winning cover letter examples

In an increasingly digitized world, where customer-centric strategies are vital for business success, I am thrilled to apply for the [Job Title] position at HubSpot."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Introduction:

"To Whom it May Concern,

I am applying for the [Job Title] position at HubSpot. I have some experience in marketing and can help your clients grow their businesses."

Relevant Professional Experience

It can be tempting to use the same cover letter for every job. After all, it‘s about your experience, isn’t it? But it's not enough to rephrase the work history in your resume.

Recruiters and hiring managers are looking to fill a specific role, so you need to show how your experience translates to their unique needs.

So, the body of a great cover letter should showcase the specific professional experiences that are relevant to the job you're applying for. Emphasize your accomplishments and skills that directly relate to what the job needs.

To speed up this part of the cover letter writing process, start by creating a list of your transferable skills . Drafting this list can help you quickly focus on the skills to highlight in your cover letter.

Then, use AI tools to summarize job descriptions and narrow in on where your experience and the needs of the role you're applying for overlap. This post is full of useful AI assistant tools if you're new to AI.

Helpful Cover Letter Experience:

“At [Company Name], I had the opportunity to assist a global ecommerce retailer in enhancing their online customer experience. By conducting in-depth market research and customer journey mapping, I identified pain points and areas of improvement in their website navigation and user interface.”

Unhelpful Cover Letter Experience:

“I also worked with an ecommerce retailer to improve the customer experience. We did some surveys and training, and they were happy with the results.”

Useful Examples

To make your cover letter stand out, add specific examples that show how you've solved problems or gotten results in past roles.

Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible, using data to give the reader a clear understanding of your impact.

Helpful Cover Letter Example:

“I lead a team of five content writers while increasing website traffic by 18% year-over-year.”

Unhelpful Cover Letter Example:

“I have a great track record of leadership and achieving fantastic results.”

Research and Company Knowledge

Hiring teams aren‘t hiring anyone with the skills to do the job. They’re hiring a person they'll work alongside at their specific company.

So, to show that you‘re not just looking for any job anywhere, share your knowledge of the company’s industry, values, and culture in your cover letter.

Spend some time on the company website and take notes on what makes this business interesting to you and why you would want to work there.

Then, explain how your skills align with the company's mission and goals and explain how you could add to their chances of success. This will showcase your interest in the company and help them see if you are a good cultural fit.

Helpful Cover Letter Research:

“I was particularly drawn to HubSpot not only for its industry-leading solutions but also for its exceptional company culture. HubSpot's commitment to employee development and fostering a collaborative environment is evident in its recognition as a top workplace consistently. I strongly believe that my passion for continuous learning, self-motivation, and dedication to contributing to a team will make me a valuable asset to HubSpot.”

Unhelpful Cover Letter Research:

“I have been inspired by HubSpot's commitment to inbound marketing and its comprehensive suite of solutions. HubSpot's dedication to providing valuable content and fostering meaningful relationships aligns with my own values and aspirations.”

Clear Writing

Your cover letter needs to pack in a lot of important information. But it's also important that your cover letter is clear and concise.

To accomplish this, use professional but easy-to-understand language. Be sure to remove any grammar or spelling errors and avoid lengthy paragraphs and avoid jargon or overly technical language.

You may also want to use bullet points to make your letter easier to skim. Then, proofread your cover letter for clarity or ask a friend to proofread it for you.

• Guide to Becoming a Better Writer
• Tips for Simplifying Your Writing

Helpful Cover Letter Writing:

"In addition to my academic accomplishments, I gained valuable practical experience through internships at respected law firms.

Working alongside experienced attorneys, I assisted in providing legal support to clients. This hands-on experience helped me develop a deep understanding of client needs and enhanced my ability to effectively communicate complex legal concepts in a straightforward manner."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Writing:

"Furthermore, as a complement to my academic accomplishments, I have garnered invaluable practical experience through internships at esteemed law firms.

Throughout these placements, I actively collaborated with seasoned attorneys to conduct due diligence and furnish clients with comprehensive legal support. Notably, these experiences fostered a profound comprehension of client necessities, whilst honing my legal acumen to articulately convey intricate legal principles within a lucid and concise framework, adhering to applicable precedents and statutes of limitations."

Genuine Interest and Enthusiasm

Find ways to convey your passion for the role and how excited you are to contribute to the company you're applying to. At the same time, make sure your interest feels authentic and outline how it aligns with your career goals.

Your ultimate goal is an enthusiastic letter that feels honest and leaves a lasting positive impression.

Showing excitement in writing doesn't come naturally for everyone. A few tips that can help you boost the genuine enthusiasm in your letter:

• Record audio of yourself speaking about the role, then use voice-to-text technology to transcribe and add these sections to your letter.
• Choose your words carefully .
• Write in active voice.

Helpful Cover Letter Tone:

“I am genuinely enthusiastic about the prospect of joining [Company/Organization Name] as an accountant. My combination of technical proficiency, eagerness to learn, and strong attention to detail make me an ideal candidate for this role. I am confident that my dedication, reliability, and passion for accounting will contribute to the continued success of your organization.”

Unhelpful Cover Letter Tone:

“Honestly, I can hardly contain my excitement when it comes to reconciliations, financial statement analysis, and tax regulations! Engaging in spirited discussions with professors and classmates has allowed me to foster an unbreakable bond with the fascinating world of accounting, and I'm positively bursting with enthusiasm at the prospect of applying my skills in a professional setting.”

Memorable Conclusion

End your cover letter on a strong note. Summarize your top qualifications, restate your interest in the position, and express your interest in future communication.

Then, thank your reader for their time and consideration and include your contact information for easy follow-up.

To make your conclusion memorable, think about what parts of your letter you‘d most like the hiring manager to keep top of mind. Then, consider your word choice and phrasing. If you’re feeling stuck, this list of ways to close an email can help.

Helpful Cover Letter Conclusion:

"Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to further discuss how my qualifications align with the needs of Greenpeace. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to arrange an interview.

Together, let's make a lasting impact on our planet.

[Your Name]"

Unhelpful Cover Letter Conclusion:

"Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my qualifications further and how I can contribute to Greenpeace's mission. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to arrange an interview.

I’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 I’ve discussed here — then, have even more by getting creative with your cover letter composition.

I 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.

So, get inspired by these examples and templates. Write an incredible cover letter that shows the hiring team at your dream job exactly who you are.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in October 2020 and has been updated for comprehensiveness. This article was written by a human, but our team uses AI in our editorial process. Check out our full disclosure to learn more about how we use AI.

Don't forget to share this post!

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60+ Cover Letter Examples in 2024 [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.

Check out our guide video guide to learn how to write a Cover Letter that gets you HIRED!

#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.

40+ More Cover Letter Examples and Guides 

Couldn’t find a cover letter example for your field? Do not worry.

Below you can find a number of other cover letter examples for different fields and industries:

• Acting Cover Letter Examples
• Accounting Cover Letter Examples
• Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Architecture Cover Letter Examples
• Attorney Cover Letter Examples
• Barista Cover Letter Examples
• Bartender Cover Letter Examples
• Business Cover Letter Examples
• Business Analyst Cover Letter Examples
• College Student Cover Letter Examples
• Computer Science Cover Letter Examples
• Construction Cover Letter Examples
• Consultant Cover Letter Examples
• Customer Service Cover Letter Examples
• Data Analyst Cover Letter Examples
• Data Entry Cover Letter Examples
• Dental Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Digital Marketing Cover Letter Examples
• Elementary Teacher Cover Letter Examples
• Engineering Cover Letter Examples
• Executive Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Finance Cover Letter Examples
• Graphic Design Cover Letter Examples
• Healthcare Cover Letter Examples
• Human Resources Cover Letter Examples
• IT Cover Letter Examples
• Law Cover Letter Examples
• Management Cover Letter Examples
• Marketing Cover Letter Examples
• Mechanical Engineering Cover Letter Examples
• Medical Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Nurse Practitioner Cover Letter Examples
• Physician Cover Letter Examples
• Project Manager Cover Letter Examples
• Receptionist Cover Letter Examples
• Retail Cover Letter Examples
• Sales Cover Letter Examples
• Social Work Cover Letter Examples
• Software Engineer Cover Letter Examples
• Substitute Teacher Cover Letter Examples
• Teacher Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Team Leader Cover Letter Example

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 Write a Resume
• Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
• Cover Letter Format (w/ Examples & Free Templates)

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Writing a Winning Cover Letter: Tips and Examples

October 1, 2024

You’ve found the job that seems tailor-made for you. The skills? Check. The passion? Absolutely. But with countless other applicants feeling just as qualified, how do you make sure your application stands out?

That’s where learning how to write an effective cover letter comes in – an often-overlooked, yet crucial part of your job application. In fact, 94% of hiring managers say a strong cover letter can make or break their decision to interview you. So, take the cover letter as your chance to showcase who you are beyond the resume.

The best part? Crafting a compelling cover letter isn’t as daunting as it sounds. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to write an effective cover letter that sets you apart and lands you that dream role.

Let’s dive in and unlock the door to your future career success!

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Crafting Your Cover Letter: Key Tips and Tricks

Crafting a standout cover letter is no longer just a formality—it’s your chance to grab the hiring manager’s attention and show why you’re the perfect fit. But how do you make it shine? Let’s uncover some essential tips and tricks of a winning cover letter to create a lasting impression.

1. Nail the Basics

Your cover letter sets the foundation for your application, so it’s imperative to get the basics right. Employers look for clarity and professionalism from the start.

2. Personalize with Precision

Addressing your cover letter directly to the hiring manager demonstrates effort and attention to detail. It’s not just about using their name—it’s about tailoring your content to their company and the specific role.

In fact 78% of hiring managers say it’s easy to tell when an applicant has invested time in tailoring their cover letter.

3. Hook ‘Em with a Strong Intro

Your opening statement is the hook that can either capture attention or get lost among countless other applications. Skip the generic intro and make an impact from the first sentence. Here’s something interesting: 41% of hiring managers say the introduction leaves the biggest impression.

4. Show Your Value in the Body

The body of your cover letter is where you connect your skills and achievements with the company’s needs. Highlight how you can solve their problems by emphasizing specific results you’ve delivered in the past. Remember, 21% of hiring managers say the body paragraphs are the most impactful part of your cover letter.

5. Wrap it Up with a Bang

End your cover letter by leaving a lasting impression. A strong conclusion reinforces your interest in the position and prompts the hiring manager to take the next step. Leave them wanting more.

Taking the time to understand how to structure your cover letter will ensure that each section flows seamlessly, helping you present your qualifications in the best possible light.

Need your cover letter to work harder for you?

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7 Tips to Take Your Cover Letter from Good to Great

Want to transform your cover letter from forgettable to interview-worthy? These seven expert tips will help you polish your letter to perfection, showcasing your unique value. Let’s dive in:

1. Spotlight Your Strengths

Instead of merely listing skills, focus on turning your strengths into a compelling narrative backed by measurable results. Hiring managers want to see how your skills translate into concrete outcomes.

Example : “My experience in data analysis, coupled with my knack for visual storytelling, allowed me to increase client engagement by 40%.”

This approach ensures you’re not just listing skills, but showing the real-world impact you’ve made.

2. Show Genuine Enthusiasm

Go beyond generic statements by connecting your passion to the company’s specific goals or recent achievements. Demonstrating you’ve researched the company creates a connection that sets you apart from generic applicants.

Example : “Your recent launch of eco-friendly packaging aligns perfectly with my commitment to sustainable business practices, and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to your efforts.”

3. Proofread Like Your Job Depends on It (Because It Does!)

Proofreading is critical, but beyond basic grammar checks, read your letter out loud or have a friend review it to catch awkward phrasing. Tools like Grammarly can help with initial checks, but human input will catch more subtle errors.

💡 Pro Tip: A fresh pair of eyes can spot mistakes you might miss. Having someone else read it adds an extra layer of polish.

4. Sprinkle in Those Keywords Naturally

Research job postings to identify the key terms that align with the role and company culture. Rather than keyword-stuffing, aim to incorporate them naturally to show your familiarity with industry jargon and the role.

Example : If “cross-functional collaboration” appears multiple times in the job posting, ensure you highlight your teamwork experiences effectively.

💡 Pro Tip : Using keywords like “project management” and “leadership” where relevant will help your cover letter get past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) without sounding robotic.

5. Action Words Are Your Friends

Instead of saying “I was responsible for,” use stronger action verbs like “implemented,” “streamlined,” or “innovated” to show your proactive role in accomplishments.

Example : “Implemented a new CRM system, improving client retention by 15% and boosting overall team productivity.”

💡 Pro Tip: Swooped’s AI Cover Letter Generator is a whiz at incorporating dynamic action words, making your achievements pop off the page!

6. Customize, Customize, Customize

Tailoring your cover letter to each specific job posting is essential. According to research, 34% hiring managers from medium and large companies consider customization critical when evaluating applications. Reference specific projects or needs of the company, showing how your skills directly align.

7. Beat the Bots with ATS Optimization

Before your cover letter reaches human eyes, it may need to pass through an ATS. Make sure you’re not using fancy fonts, graphics, or unstructured formats that ATS systems can’t read. Keep formatting simple and include key job-related terms to improve your chances of being seen.

💡 Pro Tip: Swooped’s AI Cover Letter Generator is designed with ATS in mind, helping you create cover letters that are both human-friendly and bot-approved!

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Cover Letter

Your cover letter is looking sharp, but before you hit send, let’s make sure you haven’t fallen into any common traps. Here are the top cover letter mistakes to avoid at all costs:

1. Going Generic

Starting with “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern” signals a lack of effort. It’s essential to do your homework. A personalized greeting, using the hiring manager’s name, can make a real difference. According to research, using a person’s name activates their brain, grabbing their attention immediately. If you can’t find the name, “Dear Hiring Manager” is still acceptable, but only as a last resort.

2. Writing a Novel

Recruiters spend an average of 30 seconds reviewing each cover letter, so brevity is key. Stick to 250-400 words, and avoid recounting your entire career. Focus on what’s relevant to the role you’re applying for.

3. Copying Your Resume

Your cover letter should complement your resume, not repeat it. Use it to expand on your experience by sharing specific stories or providing additional context to the achievements listed on your resume. Show how your qualifications translate to value for the company.

4. Using Clichés Without Backing Them Up

Phrases like “team player” or “thinks outside the box” are overused and often skimmed over by hiring managers. If you’re using buzzwords, back them up with concrete examples. Instead of saying, “I’m a great communicator,” say, “I improved team communication by implementing weekly check-ins, resulting in 15% faster project delivery.”

5. Including Irrelevant Information

Unless your hobbies directly relate to the job or the company’s culture, leave them out. Instead, focus on how your skills align with the company’s needs. Your cover letter is not the place for personal anecdotes unrelated to the job.

6. Not Optimizing for ATS

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter candidates before a human ever reads your cover letter. To avoid getting filtered out, use simple formatting (no headers, footers, or images) and incorporate relevant keywords from the job description. This ensures your cover letter not only passes through the system but also aligns with the role.

7. Ending with a Whimper

A weak or passive closing can leave a negative impression. End strong with a call to action that reinforces your enthusiasm for the role. For instance, instead of “Thank you for your time,” try something like, “I’m eager to discuss how my experience in X can contribute to the success of Y, and I look forward to the opportunity for an interview.”

Tired of rejection?

Let Swooped’s AI Cover Letter Generator craft your perfect cover letter.

Real-World Cover Letter Examples

Ready to see how all this advice translates into actual cover letters? We’ve got you covered! Below are three examples tailored to different career stages and situations.

Let these examples spark ideas for your own standout cover letter:

1. The Fresh Graduate

• Scenario: Marketing grad applying for a tech startup role
• Relevant coursework and internships
• Enthusiasm and willingness to learn
• Transferable skills

2. The Career Shifter

• Scenario: Sales pro moving into project management
• Relevant achievements
• New qualifications

3. The Tech Veteran

• Scenario: Experienced developer gunning for a senior role
• Technical expertise
• Leadership experience
• Alignment with company values

Wrapping It Up

There you have it, folks – your roadmap to crafting a cover letter that’ll have hiring managers racing to call you. Remember, a great cover letter is your chance to tell your career story and show why you’re the perfect fit for the role.

The key ingredients? 

Personalization, relevant experiences, and genuine enthusiasm. Let your personality shine through while keeping it professional. And here’s a little secret: 49% of hiring managers say a strong cover letter can convince them to interview an otherwise weak candidate. So it’s definitely worth the effort!

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t sweat it! Swooped’s AI Cover Letter Generator is here to save the day. It’s like having a professional writer and career coach rolled into one, helping you create personalized, impactful cover letters in minutes.

Remember, every great career starts with a single step – or in this case, a stellar cover letter. You’ve got this!

Ready to land your dream job?

 Register now and let Swooped’s AI Cover Letter Generator kickstart your career success!

1. Should I include salary expectations in my cover letter?

No, unless the job listing specifically requests it. Mentioning salary expectations can be premature and may shift the focus away from your qualifications.

2. Is it okay to mention career gaps in my cover letter?

Yes, briefly address career gaps by highlighting what you did during the time off, such as freelancing, upskilling, or volunteering, and how those experiences enhanced your qualifications.

3. How do I avoid being too formal or informal in my cover letter?

Match your tone to the company’s culture. Research their website and communications. For example, use a more casual tone for startups and a formal tone for corporate environments.

4. How can Swooped’s AI tool improve my cover letter?

Swooped’s AI Cover Letter Generator optimizes your cover letter by incorporating job-specific keywords, ensuring ATS compatibility, and creating tailored content that resonates with hiring managers.

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Complete guide to writing a winning cover letter with examples

Your resume has been whipped into shape and it’s ready to go to the top of every recruiter’s pile.

Hold up! There’s something else you can’t neglect to include when you send off the application for your ideal job.

It’s your cover letter .

Your first thought is likely — are cover letters necessary nowadays?

In a word — yes .

You get a whole 6 seconds to grab the recruiter’s attention when they read your resume. Sending off a cover letter shows you’ve done just a little more and could well be the differentiator you need.

Knowing the potential to impress with a cover letter, we’re going to share everything you need to know to write a perfect cover letter that should get you invited for an interview.

You’ll get the details about:

• Things to write about in your cover letter
• Great example texts you can use

Let’s start from the very beginning…

What’s a Cover Letter?

Usually, a cover letter is no longer than an A4/Letter document that you enclose with your resume to give extra details about your skills and experience.

A cover letter…

• Allows you a little more space to write about how you’re excited about landing the job.
• Gives the hiring manager more specifics about exactly why they need to interview you.

This isn’t where you repeat everything you said on your resume .

Instead, a cover letter should add to your resume and show that you’ve put in a little more effort than others to get the job you want.

Done properly, a cover letter serves to give a great first impression. To get that first impression spot on, you can use a well-formatted, visually appealing template . We’ve got a range of ready-made cover letter examples so you can choose the one you need. Build your cover letter now 👈

We’ve also created a useful guide that’ll help you to understand more about the differences between a resume and a cover letter .

Pro-Tip Do your research on the company you’re applying to before you put pen to paper, or finger to keyboard. Understand the company’s challenges and what value you can bring to ease them. Give this detail in your cover letter.

How to Write a Cover Letter

As you sit at your computer, poised to write a winning cover letter, questions start to cross your mind.

What needs to be included in my cover letter? How do I phrase what I want to say?

Fret not, we’ve got the answers coming straight up.

First of all, remember…

You should be preparing a new cover letter for every role you’re going to apply to.

Yet, you can still use a standard winning formula that will give your cover letter an edge.

Let’s start with the look of it.

How to format a cover letter?

To write your cover letter, follow this outline:

• The Introduction: add header, address letter, and write the opening paragraph This is where to grab attention and explain why you’re perfect for the job. Include in this section a header, greeting, and an eye-catching opening line.
• Body Paragraphs: explain why you are a perfect candidate Write two to three paragraphs that pull out the skills and experience you’ve got that are relevant to the role. Show the HR manager you can solve the company’s issues, that you’re perfect for the job, and that you’d be a positive addition to the team.
• Conclusion: call to action Wrap up your letter with a couple of concise sentences that bring home your strengths and request the reader get in touch — this is what we call a "call to action".

Want more details? Let’s keep going…

The Introduction: add header, address letter, and write the opening paragraph

At the very top of the page, you add your cover letter header.

In this part, you add your name and contact details, plus who you’re addressing — the hiring manager, including their professional title.

Next comes the date you’re writing the letter and the company, along with its name and business address.

Right at the top of the page of your cover letter should be:

• Your full name
• A professional email address, not your high school [email protected]
• A contact telephone number
• Your postal address, if you want to
• The link to your LinkedIn, if you’ve got one you maintain

After your personal details, next come:

• The full name of the person you’re sending your cover letter and resume to
• The name of the company
• Its phone number
• The email of the hiring manager or generic contact email

To make it easy, here’s an example for you to check out:

Follow this up with your opening line.

Addressing a cover letter correctly is really important. Do some digging and find the name of the person who’s going to get your cover letter and resume on their desk.

" To whom it may concern " is pretty archaic. It makes your cover letter look generic and shows that you’re probably preparing 20 of the same thing to send to everyone you’re applying to.

Make sure you personalize your cover letter from the get-go.

Some ideas for how you can address your letter include:

• Dear Katherine,
• Dear Miss Jones,
• Dear Ms. Smith,

Are you thinking " Is the first name of a hiring manager enough? "

It’ll all depend on the company.

When the position you’re applying to is with a cool, chilled company then stick with the first name of the hiring manager.

Applying to a corporation or a serious company? Stick with the title and last name of the recruiter.

What if you can’t find the recruiter’s name? How to address a cover letter when you don’t know who’ll be reading it?

In the case that you can’t track down the hiring manager, you should address your cover letter to the department you’ve included in the address section a little earlier or use a generic salutation.

For instance, you can write:

• Dear Recruiting Manager,
• Dear Hiring Manager,
• Dear Customer Service Hiring Team,
• Dear Content Marketing Department,

Because you don't know who will read your cover letter it's important to make sure the salutation is gender-neutral. For that, don't use the old-fashioned "Sir" or "Madam".

Now, we come to the really important part…

It’s your opening paragraph about why you’re applying for the job.

Keep your opener short and sweet, and be sure that you add in these three details:

• The reason you’re writing the letter
• Which position you’re applying for
• Where you saw the job advertised

What’s key here is giving value to the hiring manager and offering them concrete examples to back up what you say.

The whole point of the opening paragraph of your cover letter is to:

• Shine a light on your best achievements
• Demonstrate you have what your next employer is looking for
• Show how enthusiastic you are about the potential role

Sometimes we need to see a bad example to really understand something.

Here’s what you shouldn’t do in the opening paragraph of your cover letter:

• "I’d like to apply for the role of digital content writer that I saw advertised on Lookingforajob.com. My CV is attached for you to check out."

What do you notice immediately? Or rather, what do you not notice?

There’s no mention of any achievements. There’s no passion, zero enthusiasm.

Not exactly filling you with confidence to hire the person…

The above example doesn’t talk about adding value or even offering any details at all.

After we’ve shown you how not to write your opening paragraph, here’s a good example of a cover letter opening paragraph:

• Throughout my career, I’ve admired the campaigns put out by Be Content Co.’s content team. When I saw there was a vacancy for a Content Designer on your team I jumped to my desk to apply. My skills in researching content that ranks highly on search engines will help with Be Content’s plans to develop your online offering in the coming year. I planned and executed the digital content strategy for WordWork LLC, seeing an increase of 245% in organic traffic to its site and a doubling of the conversion rate, all on a tight budget of $65,000.

A whole world of difference, right?

With this paragraph, the recruiter is familiar with the applicant’s biggest professional achievements and they’ve got the feeling that they’re aiming to bring their company success.

There is no doubt the second example wins over the first.

Of course, you’d hire an applicant who shows some passion and industry knowledge along with some measurable achievements.

First part: done.

It’s time to move on to the juicy details — the central paragraph of your cover letter.

Pro-Tip Research really is key to a successful cover letter. You need to know who’s going to be reading your letter, what skills are required in the job description, and what the company culture looks and feels like.

Body Paragraphs: explain why you are a perfect candidate

In the next couple of paragraphs, you need to be giving an overview of the skills and experience you have that are directly related to the position.

You’re going to be talking about:

• Your proudest achievements
• The skills and specialisms you’ve got that are ideal for the role
• Specifics about the successes you’ve had before with facts and figures to back it up

When making your body paragraphs , the aim is to:

• Show how your past experience will contribute to the future of your next employer’s business
• Let the recruiter know you’re passionate about working at the company

Want to know what not to do?

Here’s a bad example for the body of your cover letter:

• In my last job I had to write blogs, which I liked and people told me they liked my writing. My friends tell me I'm a go-getter, a great listener, and proactive and dynamic. All of this makes me perfect to work with you and your company.

Sad to say, but this text is just taking up space in a cover letter, and adding nothing of substance.

There are no details, no KPIs, and nothing that says why the applicant would be good for the specific role being recruited for.

Let’s check out what a winning cover letter body paragraph looks like:

• Google Search Console
• Screaming Frog
• Google Analytics

Here, we see tangible examples and results that will impress any hiring manager.

Even better, there’s a solid reason why the applicant can fill the role in the advert.

There’s clear evidence in these two paragraphs that the applicant is an expert at what they do.

Following this, you should cover information about your previous work and how it connects to the plans of your next boss.

You need to:

• Explain what you find interesting about the job
• Reinforce that your skills will drive results for what the company is working on — this is why you need research!

Something like this will be effective:

• I’ve seen that Be Content is working on taking its whole product line online to reach a larger audience. This is perfect for my skills and interests and I relish the challenge of working with a website that is in the process of being expanded. It’d be really interesting to go from working from a very low base — WordWorks had less than 2,000 organic clicks per month to start — to working with a company aiming to maintain their site traffic of 15,000 clicks and expand their base.

Harness your recent experience and the facts and figures to show that you’ve got the skills to achieve the company's aims.

Pro-Tip Enthusiasm is great, but don’t get too involved with ego massaging, it can seem false. Be authentic in your praise, you’re not talking about your teenage love for Britney anymore.

When you need to write a cover letter with no experience , you can include:

• Academic and other achievements : refer to your GPA on your degree if it’s over 3.5, and any awards, merits, or scholarships that you won. Your thesis and its topic, if you wrote one, are worth noting, too
• Extracurricular activities : add any part-time or seasonal work, your volunteering activities, and how you participate in your hobbies
• Self-motivation and goal setting : talk about your goals and where you see yourself, explain how the job fits into your plans

An example of a cover letter body text for someone with no work experience could read like this:

• I graduated summa cum laude (3.7 GPA) from Utah State University with a BA in Digital Communications. Whilst at university, I was the editor of the student news site, including creating and commissioning content. I also ran the social media accounts for the theatre club, building the page from 100 likes to over 2000 within a year and boosting ticket sales with it. Having both studied and worked in volunteer roles around digital marketing, I would make a great addition to your team as a Content Assistant familiar with social media.

Your resume power words also come into play when crafting your cover letter, these will add extra punch to your text.

Coming to the end of your cover letter, it’s time to close things off with a strong and powerful call to action.

Conclusion: call to action

At the end of your cover letter is your closing, which should be polite, confident, and one last sentence that sells your candidacy.

The following details are all-important:

• A thanks to the recruiter for reading your cover letter and resume
• A concise summary of why they need to hire you
• A polite request that you get invited to an interview

Done properly, your closing paragraph will have the recruiter keen to move on to reading your resume next.

What does a good cover letter ending look like?

You want to tell the hiring manager that you’re excited to meet them in person to have a full discussion about your knowledge, background, and what you can do for them.

Looking for one more example?

Here you go:

• "I strongly believe that the skills I’ve outlined and the qualifications I’ve achieved make me the perfect candidate for the role of Content Designer. I’d love the opportunity to have a full conversation with you about how my experience at WordWorks will translate into growth and increased sales for Be Content."

This part of your cover letter should be brief and to the point.

Lastly, it’s time to sign off with a professional closing phrase , like:

• Respectfully,
• Kind regards,
• Best regards,

To wrap it all up, add two line breaks after closing phrase and add your full name.

Create your cover letter here 👈

Using this guide will help you come up with a simple and powerful cover letter to demonstrate to employers that you’re the exact right person to fill the vacancy they have.

Let’s do a rundown of the key takeaways you’ve got from this post.

Remember how long should a cover letter be ? Your perfect cover letter should fill one side of an A4/Letter paper.

On that page, you need to have :

• An introduction, which has a letter header, an opening paragraph with a great opening line, and a reason why the recruiter needs to keep reading the letter — because you can fulfill the needs they have.
• Body paragraphs with emphasis on your best achievements in your last job, how what you know will translate to results in the new job, and let them see how motivated you are to be a part of their team.
• A closing paragraph including a call to action and a reason for the recruiter to keep on reading over to your resume.

Doing research about the company, person, and role before starting to create your cover letter will be really helpful.

With your research, you can personalize your cover letter and use the name of the exact person who will read it. You can also target the experience you highlight based on what the company actually needs.

Your cover letter should have regular references to the company ethos and to specific projects that appeal to you.

Doing this will give a clear signal to the recruiter that you’ve taken time to learn about the company and you’ve got a genuine interest in the job.

Another key element to note is to back up everything you claim with facts, numbers, and examples , giving business results and problems you’ve solved.

Your cover letter should be short and to the point, letting your skills shine through.

Winning cover letters and perfect resumes can be a challenge. We can help you take them head-on — register now and you get professional quality templates that will boost your chances of landing your dream job.

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How To Write A Job-Winning Cover Letter [Free Templates & Examples]

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Writing a cover letter can be one of the most stress inducing aspects of the job search.

The reason writing them is so difficult is because we don't have a defined framework to follow.

If you need to update your resume, you download a template and fill in the blanks. When you're applying to jobs, the employer lays out the fields you need to complete right there in the application.

But when you're writing a cover letter, you probably find yourself staring at a blank Word document wishing the right words would will themselves onto the page.

Most of us don't consider ourselves to be the next Walter Isaacson , and the task of crafting the perfect story sits well outside of our comfort zone. It doesn't help that most of the advice out there on the subject is vague at best.

And that's exactly why I wrote this post! My hope is that this guide will be the last (and only) cover letter article you'll ever need to read. We're going to take a deep dive into:

• How To Write A Cover Letter That Actually Gets Results

The 7 Cover Letter Mistakes That Cost People Jobs

• The Anatomy of a Highly Effective Cover Letter
• Nailing Your Cover Letter Format: Aesthetics, Structure, Style, & File Type
• Cover Letter Templates & Real Examples From Microsoft, Google, & More

Ready to rock and roll? Let's dive in:

Writing A Cover Letter That Actually Gets You Hired

I did a quick Google search for “How To Write A Cover Letter,” and here are a few things that the “experts” recommend:

• Assess the employer's needs and your skills. Then try to match them in the letter in a way that will appeal to the employer's self-interest.
• Arrange the points in a logical sequence; organize each paragraph around a main point.
• Basic fonts like Arial, Calibri, Georgia, Verdana, and Times New Roman work well. A font size of 10 or 12 points is easy to read. Standard margins are 1” on the top, bottom, and left and right sides of the page.
• Be sure to include positive traits like “Focused,” “Hard Working,” and “Results Oriented”

While all of this advice is technically correct, did you feel your confidence skyrocket when you went back to type out that first sentence?

Yeah, me neither…

Here's the thing – most career “experts” out there give vague advice that they've seen work in their corner of the market. It doesn't get too specific because many career coaches (even recruiters) have never been through the application process at a world class company. They don't know the nitty gritty.

When they do give specific advice, it's usually tailored to a niche – software development, tech sales, finance, etc. But what works for one person in one industry or role might not work for a similar person in a different situation.

I'm hoping to change things with this article.

Over the course of this post, I'm going to lay out the cover letter strategies that thousands of my clients have used to land jobs across industries and at companies like Apple, Amazon, Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Deloitte, ESPN, American Express, and more.

The Truth About Cover Letters (Does Anyone Read Them?)

Before we dive into the actionable stuff, I want to provide some context on where cover letters fit in the hiring process.

Cover letters are a strange animal. People seem to think that they are the missing link that will suddenly skyrocket the response rates of potential employers.

When I asked my audience to choose between a guide on cover letters, resumes or LinkedIn profiles, cover letters won out by a significant margin.

The truth is, in the mind of a recruiter/hiring manager, your cover letter is a tie breaker that is only read after the rest of your application has been reviewed. 74% of recruiters don't even read cover letters. However, over half of employers noted that they prefer candidates who submit a cover letter:

This leaves us in an interesting place.

We need to craft a good cover letter to help boost our chances, but we don't want to spend several hours doing so because there are far better ways to spend our time to get results during the job search. If you follow the networking and value-add strategies in my other articles , those strategies are going to be far more effective at breaking ties than an 8.5 x 11″ sheet of paper.

My hope is that this guide will give you a framework that enables you to efficiently craft cover letters that are more likely to get you hired.

If we want our cover letter to be as effective as possible we need to make sure we avoid the mistakes that employers hate to see, yet most people still make.

In order to be as accurate as possible, I went out and spoke to recruiters from Google, Microsoft, and a few Wall Street firms on top of my own research. Then I cross referenced that information with the several hundred cover letters that have come across my desk at Cultivated Culture.

After all was said and done, here are the 7 most common mistakes people make on cover letters that will cause recruiters to throw out their application:

#1: Typos, Grammatical Errors, And General Sloppiness

This is the most obvious and most common issue. 80% of recruiters noted that they would automatically toss a cover letter with some type of spelling or grammatical error. The good news is that it's also the easiest mistake to fix.

Before you submit your cover letter, make sure it's reviewed by at least two other parties. You might want to consider hiring a professional editor/proofreader as they're not too expensive for a short document and they will pick up on things most people would miss. It's easy enough to find one on Upwork .

Another trick you can use is including an obvious mistake about 75% of the way through. If you have “catching Bustin Jeiber's sweaty t shirt at a concert” sitting in there and someone doesn't call you out, you know they probably didn't read it very carefully.

#2: Going Over A Single Page

The vast majority of the resumes and cover letters I receive are over a single page. Funnily enough, the vast majority of the recruiters I speak to also tell me that they absolutely hate resumes and cover letters that are more than one page.

The ideal length for a cover letter is one page. Changing the margins, font, and font size are all fair game – just keep things on one page, capisce?

#3: Regurgitating Your Resume In A Slightly Different Format

Your cover letter is a space for you to truly differentiate yourself. If you're just taking the bullets on your resume and turning them into full sentences, you're missing out on a HUGE opportunity.

Use the cover letter to show a little personality and share something that people wouldn't know if they just scanned through your resume (more on that in a sec).

Remember, this is a tie breaker. If your cover letter isn't holding people's attention it's probably going to lose out.

#4: Focusing On Training Or Arbitrary Credentials Instead Of Results

Many of us feel unqualified for the jobs we want. As a result, we try to twist our experience to match the traditional qualifications for our target role.

The problem with this approach is that you are competing against people who qualify for the traditional credentials, no matter what role you're applying for. If you try to beat them at their own game, you're going to lose 9 times out of 10.

Am I saying you should forget about trying to spin your experience to position yourself well? Absolutely not. However, adding that business class on your resume when you're 4-5 years out of college isn't going to help much.

Instead, focus your time outside of work on building tangible results that you can showcase in your cover letter (and resume). If you want to be a developer, take a few coding courses and build something cool. If you want to be in digital marketing, land a few clients and run their ads for them.

Telling a story about how you took proactive steps to build experience in a field will beat traditional credentials in most cases. Companies love to see that you're hungry to learn.

#5: Not Addressing Your Cover Letter To An Actual Person

I die a little bit inside when I see cover letters addressed as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern.”

Anyone who reads that is immediately going to mentally bucket it as impersonal. It's far better to address your cover letter to an actual human, even if it doesn't end up in their hands. Here is my strategy.

Let's say I'm applying for an Account Manager role at Google:

I'm going to head over to LinkedIn and start by working to find the specific person who would manage the role I'm applying for. If I can't find them, or I'm unsure, then I'll aim for the most senior person that my target role would fall under.

The ladder for Account Managers typically follows with Senior Account Manager, Account Director, and VP. I'm going plug in “Account Director” under LinkedIn's title filter to cover all of the bases there. Then I'm going to add “Google” in the company filter and “Greater New York Area” in the location filter:

That search is going to bring up a slew of people that I could address directly in my cover letter:

Regardless of who reads your cover letter, they'll know that you did your research. On top of that, your cover letter might even make it into the hands of the person you addressed it to!

#6: Failing To Showcase Any Personality

As mentioned earlier, your cover letter is one of the few opportunities for you to truly differentiate yourself from the competition. If you're applying for jobs online (which I don't recommend), the only thing you have to sell yourself is your resume, your cover letter, and your application.

Instead of rehashing the experience on your resume, tell a story about how you got that experience.  Make it unique and personable. I had the most success when I talked about how I transitioned from a job in medicine to the tech world by starting a side business generating leads for real estate agents. I'd speak openly about the challenges I faced, the mistakes I made, and why I went through it all in the first place.

Use this space to tell your story. Remember, people don't buy what you do – they buy you why you do it.

#7: Writing About An Uncomfortable Situation

While we're on the topic of telling stories, there is one thing you want to avoid – talking about something extremely uncomfortable. What might have worked for your college essay isn't going to work here.

You want to keep things professional. It's okay to talk about business-related mistakes and challenges, but try to steer away from deeply personal stories. They are far more likely to hurt than help.

If your cover letter doesn't violate any of the rules above, you're off to a good start! Next, we want to make sure your cover letter is formatted the right way and your content is on point to grab the reader's attention and get you in the door.

The Anatomy Of A Highly Effective Cover Letter

When I was job searching, one of the most frustrating things was trying to get a clear picture of what to include in my resume/cover letter/application. There is so much conflicting “expert” advice online it makes you feel like you're shooting in the dark.

When I started Cultivated Culture, I began tracking how different factors influenced the success of my students. After working with hundreds of job seekers over the past few years, I've found a strong correlation between the following factors and a high rate of successfully landing interviews:

Capitalize On Your Cover Letter's Header

Most people don't realize that when they hit “submit” on their app, their cover letter gets scanned by a piece of software that extracts specific information and stores the data so recruiters can easily find and assess candidates.

One of the major keywords they look for is a matching or relevant job title. If you're applying for a Project Manager role, are you including Project Manager, Project Management, PMP, or something similar in your cover letter? That's what the robot is looking for and the header is a great place to inject it. I recommend dropping it in right below your name.

After that, your cover letter is going to end up in the hands of a real human.

We want to make it as easy as possible for this person to learn more about us and get in contact if they want. I always recommend that you include the following right at the top of your cover letter:

Email Address  – Make sure it's simple and professional. 76% of applications are rejected for having unprofessional email addresses. Also, don't forget to hyperlink it! You want the employer to be able to click and get in touch.

LinkedIn Profile – A recent study showed that applications that include a link to a comprehensive LinkedIn profile increase their chances of hearing back by 71%!

The key thing to note is that the 71% stemmed from people who had a highly optimized LinkedIn profile. If you're wondering how you should be optimizing your LinkedIn profile for more interviews, check out my LinkedIn optimization guide here.

Phone Number  – If they like what they read, make it easy for them to pick up the phone and dial.

Relevant Links  – Your header is also a great place to share links to things like Github, relevant social profiles, personal websites, your blog, etc.

Finally, a lot of people ask me about including a location. I don't recommend adding your location when writing a cover letter unless the application requires it. It's not necessary to give that information away and it can cause more harm than good.

Here's an example of a great cover letter header that capitalizes on everything I mentioned above:

Tell A Story In Your Cover Letter's Opening Paragraph

This is an overarching theme that you want to include in each section of your cover letter.

Science has proven that people are more likely to remember information (or candidates in this case) when it's delivered in the form of a story. Stories also help build a positive psychological association with the reader (or recruiter/hiring manger here).

Remember Dan Brown's book  The Da Vinci Code ?

It was a novel about cryptic clues in some of Leonardo da Vinci's most famous paintings leading to the holy grail. While the book itself is fictitious, the artists, pieces, and much of the history behind them is accurate.

Now, if you asked most people about their opinion on art history, they'd tell you it was boring. They'd also groan in disappointment if you tried to get them to read a book on the subject. However, Dan Brown's novel skyrocketed to the top of the New York Times bestseller list and became an international sensation. In fact, it caused applications for art history degrees to jump up 25% in the years following its publication.

Why were all of these people suddenly interested in field previously considered to be “boring?” Because Dan Brown fed historical facts in the context of an interesting story!

We're aiming to do the same in our cover letter – specific examples below.

Talk About Why You're Interested In The Company

In the first section of your cover letter, you want to briefly talk about why you are interested in the role and the company. Remember, we want to drive the message through a story.

When I was applying at Google, I wanted to work there because they were a household name that was focused on cutting edge technology, but they also cared about impacting lives. Here is the story I used to drive that point home:

I wanted to recount a story from my referral [Name]. He’s in the education vertical and spends a significant amount of time at rural schools. When he was down in South Carolina, a teacher asked him about the possibility of getting wifi for the town and its students. [Name] said he would do his best and upon returning he asked around. He sent an email to Astro Teller who responded and they discussed the feasibility of implementing project Loon in the area. I don’t think it panned out but the fact that the communication took place over a tiny town in South Carolina sold me. That’s the kind of stuff I want to be doing.

If you don't have a story that immediately jumps to mind, the best way to get one is by talking to people who work at the company. Look up the company's mission or their core values beforehand and ask that person to tell you about the best example they've personally experienced.

You can check out this article if you want to know how to find someone's corporate email address.

Highlight What You Bring To The Role

The second section of your cover letter should showcase what you're going to bring to the role by talking about your past achievements. Be sure to use measurable metrics (actual numbers and quantitative results) to support your points.

If you're coming from a non-traditional background (and don't feel like you're “qualified”) this is the time to address that objection. Here is another excerpt from my Google cover letter that addresses my background using measurable results:

You might notice that there isn’t much “traditional” digital experience on my resume. That is because, coming from a scientific background, I needed to take a different path. In an effort to gain experience, I created my own agency called OpenWater Analytics. I specialized in using AdWords to generate real estate leads for private communities. I managed the entire sales process from cold outreach, to closing, to servicing the accounts on your platform. Most recently, I helped a community in South Carolina sell every listing on their site (about 15 homes) in less than 6 months. Our cost per lead was half of the competition and we did it all for less than the commission the realtor would have made on a single house (including ad spend).

When I wrote this, I didn't have much digital experience to speak to. Rather than trying to spin what I had, I went out and built the experience myself by starting a digital marketing firm. Again, if you feel like your experience is lacking, get out there are create your own!

Reference Your “Value Validation” Project

If you've read my article on How To Get A Job Anywhere With No Connections , you know that I always advocate for creating what I like to call a “Value Validation Project.”

This consists of having a conversation with someone at the company you want to work for and identifying their largest challenge or upcoming initiative. You then use that information to research on your own and come up with several solutions/suggestions for your contact.

In the final section of your cover letter you want to mention this project and include a call to action to discuss it. It could look something like this:

In hopes of learning more about [Company], I had a meeting with [Name]. She told me that her team's largest challenge was upselling customers into the company's new, complementary platform. She noted that, despite the platform increasing retention and lowering costs for clients, the upfront cost to onboard was a major obstacle.

In my previous role, we dealt with a similar situation. Our clients were receptive to adopting a new platform despite the data showing that it would be beneficial for all parties. I spearheaded an initiative where we tested and analyzed several revenue models that maximized adoption rates and profit margins. In the end, we increased adoption rates by 30% without impacting revenue.

Using the information that [Name] gave me, I outlined the process in detail as it relates to your platform. I believe that your team could implement these strategies immediately and see similar results. If you'd like me to send it to you, please let me know! My email is [email protected] .

This section is incredibly powerful because it shows that you are not only interested, you went ahead and proved out the value you could bring to the team. Additionally, the call to action can lead to conversations with the very people who will make the decision to hire you!

Nailing Your Cover Letter Format: Aesthetics, Structure, & Style

Now that you know what's going in your cover letter, it's time to talk about formatting it in a way that will get you results.

You probably didn't think that your paragraph structure, font choice, or margins matter, but they do. Your cover letter format says a lot about who you are as a person and a candidate. It also affects the scan-ability of your cover letter which is critical is you want to make it past those Applicant Tracking Systems!

Formatting Your Cover Letter Heading

I shared an image at the very top of this blog post that breaks down the general format and flow of a great cover letter. Here it is again:

The very first thing I mentioned was the Heading.

The Heading is where you're going to share things like your name, your contact info, and any other info that's relevant to the role. I always aim to include:

• First and last name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Link to my LinkedIn profile
• Any other links that are relevant (Github, personal websites, relevant social profiles, etc.)

When you're formatting your cover letter's header, make sure you don't use the header feature in Microsoft Word or Google Docs. Most Applicant Tracking Systems can't read what's inside of those headers so you're better off just including it in the “body” of the document.

Choosing An Awesome Font For Your Cover Letter (& Why That Matters)

Did I say “fonts?” For real? Who cares?

I used to just use the default Calibri or Arial too until I came across this post on the Psychology of Fonts . The author combed through 75+ academic studies on the subject which all pointed to a similar conclusion – fonts have a massive impact on our perception of an author.

That's right, people are judging you based on your font choice! Better pick a good one.

There are five main font categories out there today: Serif, Sans Serif, Monospace, Fantasy, and Cursive. Here’s an infographic illustrating the emotions that each of these font families evoke in the reader:

When it comes to the  “best” font for your cover letter , the safest bet is to use something simple and easy to read. In my opinion, Sans Serif fits that bill best so choose from fonts like Avenir, Helvetica, or Open Sans.

Formatting Your Cover Letter With Your Resume

If you're writing a cover letter, I bet you're also thinking about how it will tie into your resume. Both of these documents tend to go hand-in-hand when applying for jobs and staying consistent in both is a great way to show off some organizational skills and attention to detail.

The best rule of thumb is to match the formatting you're using on both your resume and cover letter. That means you want to:

• Use the same color scheme (matching down to the specific hex code )
• Use the same font and sizing (if you use 12 point for headers and 10 point for paragraphs, stay consistent on both)
• Use the same header (you can just copy and paste it from your resume to your cover letter and vice versa!)
• Use the same margins and spacing (if you went with 0.5″ on one, do it for both!)

If you pick an awesome cover letter template (like the one I linked below) and you match the formatting with your resume, your materials are going to look awesome and give you a great first impression.

Finally, when all that work pays off and you make it past the final round, make sure your resume references sheet matches the templates you choose here.

How To Upload & Submit Your Cover Letter (Choosing The Right File Type)

So you're finally ready to upload your cover letter and hit “submit” on that online app. Not so fast!

When you upload your cover letter, the application will accept certain file types — and they're not created equal. Usually the online portals will accept Word (.doc and .dox), PDFs, TXT files, and more.

So which one should you choose?

First, you should look to see if there are any instructions on the page. If the application tells you to use a specific format or file type, you should use that format or file type.

This is important because different applicant tracking systems can read applications in different ways.  Most  modern applicant tracking systems can read PDFs , but not every company uses a modern ATS system. So if the application specifically asks for a Word doc, you should use a Word doc.

If there are no instructions, Word is usually your safest bet but you should be fine using a PDF in most cases as well (unless the site specifically states otherwise).

Cover Letter Templates & Examples

At this point you should have a solid understanding of the science behind writing a killer cover letter. You should also have a good handle on what mistakes to avoid so your cover letter makes an awesome first impression.

Now we need to apply all of that to ink on paper! In order to make that easy for you, I'm including a copy of the cover letter templates that I used to land an interview at Google so you can see exactly how I wrote it.

Steal The Exact Cover Letter I Used At Google, Microsoft, & Twitter (For Free)!

Context For The Free Cover Letter Template

Before we dive into the exact cover letter template, I want to give you some context so you can better understand the content of the letter.

I was applying for a Digital Advertising Sales Account Manager at Google's offices in New York. I started by doing some research on LinkedIn to find who I believed to be the hiring manager (her name was Emmy).

I knew that my non-traditional background was a big red flag for most employers so my goal was to proactively address it in my cover letter by calling it out, talking through what I'd done to build the right skills, and highlight the results I'd achieved from those efforts.

Finally, I had spoken to several Google employees who all told me that “Googliness” (cultural fit) was a huge factor in the company's hiring decisions. If I wanted to have a chance, I needed a compelling narrative around why I wanted to work for them and why I was a good fit.

With all of that in mind, here's the cover letter I wrote:

Austin's Cover Letter Template Dear Emmy Anlyan, I grew up with Google. When I was seven years old, I used to sneak down to my Dad’s office at five in the morning to play video games. I still remember opening the browser and seeing the bright, multi-colored letters above the search box for the first time. I’ve always been interested in the tech space and, while my background has mainly been in the sciences, I’m ready to dive head first into the digital world. I believe I would be a great fit for the Digital Advertising Sales Account Manager role because I have a deep understanding of the businesses that partner with Google and how they define success. You might notice that there isn’t much “traditional” digital experience on my resume. That is because, coming from a scientific background, I needed to take a different path. In an effort to gain experience, I created my own agency called OpenWater Analytics. I specialized in using AdWords to generate real estate leads for private communities. I managed the entire sales process from cold outreach, to closing, to servicing the accounts on your platform. Most recently, I helped a community in South Carolina sell every listing on their site (about 15 homes) in less than 6 months. Our cost per lead was half of the competition and we did it all for less than the commission the realtor would have made on a single house (including ad spend). Understanding how these small businesses worked was critical to my success, and I believe those skills will help Google acquire happier, more successful customers who are inclined to spend. In addition, I’ve done some research on your team and have come to understand that your largest challenge is around successfully growing smaller accounts at scale. Based on my experience, I’ve put together a few suggestions below this letter – I’m happy to chat through them in more detail if you’d like. I wanted to close with a quick story about Google that solidified my choice to apply. My referral, [Name of Referral] , works in the education vertical. He services the southeast and many of his accounts are rural. On his last visit down there, in a South Carolina town of 1,500 with no wifi, a teacher asked him if Google could help bring the internet to them. When [Name of Referral] made it back to the office, he emailed Astro Teller asking about the potential for Project Loon to help bring this town in the 21st century. To his surprise, Astro wrote him back within the week mentioning that he’d look into it. While things didn’t pan out, the fact that director of Google’s moonshot project division wrote back an employee about an elementary school in South Carolina blew me away. That is the kind of work I want to be doing. Thank you for taking the time to read my note, I’m incredibly excited to have the opportunity to be considered for this position. Best, Austin

Another Cover Letter Example From A Real Client

It's always helpful to see things from a few different angles so I wanted to include an example of the cover letter one of my clients created using the same template.

She was a high school Spanish teacher aiming to break into marketing. The company in question was an online education company that provides amazing video content for teachers to use in the classroom.

She had been leveraging the company's videos in her “Culture Corner” that she used to start every class. She decided to use that as the basis for her opening.

She starts off with a fantastic hook, “Grapes & [Company Name].”

If you're seeing that as a hiring manager, you're probably thinking “huh??” and you are  most definitely  be reading more.

Then she dives right into the story about one of her favorite memories that included one of the company's videos. Genius!

Next, she goes on to address her non-traditional background and shifts the conversation towards her value by illustrating her knowledge of the company and linking to a value validation project she put together.

This cover letter example is a 10/10, check out the full thing here:

My Client's Cover Letter Example Dear [Hiring Manager] , Grapes and [Company Name] . Both are amazing in their own right, but I never thought I’d get so much joy from combining them. I currently teach high school Spanish and I set aside time each class to teach my students about Spanish culture. A few weeks ago, we watched the “Virtual Viewing Party: Holidays from Around The World” video by [Company Name] . My students particularly loved the segment on the Spanish New Year’s 12 grapes tradition. This got my students interested in other aspects of Spanish culture. Now, we’re working on a culture project where students research a Spanish tradition and create a 3D representation of it. I’ve never seen so much energy in my classroom. Amazing stories like these are why I want to work for [Company Name] . You may notice that my resume does not reflect “traditional” marketing experience. After completing my master’s, I worked as the marketing manager for the UNCC Department of Languages program. I created a strategic marketing plan to increase enrollment for the Master’s in Spanish program. At the end of the year, the program saw a 50% increase in student enrollment (the largest jump in four years). Soon after, I pursued teaching for a few years. In order to get more experienced in the marketing analytics space, I created my own online education website to teach Spanish to adult learners. After testing various digital marketing strategies, my first product launch resulted in a 10% sell through rate. In addition, I am Google Analytics Certified and have working knowledge of SQL. My marketing experience coupled with my education experience gives me a unique perspective on Discovery Education’s product. After analyzing the company through the lens of both a marketer and a user, I put together a report outlining step-by-step data backed strategies that can help Discovery Education: Drive 4.5X more qualified leads Enhance its user experience for both prospects and current customers Implement a digital marketing strategy that has helped companies increase revenue by 760%. Leverage Google Analytics Goal Paths to test these ideas Finally, I’d like to add that I had the pleasure of connecting with [Current Employee] , one of your product marketing managers. [Employee] spoke so passionately about the product, and told me about the new partnerships [Company Name] has with the NFL and MLB. His drive to get the product in front of thousands of students is extraordinary. I’m extremely excited for the opportunity to join such a passionate group of people, and help impact students on such a large scale. Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. I’m looking forward to next steps. Regards, [Client's Name]

Download A Copy Of Austin's Free Cover Letter Template

If you want a copy of that cover letter template with the header included and everything formatted, here's a link to a copy on my Google Drive.

After you click through the link, just hit File > Make A Copy > Organize to add it to your own Google Drive! You can also download it in a variety of formats.

What's Next? Writing A Resume That Actually Gets Results

Now that your cover letter is taken care of, check out our super comprehensive guide on writing a resume that actually gets results. After giving that a read, you can check out our slew of free resume tools, like our free resume builder that will allow you to create an ATS-friendly resume in just a few minutes:

If you still have questions or thoughts about writing an awesome cover letter, drop a comment below — I'm happy to reply with an answer!

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Austin Belcak

Austin is the founder of Cultivated Culture where he helps people land jobs without connections, without traditional experience, and without applying online. His strategies have been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, & Fast Company and has helped people just like you land jobs at Google, Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Twitter, & more.

19 thoughts on How To Write A Job-Winning Cover Letter [Free Templates & Examples]

Useful article for all job seekers who are likely to make cover letters to find a job but they should know that a poorly crafted cover letter may cost their dream job. Cover letter is important part of job application as it is first impression we’ll make with our prospective employer. Thanks for sharing these cover letter mistakes to avoid.

Thanks so much for reading and dropping a comment Mayur!

I was unaware before applying that cover letter plays this much of importance in interview so decided to create one for myself but didn’t had any idea about how and what should i include or which mistakes should i avoid while creating one but this article helped me while creating Cover Letter so thank you for the help.Cheers to this article.

You’re so welcome Ritesh! I’m super happy to hear it helped give you some direction 🙂

Thanks so much Rubel! Glad you liked it.

Great advice.

Thanks Steven!

Great guide! However, what would you recommend for job seekers who work in a field where there is no/little measurement of the impact of your work, e.g. software testing? Surely, no one expects us to make up figures for the impact that our work did. How exactly can one sell oneself here?

Sure Andeel – when you’re testing software, you still have measurable outcomes. You probably have a rate at which you identify issues, or you have a track record of approval while minimizing issues, etc. On top of that, it doesn’t necessarily need to be measurable. You could say something like “I Help Companies Deliver High Quality Software Products That Launch Without Issues” or something similar.

i hope it will help .. so as i can be able to change the situation i am currently in

I think it will, keep me posted on how things go!

Great Advice! I sure will avoid the mistakes listed and use your pointers for my next cover letter. Thank you.

I’m wishing you a ton of success out there Biko!

Really good post, loved it! i just have 1 question while building resume using your tool, we are able to create single page resume. Is there any chance to upgrade the tool so that we can add 2 page resume using Resybild.io

Yes! We are upgrading the tool the support multi-page resumes right now 🙂

Hello Austin could you write something, either for a cover letter or informational interview how to do so if you have a referral already?

Thanks Austin. It’s 2023, and this still gives me great insights on how to write compelling cover letter that works. Thanks

You got it Thompson! I know how frustrating cover letters can be, thanks so much for the kind words!

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12 Great Cover Letter Examples

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

By Mike Simpson

There comes a time in nearly every job seekers life when you plop yourself down in front of the computer and say to yourself…

“Okay, it’s time to find a couple good cover letter examples I can use to help me start writing my cover letter…” 

So you do a quick Google search, grab the first three cover letter samples you can find, copy a paragraph from each one, and then you’re off to the races feeling like now all you have to do is “click send” a few times and the interviews will simply start rolling in.

Consider this a gentle wake-up call.

FREE BONUS PDF CHEAT SHEET : Get our "Perfect Cover Letter" Cheat Sheet that gives you a Step-by-Step Process that will help you produce a perfect cover letter.

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Why Your Cover Letter Is So Important?

In this ultra-competitive job market, it’s just not good enough to “Frankenstein” together a cover letter from the various bits and pieces you find online.

Because hiring managers have “been there, done that.” In other words, they’ve seen it all before.

Not only that, but they want to find candidates that are unique, interesting, and take the time and make the effort to present the best version of themselves.

Your cover letter is your first impression, and therefore, you want to craft the best darn cover letter your hiring manager has ever seen.

So you want to take the time and select the cover letter example that is “tailored” to your situation… in other words, the example cover letter that fits your personality, skills and abilities the best.

Example cover letters are kind of like shoes.

Sure, you might absolutely love that pair of Air Jordan IV’s that are still fresh in the box in your closet from 1989, but you might want to have a second thought before you consider wearing them to a wedding with a tuxedo.

Or perhaps you’ve got a pair of high heels that make you feel like you could walk into a business lunch at the Four Seasons and walk out having sold your company for a billion dollars?

Would you feel the same way if you showed up at the start line for the half marathon you signed up for with those same heels on?

Okay, ridiculous examples aside, I hope you can begin to see my point.

There is not one example cover letter for every situation … no “one-cover-letter-fits-all” solution in 2022.

You have to carefully evaluate your situation and decide which cover letter example is going to suit you the most.

What kind of work are you looking for?

Full-time?  Or part-time?  There’s a cover letter for that.

Are you sending a cover letter in the mail or by email?  There’s a cover letter for that too.

There are all kinds of situations that warrant a slightly different cover letter, and it’s imperative that you figure out which one fits you best.

But don’t worry.  To help, we’ve compiled a list of 12 of the most common cover letter examples and provided you with an example of a cover letter for each one that should give you a leg up on the competition for 2022.

So take a look at the examples and carefully decide which one fits your situation the most.

Before you dive in, a word to the wise…

Don’t just grab the one that fits you best, change the contact information and then start sending it out. As I said before, hiring managers are pretty smart and will be able to tell that you haven’t taken any time to make it your own.

If you want to get job interviews from your cover letter (and at some point, job offers as well!), you need to “tailor” the cover letter to demonstrate your skills , abilities and relevant experience .

12 Common Cover Letter Examples

Without further ado, here are 12 of the best cover letter examples for nearly every situation you could find yourself in along with a brief description of what makes the style of cover letter unique.

1. Cover Letter Sample For Part-Time Work

If you have no intention of applying for a full-time position, it is very important that you let the hiring manager know this in your cover letter.  After all, if you don’t mention this right up front, anything that comes after this will be a total waste of time, and hiring managers value their time more than anything.

On a side note, you should never really be applying for a full-time position when you are only available as a part-time worker.  The company has very specific needs, so don’t think they are going to change the entire nature of the position to accommodate your availability.

2. For A New Graduate

Cover letters for new graduates can often be tricky, because generally speaking, new graduates don’t usually have much experience.

So how can you still put yourself forward as a good candidate without experience?  You want to focus the cover letter around your skills and abilities, the extra-curricular work you’ve accomplished and your knowledge of the company (and passion for the industry) you’re applying to.

3. When You Have Been Referred

There isn’t anything overly difficult about writing a cover letter when you have been referred by someone else, but the most important thing to know is where you should bring up the referral.

Generally speaking, it is always best to mention your referral in the opening paragraph, because it acts as an attention grabber for the hiring manager.

You’re hoping they’ll think to themselves something along the lines of, “Oh, this person was referred by Jim.  I like Jim…he’s a straight shooter. If this person is good enough for Jim, he’s good enough for me. I’m going to bring him in for an interview…”

4. Cold Call Cover Letter Example

The cold call cover letter is appropriate when you are applying to a position that is not necessarily listed on a job board or advertised anywhere.  And for that reason, it can be a little tricky.

You really need to blow the hiring manager away in order for them to grant an unsolicited interview request, so there a re a few key things to remember.  Most importantly, you really have to do your research and demonstrate that you know the company and position inside out.

After that, it really pays to address the letter to a specific person.  Simply writing “To Whom It May Concern” is a great way to have the letter filed under G (for those keeping track that’s the Garbage).

Finally, this letter needs to be all about “pizazz”. Since the reader wasn’t expecting to receive this, you really need to catch their attention and sell yourself, but most importantly, quickly demonstrate how you will add value to their company.

5. For An Email Submission

Please please PLEASE be careful with this one.

Just because a job posting says “submit your cover letter and resume via email” , doesn’t necessarily mean that you can just put these documents in the body of an email.

More often than not, the posting will give further instructions that include attaching your cover letter and resume to an email.  Anyone who doesn’t follow this step has a ZERO chance of being brought in for an interview.

Why?  Because you can’t follow simple directions.

Now, if there is no stipulation and you determine that using the email body to send your cover letter is okay, then general cover letter writing rules apply.

Where you want to focus your energy is on the subject line.  Don’t just write whatever comes to mind as a throwaway and whatever you do, don’t leave it empty!  Be clear and concise about what is included in the email and identify the position you are applying for.

6.  For A Recruiter

Recruiters are no different than hiring managers, in that they are essentially looking for the same things from your cover letters.  What impresses a recruiter the most is when you take the time to tailor your cover letter to a specific posting rather than simply sending them a general letter inquiring about “miscellaneous opportunities”.

7. Someone Changing Careers

Generally speaking, if you are changing careers, you’ll be short on experience.  So similarly to the “New Graduate” cover letter, you’ll want to put the focus on your reasons for making the career change along with your relevant skills and abilities and how your experience in your past career will translate to your new career.

And remember, enthusiasm goes a long way. Hiring managers get excited about applicants that really show a desire to succeed in the role and industry they are applying to.

So make sure you do your research and know the position and industry inside out so that you are easily able to show how enthusiastic you are about the opportunity and how determined you are to get started on your new career path.

8. A Great Example of a Cover Letter For An Academic

The trick with an academic cover letter is to avoid rambling on and on and on about everything you’ve accomplished.  The reality is, you still need to fall within the “one-page rule” (although some institutions will allow for a second page, you better make darn sure that this is the case!), so t he trick is to be clear and concise and highlight your accomplishments without coming across as an encyclopedia.

One other thing to consider is the nature of any research you have done and how you want to convey that in your cover letter.

Quite often people spend too much time talking about what it is they study or plan on studying without ever getting into the “why” of it all.

Be specific about your intentions and don’t assume that the person on the other end of your cover letter is an expert in your field.

9. For An Internship

There really isn’t a huge difference between writing a cover letter for an internship and writing a cover letter for a job opening.  You still need to list your qualifications, skills and abilities.  You still need to explain how you add value to the company.  You still want to sell yourself.

But one thing you want to keep in mind, is even though this internship might be a springboard to YOUR career or education, you don’t want this to be the focus of your cover letter.

The name of the game is still to put the company’s needs ahead of your own.

You’re not their first intern and you won’t be their last, so don’t write your cover letter thinking that their concern is how the internship will help with your placement in your next opportunity.

Add value. Period.  This is what they really want to hear from you in your cover letter.

10. Direct Mail

A direct mail cover letter is similar to a cold call cover letter, the main difference being you are not applying to a single company with a single position in mind.  Instead, you are “blanketing” as many companies you can at once and therefore trying to send out a general cover letter that can work for them all.

Because of this, we don’t recommend this strategy to our students.  It is generally pretty ineffective and a waste of your time or resources.

There is rarely a time when “tailoring” your resume to a specific company and position is not the most effective strategy.  However, if you are really short on time (and possibly ambition), here is an example of a direct mail cover letter you can reference.

11. Responding To an Advertisement

The only really distinguishing feature of this type of cover letter is that the opening paragraph generally includes a statement such as “I’m responding to your advertisement I saw in the…”

The rest of the cover letter generally follows the principles of other successful cover letters.  However, if you find yourself going through the classifieds in your local newspaper and simply sending off cover letters to whomever has an ad posted, do make sure that you do some research on the company before you send out your cover letter.

Sending one cover letter out for multiple advertisements is a good way to ensure that you won’t be getting too many interviews in the coming days or weeks.

12. When You’re Unemployed

The worst thing you can do when writing an cover letter after you’ve been unemployed for some time is to lie.

Why?  Because eventually, the lies you tell in the cover letter will come home to roost at some point in the interview process, meaning you’ll just end up having wasted everyone’s time.

Having said that, if there are some less-than-attractive reasons for your unemployment, don’t make those reasons the focus of your cover letter. You want to keep it positive.

It’s okay to admit fault in certain situations if you can show that you’ve have learned from the tough times and have changed for the better as a result of these struggles.

Transition to focusing on your skills and abilities, and more importantly, your passion and desire for re-entering the workforce. If you have experience from your past that will clearly add value to this new position, than don’t be afraid to clearly demonstrate the connection.

And if you spent your time being unemployed trying to better yourself (for example, taking a class or volunteering), then shift the focus to that.

Putting It All Together

So there you have 12 good cover letter examples for 2022 that will help you get started on crafting a winning cover letter.

Remember that the most important thing for you to accomplish with your cover letter is to demonstrate how you add value to the company you are applying to, and you want to make sure this never gets lost when you get caught up in trying to sell yourself.

And remember, you’re not on your own! Once you’ve chosen your cover letter example you can head over to How to Write a Cover Letter 101 and get great tips on how to right all parts of your cover letter.

Best of luck to you!

FREE : "Perfect Cover Letter" PDF CHEAT SHEET

Get our handy "Perfect Cover Letter" cheat sheet.

In it you'll get a step-by-step process that will let you craft the perfect cover letter.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE CHEAT SHEET

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Mike simpson.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

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Accountant Cover Letter

Cover letter maker.

When applying for a position in the accounting field, a well-crafted cover letter can set you apart from other candidates. This guide will walk you through various examples and tips for creating a compelling accountant cover letter .

What is an Accountant Cover Letter?

An accountant cover letter is a professional document that accompanies your resume when applying for an accounting job. It provides an opportunity to highlight your skills, experience, and passion for the role, helping you stand out in a competitive field.

What is a good Cover Letter Example for Accountants?

Here’s an good cover letter example of an effective accountant cover letter:

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am excited to apply for the Accountant position at XYZ Corporation. With a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and 5 years of experience in managing financial records, I have honed my analytical skills and attention to detail.

My previous role at ABC Company involved overseeing a team of junior accountants, ensuring compliance with tax regulations, and implementing cost-saving strategies. I believe my expertise aligns perfectly with the requirements of this position.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills can contribute to the financial success of XYZ Corporation.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Size: 27 KB

Free Accountant Cover Letters – Copy & Paste

Feel free to copy and paste the examples provided in this guide, but remember to tailor them to the specific position and company you’re applying for.

Accountant Cover Letter Format

Dive into our structured Accountant Cover Letter Format, meticulously crafted to showcase your financial acumen and attention to detail in a concise manner.

An accountant cover letter should be structured as follows:

1. Introduction: State the position you’re applying for and how you learned about it. 2. Body (Paragraph 1): Summarize your qualifications, including education and experience. 3. Body (Paragraph 2): Highlight specific skills and achievements that align with the job requirements. 4. Conclusion: Express your eagerness for an interview and provide contact information. 5. Signature: Include a polite closing and your name.

I am writing to apply for the Accountant position at XYZ Corp. With my extensive background in accounting and financial analysis, I believe I am well-suited to excel in this role.

As a graduate of ABC University with a degree in Accounting, I have 3 years of experience working at DEF Company. There, I managed a portfolio of over 50 clients, ensuring compliance with financial regulations and tax laws.

My commitment to accuracy and efficiency is evident in my successful implementation of a streamlined reporting system that saved the company $10,000 annually. I am eager to bring my expertise to XYZ Corp and contribute to your esteemed team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how I can add value to XYZ Corp.

Size: 29 KB

Junior Accountant Cover Letter Example

Starting in accounting? Our Junior Accountant Cover Letter Example emphasizes budding skills, enthusiasm, and the drive to grow within the industry.

I am excited to apply for the Junior Accountant position at XYZ Corp. As a recent graduate with a degree in Accounting from ABC University, I have gained experience in financial analysis through my internship at DEF Company.

During my internship, I assisted with monthly financial reporting, budgeting, and reconciliations. My strong analytical skills and attention to detail, coupled with my enthusiasm for accounting, make me a strong candidate for this role.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to XYZ Corp as a Junior Accountant.

Size: 26 KB

Senior Accountant Cover Letter Example

Take command with our Senior Accountant Cover Letter, detailing your extensive experience, leadership, and strategic financial thinking for high-level roles.

With over 10 years of experience in the accounting field, I am confident in my ability to serve as a Senior Accountant at XYZ Corp. My extensive background includes managing financial statements, tax preparation, and leading a team of junior accountants.

In my previous role at DEF Company, I successfully implemented a new accounting software system, resulting in a 15% increase in efficiency. My dedication to continuous improvement and strong leadership skills make me an excellent fit for this position.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to contributing my expertise as a Senior Accountant at XYZ Corp.

Accountant Cover Letter with Experience Example

Let our experienced Accountant Cover Letter showcase your comprehensive background, achievements, and mastery of financial processes.

I am writing to apply for the Accountant position at XYZ Corp. With 7 years of experience in various accounting roles, I have developed a comprehensive understanding of financial management, reporting, and compliance.

At DEF Company, I played a key role in preparing annual budgets, conducting audits, and implementing internal controls. My proven track record in improving financial processes and my commitment to professional development make me a strong candidate for this role.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to XYZ Corp’s financial success.

General Accountant Cover Letter Example

Navigate the vast world of finance with our General Cover Letter  for accounting, highlighting your versatility and broad-based expertise

I am eager to apply for the General Accountant position at XYZ Corp. With a diverse background in accounting, spanning 5 years across various industries, I have honed my skills in financial planning, reporting, and analysis.

In my previous role at DEF Company, I managed all general accounting functions, including reconciliations, accounts payable, and tax compliance. My versatility and dedication to excellence make me a valuable asset to any accounting team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to contributing my expertise as a General Accountant at XYZ Corp.

Financial Accountant Cover Letter Example

Emphasize your proficiency in fiscal matters with our Financial Accountant Cover Letter, detailing your specialization in financial statements and forecasts.

I am writing to apply for the Financial Accountant position at XYZ Corp. My 6 years of experience in financial accounting, combined with my CPA certification, have equipped me with the skills necessary to excel in this role.

At DEF Company, I managed financial statements, internal audits, and regulatory compliance. My proven ability to analyze financial data and identify trends contributes to informed decision-making and business growth.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to serve as a Financial Accountant at XYZ Corp.

Accountant Cover Letter for Job Application Example

Enhance your job application with our dedicated Accountant Cover Letter, tailored to exhibit your skills, expertise, and commitment.

I am writing to apply for the Accountant position at XYZ Corp. With a strong background in accounting, I am confident in my ability to contribute to the financial success of your company.

My 5 years of experience include managing accounts payable and receivable, preparing financial statements, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. I believe my expertise aligns perfectly with the requirements of this role.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can add value to XYZ Corp.

Fresh Accounting Graduate Cover Letter Example

Begin your career with our Fresh Graduate Cover Letter  for accounting, emphasizing academic excellence and eagerness to contribute.

I am excited to apply for the Accountant position at XYZ Corp as a recent graduate with a degree in Accounting from ABC University. My education, combined with my internship experience at DEF Company, has provided me with a strong foundation in financial management.

During my internship, I gained hands-on experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis. My eagerness to learn and my passion for accounting make me an ideal candidate for this entry-level position.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to starting my career as an Accountant at XYZ Corp.

Sample Accountant Cover Letter Example

Access our adaptable Sample Accountant Cover Letter, a versatile template crafted for both new and experienced professionals.

I am writing to express my interest in the Accountant position at XYZ Corp. With a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and 4 years of professional experience, I am well-equipped to contribute to your financial team.

My previous role at DEF Company involved managing payroll, reconciling accounts, and preparing quarterly financial reports. My dedication to accuracy and my ability to work under tight deadlines make me a valuable asset to any accounting department.

Accountant Cover Letter for Resume Example

Pair your resume with our compelling Accountant Cover Letter, expertly designed to complement your qualifications and achievements.

I am excited to apply for the Accountant position at XYZ Corp. Enclosed with this cover letter, you will find my resume detailing my extensive experience in accounting.

With 6 years of experience in various financial roles, I have developed expertise in budgeting, auditing, and financial reporting. My strong analytical skills and attention to detail make me a valuable addition to your accounting team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to the continued success of XYZ Corp.

Accountant Cover Letter for Internship Example

Launch your career journey with our Internship-focused Cover Letter , spotlighting your academic prowess and eagerness to learn.

I am writing to apply for the Accountant Internship position at XYZ Corp. As a current student pursuing a degree in Accounting at ABC University, I am eager to gain hands-on experience in a professional setting.

My coursework in financial analysis, coupled with my part-time work as a bookkeeper, has provided me with a strong foundation in accounting principles. I am confident that my skills and enthusiasm make me a strong candidate for this internship opportunity.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to learn and contribute as an intern at XYZ Corp.

Fresher Accountant Cover Letter Example

Make a lasting first impression with our Fresher Cover Letter , designed to emphasize passion, potential, and academic achievements.

I am excited to apply for the Accountant position at XYZ Corp as a fresh graduate with a degree in Accounting from ABC University. My education and internship experience have equipped me with a solid understanding of financial management and reporting.

During my internship at DEF Company, I assisted with monthly reconciliations, accounts payable, and budgeting. My strong analytical skills and eagerness to learn make me a valuable asset to your accounting team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to starting my professional journey as an Accountant at XYZ Corp.

Accountant Cover Letter for Apprenticeship Example

Forge your path with our Apprenticeship-specific Accountant Cover Letter, detailing your drive to gain practical, hands-on experience.

I am writing to apply for the Accountant Apprenticeship program at XYZ Corp. As a current student at ABC University, I am eager to combine my academic knowledge with practical experience in a professional setting.

I have completed coursework in financial analysis, auditing, and tax law, providing me with a strong foundation in accounting principles. I am confident that this apprenticeship opportunity will allow me to further develop my skills and contribute to your esteemed organization.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to grow as an apprentice at XYZ Corp.

Accountant Cover Letter Assistant Accountant Example

Assist and shine with our Assistant Accountant Cover Letter, underscoring your ability to support senior accountants and deliver results.

I am writing to apply for the Assistant Accountant position at XYZ Corp. With 2 years of experience in accounting support roles, I have developed strong organizational skills and a keen eye for detail.

My previous role at DEF Company involved assisting senior accountants with financial reporting, reconciliations, and data entry. My ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and my commitment to supporting the accounting team make me an excellent fit for this position.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to contributing my skills as an Assistant Accountant at XYZ Corp.

Management Accountant Cover Letter Example

Strategize your way to success with our Management Cover Letter , emphasizing strategic financial planning and decision-making prowess.

I am writing to apply for the Management Accountant position at XYZ Corp. With 8 years of experience in financial management,

I am confident in my ability to contribute to the strategic planning and execution of financial goals within your organization.

My previous roles have included overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis. My ability to translate complex financial data into actionable insights makes me an invaluable asset to your management team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to contributing my expertise as a Management Accountant at XYZ Corp.

Trainee Accountant Cover Letter Example

Channel your raw potential with our Trainee Accountant Cover Letter, focusing on your dedication to learning and growing professionally.

I am excited to apply for the Trainee Accountant position at XYZ Corp. As a recent graduate with a degree in Accounting, I am eager to begin my professional journey with hands-on experience.

My academic background has provided me with a strong foundation in accounting principles, and my internship at DEF Company allowed me to gain practical experience in financial management. I believe that this trainee program is the perfect opportunity for me to grow and contribute to your organization.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to learn as a Trainee Accountant at XYZ Corp.

Real Estate Accountant Cover Letter Example

Dive into the property sector with our Real Estate Cover Letter , detailing your expertise in real estate finances and market understanding.

I am writing to apply for the Real Estate Accountant position at XYZ Corp. With 5 years of experience in real estate accounting, I have developed specialized skills that align perfectly with the needs of your company.

My previous role at DEF Company involved managing property financial statements, budgeting, and tax compliance. My in-depth knowledge of real estate finance and my ability to work collaboratively with property managers make me a valuable asset to your accounting team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to contributing my specialized expertise as a Real Estate Accountant at XYZ Corp.

Corporate Accountant Cover Letter Example

Let our Corporate Accountant Cover Letter reflect your acumen for handling large-scale finances, corporate taxations, and big business financial strategies.

I am writing to apply for the Corporate Accountant position at XYZ Corp. With 7 years of experience in corporate finance, I am well-suited to manage the financial needs of your organization.

My previous role at DEF Company involved overseeing financial reporting, internal audits, and compliance with regulatory standards. My ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and provide financial insights contributes to informed decision-making and business growth.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to serve as a Corporate Accountant at XYZ Corp.

Size: 28 KB

Financial Analyst Cover Letter Example

Analyze opportunities with our Financial Analyst Cover Letter , detailing your expertise in forecasting, budgeting, and financial data interpretation.

I am writing to apply for the Financial Analyst position at XYZ Corp. With a Master’s degree in Finance and 5 years of professional experience, I am equipped to provide valuable financial insights to your organization.

My previous role at DEF Company involved conducting financial analysis, forecasting, and risk assessments. My ability to interpret financial data and communicate findings effectively contributes to strategic planning and business growth.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute as a Financial Analyst at XYZ Corp.

Entry Level Accountant Cover Letter Example

Propel your early accounting career with our Entry Level Cover Letter, emphasizing foundational skills and an unmatched drive.

I am excited to apply for the Entry Level Accountant position at XYZ Corp. As a recent graduate with a degree in Accounting, I am ready to embark on my professional journey in the world of finance.

My academic background and internship experience have provided me with a strong foundation in accounting principles. My eagerness to learn and my commitment to accuracy make me an ideal candidate for this entry-level role.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to beginning my career as an Entry Level Accountant at XYZ Corp.

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Accountant Cover Letter for Beginner Example

Start your financial journey with our Beginner Accountant Cover Letter, spotlighting enthusiasm, foundational skills, and a willingness to learn.

I am writing to apply for the Accountant position at XYZ Corp. As a beginner in the field of accounting, I am eager to gain hands-on experience and contribute to your financial team.

My educational background in Accounting has provided me with a foundational understanding of financial management. I am confident that my strong analytical skills and willingness to learn will make me a valuable asset to your organization.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to growing as an Accountant at XYZ Corp.

Cover Letter for Accounting Job Example

Perfect your application with our tailored Cover Letter for Job , crafted to highlight your financial proficiency and dedication.

I am writing to express my interest in the accounting position at XYZ Corp. With a background in various financial roles, I am equipped to handle the diverse responsibilities of this job.

My experience includes managing accounts payable and receivable, overseeing financial reporting, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. My ability to work collaboratively and my dedication to accuracy make me an excellent fit for this position.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the financial success of XYZ Corp.

Simple Accountant Cover Letter Example

Make a concise yet impactful statement with our Simple Cover Letter , streamlining your qualifications and passion for the role.

I am writing to apply for the Accountant position at XYZ Corp. With a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and 3 years of professional experience, I am confident in my ability to contribute to your financial team.

My previous role involved managing basic accounting tasks such as reconciling accounts, managing payroll, and preparing financial statements. My dedication to simplicity and efficiency makes me an excellent fit for any accounting department.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to serve as an Accountant at XYZ Corp.

How do you write a Good cover letter for an Accounting Job?

Creating an impressive cover letter for an accounting role requires a careful balance of professional tone, relevant experience, and personalized touch. Here’s a step-by-step guide tailored specifically for an Accountant cover letter:

1. Address the Hiring Manager Properly: Whenever possible, find the name of the hiring manager and address them directly. It adds a personal touch and shows you made an effort. 2. Craft a Targeted Introduction: Mention the exact accounting position you’re applying for, and highlight the unique qualifications that make you an ideal candidate. 3. Detail Accounting Experience and Education: Elaborate on your relevant education and work experiences. Include any specific accounting certifications or courses that pertain to the role. 4. Emphasize Accounting Skills: Focus on the specialized accounting skills you have, such as proficiency in accounting software, financial analysis, compliance with regulations, and so on. 5. Provide Real-Life Examples: Use actual scenarios where you applied your accounting skills to solve problems, save costs, or improve financial efficiency. 6. Express Enthusiasm for the Company: Demonstrate knowledge about the company’s financial standing or industry reputation and articulate why you want to be a part of their team. 7. Close Professionally: Thank the hiring manager for considering your application and express eagerness to discuss further during an interview. 8. Maintain Professional Format: Stick to a professional format that is concise, clean, and free from errors.

Tips for Writing an Accountant Cover Letter

When writing an accountant cover letter, adhering to the following specific tips can greatly enhance the quality of your application:

– Tailor the Content to the Position: Different accounting positions may require varied skill sets. Customize your cover letter to highlight the skills that are most relevant to the specific role. – Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use numbers to quantify your achievements in previous roles. For instance, mention specific percentages or dollar amounts saved through your efforts. – Highlight Technical Proficiencies: If the role requires familiarity with certain accounting software or tools, make sure to mention your competence with them. – Use Accounting-specific Language: Utilize terms and phrases that are relevant to the accounting field to demonstrate your industry knowledge. – Show Alignment with Company Goals: Research the company’s financial objectives and explain how your skills can contribute to achieving them. – Include a Strong Call to Action: Encourage further contact or an interview in your closing paragraph. – Proofread for Accuracy: Accounting requires attention to detail; therefore, your cover letter must be free from grammatical and spelling errors to reflect this quality.

These guidelines will help you create a document that stands out in a competitive job market, resonating with hiring managers looking for skilled and thoughtful professionals in the field of accounting.

Writing an accountant cover letter can be a strategic way to showcase your qualifications and interest in a specific role. By following these guidelines and utilizing the provided examples, you can create a strong, tailored cover letter that emphasizes your suitability for the accounting position you’re seeking. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your accounting career, a well-crafted cover letter can be a key factor in landing your desired job.

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