department. In some cases you may find that the name of the hiring manager or recruiter is purposefully undisclosed, and if so, you might need to say something more generic like “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear (Company Name) Hiring Team.”
3. Write an irresistible cover letter introduction.
In the opening paragraph of your cover letter, you need to make an opening statement that sets up a make-or-break case. Find a way to introduce yourself, identify the job you are seeking, and provide a preview of why you are eminently qualified for this job. Your cover letter introduction should strike the right tone of voice from the outset — friendly, enthusiastic, confident, competent, but never arrogant or conceited. Your introduction should grab the reader’s attention, but for the right reasons.
Above all, your opener should make a positive first impression and give your reader a reason to read on.
Here’s an example of a good cover letter introduction :
After graduating with a BA degree in Hotel Management from Miami University, my first role in the hospitality industry set the tone for my career. I was sent on a year’s placement for Marriott to London during the 2012 Olympics, helping their London hotel network to organize events and promote their services at the various sporting venues.
4. Make your case in the body of the cover letter.
In the body of your cover letter, you must build a persuasive case that you are the right candidate for the job. You might need to boast a little bit, and that’s OK, because if you don’t promote your candidacy for this job, nobody else will.
Talk about your work experience, and be specific about your accomplishments in past jobs. Wherever possible, use facts and figures (numbers, dollar figures, percentages) to quantify your achievements and work history. Also, go where your resume can’t by relating an anecdote about a problem you once faced and how you resolved it.
A commonly asked question is: Are bullet points acceptable in a cover letter? The short answer is yes. The longer answer is: Use them sparingly and think about whether they benefit the visual look and reading flow of your cover letter. What you don’t want is to turn your cover letter into a second resume.
The body of your letter can also mention your education , certifications and relevant skills. And you may choose to discuss your aspirations for the future, specifically as they relate to the position you’re applying for. Be sure to study the job description carefully, and demonstrate that you meet the job requirements. (But obviously, you need to remain truthful, because any falsehoods in a job application will come back to haunt you.)
The tone of your writing is also important. To match the language and the level of formality, check out your prospective employer’s website, social media accounts and any other material you can find.
Here’s an example of the body of a cover letter:
During my teenage and college years, I worked at my parents’ hardware store and have a strong understanding of what goes into a successful retail business. I managed the inventory, sorted the pricing and ran the promotional calendar. I was passionate about the trade, so assisting customers who are always in need of practical advice was a pleasure.
A step into becoming a tradesperson myself was entirely natural, and after fifteen years of building up a local clientele, it is time for my career to come full circle. I have a huge number of contacts in the business and am sure I would attract many customers your way.
I understand the profile of customers that visit your store and am able to help in terms of ensuring suitable stock for project purchases and helping to coordinate the best promotions. Tradespeople love to take advantage of a bargain, so the role of a retail assistant is to point them in the right direction. I increased sales by 20% year-on-year when I worked in retail previously – you have to be proactive, or the customers will go elsewhere.
5. Conclude your cover letter with a call to action.
Your closing paragraph can include a recap, a thank you and anything else important that you haven’t said yet. But your conclusion should also contain a call to action — a suggestion that you would be delighted to come in for an interview, or even just to talk by phone. You might also want to say that you’re always reachable at the contact info provided.
Make it clear from your close that you’re serious about this job and that you are genuinely eager to follow up.
Finish up with an appropriate sign-off phrase, such as “Sincerely,” “Respectfully” or “Best regards.”Then type your name below that, or add your signature if you’re planning on mailing this letter or delivering it in person.
Be sure to proofread your letter carefully, and ideally find a good editor to revise it for you. Typos and other English errors are among the top reasons cover letters and resumes are rejected.
Here’s an example of how you might write the conclusion of your cover letter:
I would welcome the chance to visit and understand more about your operation, your plans for the future and how I might be able to contribute.
Simon Pringleton
6. Make a sensible font your first formatting choice.
Good choices for a cover letter format start with a good font. Use a modern, attractive, easy-to-read cover letter font, nothing too flashy or exotic, nothing that calls attention to itself. You want people to be reading your text, not staring at your odd font choice. Take a moment to read our article on “What are the best fonts for cover letters?”
Choose a font size between 10 and 12 points — any smaller and it’s hard to read, any larger and it starts to look like a Mother Goose book.
Align text left, in a style known as “ragged right” because it leaves space to the right of the last word in each line. Justifying text from margin to margin makes the page look like it’s filled with solid blocks of black text, and it sometimes stretches words horizontally to reach the margin.
7. Keep paragraphs short.
Keep paragraphs short , add a space between them, and do not indent.
It used to be OK to send a business letter with no spaces between paragraphs, provided you indented each paragraph. But these days, unless you’re typesetting a book, you need non-indented paragraphs with a space between them.
And you need to keep the paragraphs fairly short, and make their lengths consistent. If you received a one-page letter containing 400 words that were all in the same paragraph, would you look forward to reading it? The eye needs a break, and the brain does too. That’s why paragraphs were invented.
8. Use 1-inch margins.
Leave room for 1-inch margins on the top, bottom, right and left of your cover letter.
There’s a saying among page designers, both print and digital: “White space is your friend.” Every design, illustration or art element needs to incorporate a certain amount of negative space that contains nothing at all.
Designers will also tell you to avoid “trapped white space,” meaning an inconvenient blank in the center of your design. That’s why white space should be “pushed to the outside” — providing a sort of an invisible frame that allows the central image to dominate.
This is the whole idea behind margins — it’s a white frame that surrounds and highlights your content.
9. Stick to one page.
You might as well consider it a cardinal rule that your cover letter length cannot exceed one page. Yet anyone who’s tried to write one could probably testify that the first draft is usually too long.
You may be tempted to reduce the font size, shrink the margins or get rid of all the white space. But please resist the urge to atone for your verbosity by tweaking the formatting. Trim the fat from your text before resorting to measures that will make the letter denser and harder to read.
10. Use a professionally designed cover letter template.
There’s a simple way to sidestep the potential pitfalls of formatting a cover letter, and that’s to use a professionally designed template .
Here is exactly how you can write a cover letter that will stand out from the crowd, and help you land that interview.
A cover letter template is a pre-designed framework that already has an eye-catching cover letter header, appropriate typography and an adequate use of white space. All you have to do is replace the existing text with your own, and your letter is done.
For more information, click on this video, "How to Format Your Cover Letter," from the University of Southern California Career Center.
Take a moment to look through Resume.io’s cover letter samples , find a template you like and get busy customizing it to make it your own. You’ll be building on a foundation of success.
9 Skillful Cover Letter Examples for 2023 & Why They Work
Before you continue to scroll down to find your job position, read this first.
We’ve briefly broken down each of our professional cover letter samples listed to help you:
- Get new ideas for structuring your cover letter
- Get inspiration for phrasing certain sentences to emphasize your strengths
- Get more confidence sending your cover letter to your hiring manager
So even if a template isn’t in the same field of profession you’re in, you still might learn a thing or two.
But if you don’t find the exact sample you’re looking for, just know there’s a strong chance we’ll have included one that’s similar and relevant.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
What Do You Write About In a Cover Letter?
Your strengths.
Then again, don’t just focus on talking about yourself. Link it back to why you’re the ideal candidate to hire. This is what a cover letter is about.
Besides that, here are some other things to keep in mind:
- Academic background
- Goals and objectives
- Professional achievements
- Hobbies and interests
Don’t overcomplicate it. Less is more, so keep it succinct.
If you’re more interested to learn how to write a cover letter step-by-step, it’s worth reading our separate cover letter writing guide here.
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Accounting and Finance Cover Letter Examples
All cover letters should show a degree of enthusiasm. More specifically, the reasons why you’re motivated and passionate about the job you're applying for. It’s no different for accountants and professionals working in the finance industry.
We’ll review the following:
- Accountant cover letter
- Banking cover letter
- Certified public accountant cover letter
- Finance cover letter
- Investment banker cover letter
Accountant Cover Letter
The applicant starts by introducing the position they’re applying for and how they came across the opportunity. It’s then followed up by a simple sentence stating why they’re a suitable candidate to hire.
Similarly, you’ll want to focus on your strengths that show the employers how you would be a good fit for the role.
Banking Cover Letter
This is a great example of using your network and connections to your advantage. When you name drop appropriately after meeting people at an event, it’s effective in getting the hiring manager’s attention.
Compared to a resume, there’s room to be more personal on a cover letter. Don’t shy away from showing employers your personality and interests.
Certified Public Accountant Cover Letter
The main objective of a cover letter is to showcase why you’re the best fit.
In other words, stick to your strengths and align them with the company values. With the example above, the user focuses on their employment history, i.e. the duties and responsibilities.
Finance Cover Letter
If there are key points on your CV, feel free to expand on them in your cover letter. Talk about what happened behind the scenes, e.g. describing your process and workflow.
Investment Banker Cover Letter
Like the last example, write about the impact you've had in previous job positions.
There’s no issue with expressing your thoughts as long as you’re keeping it professional. Also, don’t forget to support your points with examples and data.
Business Cover Letter Examples
Business cover letters aren’t too different from what we’ve seen so far. The purpose of your cover letter is to personalize your application. It clarifies why you’re the best person to hire.
This section will include:
- Business analyst cover letter
- Business development cover letter
- Consultant cover letter
- Human resources cover letter
Business Analyst Cover Letter
The length of this sample isn’t as long compared to others but it’s more than enough.
Don’t focus on the length of your cover letter. A concise application is better than one that’s irrelevant and full of fluff.
Business Development Cover Letter
Start strong like this candidate has by sharing your own experiences and interests related to the company you’re applying to. Make a firm statement about your skills or what you’re looking to accomplish by being a part of the team.
Consultant Cover Letter
You’re not restricted to only writing in paragraphs.
Bullet points are useful for making a list. It’s readable and easier to skim through.
Another good point about this template is that it’s optimized for the job description as keywords have been included appropriately, e.g. management consulting.
Human Resources Cover Letter
With this cover letter example, the opening paragraph doesn’t mention where they heard about the job vacancy. It goes straight into introducing their background and their purpose for the application.
Think about how you can personalize your application based on your strengths. This can vary depending on where you’re at in your career.
Marketing Cover Letter Examples
In this sector, some jobs are in a higher position than others. Therefore, the approach can be slightly different.
We’ll assess the following:
- Digital marketing cover letter
- Content writer cover letter
- Marketing manager cover letter
- Director of marketing cover letter
- Social media manager cover letter
Digital Marketing Cover Letter
It’s important to demonstrate your past responsibilities and achievements. Although the second paragraph in this example is more detailed compared to a typical cover letter, the candidate does a good job in highlighting their skills and experience.
Content Writer Cover Letter
This example resembles the standard format of a cover letter .
In a similar fashion, write down why you’re interested in applying for the job vacancy in the first place. Is there a specific aspect of the job you’re passionate about? How did that passion develop over time?
Marketing Manager Cover Letter
Several keywords related to the vacancy have been used in the sample above such as:
- Email marketing
- Social media promotion
- Online advertising
- Customer service
Use keywords naturally without forcing them. Edit your cover letter accordingly to see where they can be placed or expand on a new point.
However, keep in mind the length shouldn’t exceed one page.
Director of Marketing Cover Letter
For a higher position like a director of marketing, highlight your relevant:
- Responsibilities
- Workplace achievements
In this example, they’ve focused on key tasks from their professional experiences. These will show the employers that they’re more than capable of carrying out the job to a high standard.
Social Media Manager Cover Letter
Show your enthusiasm. Give the hiring manager a taste of what you’re capable of by mentioning the results you’ve accomplished. If you have no work experience , there’s an alternative way to do this.
Design Cover Letter Examples
Designers should have a portfolio ready to showcase to their employer along with a resume and cover letter.
The samples we’ll be looking at are the following:
- Interior designer cover letter
- User experience designer cover letter
- Senior UX Manager cover letter
- Web designer cover letter
- Graphic designer cover letter
Interior Designer Cover Letter
This sample begins by providing a brief summary of the applicant’s background.
Notably, use bullet points to highlight the things that are impressive. For instance, the results of your work.
User Experience Designer Cover Letter
Notice the format. Rather than having a small opening paragraph and then a bulky paragraph right after, they’ve kept it consistent. Use your professional judgment to decide how you could differentiate from other applicants.
However, make sure to maintain a professional manner.
Senior UX Manager Cover Letter
Highlight the strengths and traits that make you uniquely qualified.
Here, they’ve stated they’re a natural leader with the ability to empathize with users. When making statements like this, back up your claims by describing your experience in previous jobs.
Web Designer Cover Letter
This is another good example of the standard cover letter format. The opening paragraph states why they are making an application and it provides a brief background about themselves. As we get into the main body, they’ve described their internship experience.
Before the signoff, they’ve written a personal note to express confidence and personality.
Graphic Designer Cover Letter
You can add as much detail as you want but don’t go over one page on your cover letter.
What’s good about this example is that it’s broken down into smaller paragraphs which makes the text more readable.
Teacher Cover Letter Examples
As a teacher, you're tasked to bring a positive impact on students and prepare them for the future. An effective learning environment and framework are essential.
The cover letter templates in this section include:
- Primary school teacher cover letter
- Special education teacher cover letter
- Teacher cover letter
- Teacher assistant cover letter
Primary School Teacher Cover Letter
Keep in mind that cover letters aren’t as formal as resumes. So, you’re open to showing off your personality. In the sample above, the candidate does this by implying their passion and excitement about working in this profession.
Special Education Teacher Cover Letter
Whether you’re listing out accomplishments from a previous project you worked on or your career highlights, bullet points are effective. They’re better than using big paragraphs as they can make certain points stand out. In this case, it’s the candidate’s accomplishments.
Teacher Cover Letter
Another factor to the hiring manager’s decision is if you’re a good cultural match.
With cover letters in the education industry, don’t just outline your strengths. Align your application with the company values and work environment. To do this, check the job description and website carefully to see what’s being emphasized.
Teacher Assistant Cover Letter
This candidate effectively showcases their hobbies and personal interests.
Hiring managers will notice that they have a passion for music and enjoy sharing their love for it. If you have a relevant interest in the job you’re applying for where skills intersect, don’t be afraid to mention it. It may give you an advantage since it makes you appear more competent for the role.
Nursing and Healthcare Cover Letter Examples
Before being allowed to work as a nurse or healthcare professional, employers need to know that you’re qualified. With a cover letter, you can go in-depth on your qualifications, certifications, and work experience.
The examples we’ve included are:
- Nursing cover letter
- New graduate nurse cover letter
- Medical assistant cover letter
- Medical scribe cover letter
- Registered nurse cover letter
Nursing Cover Letter
The candidate has kept the application concise. Three paragraphs are the minimum, and it’s more than enough to include everything you need. As long as you:
- Provide an introduction;
- Dedicate a paragraph that directly reveals why you’re a good fit;
- Conclude it appropriately
Then, that’s all that’s necessary.
New Graduate Nurse Cover Letter
Using bullet points to list your achievements is powerful.
The first point this candidate mentioned is their academic qualification and grade. This can give employers confidence not just because you’re certified. But because there’s a clear level of commitment displayed.
Medical Assistant Cover Letter
The candidate emphasizes their knowledge. They’ve also emphasized their communication and interpersonal skills.
What’s more, they’ve provided specific examples from their previous experiences.
Medical Scribe Cover Letter
Before getting started writing, you should have an idea of some of your best skills or achievements.
With that in mind, briefly go into detail about your professional background. Look at the things that are relevant which help to distinguish your capabilities, e.g. the writer states they can type over 80 words per minute.
Registered Nurse Cover Letter
Instead of going into detail in the introduction paragraph, they’ve saved it for the main body of the application. The structure flows nicely as the writer consistently links back to how they can add value.
Tech Cover Letter Examples
You may have heard that cover letters aren’t necessary. Even so, that doesn’t mean it’s not a valuable asset to send to your employers. These job documents are used to personalize your application and showcase your background in more detail explaining why you’re the best fit.
We’ll go over the following:
- Administrative assistant cover letter
- IT cover letter
- Pharmacy tech cover letter
- System administrator cover letter
Administrative Assistant Cover Letter
From the second paragraph, the recruiter will notice the candidate is experienced working in an administrative role.
You’ll also notice that they can work as a team and in an office environment based on the responsibilities listed. It’s a straightforward approach to outlining what they’re capable of. Yet, it’ll show recruiters the effort you’re putting in.
IT Cover Letter
The candidate expresses their interests by talking about where their enthusiasm comes from.
When everyone is bound to have similar qualifications, a good strategy to stand out is to focus on your motivations, intentions, and personality traits.
Pharmacy Tech Cover Letter
If you don’t know the recruiter’s name, use their job position instead. Never address them by saying “to whom it may concern” because it indicates a lack of effort and interest.
System Administrator Cover Letter
Several action verbs have been used contextually, which demonstrates a strong level of understanding. This creates a good first impression in terms of their level of expertise.
Entry Level Cover Letter Examples
Each of these templates is applicable for graduates, students, and those with not much work experience. These are ideal if you’re applying for an entry level position.
Here’s what we’ll be reviewing:
- Entry level nurse cover letter
- Entry level system analyst cover letter
- Recent graduate cover letter
- Wait staff (entry level) cover letter
Entry Level Nurse Cover Letter
Qualifications are essential for this role. So the candidate makes this clear in the first few sentences. They’ve also mentioned how they were praised by peers and colleagues in previous employment.
Entry Level System Analyst Cover Letter
They first mention how they came across the company, followed by a sentence stating their interest.
Next, they explain how and where those interests developed. Unlike some of the other samples, this one revolves around their passion for the profession. However, they don’t just focus on themselves. They link it back to the company’s needs.
Recent Graduate Cover Letter
The graduate behind this template takes on a personalized approach.
They showcase how their personal interests match. Plus, they use examples to elaborate and consolidate each point they've made.
They’ve also suggested the next steps, i.e. an interview. In the closing paragraph, the applicant states that they would love to discuss how their objectives align. This plants the idea of how they’d be a good fit for the long-term.
Wait Staff (Entry Level) Cover Letter
Make it a priority to use relevant terminology where it’s appropriate. Doing this shows industry knowledge. From the sample above, they’ve mentioned words such as customer-service-driven and quality control.
Student Cover Letter Examples
A cover letter is an especially useful document for students to make up for having little to no corporate experience.
We’ll go through the following templates:
- College student cover letter
- High school student cover letter
- Biomedical engineering intern cover letter
- Internship cover letter
College Student Cover Letter
As a student, some of your main highlights might include:
- Certifications
- Relevant projects
- Extracurricular activities
Take the time to personalize your application.
Why are you motivated to take on the job you’re applying for? What makes you uniquely qualified?
Whatever your answer is, give examples by referring back to your previous experiences.
High School Student Cover Letter
Whether you’re graduating high school, university, or college, there’s no problem with letting your employers know.
Instead of focusing on the past like most job seekers, i.e. workplace achievements and work experience, focus on the future. That means your goals and objectives. What are they? How do they align with what the company is looking for?
You’ll still need to demonstrate your value though. In this instance, they’ve talked about coursework and extracurricular activities along with their biggest accomplishments.
Biomedical Engineering Intern Cover Letter
One alternative to your professional background is your academic background. Here, they’ve written about how they developed their skills through education. This was brought up first before even getting to their internship work experience.
Internship Cover Letter
When writing an internship cover letter , there’s a chance you don’t have the ideal corporate experience. So, it makes sense to focus on your other strengths. Here, they’ve listed relevant coursework and talked about their accomplishments from a previous campaign.
Senior Cover Letter Examples
This is for the veterans in the workforce. Feel free to use any of the sample templates below and check out the brief analysis underneath for tips on writing your cover letter .
Here’s what we’ll go through:
- Senior business analyst cover letter
- Senior data analyst cover letter
- Senior project manager cover letter
- Senior recruiter cover letter
Senior Business Analyst Cover Letter
Set the agenda for what you’ll be focusing on. In this scenario, it’s their experience and skills.
They first state how they came across the job vacancy and why they would be a great match for their requirements. Next, they introduce their professional background on top of their strengths, which are all key skills for the job.
From there, the applicant talks about responsibilities they’ve carried out in a previous role. This sets up their next paragraph where they align their value with the company’s goals.
Senior Data Analyst Cover Letter
Unlike how the previous example broke down the opening paragraph, here they’ve kept it in one. However, rather than outlining specific skills, they’ve outlined job responsibilities and the results they achieved.
Whenever you excel at your job, use numbers and statistics to prove your point. It makes you look more credible in addition to being a strong performer.
Also, use keywords. It makes it clear you did your research. The closing paragraph of this template is a good example.
Senior Project Manager Cover Letter
Show your confidence through your word choices. Notice the difference between these two sentences:
- I’ve developed a strong interest in providing customer service…
- I’ve developed a strong interest in providing incredible customer service…
Adding the right word can make a difference. Use an appropriate adjective to describe what you have to offer. But telling it isn’t enough. You also need to show it, which is what this candidate does by presenting relevant job duties and workplace accomplishments.
Before signing off, they write how their passion corresponds to the company’s approach.
Senior Recruiter Cover Letter
This applicant gets the reader’s interest by immediately stating their years of experience.
That said, they don’t only talk about previous experiences. They let the results of their work do the talking for them. If you have a few results you could list, use bullet points to make them stand out.
Engineering Cover Letter Examples
Engineers usually have a good amount of certifications and qualifications that add to their credentials.
In this section, we’ve included the following:
- Civil engineer cover letter
- Electrical engineer cover letter
- Hardware engineer cover letter
- Industrial engineer cover letter
- Mechanical engineer cover letter
- Software engineer cover letter
Civil Engineer Cover Letter
Not all opening paragraphs need to be long. It can even be as simple as this.
Rather than making things hard, it’s better to be short and concise. Throughout this cover letter, they’ve made it clear that they’re capable by describing their achievements and corporate experience.
Electrical Engineer Cover Letter
Every cover letter should be situated towards your strengths. You can tell from this applicant that it’s his years of experience specifically in the field of electrical engineering.
Hardware Engineer Cover Letter
The main highlight behind this cover letter is the candidate’s experience with a variety of responsibilities. Going more in-depth from your resume reinforces your skills as an engineer.
Industrial Engineer Cover Letter
One option is to break down the paragraphs from the main body of your cover letter to make it more readable. From the template above, the candidate has broken it down into two paragraphs.
Mechanical Engineer Cover Letter
Let employers know you’re confident in taking on the job. For example, have you developed an essential skill that proves you’d be valuable to the company? If so, talk about it and mention how it’s going to be beneficial.
Software Engineer Cover Letter
Unlike most samples on the list, the second last paragraph is the most content-heavy. The reason it’s written in a big paragraph is that it’s focused on one employment experience.
Throughout this, the candidate talks about things such as:
- The impact they’ve made
- Job responsibilities
- Collaborations with other companies
- Accomplishments e.g. surpassed 24 million users
Notably, they’ve included numbers and reputable companies as they describe their duties. Being specific about each detail helps to position you as the expert.
Sales Cover Letter Examples
The last batch on this list relates to the sales industry.
As interpersonal skills are important in a sales position, cover letters are a good way to demonstrate your creative ability and written communication skills. Technically speaking, you’re trying to sell your value to your employers by displaying what makes you a skilled professional.
In this last batch, we’ll go over:
- Bartender cover letter
- Customer service representative cover letter
- Customer support cover letter
- Retail sales associate cover letter
- Sales cover letter
Bartender Cover Letter
Mentioning key hard or soft skills that you’ve developed paints a good impression about your capability. If you have experience working in similar environments (e.g. restaurants), let them know.
Customer Service Representative Cover Letter
Tie back your passions to the company values. On top of personalizing your cover letter, the hiring manager will see you’ve taken the time to do your research.
Customer Support Cover Letter
Keywords have been used contextually as they’ve linked it back to their experience and previous responsibilities. From this, the recruiter can acknowledge that they’re informed about what it takes to provide a good customer experience.
Retail Sales Associate Cover Letter
What have you learned the most over your years of experience?
Whatever your answer is, prove it using data and results. This makes you appear as a strong performer as well as someone that’s reliable to work with.
Sales Cover Letter
In a sales role especially, employees should be curious and self-motivated.
Communication isn’t the only important skill. Soft skills in general are important, which is what the applicant has highlighted through words such as:
- Resilient self-starter
- Computer savvy
- Fast learner
More Cover Letter Templates At Your Disposal
There are ways around writer’s block. One is to use the AI writer feature to have your application created automatically for you based on the company’s requirements. Two is to start by taking inspiration from other examples.
If your job position didn’t make it to our list, no worries. We have hundreds more cover letter templates ready-to-use here at your disposal .
A Good Cover Letter Improves Your Chances of Getting Hired
If your resume isn’t well written, a good cover letter examples could make up for it. In fact, 83% of HR decision-makers reported in a survey that they’re an important factor when making a hiring decision.
It’s worth putting the effort into writing a cover letter because it’s going to be a useful and relevant document for recruiters.
Are you someone who’s going to be committed?
Do you have the strongest work ethic and competence compared to other applicants?
Can you meet the job criteria?
These are the types of questions they’ll be thinking about throughout the process. It’s up to you to communicate in your application whether or not you meet those expectations.
Aside from your skills, hiring managers also want to know if you’re someone who matches their company culture. And that’s where cover letters are helpful. Unlike a resume, you have the opportunity to explain why they should invest in you.
Resumes, cover letters, and letters of interest alike… They’re all similar in terms of time and effort.
We understand it isn’t always as simple as it seems to create a tailored application.
So we built a range of tools and resources to help job seekers land the golden job opportunities they come across in their careers.
Here are some other guides we recommend:
- The purpose of sending a cover letter
- 2 scenarios of when cover letters aren’t necessary
- How to get past any company’s job application scanners
Keep reading with...
7 ways to Improve An Entry Level Resume with Rezi
10 Effective Ways to Update Your Resume To Get Noticed
15 Best Resume Fonts to Choose From (A Complete Guide)
How to Target a Job Description With Your Resume
- Hubspot Blog
- HubSpot.com
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The 12 Best Cover Letter Examples: What They Got Right
Published: February 16, 2023
Fun is not something typically associated with writing a cover letter. However, with a few tweaks, writing one doesn’t have to be a burden.
The cover letter examples below demonstrate that it is possible to have a little fun with your job search — and maybe even make yourself a better candidate in the process.
![→ Click here to access 5 free cover letter templates [Free Download]](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/53/3f347702-d7e9-4e59-9fe4-be4cd7bad191.png "cover letter format example 2022")
What is a good cover letter?
A cover letter is used to demonstrate your interest in the role, passion for the company, and the impact you've had in previous positions. Cover letters should include a standout opening, relevant skills and qualifications, and a strong finish with a call-to-action — all within one page and unique to each application.
It may be true that only 35% of recruiters admit that cover letters do not materially influence the hiring process for them , but that doesn't mean yours has to contribute to that statistic. In fact, it might be that cover letters are deemed insignificant because so few of them stand out. Here's an opportunity for you to exercise your creativity at the earliest stage of the recruitment process.
Personalization, after all, goes beyond replacing the title and company name in each letter you send to recruiters.
What’s on a cover letter?
Before you can get started writing your cover letter, there are a few components you must have.
Greeting: A simple, but pleasant greeting to address the recruiter or hiring manager.
Opener: Write a catchy introduction that explains why you’re interested in the role.
Summary of Skills/Qualifications: This is the heart of your cover letter. It outlines your relevant experience and why you’d be a great fit for the role. You can highlight special skills, experiences, professional achievements, or education to help make your case.
Closing: In this paragraph, provide a call-to-action by expressing interest in an interview. Provide your contact information and sign-off.
What does a cover letter look like?
In addition to showing off your skills and qualifications, cover letters give you the opportunity to present a clear, concise, and compelling writing sample that shows off your personality and ability to convey ideas. Check out our fillable examples below to see how you should organize the content of your cover letter.
Customizable Cover Letter Examples
In a hurry for a cover letter example you can download and customize? Check out the ones below from HubSpot’s cover letter template kit .
1. Standard Cover Letter Example
This standard cover letter hits all the right notes: It includes a space to give a brief summary of your experience, as well as a space to delve in-depth into the specific responsibilities at your current role. You also have the chance to describe the challenges you’ve mastered at previous roles, showing that you’re capable of facing any problem that comes your way.
Why We Love It
We love this cover letter because it allows you to describe the high points of your career while still being professional, personalized, and succinct.
2. Data-Driven Cover Letter Sample
Numbers are worth a million words — or that’s how the saying should probably go (if only we could include pictures in cover letters). Citing data and statistics about your achievements at your current company is an assured way to capture a hiring manager’s attention. Most hiring managers don’t read the entire letter, so a bulleted summary of your achievements can be a powerful way to increase the effectiveness and scannability of your message.
We love this cover letter because it’s adaptable to any role. Even if you don’t work in a data-centric role, you can include any enumerable achievement. If you’re in a creative industry, for instance, you can include the number of creative assets you designed for your current company.
3. Entry-Level Cover Letter Example
Download a Customizable Copy of This Cover Letter Example
Applying to your first job can be stress-inducing, to say the least. You can increase your chances of getting that first interview by including a cover letter that explains how your education can help you succeed in the role you applied for.
Look no further than this example from HubSpot. While other cover letter samples give experienced professionals the opportunity to share their experience at length, this one gives you the chance to describe your personal and professional attributes. You can then convey how you can leverage your knowledge to help your target company reach their goals.
We love this cover letter because it’s easy and simple to use for a student who has little experience in their target industry — including those who haven’t yet completed an internship.
Looking for more? Download the entire kit below.
5 Professional Cover Letter Templates
Fill out the form to access your templates., best cover letter examples.
What does a good cover letter look like in practice, and how can you make yours stand out? We found six examples from job seekers who decided to do things a bit differently.
Note: Some of these cover letters contain real company names and NSFW language that we've covered up.
1. The Cover Letter That Explains 'Why,' Not Just 'How'
We’ve already covered the importance of addressing how you’ll best execute a certain role in your cover letter. But there’s another question you might want to answer: Why the heck do you want to work here?
The Muse , a career guidance site, says that it’s often best to lead with the why — especially if it makes a good story. We advise against blathering on and on, but a brief tale that illuminates your desire to work for that particular employer can really make you stand out.
Image Source
Here’s another instance of the power of personalization. The author of this cover letter clearly has a passion for this prospective employer — the Chicago Cubs — and if she’s lying about it, well, that probably would eventually be revealed in an interview.
Make sure your story is nonfiction and relatable according to each job. While we love a good tale of childhood baseball games, an introduction like this one probably wouldn’t be fitting in a cover letter for, say, a software company. But a story of how the hours you spent playing with DOS games as a kid led to your passion for coding? Sure, we’d find that fitting.
If you’re really passionate about a particular job opening, think about where that deep interest is rooted. Then, tell your hiring manager about it in a few sentences.
Why This Is A Great Cover Letter
This example demonstrates how effective personalization can be. The writer is passionate about the employer, drawing from her own childhood experience to communicate her enthusiasm.
2. The 'We're Meant for Each Other' Cover Letter
This cover letter example is a special one because it was submitted to us here at HubSpot. What does the letter do well? It makes a connection with us before we've even met the letter's author.
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"Content Marketing Certified" indicates the applicant has taken the content marketing certification course in our HubSpot Academy (you can take the same course here ). Our "records" indicate he/she did indeed give an interview with us before — and was a HubSpot customer.
The cover letter sang references to a relationship we didn't even know we had with the candidate.
The letter ends with a charming pitch for why, despite him/her not getting hired previously, our interests complement each other this time around.
(Yes, the applicant was hired).
This cover letter example does an excellent job of building rapport with the employer. Despite not getting hired for previous roles they applied for at HubSpot, the writer conveys exactly why they are right for this role.
3. The Cover Letter with H.E.A.R.T.
HubSpot has a lot of H.E.A.R.T. — Humble, Empathetic, Adaptable, Remarkable, Transparent. Our Culture Code is the foundation of the company's culture, the driving force behind our mission to help millions grow better , and serves as the scaffolding for our hiring practices. Recruiters at HubSpot look for applicants that demonstrate how they embody the Culture Code and job description, paying extra attention to cover letters that are super custom to HubSpot.
In another HubSpot submission, a HubSpot applicant writes about how she found out about HubSpot, why she likes the company, and how her professional experience aligns with H.E.A.R.T.
HubSpot's recruiting team was impressed with her dedication to the company and how she went beyond what was asked for by linking her portfolio in her closing paragraph.
Featured Resource: 5 Free Cover Letter Templates
Download our collection of 5 professional cover letter templates to help you summarize your professional journey and land your dream job – whether it's at your first or fifth company.
Short Cover Letter Examples
4. the short-and-sweet cover letter.
In 2009, David Silverman penned an article for Harvard Business Review titled, “ The Best Cover Letter I Ever Received. ” That letter contained three complete sentences, as follows:
One might argue that this particular letter is less than outstanding. It’s brief, to say the least, and the author doesn’t go into a ton of detail about what makes him or her qualified for the job in question. But that’s what Silverman likes about it — the fact that the applicant only included the pieces of information that would matter the most to the recipient.
“The writer of this letter took the time to think through what would be relevant to me,” writes Silverman. “Instead of scattering lots of facts in hopes that one was relevant, the candidate offered up an opinion as to which experiences I should focus on.”
When you apply for a job, start by determining two things:
- Who might oversee the role — that’s often included in the description, under “reports to.” Address your letter to that individual.
- Figure out what problems this role is meant to solve for that person. Then, concisely phrase in your cover letter how and why your experience can and will resolve those problems.
The key to this standout cover letter is research — by looking into who you’ll be reporting to and learning more about that person’s leadership style, you’ll be better prepared to tailor your cover letter to focus on how you provide solutions for them.
5. The Short Story
Basha Coleman began her cover letter with a short story. The goal of this short story is two-fold:
- Detail the experience she already has with the organization.
- Stand out to the hiring team.
You'll notice that her short story follows a typical narrative arc: It has a conflict/obstacle, a turning point, and a positive outcome, all created with a goal to emphasize a theme or point. In this case, Coleman is emphasizing her existing affinity with the brand and her triumphs within the program so that she can continue on her career path.
Like the second example in our list, this cover letter does an excellent job of conveying the applicant’s existing affinity for the brand. If you are applying to a company you love, don’t be shy about showing it and explaining why.
6. The Bare Bones Cover Letter
In today's job market, cover letters aren't always necessary. Even though many recruiters won't ask for or even read them, cover letters can still be effective and convey personality to a reader. Writing a strong cover letter can help you better convey your interest in the position and company.
This template from The Balance Careers puts together the essential components of a short cover letter: excitement about the position, your qualifications, and a call-to-action for the recruiter to follow up with you. Combining these central aspects in a well-written, compelling narrative will go a long way in convincing readers to hire you.
This letter is organized and concise. The inclusion of bullet points to highlight key skills and help the recruiter skim the document is a nice touch.
7. The Breezy Follow-Up
In this cover letter, Amanda Edens is following the instructions the hiring manager gave by forwarding an email with resume and writing samples attached.
Not only does Amanda provide links to relevant writing samples that are live on the web, but she also closes with a strong final paragraph that:
- Summarizes the expertise she has relevant to the posting
- Emphasizes that she doesn't want to simply get a job but rather help the organization accomplish their goals
- The reader gets everything they need in an organized and thoughtful manner.
8. The Administrative Assistant Cover Letter
In this cover letter the candidate, Brenda, plays up her prior music industry experience to build a connection with Epic Music Group. If you have specific industry experience for the role you are applying for, be sure to highlight that.
It’s clear that she’s passionate about not only the music industry, but Epic as a whole. She’s done so much research on the company that she knows what software programs they use, and happens to be proficient in it to help convey value to the hiring manager.
This example further illustrates the importance of research. Make sure you understand the culture of the company to which you’re applying before you send a completely unfiltered cover letter — if you don’t, there’s a good chance it’ll completely miss the mark.
In just three short paragraphs, the applicant uses their company research to drive home why they are the perfect fit for the role — emphasizing industry experience as well as software knowledge specific to the company. All of this communicates that she’d be able to start with very few hiccups getting up to speed.
9. The Internship Cover Letter
Maybe you’re just getting started in your career and looking to land the right internship to gain experience in your field. In this case, you’ll need to highlight more of your educational background and transferable skills since you won’t have as much professional experience to highlight.
The cover letter above is a great example of how to emphasize your skills and accomplishments when applying to internships or entry-level positions. A few things the applicant does well:
- Highlights relevant extracurriculars and affinity networks. In this case, the applicant is applying to a business analyst position, so mentioning their involvement in a FinTech group makes sense.
- Previous internships in relevant fields: Our applicant points out that they’ve previously interned as a Business Analyst at another firm. Pointing out that they’ve done the role previously will help make their case for fit.
- Highlight other useful skills: This applicant is fluent in both English and German. If an international company or an organization needs bi-lingual support, knowing multiple languages is an asset.
This cover letter example illustrates how you can leverage your education and background to get the gig even when you don’t have much working experience. Highlighting previous internships or experience in related fields can go a long way in convincing hiring managers you’re the perfect candidate for the role.
Creative Cover Letter Examples
10. the brutally honest cover letter.
Then, there are the occasions when your future boss might appreciate honesty — in its purest form. Livestream CEO Jesse Hertzberg, by his own admission, is one of those people, which might be why he called this example “ the best cover letter ” (which he received while he was with Squarespace):
As Hertzberg says in the blog post elaborating on this excerpt — it’s not appropriate for every job or company. But if you happen to be sure that the corporate culture of this prospective employer gets a kick out of a complete lack of filter, then there’s a chance that the hiring manager might appreciate your candor.
“Remember that I'm reading these all day long,” Hertzberg writes. “You need to quickly convince me I should keep reading. You need to stand out.”
The applicant did their research on the company’s culture and executed this cover letter flawlessly. It’s funny and shows off the applicant’s personality all while demonstrating why they are a good fit for the role.
11. The Pivot Cover Letter
Making a career switch? Your cover letter can be an excellent opportunity for you to explain the reasoning behind your career change and how your transferable skills qualify you for the role.
Since the role she is applying for is more visual, it’s important to both show and tell why you’re a good fit.
This cover letter strikes the perfect balance between creativity and simplicity in design while putting the applicant's career change into context. The copy is clean, with a creative font choice that isn’t distracting from the content, but still demonstrates the applicant’s knack for design.
12. The Graphic Design Cover Letter
When applying for more creative roles, the design of your cover letter can say just as much as the words on the page. Take the graphic designer letter example below.
It’s got so much going for it:
- Pop of color
- Clean layout
- Interesting fonts
In addition to the style elements, this example also doesn’t skimp on the key skills recruiters are looking for. Using metrics, the applicant demonstrates their value and why they would be a great fit.
This cover letter thoroughly conveys the applicant’s skills and qualifications using a variety of visual elements and by emphasizing their greatest achievements.
We’d like to add another stage to the job search: experimentation.
In today’s competitive landscape, it’s so easy to feel defeated, less-than-good-enough, or like giving up your job search. But don’t let the process become so monotonous. Have fun discovering the qualitative data we’ve discussed here — then, have even more by getting creative with your cover letter composition.
We certainly can’t guarantee that every prospective employer will respond positively — or at all — to even the most unique, compelling cover letter. But the one that’s right for you will. That’s why it’s important not to copy these examples . That defeats the purpose of personalization.
Editor's note: This post was originally published in October 2020 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.
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Best Cover Letter Examples for 2023
Our cover letter examples help with your job application because they show you what to include and how to convince employers you’re the right person for the job. We have 245+ samples from over 18 industries. Plus, we give advice and tips on how to use cover letters in various hiring situations.
Popular cover letter examples
Here are some of our most-viewed cover letter samples.
Don’t see your job title? Keep scrolling to search for the exact job title you need,and find hundreds more examples below!
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Use this search bar to scan all the cover letters in our database and find one for the exact role to which you’re applying.
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Universal cover letter example
Every cover letter should include the same sections as the sample seen here, regardless of the job.
All cover letters should include these five sections:
Address/Salutation:
- This belongs at the top of the document, where you include your contact info and the address of the person to whom you are writing.
Salutation:
- You should identify the person you are writing to by name .
Introduction paragraph:
- An attention-grabbing opening paragraph where you introduce yourself, mention the role you want and briefly explain what makes you qualified.
Body paragraph(s):
- One or two paragraphs that tell a story about your relevant professional experience, career growth, achievements or skills.
Closing paragraph:
- A final paragraph that restates your interest in the role, thanks the hiring manager for their time, and expresses hope for a future chat or meeting.
- A formal sign-off with your name.
Also known as a job application letter, our cover letter samples help you write a cover letter .
A cover letter example for your industry or job title shows exactly how the end result should look. Use them for inspiration as you write your own!
For even more help, use our Cover Letter Builder !
It’s a great tool that gives step-by-step guidance, features 30+ cover letter designs and provides industry-specific phrasing created by resume experts.
Our builder will eliminate the guesswork of writing a cover letter, and save you a lot of time!
Cover letter examples by industry and job title
Looking for a sample cover letter for a resume in your industry? Check out our examples listed by job title and organized by industry.
- Accounting & Finance
- Administrative
- Construction
- Customer Service
- Firefighting
- Hotel & Hospitality
- Human Resources
- Information Technology
- Safety & Security
- Transportation
Accounting & Finance Cover Letter Examples
Study our accounting and finance cover letter samples for your job application to multiply your chance for success. See how other candidates describe their math skills, tax code knowledge and education to earn these roles.
- Accounting Clerk
- Accounting Manager
- Internal Audit Manager
- Junior Accountant
- Payroll Accountant
- Revenue Manager
Administrative Cover Letter Examples
A cover letter demonstrates your organization and communication skills before you step into the office. These administrative letter examples will help you get ready to write. Use our cover letter examples for the job you desire.
- Administrative Assistant
- Data Collector
- Data Entry Clerk
- Deputy Clerk
- Executive Assistant
- Office Manager
- Personal Assistant
- Receptionist
Business Cover Letter Examples
Here are good cover letter examples for business roles. They’ll help you see the selling points your job competition uses to frame their experience.
- Assistant Director
- Business Analyst
- Business Consultant
- General Manager
- Operations Manager
- Risk Manager
- Shift Manager
Construction Cover Letter Examples
We’ve got example cover letters that you can use as blueprints for your own solid introduction. Get inspired and learn how other job seekers are framing their skills in the construction field.
- Construction Supervisor
- Crane Operator
- General Contractor
- Independent Contractor
- Manual Labor
- Site Supervisor
Customer Service Cover Letter Examples
Writing a cover letter is a breeze if you’ve got the patience and communication skills required for customer service roles. Just stick to the script! Write a great letter using our cover letter examples to guide you.
- Airline Customer Service
- Call Center Representative
- Customer Service Associate
- Customer Service Manager
- Customer Service Representative CV
- Room Attendant
- Service Coordinator
- Ticket Agent
Education Cover Letter Examples
A good cover letter example can show you what you should say to get hired. Study our education cover letter examples below. They’ll help you brainstorm and craft a cover letter worthy of a gold star.
- Academic Dean
- Admissions Counselor
- Assistant Superintendent
- Assistant Teacher
- Director of Admissions
- Instructional Designer
- Literacy Coach
- Preschool Director
- School Guidance Counselor
- School Principal
- School Superintendent
Fire Fighting Cover Letter Examples
Our firefighting example cover letters provide you with good ideas for how you can tell your own career story.
- Fire Inspector
- Firefighter
Healthcare Cover Letter Examples
Give your job search the booster shot it needs, a cover letter that demands attention. Our cover letter samples will help you write your own letter that will impress hiring managers and land you an interview.
- Assisted Living Manager
- Health Care Assistant
- Medical Billing Specialist
- Medical Interpreter
- Medical Office Assistant
- Patient Care Coordinator
- Patient Care Technician
- Patient Service Representative
- Personal Care Assistant
- Speech Therapist
- Wellness Activities Assistant
Hotel & Hospitality Cover Letter Examples
Our cover letters are at your service! Check out our collection of hospitality cover letter samples below. They’re full of great ideas for describing your passion for hospitality, guest satisfaction and great service.
- Guest Service Representative
- Hotel Concierge
- Hotel Guest Service Agent
- Hotel Manager
- Hotel Receptionist
- Retail and Restaurant Associate
Human Resources Cover Letter Examples
HR is often responsible for hiring at many companies, so your cover letter should be top-notch. Review our cover letter samples for HR positions. See how others describe their skills in hiring, managing and developing talent within a company.
- Benefits Analyst
- Compensation and Benefits
- Corporate Recruiter
- Employment Advisor
- HR Business Partner
- HR Coordinator
- HR Executive
- Human Resource Specialist
- Human Resources Generalist
- Human Resources Manager
- Organizational Development
- Recruiting and Employment
- Recruitment Coordinator
- Technical Recruiter
- Training and Development Manager
Information Technology Cover Letter Examples
Nearly every modern business needs technical support. Get insight into how others sell their tech skills. Take advantage of our great cover letter examples to help land the IT job you desire.
- Chief Technology Officer
- Computer Technician
- Data Coordinator
- IT Service Manager
- Project Officer
- Service Delivery Manager
- Service Desk Analyst
- Technology Director
Janitorial Cover Letter Examples
Spruce up your cover letter to score a new job with our maintenance and janitorial example cover letters below. They’ll help you craft a letter that shows employers you’ll keep their workplaces up and running.
- Cleaning Professionals
- Executive Housekeeper
- Housekeeper
- Housekeeping Supervisor
Marketing Cover Letter Examples
If your resume is your personal branding statement, your cover letter is the sales pitch to get hired. Hone your message for marketing and advertising positions by looking over cover letter example letters here.
- Account Manager
- Advertising Operations Manager
- Analytics Manager
- Brand Manager
- Chief Marketing Officer
- Digital Marketing Manager
- E Commerce Manager
- Market Researcher
- Product Marketer
- Public Relations
- Social Media Manager
Medical Cover Letter Examples
Our cover letter samples for medical professionals will show hiring managers you’ve got the necessary skills, schooling and work experience to succeed. We’ve got examples from every medical specialty.
- Acupuncturist
- Anesthesiologist
- Audiologist
- Cardiologist
- Clinical Research Assistant
- Dialysis Patient Care Technician
- General Practitioner
- Health And Safety Officer
- Hospital Clerk
- Medical Records Clerk
- Nursing Home Administrator
- Optical Assistant
- Pediatrician
- Phlebotomist
- Respiratory Therapist
- Ultrasound Technician
Retail Cover Letter Examples
Earn a new job in retail with a stellar cover letter. See how our cover example letters for retail jobs demonstrate the full range of skills needed in the industry.
- Area Manager
- Assistant General Manager
- Assistant Merchandiser
- Merchandise Associate
- Mobile Sales Pro
- Retail Assistant Store Manager
- Retail Merchandiser
- Retail Sales Associate
- Retail Supervisor
- Store Manager
- Storekeeper
- Supermarket Cashier
Sales Cover Letter Examples
Sell your future employer on hiring you with an excellent cover letter. Browse through our sales cover letter samples for one matching the role you want.
- Automotive Salesperson
- Client Relationship Manager
- Franchise Owner
- Inside Sales Representative
- Medical Sales Representative
- Outside Sales Representative
- Regional Manager
- Sales Account Executive
- Sales and Marketing Coordinator
- Sales Coordinator
- Sales Director
- Sales Operations Manager
- Sales Representative
- Sales Supervisor
- Salesperson
- Technical Sales Representative
- Telemarketer
- Territory Sales Manager
Safety & Security Cover Letter Examples
Secure a job by submitting a great cover letter. Check out some top-notch security cover letter samples to see how you can best sell your own experience to employers.
- Director of Security
- Loss Prevention Manager
- Protection Officer
- Safety Coordinator
- Safety Manager
- Security Guard
- Security Officer
- Security Supervisor
Transportation Cover Letter Examples
A cover letter is a vehicle to accelerate your job hunt. Take a look at our transportation application letter examples for ideas on how to impress hiring managers. They’ll help you arrive at your next job.
- Fleet Manager
- Freight Associate
- Passenger Service Agent
- Transportation Customer Service Advisor
- Transportation Manager
Cover letter examples for every scenario
Use the example letters below to find the right words or phrases to explain yourself in different professional scenarios.
When you are new to the workforce, a cover letter can help you fill in the work gaps of your resume by pointing out the skills, education and training you possess that make you an excellent fit for the role.
A cover letter is valuable if you have limited work or internship experience. It helps you draw a direct connection between the experience and education milestones you cite in your resume to the role to which you’re applying.
If you have an employment gap on your resume, a hiring manager will likely wonder why. In this case, a cover letter is perfect for explaining your situation. In the body of your cover letter, briefly mention why you stepped away from the workforce, such as because of a layoff, family emergency or to raise children. Keep it brief, though; the purpose of the cover letter is to focus on your credentials and what you bring to the table.
When you want to make a career change, your cover letter provides the space to explain your motivation and reasons for doing so. Remember, the letter should focus on what you’ll offer the employer, so keep your explanation for making the change brief. The bulk of your cover letter should highlight your relevant work experience and transferable skills .
A cover letter is critical when seeking a promotion or transfer with your current employer. This type of cover letter explains your motivation for applying for the promotion and why you believe you would excel in the new role.
If you have a connection who works at the company you’re applying to or is a colleague of the hiring manager, the first paragraph of your cover letter is where you should mention your connection. It will increase your chances of getting the job if someone with close knowledge told you about it.
If you’ve had your eye on a company you’d like to work for but haven’t seen any job openings, you can use your cover letter to explain that. Your introduction should explain what makes you passionate about working for this company. In addition, you should outline the skills and type of role you would like.
Have a lead on a great role that will open in the future? There’s no need to wait for it to be posted to the job board. View our sample letters of interest for a job you want, even if it hasn’t been posted yet. Learning to write this type of letter can set you apart from the competition.
What is a cover letter?
A cover letter is a document that accompanies your resume when applying for a job. Its aim is to introduce yourself, outline your skills and experience, and explain why you would be the best fit for the role.
Cover letters shouldn’t be long, just a few paragraphs –– about 250 words or one double-spaced page.
They are a great way to convey your enthusiasm for the position or company and discuss what interests you about the role. Personalize your letter by directly addressing the hiring manager or recruiter.
What does a cover letter look like?
A cover letter looks like any other standard business letter: It consists of a recipient address, a greeting, two to three body paragraphs (the main text) and a signature. It’s three to four paragraphs long and should all fit on a single page.
While a cover letter will always consist of the same parts, you can change the appearance by changing details such as the font or adding a touch of color.
If you’re uncertain about what a cover letter looks like, it’s a good idea to use a cover letter template .
A template is just a preformatted document that takes care of the visual elements of your cover letter. That way, you can focus on the message of your cover letter instead of the design.
How important are cover letters when applying for jobs?
Cover letters are very important to apply for jobs. The only time that you shouldn’t include one is if the job post requests that you don’t or if the website you’re using to apply for a job does not allow you to attach one.
Even if it’s not requested, submitting a cover letter will help attract the attention of hiring managers. It’s a way to show that you have solid communication skills and expand on your resume’s key skills.
Since it’s more space to advertise yourself than a resume alone, it helps you better sell yourself. Cover letters are critical because you may be at a disadvantage for the job if you don’t take the time to include one, and other candidates do.
What are three good cover letter tips to remember?
Here are three helpful cover letter tips:
- Customize your cover letter for every role. Make sure you tailor your letter to the employer’s needs based on what it says in the job post. That way, it speaks to an employer’s needs and better appeals to them. Furthermore, many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS). ATS is software that scans your resume and cover letter for specific phrases. Targeting your cover letter to the job post helps ensure that you pass an ATS.
- Go deeper than what’s on the resume. Cover letters should elaborate on key details in your resume, not repeat them. For example, instead of just restating that you are organized, you could expand on this by including a line about how you used that skill to revamp the company filing system, which increased efficiency. Turn the lifeless details of your resume into an engaging story!
- Use numbers and metrics. Including numerical metrics helps quantify your skills to a potential employer. Saying something like, “Analyzed ways to reduce costs, enhance revenues and improve profits 33%,” will help you. That’s because numbers pop out and grab the attention of the person reading your cover letter. Furthermore, they add more detail to your abilities and performance level.
What should be in a well-written cover letter?
Our sample cover letters show you all the elements of a strong cover letter. At its most basic, a well-written cover letter is composed of five key sections:
- Header: The header of your cover letter contains your contact information. Include your telephone number, professional email address and links to your LinkedIn profile, personal website or online portfolio, if applicable.
- Greeting: Do your research to find the hiring manager’s name and address your cover letter to that person. If it’s not listed in the job ad, research LinkedIn or the company website to identify the right person. In a pinch, find the name of someone in the recruiting department and address your letter to that person. Avoid generic greetings, such as “To whom it may concern,” if possible.
- Opening paragraph: The opening paragraph of your letter should mention the name of the company and the job title to which you are applying. It should also briefly say why you are applying for the job. Then, you should cite the top skills that make you qualified for the role.
- Body paragraph(s): The body of your cover letter is its longest, most important section. It’s one or two paragraphs where you expand on the most relevant parts of your experience or education. Whereas in the opening paragraph, you tell the employer you’re right for the job, in these paragraphs, you should show them by using numbers or telling a story that illustrates your abilities. This is the section where you should use data and metrics in this section to detail to recruiters the impact your work has had and what you will bring to the table if hired.
- Closing paragraph: Your closing paragraph should briefly summarize your enthusiasm for the role and express hope for a future discussion. Then, thank the reader for their time. Sign off with a formal closing statement like “Regards” or “Sincerely” and your name.
Is it OK to have a two-page cover letter?
Cover letters should be focused and concise, so it’s not advised to go past one page. That’s the accepted standard practice for cover letters.
That’s because recruiters often get hundreds of applications for a single job opening and don’t have time to read long letters. That’s not to mention including a cover letter that is longer than other candidates’ may look sloppy and unprofessional.
How should I prepare my cover letter?
There are two ways to write a cover letter:
- You can do it the old-fashioned way, from scratch. That means formatting your page, brainstorming what to say, writing and then editing your document.
- Use a modern tool: Our Cover Letter Builder . It uses computer automation to make creating a resume much easier than doing it from scratch!That’s because it’s like having an expert guide you through the process. All you have to do is answer a series of easy-to-follow prompts.Best of all, our builder offers suggested prewritten text suggestions crafted by our team of career experts. They’re all targeted to the job title for which you’re applying.This extra help saves time compared to doing it the old-fashioned way. You can complete a cover letter in under 15 minutes!
See more on our FAQ Page
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Cover Letter Examples for Job Seekers in 2023
With so many different types of jobs out there, it can be tough to know how to tailor your cover letter. But by following these examples, you'll be able to write a cover letter that will make you stand out from the crowd!
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How important is a cover letter?
If you think cover letters are no longer relevant in today’s job market, think again. According to a recent survey , 83% of hiring managers say cover letters play an important role in their decision-making process.
In fact, 83% of the respondents to the survey said that a great cover letter can get you an interview , even if your resume isn’t good enough .
Amazingly, only 38% of candidates send a cover letter, even when it’s required .
This means that a strong cover letter will give you a significant edge over other job applicants. So if you’re not already including a cover letter with your job applications, it’s time to start doing so.
In this guide, we’ll provide some tips on how to write an effective cover letter, as well as some good cover letter examples to help get you started.
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The 4 types of cover letters (with examples)
There are four types of cover letters. They are:
- The application cover letter
- The career change cover letter
- The networking cover letter
- The prospecting cover letter
The general structure of all four cover letters will remain the same, or at least similar, regardless of your cover letter’s intent. This structure can be broken down into three steps:
Step 1 – Introduce yourself and explain why you are interested in the position.
Step 2 – Highlight your relevant skills and experience.
Step 3 – Thank the employer for their time and express your interest in meeting with them to discuss the role further.
Here are examples of the four types of cover letters. Each example can all be downloaded for free and customized to fit your needs.
Application Cover Letter Example
Career Change Cover Letter Example
Prospecting Cover Letter Example
Networking Cover Letter Example
Cover letter examples by job
When you’re applying for a specific job, remember that your cover letter should not simply repeat the information in your resume verbatim. Instead, your cover letter should enhance your resume .
For example, you might use your cover letter to explain why you are particularly interested in the company, or to highlight a specific skill or accomplishment . In essence, your cover letter should give the employer a better sense of who you are and what you have to offer.
Here are some professional cover letter examples tailored for specific jobs. Each example can all be downloaded for free and customized to fit your needs.
Communications Specialist Cover Letter Example
Employment Specialist Cover Letter Example
Project Manager Cover Letter Example
Marketing Manager Cover Letter Example
Operations Cover Letter Example
Pharmacy Technician Cover Letter Example
Software Engineer Cover Letter Example
Warehouse Manager Cover Letter Example
Cover letter example for an internship
Writing a cover letter for an internship can be a little tricky since you probably don’t have much experience. Here are four tips to help you create an effective cover letter for an internship:
- Focus on what you have accomplished in your academic and extracurricular activities, and how those experiences have prepared you for the internship.
- Do your research and tailor your cover letter to the specific organization and internship role. This will demonstrate your interest and commitment.
- Highlight any relevant skills or experiences that you do have, even if they’re not directly related to the internship role.
- Finally, be enthusiastic and convey your excitement for the opportunity to learn and grow in the role.
By following these tips, you can write a cover letter that will help you land the internship you’re after.
Here’s a sample cover letter for an internship:
Internship Cover Letter Example
Don't make this common cover letter mistake!
One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is sending out the same cover letter with each application.
A cover letter is an opportunity to sell yourself to a potential employer, and it should be specific to the job you’re applying for. Generic cover letters are often quickly disregarded by hiring managers, but a well-tailored cover letter can make all the difference.
Another reason why you should tailor your cover letter is because of applicant tracking systems (ATS). Many companies now use these systems to screen candidates, and generic cover letters are often filtered out.
To avoid this, make sure that your cover letter contains the exact same job title and skills that are in the job description. This way, when hiring managers search through the ATS for job candidates, your cover letter will stand out.
By taking the time to tailor your cover letter, you can ensure that it will be seen by a human being and that your qualifications will be given serious consideration. Ultimately, tailoring your cover letter is one of the best ways to improve your odds of landing a job interview.
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Cover letter FAQs
What do i write in a cover letter.
While your resume is typically a factual account of your qualifications, a cover letter allows you to tell a potential employer why you are the best candidate for the job .
Your cover letter is an opportunity for you to:
- Elaborate on your qualifications and professional experience.
- Describe your career objectives.
- Explain any gaps in your employment history.
- Talk about your motivation to join the company.
- Sell yourself!
It is important to take the time to craft a well-written cover letter as it can give you a competitive edge over other candidates.
What 5 things should a cover letter include?
Here are the five essential elements of a cover letter:
- An introduction : The first sentence of your cover letter should state who you are and why you are writing.
- An overview of your qualifications : In the second paragraph, briefly describe your qualifications and explain why you are a good fit for the position.
- A specific example : In the third paragraph, provide a specific example of a time when you used your skills to achieve success. This could be from your professional or personal life.
- A call to action : The final paragraph should include a call to action , such as requesting an interview or asking for further consideration.
- A professional closing : End your cover letter on a positive note by thanking the reader for their time and expressing your excitement about the opportunity.
What 3 main points should be included in your cover letter?
- Briefly introduce yourself and explain why you are interested in the position. This is your chance to make a good first impression, so be sure to be polite and professional.
- Highlight your relevant qualifications and experience. This is where you can really sell yourself as the ideal candidate for the job. Be sure to include specific examples of your successes and accomplishments.
- Thank the employer for their time and consideration. Then, you can express your interest in meeting with them to discuss the job further.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your cover letter makes a strong impression and increases your chances of landing an interview.
How do I write a cover letter as a student?
As a student, you should treat your education, volunteer work, school projects, and personal projects as your past experience. Talk about your future goals that are relevant to the job and explain how you will achieve those goals.
How do cover letters vary from job to job?
While the general structure of your cover letter will remain pretty much the same, you should always tailor your letter for each job you apply to. This means including the job title and skills that are listed in the job description.
How do I write a cover letter for a career change?
Read the job posting carefully and determine any similarities between your past work experience and what’s required in the new job. Talk about your goals for your career change and what you want to accomplish in your future career.
What is the difference between a cover letter and a resume?
Your resume is a brief listing of your past experience, while your cover letter expands on your experience and lets some of your personality come through.
Should I mention my salary expectations in a cover letter?
No. Conversations about salary should be reserved for a job interview.
How should I address the reader of a cover letter?
Always try to address the hiring manager or recruiter by their name . You can call the company and ask for their name or look it up on the company website or LinkedIn. Never use “To Whom it May Concern” as it is too impersonal.
How long should my cover letter be?
Cover letters should always be short. Try to keep it to one page.
Explore more cover letter resources
Cover Letter Writing Guide
Cover Letter Tips
Cover Letter Examples
Cover Letter Templates
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The 4 types of cover letters (with examples) ; Step 1 – Introduce yourself and explain why you are interested in the position. ; Step 2 – Highlight your relevant