How to Write a Cover Letter (Cover Letter Tips + Free Templates)

Kellie Hanna

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 make a cover letter fast

Cover letter examples

How to write a cover letter: important takeaways, how to write a cover letter faq, more help writing a cover letter.

How To Write 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:

All cover letters follow a basic business letter structure that looks like this.

What To Include In A Cl

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.

Add Your Contact Info

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:

Recipients Address

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!

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.

Opening Paragraph

Talk up your skills and experience.

Opening Paragraph 2

Show you’ve done some research.

Mention an interesting fact or statistic from an article, news story or the company’s website.

Opening Paragraph 3

Highlight an impressive accomplishment , award or honor and use numbers when possible.

Opening Paragraph 4

Be creative.

Tell a story about why you are applying.

Opening Paragraph 5

Mention a shared contact (only if you’re sure it’s a positive connection!)

Opening Paragraph 6

STEP 5 Tell them why they should hire you in the main body of your letter.

Why They Should Hire You

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.

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.

Closing Paragraph

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.

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

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:

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:

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.

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:

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.

Writing Tips To Get Hired

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 Found On Every Successful Cover Letter

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.

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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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Cover Letter

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What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is an official letter expressing interest in a position at a company when applying for a job. It is an integral part of the job application process. Though it usually accompanies the resume or curriculum vitae , it is not always required.  Despite this, a cover letter is a great way to give your job applications an extra boost.

The cover letter introduces the applicant and tells the recruiter why he or she is the best fit for the job. Often, the cover letter is only a page long, and it is written in a formal but pleasant tone.

Cover Letter

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Is it necessary to send a cover letter?

This question is always being debated upon but the answer is “yes”, even if the recruiter or employer didn’t specifically ask for one. It can be tempting to skip writing a cover letter because of the presence of the resume but including a cover letter can increase one’s chances of getting hired.

A resume can sometimes be rather boring, as it is purely text and bullets . The cover letter can catch the recruiter’s attention, helping the applicant take a step forward in the application process.

Basic Elements of a Cover Letter

A cover letter is like most other types of business letters, except that it contains certain parts that are not found in other letter types. A cover letter typically offers more creativity in its writing. However, it is important to remember to keep a cover letter within one page. Generally, it includes all of the following:

1. Contact Information

This is one of the most important parts of the cover letter because it contains the applicant’s contact information so that the employer can easily reach him or her. Unlike other letters like the resignation letter, your contact information can appear as a header to save space for the body of your letter.

2. Salutation

The salutation should be formal and straightforward. Whenever possible, try to find information about the hiring manager for the position. Ideally, the salutation should formally address the hiring manager. For example, one can write “Dear Mr. Smith” or “Dear Ms. Sill.” However, if the hiring manager’s information cannot be found, it is acceptable to write “Dear Hiring Manager.”

3. Introduction

The first paragraph of your cover letter is the introduction. Use the first sentence of the introduction to hook the reader in and make them want to read the letter. Additionally, the first sentence should convey interest in the position. Some ideas to base the hook on are:

The rest of the introduction should focus on outlining why you are applying to the company and how your skills and experiences will help you thrive in the position to which you are applying.

4. Body of the Letter

The main body of your cover letter can be one or two paragraphs long – depending on the length of the rest of your letter. Focus on explaining how you are a good fit for the company and position. Ideally, target something mentioned in the job description and back it up with an experience listed on your resume.

Use the first paragraph of the body to talk about hard skills. Select one or two hard skills – specific tasks for the job – mentioned in the job description. Using these, explain how the skillset you have developed from your past experiences will help you perform these tasks.

Similarly, use the second paragraph of the body to talk about soft skills – teamwork, personality, interpersonal skills, etc. Typically, soft skills will be listed on the job description as desired by the employer. Like hard skills, select one or two soft skills mentioned and use your experiences to explain how you fit into their description of an ideal candidate.

5. Conclusion

The conclusion of the paragraph ties everything back together. The first sentence of the conclusion should relate to the first sentence of your introduction in some way to complete the story of your cover letter. Additionally, use the conclusion to express gratitude to the employer for taking the time to read and consider your application. Finally, mention that you look forward to hearing from the employer soon.

6. Complimentary Close

The complimentary close in a cover letter is usually “Sincerely”.

7. Signature

A hard copy of the letter should contain a hand-written signature while an electronic copy can use a digital signature.

Writing Tips

Here are some quick writing tips to give your cover letter an extra boost:

1. Expand on your Resume

Remember that the cover letter is used to expand on your resume. Avoid only repeating what was already mentioned on the resume. Instead, use the cover letter to expand on these points.

For example, if a statement on your resume was, “Generated over $1,000,000 in revenue by managing client transactions and delivering project proposals.”, expand on how you prepared these proposals and what skills you demonstrated.

2. The S.T.A.R. Method

When writing the body of your cover letter, the S.T.A.R. method of writing is useful:

S – Situation : the context behind the problem you solved. Why did you need to step in?

T – Task: what needed to be done to improve the situation. What goal were you working towards? What did you need to accomplish?

A – Action: the specific course of actions you took to accomplish the task.

R – Result: the outcome of your actions. Give numerical values to things to help the employer quantify your contribution.

3. Employer-based Perspective

The most important thing to remember when writing a cover letter is that you are not writing to talk about yourself. You are writing to talk about the company, the position, and how you fit the position. Every statement in the cover letter should focus on what the company needs and how you fulfill it.

The biggest mistake applicants make is focusing too much on their own careers and experiences. Instead of speaking on your life, focus on what the company needs for the position and how you fulfill their needs.

Cover Letter for Professionals

Cover letters for professionals come in three types, namely (1) application, (2) prospecting, and (3) networking cover letters. The first one is the most standard type, which is sent with a resume, while the second one is more of an inquiry into any job opening at a prospective company. The third type is not as common as the first two. It is still sent by an applicant to former colleagues, friends, and other contacts to seek their help in getting a job if they know of any openings.

Cover Letter for Internships

It is much easier to write a cover letter for an applicant with previous work experience. However, it can be challenging for someone who is writing one for an internship because of the lack or absence of any prior work experience.

The good thing is that it is still possible for an inexperienced applicant to sell himself through his cover letter by highlighting any past unpaid jobs, training, seminars, and volunteer work . It can also help to dedicate a paragraph to briefly talking about the applicant’s future goals, which should be in line with the job being applied for.

Is it okay to send an email cover letter?

In today’s age of the information superhighway and electronic correspondence, it isn’t wrong to ditch the traditional paper and brown envelope for the electronic one. Most job applicants today send their cover letters through emails or through social apps such as Twitter and LinkedIn. What is important is that the cover letter retains its formal yet personable tone and provides the same basic elements or parts.

Is it okay to use a cover letter template?

While it is ideal to write a personalized cover letter for the company you are applying to, a template is a helpful tool for creating a great cover letter. It helps provide the proper formatting and ensure that all important parts are present.

Tips When Using a Cover Letter Template

Here are some tips to remember:

1. Choose a Template

The internet is home to various cover letter templates, so applicants should choose carefully, bearing in mind the position or the job being applied for and the field or industry where it belongs.

2. Organize the Content

The applicant should list everything he wants to include in the cover letter, especially those things that are to be written in the various paragraphs.

3. Rewrite the Words

To personalize the letter, it is important to rephrase and use one’s own words.

4. Finalize the Letter

With the draft ready, the applicant can now use the template and set the format. The most acceptable font type is Times New Roman with font sizes 10 to 12 point. Other simple and formal fonts can also be used. Then, finally, save the file into PDF or MS WORD format and it is ready to be sent.

Additional resources

Thank you for reading CFI’s guide to writing a cover letter. CFI offers the Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA)™ certification program for those looking to take their careers to the next level. To keep learning and advancing your career, the following resources will be helpful:

what to write in a cover letter template

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How to Write a Cover Letter: Examples & Template

How to Write a Cover Letter: Examples & Template

Is your head aching from conflicting advice about how to write a cover letter? Use our writing guide and stop spinning.

Katarzyna Furman

Jumping between tabs to use tips on how to write a cover letter?

You can stop now.

You’ve just found a cover letter writing guide that’s all-in-one. Follow along and get it over with.

This guide will show you:

Want to write your cover letter fast? Use our cover letter builder. Choose from 20+ professional cover letter templates that match your resume. See actionable examples and get expert tips along the way.

Create your cover letter now

sample cover letter example

Sample cover letter for a resume— See more cover letter templates and create your cover letter here .

How to write a cover letter step by step:

Cover Letter Example

Summer Hislop

44 Edgecliff Road

TAYLOR SQUARE NSW 2010

(01) 2345 6789

[email protected]

25 August 2021

Ellie Byatt

Head of Technology

2 Grandis Road

SHERWOOD NSW 2440

[email protected]

RE: SENIOR IT PROJECT MANAGER — Position Number: 123A

Dear Ms Byatt,

With great pleasure, I submit my application for the Senior IT Project Manager position recommended to me by one of your employees, Cody Agaundo. We have known each other for years, which makes me highly optimistic about the opportunity. My particular interest in this position comes from my ambition to change people’s approach towards technology, together with my natural aptitude for problem-solving. 

Thanks to a 6-year experience in project management in the technology industry, I feel confident in my ability to supervise the full cycle of IT projects, including software development, agile approach, budget management, and contract negotiation. I have gained substantial knowledge in project management methodologies throughout those years, getting certified as PMI Agile Practitioner and Registered Project Manager.

During my employment at TechCon, I had the opportunity to put my risk management and negotiation skills to the test. The company was on the brink of losing its biggest client to date and money invested in the project due to unforeseen and abrupt changes in privacy regulations. Thanks to my expertise and connections, the client stayed with the company, and TechCon secured a $1M contract. As a result, we managed to launch a fraud prevention application.

You and I share the same values: impact, commitment, and integrity. I also find it comforting about Sicall that you choose your projects with great diligence and make sure it is the society that benefits, not the other way round. Knowing the attitude you desire to see daily, I am confident you will find me an added value to your company.

I would welcome the possibility of further discussing how my success will bring results to the Technology department at Sicall. Please let me know when we can arrange to meet in person.

Yours sincerely,

Attachments:

Hiring managers read cover letters to get into the details of the experience and skillset that you listed on your resume. It adds personal value to your job application and is a perfect tool to convince the recruiter of your qualifications.

Follow along with our step-by-step guide on how to make a good cover letter for a job that recruiters will love:

1. Sort Out Your Cover Letter Format

Before you jump into pouring words like sauce on pasta, get your cover letter formatting right. 

Your letter should be one page long, and when you set up spacing and other technicalities, you’ll know when the sauce is spilling out.

Job Application Cover Letter—Format

Although you don’t have to fear the sauce will pour over now, you still need to choose something less Da Bomb. Heavenly Habanero Chilli is your go-to, and you can only make it happen with a proper cover letter structure:

Cover Letter for Job Application—Structure

With such delicate cover letter parts , you won’t need milk to cool down. Neither will your recruiter.

2. Create a Cover Letter Header

Which item on your cover letter does your hiring manager see first?

Correct! 10 points to Gryffindor! 

It’s the cover letter heading, which means you can’t mess it up. 

There’s a quick fix, though, if you’re using a cover letter design builder. 

You can easily copy the header style and include the same contact details: your name, phone number, and email address. You’ll earn another point for consistency. Just add your mailing address to keep a formal letter format. 

But, if you’re using a text editor to write it, here’s a template you can copy:

Cover Letter Header—Template 

[Your Full Name]

[Phone Number]

[Email Address]

Paste it in the left upper corner of the page. And remember—left align.

Take a look at how Summer completed the header template:

Cover Letter Heading—Example

Notice that Summer didn’t use her SPAM email address ( [email protected] ). And, she didn’t send it from her current work email account, either.

Be like Summer. 

Be professional.

That was the easiest part of writing a cover letter. See how it gets with each chapter—

3. Address Your Hiring Manager

Let me ask you this:

Would you read a letter or an email if the address was To Whom It May Concern ?

Yeah, I wouldn’t bother, either. Oh, did you hear that? It was your recruiter crying, “ Same! ” 

There’s three of us, then.

These are equally bad:

They feel generic, almost spammy. And generic in recruiter’s language means unworthy .

To get your hiring manager to listen to what you have to say, call them out by name . 

Do your research and find it in the job description, the company’s website or LinkedIn profile. If it’s not there, call the office. If you tried everything but failed nonetheless, write “ Dear Hiring Manager .” 

Apart from the name, you need a few more details for your cover letter address. Copy the template below to fill them in:

How to Address a Cover Letter—Template

[Date of Writing]

[Hiring Manager’s/Recruiter’s Name]

[Hiring Manager’s/Recruiter’s Job Title]

[Company Name]

[Hiring Manager’s/Recruiter’s Email Address]

RE: [Role Title and Number]

Dear [Ms/Mr Hiring Manager’s/Recruiter’s Last Name],

In case you haven’t found your recruiter’s name, follow along with the company details only.

And writing the name and number of the job title in the address section will spare you dwelling on it in the opening paragraph.

Check out the below example with correct cover letter address formatting:

How to Address a Cover Letter—Sample

OK—enough of filling in cover letter templates.

It’s time to start proper cover letter writing.

When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check . Start building a professional resume template here for free .

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When you’re done, Zety’s resume builder will score your resume and tell you exactly how to make it better.

4. Introduce Yourself In a Cover Letter

What would you tell Network 10 to get in Survivor ? Well—

You’d probably come up with an epic story about how perfect you’re for this. After all, a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity is at stake. 

Think of the cover letter introduction as if it was your elevator pitch to the Survivor ’scasting manager.

Introduce yourself and give them a good reason to take you in. It can be either a passion that drives you or one of your outstanding achievements. You can also respond to the employer’s most recent problems.

No matter what you choose, it’s your live or die moment. Don’t let the recruiter eliminate you after reading your cover letter opening.

Job Application Cover Letter—Introduction

That’s some attention-grabbing cover letter intro! 

The first example drops a name and uses it to build trust. And, there’s also a passion bit that fits into the company’s big picture.

The other one, though, is definitely your die moment.

5. Write About Relevant Skills and Experience

Speedos aren’t for everyone. And if your mates really care about the pack’s unity, they’d need to use arguments appealing specifically to you.

That’s precisely what you need to do in the next paragraphs—describe your experience and skills in your employer’s language.

But it can’t be just a description. 

You’re writing the cover letter to prove you’re second to none in the speed race for the role. 

That’s why the accomplishments must be relevant, get your abilities across, and say how they respond to the company’s needs. Do exactly that in one or two paragraphs.

Now repeat after me:

“ I’ll find everything I need in the job description. ”

On ya! 

Take a look at the below examples to see how well Summer understands her role:

Cover Letter Sample—Performance Paragraph

The cover letter can’t be a copy-paste of your resume. You won’t make a difference with your letter that way.

Instead, go into detail about one of your achievements. Say how the skills you have helped you get results.

Pro Tip : If you’re going for a technical role, include more numbers. They draw attention like crazy and add impact to your accomplishments.

6. Highlight the Benefit from Hiring You

By now, your employer should know what you’ve got.

But they’re tough game. Peppering your skills and accomplishments isn’t enough.

In this paragraph, speak about your motivation to convince the hiring manager you’re up for the long run. And what works better than finding something that connects you?

There are several strategies you can use for this cover letter part:

The thing is—cover letters shouldn’t only speak about how you fit the company, but how good you are for each other.

With that in mind, check what drives Summer to start working for Sicall:

Sample Cover Letter for a Job—Motivation Paragraph Example

On a scale from 1 to 10, how bad is the second example? 11.

It’s generic and means, well , nothing. 

The first one, though—just look at those values! The recruiter will be thrilled to know you share their views and won’t hesitate to call you “one of theirs.”

7. Add a Call to Action in the Cover Letter Closing

This may come as a surprise to you, but—

It’s you who asks to tee up for an interview.

Can you believe it?

It’s a bold move, but a necessary one. 

Including a call to action instead of a clichéd, “ Looking forward to hearing from you, ” can decide whether you get the job .

Keep the positive tone and hint at having even more successes to discuss. In the final sentence, ask for a bell or in-person interview.

Example of a Cover Letter—Last Paragraph

And. That. Is. Fire.

8. Sign-Off the Cover Letter

If you were Usain Bolt and running the 100 m, this will be the 9th second of your world record’s run.

To make it to the finish line, you need to add a formal salutation and signature to the cover letter closing.

Go for “ Yours sincerely ” or “ Yours faithfully. ” They’re hiring managers’ all-time favourites. And, whichever you choose, follow it with your first and last name. 

If you’re printing out the letter, sign it by hand. You can always add a digital signature if you have such a possibility.

Simple Cover Letter—Signature Example

And onto the 0.58 of the record—

9. Enclose Cover Letter Attachments

Let him cast the first stone, who never forgets to add attachments in the email.

The bloody embarrassment, though. Ugh!

You can’t let this happen this time. (Or never again, ideally.) Before you hit “Send,” stop for one second and think:

Do you want to include any documents apart from the cover letter for your job application?

Recruiters open cover letters first, so list anything else that you make available, for example:

Enclose those attachments at the bottom of your cover letter, a few lines under the signature.

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here.  Here's what it may look like:

matching set of resume and cover letter

See more cover letter templates and start writing .

Key Takeaway

How to write a cover letter in a nutshell:

Want more info on writing a cover letter? Wondering how your cover letter can get you noticed? Maybe you want more cover letter tips on a specific cover letter writing step?

Leave a comment. We’ll be happy to reply!

Katarzyna Furman

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  1. How to Write a Cover Letter in 2021

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  5. How to Write a Cover Letter for Any Job in 8 Steps (2023)

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  4. Cover letter for the position of Health Care Assistant

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  6. How to write Cover Letter in MS Word || Canadian Style Cover Letter

COMMENTS

  1. Template How To Write A Cover Letter

    Use this template Nanica This simple cover letter template is great for experienced candidates. Use this template Primo This simple and creative cover letter layout is great for printing, so take this one to a job fair!

  2. Cover Letter

    Often, the cover letter is only a page long, and it is written in a formal but pleasant tone. It can be tempting to skip writing a cover letter because of the presence of the resume but including a cover letter

  3. How to write a cover letter template Jobs, Employment

    Black Friday Mailchimp email Template Design 20 hours left. I need someone to design an email template I can use with mailchimp. developer needed with knowledge of am charts open source and development process of email template builder

  4. How to write a cover letter template

    Shreya, The purpose of the cover letter is to bridge between the position and your resume, helping to clarify for the reader quickly why they will want to interview you and ultimately have you in the position

  5. How to write an open cover letter (with a template)

    An open cover letter, also referred to as a cold cover letter or a letter of interest, is a document that addresses a recruiter or hiring manager of a company

  6. What Is a Cover Letter Template?

    A cover letter template is an outline for a professional cover letter that helps you with the layout of your own. This type of template shows you the various elements and information you should include in your cover letter