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How to write a great cover letter in 2024: tips and structure

A cover letter is a personalized letter that introduces you to a potential employer, highlights your qualifications, and explains why you're a strong fit for a specific job.

Hate or love them, these brief documents allow job seekers to make an impression and stand out from the pile of other applications. Penning a thoughtful cover letter shows the hiring team you care about earning the position.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to write a cover letter — and a great one, at that.

What is a cover letter and why does it matter?

A professional cover letter is a one-page document you submit alongside your CV or resume as part of a job application. Typically, they’re about half a page or around 150–300 words.

An effective cover letter doesn’t just rehash your CV; it’s your chance to highlight your proudest moments, explain why you want the job, and state plainly what you bring to the table.

Show the reviewer you’re likable, talented, and will add to the company’s culture . You can refer to previous jobs and other information from your CV, but only if it helps tell a story about you and your career choices .

What 3 things should you include in a cover letter?

A well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out to potential employers. To make your cover letter shine, here are three key elements to include:

1. Personalization

Address the hiring manager or recruiter by name whenever possible. If the job posting doesn't include a name, research to find out who will be reviewing applications. Personalizing your cover letter shows that you've taken the time to tailor your application to the specific company and role.

2. Highlight relevant achievements and skills

Emphasize your most relevant skills , experiences, and accomplishments that directly relate to the job you're applying for. Provide specific examples of how your skills have benefited previous employers and how they can contribute to the prospective employer's success. Use quantifiable achievements , such as improved efficiency, cost savings, or project success, to demonstrate your impact.

3. Show enthusiasm and fit

Express your enthusiasm for the company and the position you're applying for. Explain why you are interested in this role and believe you are a good fit for the organization. Mention how your values, goals, and skills align with the company's mission and culture. Demonstrating that you've done your research can make a significant impression.

What do hiring managers look for in a cover letter?

Employers look for several key elements in a cover letter. These include:

Employers want to see that your cover letter is specifically tailored to the position you are applying for. It should demonstrate how your skills, experiences, and qualifications align with the job requirements.

Clear and concise writing

A well-written cover letter is concise, easy to read, and error-free. Employers appreciate clear and effective communication skills , so make sure your cover letter showcases your ability to express yourself effectively.

Demonstrated knowledge of the company

Employers want to see that you are genuinely interested in their organization. Mention specific details about the company, such as recent achievements or projects, to show that you are enthusiastic about joining their team.

Achievements and accomplishments

Highlight your relevant achievements and accomplishments that demonstrate your qualifications for the position. Use specific examples to showcase your skills and show how they can benefit the employer.

Enthusiasm and motivation

Employers want to hire candidates who are excited about the opportunity and motivated to contribute to the company's success. Express your enthusiasm and passion for the role and explain why you are interested in working for the company.

Professionalism

A cover letter should be professional in tone and presentation. Use formal language, address the hiring manager appropriately, and follow standard business letter formatting.

How do you structure a cover letter?

A well-structured cover letter follows a specific format that makes it easy for the reader to understand your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position. Here's a typical structure for a cover letter:

Contact information

Include your name, address, phone number, and email address at the top of the letter. Place your contact information at the beginning so that it's easy for the employer to reach you.

Employer's contact information

Opening paragraph, middle paragraph(s), closing paragraph, complimentary close, additional contact information.

Repeat your contact information (name, phone number, and email) at the end of the letter, just in case the employer needs it for quick reference.

Remember to keep your cover letter concise and focused. It should typically be no more than one page in length. Proofread your letter carefully to ensure it is free from spelling and grammatical errors. Tailor each cover letter to the specific job application to make it as relevant and impactful as possible.

How to write a good cover letter (with examples)

The best letters are unique, tailored to the job description, and written in your voice — but that doesn’t mean you can’t use a job cover letter template.

Great cover letters contain the same basic elements and flow a certain way. Take a look at this cover letter structure for ref erence while you construct your own.

1. Add a header and contact information

While reading your cover letter, the recruiter shouldn’t have to look far to find who wrote it. Your document should include a basic heading with the following information:

• Pronouns (optional)
• Location (optional)
• Email address
• Phone number (optional)
• Relevant links, such as your LinkedIn profile , portfolio, or personal website (optional)

You can pull this information directly from your CV. Put it together, and it will look something like this:

Christopher Pike

San Francisco, California

[email protected]

Alternatively, if the posting asks you to submit your cover letter in the body of an email, you can include this information in your signature. For example:

Warm regards,

Catherine Janeway

Bloomington, Indiana

[email protected]

(555) 999 - 2222

2. Include a personal greeting

Always begin your cover letter by addressing the hiring manager — preferably by name. You can use the person’s first and last name. Make sure to include a relevant title, like Dr., Mr., or Ms. For example, “Dear Mr. John Doe.”

Avoid generic openings like “To whom it may concern,” “Dear sir or madam,” or “Dear hiring manager.” These introductions sound impersonal — like you’re copy-pasting cover letters — and can work against you in the hiring process.

Be careful, though. When using someone’s name, you don’t want to use the wrong title or accidentally misgender someone. If in doubt, using only their name is enough. You could also opt for a gender-neutral title, like Mx.

Make sure you’re addressing the right person in your letter — ideally, the person who’s making the final hiring decision. This isn’t always specified in the job posting, so you may have to do some research to learn the name of the hiring manager.

3. Draw them in with an opening story

The opening paragraph of your cover letter should hook the reader. You want it to be memorable, conversational, and extremely relevant to the job you’re pursuing. 

There’s no need for a personal introduction — you’ve already included your name in the heading. But you should make reference to the job you’re applying for. A simple “Thank you for considering my application for the role of [job title] at [company],” will suffice.

Then you can get into the “Why” of your job application. Drive home what makes this specific job and this company so appealing to you. Perhaps you’re a fan of their products, you’re passionate about their mission, or you love their brand voice. Whatever the case, this section is where you share your enthusiasm for the role.

Here’s an example opening paragraph. In this scenario, you’re applying for a digital marketing role at a bicycle company:

“Dear Mr. John Doe,

Thank you for considering my application for the role of Marketing Coordinator at Bits n’ Bikes.

My parents bought my first bike at one of your stores. I’ll never forget the freedom I felt when I learned to ride it. My father removed my training wheels, and my mom sent me barrelling down the street. You provide joy to families across the country — and I want to be part of that.”

4. Emphasize why you’re best for the job

Your next paragraphs should be focused on the role you’re applying to. Highlight your skill set and why you’re a good fit for the needs and expectations associated with the position. Hiring managers want to know what you’ll bring to the job, not just any role.

Start by studying the job description for hints. What problem are they trying to solve with this hire? What skills and qualifications do they mention first or more than once? These are indicators of what’s important to the hiring manager.

Search for details that match your experience and interests. For example, if you’re excited about a fast-paced job in public relations, you might look for these elements in a posting:

• They want someone who can write social media posts and blog content on tight deadlines
• They value collaboration and input from every team member
• They need a planner who can come up with strong PR strategies

Highlight how you fulfill these requirements:

“I’ve always been a strong writer. From blog posts to social media, my content pulls in readers and drives traffic to product pages. For example, when I worked at Bits n’ Bikes, I developed a strategic blog series about bike maintenance that increased our sales of spare parts and tools by 50% — we could see it in our web metrics.

Thanks to the input of all of our team members, including our bike mechanics, my content delivered results.”

5. End with a strong closing paragraph and sign off gracefully

Your closing paragraph is your final chance to hammer home your enthusiasm about the role and your unique ability to fill it. Reiterate the main points you explained in the body paragraphs and remind the reader of what you bring to the table.

You can also use the end of your letter to relay other important details, like whether you’re willing to relocate for the job.

When choosing a sign-off, opt for a phrase that sounds professional and genuine. Reliable options include “Sincerely” and “Kind regards.”

Here’s a strong closing statement for you to consider:

“I believe my enthusiasm, skills, and work experience as a PR professional will serve Bits n’ Bikes very well. I would love to meet to further discuss my value-add as your next Director of Public Relations. Thank you for your consideration. I hope we speak soon.

Tips to write a great cover letter that compliments your resume

When writing your own letter, try not to copy the example excerpts word-for-word. Instead, use this cover letter structure as a baseline to organize your ideas. Then, as you’re writing, use these extra cover letter tips to add your personal touch:

• Keep your cover letter different from your resume : Your cover letter should not duplicate the information on your resume. Instead, it should provide context and explanations for key points in your resume, emphasizing how your qualifications match the specific job you're applying for.
• Customize your cover letter . Tailor your cover letter for each job application. Address the specific needs of the company and the job posting, demonstrating that you've done your homework and understand their requirements.
• Show enthusiasm and fit . Express your enthusiasm for the company and position in the cover letter. Explain why you are interested in working for this company and how your values, goals, and skills align with their mission and culture.
• Use keywords . Incorporate keywords from the job description and industry terms in your cover letter. This can help your application pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and demonstrate that you're well-versed in the field.
• Keep it concise . Your cover letter should be succinct and to the point, typically no more than one page. Focus on the most compelling qualifications and experiences that directly support your application.
• Be professional . Maintain a professional tone and structure in your cover letter. Proofread it carefully to ensure there are no errors.
• Address any gaps or concerns . If there are gaps or concerns in your resume, such as employment gaps or a change in career direction, briefly address them in your cover letter. Explain any relevant circumstances and how they have shaped your qualifications and determination.
• Provide a call to action . Conclude your cover letter with a call to action, inviting the employer to contact you for further discussion. Mention that you've attached your resume for their reference.
• Follow the correct format . Use a standard cover letter format like the one above, including your contact information, a formal salutation, introductory and closing paragraphs, and your signature. Ensure that it complements your resume without redundancy.
• Pick the right voice and tone . Try to write like yourself, but adapt to the tone and voice of the company. Look at the job listing, company website, and social media posts. Do they sound fun and quirky, stoic and professional, or somewhere in-between? This guides your writing style.
• Tell your story . You’re an individual with unique expertise, motivators, and years of experience. Tie the pieces together with a great story. Introduce how you arrived at this point in your career, where you hope to go , and how this prospective company fits in your journey. You can also explain any career changes in your resume.
• Show, don’t tell . Anyone can say they’re a problem solver. Why should a recruiter take their word for it if they don’t back it up with examples? Instead of naming your skills, show them in action. Describe situations where you rose to the task, and quantify your success when you can.
• Be honest . Avoid highlighting skills you don’t have. This will backfire if they ask you about them in an interview. Instead, shift focus to the ways in which you stand out.
• Avoid clichés and bullet points . These are signs of lazy writing. Do your best to be original from the first paragraph to the final one. This highlights your individuality and demonstrates the care you put into the letter.
• Proofread . Always spellcheck your cover letter. Look for typos, grammatical errors, and proper flow. We suggest reading it out loud. If it sounds natural rolling off the tongue, it will read naturally as well.

Common cover letter writing FAQs

How long should a cover letter be.

A cover letter should generally be concise and to the point. It is recommended to keep it to one page or less, focusing on the most relevant information that highlights your qualifications and fits the job requirements.

Should I include personal information in a cover letter?

While it's important to introduce yourself and provide your contact information, avoid including personal details such as your age, marital status, or unrelated hobbies. Instead, focus on presenting your professional qualifications and aligning them with the job requirements.

Can I use the same cover letter for multiple job applications?

While it may be tempting to reuse a cover letter, it is best to tailor each cover letter to the specific job you are applying for. This allows you to highlight why you are a good fit for that particular role and show genuine interest in the company.

Do I need to address my cover letter to a specific person?

Whenever possible, it is advisable to address your cover letter to a specific person, such as the hiring manager or recruiter. If the job posting does not provide this information, try to research and find the appropriate contact. If all else fails, you can use a generic salutation such as "Dear Hiring Manager."

Should I include references in my cover letter?

It is generally not necessary to include references in your cover letter. Save this information for when the employer explicitly requests it. Instead, focus on showcasing your qualifications and achievements that make you a strong candidate for the position.

It’s time to start writing your stand-out cover letter

The hardest part of writing is getting started. 

Hopefully, our tips gave you some jumping-off points and confidence . But if you’re really stuck, looking at cover letter examples and resume templates will help you decide where to get started. 

There are numerous sample cover letters available online. Just remember that you’re a unique, well-rounded person, and your cover letter should reflect that. Using our structure, you can tell your story while highlighting your passion for the role. 

Doing your research, including strong examples of your skills, and being courteous is how to write a strong cover letter. Take a breath , flex your fingers, and get typing. Before you know it, your job search will lead to a job interview.

If you want more personalized guidance, a specialized career coach can help review, edit, and guide you through creating a great cover letter that sticks.

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Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

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Cover Letter Examples & Samples for All Jobs

Get inspired by cover letter examples written by our certified professionals and discover what makes each one stand out. We have samples for any job, industry or situation to help you craft a winning cover letter.

• 30% higher chance of getting a job‡
• 42% higher response rate from recruiters‡

As seen in: * Foot Note

A well-crafted cover letter is the key to a winning job application. Your cover letter expands upon your resume, showcasing how your personality, experience and enthusiasm for the role make you the ideal candidate.

We’ve compiled a library of professional cover letter examples for different positions, industries and circumstances to help you get started. Easily search by job title or filter by industry to find a sample that suits your needs.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned professional, our comprehensive guide will equip you with the expert insights and actionable tips you need to craft a cover letter that stands out from the competition.

Search job title-specific cover letter examples written by experts

We have hundreds of cover letter examples written by Certified Professional Resume Writers. We provide these examples free to jobseekers so you have the resources you need to land your dream job.

Enter a job title or industry below:

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Cover letter examples by job title

Administrative assistant cover letter example.

Rachel Sanford is an administrative assistant. She has had an extensive, successful career and is looking to stand out from other candidates. Rachel needs a cover letter that brings attention to her professional accomplishments and skills.

This is a good administrative assistant cover letter example because:

• It shows how bullet points help her highlight her extensive experience. 
• The template is clean and professional, guiding the reader’s eye through the important information. 
• It is easily tailored to a different audience while keeping the most important information relevant to the role.

Sales executive cover letter example /career gap

Steven Massey is an experienced sales executive with a forward-thinking approach. He recently took a career break to address a family matter, during which he also worked independently, acquiring new skills. Steven’s cover letter should highlight the valuable skills and perspectives he offers, rather than focusing on the reasons for his employment gap.

This sales executive cover letter example is good because:

• The percentages highlight Steven’s achievements
• It addresses the gap on his resume and quickly shifts the focus to the skills gained during that time. 
• The template is modern with a pop of color, a subtle way to show he has kept up with industry trends.

Data entry cover letter example

Livia Sanders is poised to begin her career in programming. With a background in data entry and the necessary skills for a career transition, Livia requires a cover letter that showcases how her past experiences will be beneficial in her new role.

This data entry cover letter example is good because:

• Livia explains how programming has been used in her data entry jobs and how her data entry skills transfer to this new role.
• It includes quantifiable achievements that highlight her interpersonal skills and her database skills.
• The template is simple and professional keeping all the attention on the content.

Accountant cover letter example

Maggie Sanders, a proficient accountant known for her expertise in financial analysis and payroll management, attributes her success to her strong interpersonal skills. Her cover letter should emphasize how these soft skills enhance her financial competencies.

This accountant cover letter example is good because:

• It combines Maggie’s quantifiable achievements with skills like communication, problem-solving and relationship-building.
• It uses a professional, amenable tone that is easy to read and tailored to what the employer is seeking. 
• It uses a contemporary template, that is ATS-friendly.

Teacher assistant cover letter example

April Hawkins, a dedicated teacher in search of the ideal career position, has experienced several brief roles in her journey. Her cover letter should frame these short tenures as enriching her skills and dedication to education.

This teacher assistant cover letter example is good because:

• It first focuses on April’s skills, experiences and professional accomplishments.
• It honestly addresses her short tenures, explaining the reason behind them and opening the door to future questions.
• The template shows her personality and style while keeping a professional tone.

Cover letter examples by industry

• Accounting cover letter examples
• Example cover letters for administrative jobs
• Professional cover letter examples for business operations jobs
• Construction cover letter examples
• Culinary cover letter examples
• Sample cover letters for customer service jobs
• Education cover letter samples
• Examples of cover letters for a job in the food service industry
• Resume cover letter examples for health care support jobs
• Hospitality cover letter examples
• Information technology job application letters
• Best cover letter examples for law
• Marketing cover letter samples
• Medical cover letter examples
• Nursing cover letter examples
• Production cover letter samples
• Retail application letter examples
• Great cover letter examples for sales jobs
• Social services cover letter examples
• Teaching cover letter examples

Accounting cover letter examples (3)

For an accounting job, our employment cover letter examples can show you how to emphasize your number-crunching skills and your ability to work with others.

These cover letter examples show how to expand on your analytical acumen and your critical thinking skills.

• Accounting Assistant
• Assistant Accountant

Our Cover Letter Builder will help you craft a great cover letter that tells employers who you are and what you can bring to the table. We offer:

• Expert advice on every step.
• Professional content suggestions.
• A variety of formats to download and save your document.

Example cover letters for administrative jobs (14)

Your ability to multitask is unparalleled. These cover letter examples will help you show employers your keen eye for detail, good organization and proficiency with computer software.

• Administrative Assistant
• Clerical Assistant
• Data Entry Clerk
• Data Entry Specialist
• Executive Assistant
• Office Administrator
• Office Assistant
• Office Clerk
• Office Manager
• Personal Assistant
• Practice Manager
• Receptionist
• Store Administrative Assistant

Administrative

Use our Cover Letter Builder to write a perfect cover letter. Our builder provides:

• Professional guidance for every step in the process.
• Expert suggestions for each section.
• The ability to download and save your cover letter in multiple formats.

Professional cover letter examples for business operations jobs (11)

Your technical proficiency is as strong as your decision-making abilities. Our example of a cover letter for a resume will show you how to highlight your team coordination and superior communication skills.

• Business Development Manager
• Business Owner
• Executive Director
• Operations Manager
• Operations Supervisor
• Owner Operator
• Shift Manager
• Vice President

Business operations

Our Cover Letter Builder will help you to quickly and easily create a cover letter for a job application that gets noticed. We provide: 

• Guidance and tools for each step. 
• Professional content suggestions for each part of your cover letter. 
• All major file formats to download and save your document.

Construction cover letter examples (4)

Use a cover letter for a job application to highlight your strong work ethic and ability to work with specific equipment, such as forklifts or cranes. Find your construction cover letter in these examples.

• General Labourer
• Site Manager

Construction

Our Cover Letter Builder will help you create the perfect cover letter that tells employers who you are and why you want to work for them. Plus, we provide:

• Expert advice on every step of the process.

Culinary cover letter examples (6)

These job cover letter examples will show you how to highlight your enthusiasm, experience in a fast-paced work environment and knowledge of food preparation.

• Bakery Clerk
• Kitchen Hand
• Kitchen Staff

Our Cover Letter Builder will help you build the perfect cover letter and provide: 

• Guidance along the way.  
• Expert tools and content suggestions for each section of your letter.

Sample cover letters for customer service jobs (12)

Use one of our customer service employment cover letter examples as a guide to highlight your commitment to assisting people, your ability to work as part of a team and display your personality to impress potential employers.

• Customer Care Representative
• Customer Service Advisor
• Customer Service Agent
• Customer Service Coordinator
• Customer Service Manager
• Customer Service Representative
• Customer Service Specialist
• Room Attendant
• Service Advisor
• Service Coordinator

Customer service

Create an effective cover letter with our Cover Letter Builder. We provide:

• Professional advice along the way.
• Job-specific keywords and skills.
• All standard file formats to download and save your cover letter.

Education cover letter samples (7)

These are good cover letter examples to follow if you want to highlight your proficiency with specific subjects and intangible strengths such as flexibility, communication and patience.

• Assistant Principal
• Education Assistant Director
• Educational Assistant
• Resident Assistant

Use our Cover Letter Builder to make the perfect education cover letter. Our builder offers:

• Expert guidance for writing a winning cover letter.
• Professionally written content suggestions.
• Multiple formats to download and save your cover letter.

Examples of cover letters for a job in the food service industry (7)

You’re a patient multitasker with exceptional communication skills. Display your experience in fast-paced work environments where teamwork is a necessity, like our expert-written cover letter examples for a job in the food service industry.

• Bar Manager
• Crew Member
• Food Service Worker
• Host/Hostess
• Service Crew

Food service

Our Cover Letter Builder can help you expand on the skills you bring to the table and:

• Professional advice for every step of the process.
• Expert keywords and industry-specific phrases.
• Multiple file formats for saving your cover letter.

Resume cover letter examples for health care support jobs (13)

Use our cover letter samples for guidance to include a story about services you’ve provided to patients and elaborate on your training and experience in health care.

• Caregivers Companions
• Home Health Aide
• Medical Biller
• Medical Receptionist
• Occupational Therapist
• Patient Care Tech
• Patient Service Representative
• Personal Care Aide
• Personal Care Assistant
• Personal Support Worker
• Phlebotomist

Health care support

With the help of our Cover Letter Builder, you can create an effective cover letter with:

• Expert advice for each step.

Hospitality cover letter examples (3)

These hospitality cover letter examples will inspire you to make the most of your exceptional customer service skills, organizational abilities and professional achievements.

• Guest Service Agent
• Guest Service Representative

Hospitality

With the help of our Cover Letter Builder, you can make the best impression with:

• Expert content suggestions.
• The ability to download and save your letter in all major file formats.

Information technology job application letters (3)

Use a sample cover letter for a resume for inspiration. Explain how you’ve used your top computer system maintenance skills and show how you’ve successfully improved IT operations in previous jobs

• Senior Project Manager
• Experienced Technical Support

Information technology

Our Cover Letter Builder is the best way to craft an effective cover letter. We offer: 

• Expert tools and guidance every step of the way. 
• Industry and job-specific content suggestions for each section of your letter.
• The ability to download and save your document in all major file formats.

Best cover letter examples for law (5)

A good cover letter provides a rundown of your experiences handling legal affairs, performing research or handling documentation and administration at a law firm. Our legal cover letter samples will help you plead your case that there’s no one better for the job.

• Legal Assistant
• Legal Receptionist
• Legal Secretary

Our cover letter builder can help you build a compelling cover letter with:

• All the tools and advice to craft a professional cover letter quickly. 
• Professional content suggestions for each section of your letter. 
• Multiple file formats for downloading and saving your document.

Marketing cover letter samples (6)

These examples of cover letters show your creativity, leadership and strategic thinking abilities while highlighting areas of focus like social media or email marketing.  

• Brand Ambassador
• Marketing Executive
• Marketing Intern
• Marketing Manager
• Product Manager

Our Cover Letter Builder is the best way to craft an effective cover letter. It provides:

• Expert guidance every step of the way. 
• Professional content suggestions and tools for optimizing each section of your letter.
• All standard file formats to download and save your letter. 

Medical cover letter examples (9)

Go beyond standard credentials and training. Let our sample cover letters help you highlight your ability to empathize with patients, and display your medical knowledge and industry achievements.

• Clinic Administrator
• Medical Direct Support Professional
• Medical Technologist
• Radiologic Technologist
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Surgical Technologist

Our Cover Letter Builder is the best way to craft a perfect medical cover letter. We offer:

• Professional advice every step of the way. 
• Expert tips and content suggestions.
• All standard file formats to download and save your letter.

Nursing cover letter examples (14)

Our nursing cover letter samples will help you express your compassion for others, display your ability to multitask and showcase your attention to detail. Hiring managers won’t want to look away.

• Experienced CNA
• Certified Nurse Assistant
• Charge Nurse
• Director Of Nursing
• Experienced Intensive Care Nurse
• Nursing Assistant
• Operating Room Nurse
• Patient Care Technician
• Perioperative Nurse
• Student Nurse

Use our Cover Letter Builder to create a cover letter quickly and easily. We offer: 

• Expert advice. 
• Industry-standard keywords and tools to optimize your cover letter.
• Multiple file formats to download and save your letter.  

Production cover letter samples (6)

A cover letter for a job application in production must showcase your ability to work with others, your heavy machinery knowledge, and your time management and safety skills.

• Assembly Line
• Forklift Operator
• Petroleum Operator
• Production Assistant
• Production Operator
• Production Supervisor

Our Cover Letter Builder is the best way to craft an effective letter. We offer:

• Professional advice for each step.
• Expert tools and content suggestions for each section of your letter.  
• All standard file formats to download and save your letter.  

Retail application letter examples (10)

Follow our retail cover letter examples on how to provide details about job-related skills such as maintaining merchandise and interpersonal skills . Use a retail cover letter example to create an effective cover letter.

• Assistant Store Manager
• Department Supervisor
• District Manager
• Parking Lot Associate
• Part Time Cashiers
• Regional Manager
• Retail Assistant
• Sales Supervisor
• Shop Assistant
• Store Manager

Use our Cover Letter Builder to craft a compelling cover letter quickly and easily. We provide:

• Tools and industry-specific content suggestions for each section.
• Multiple file formats for saving your letter.

Great cover letter examples for sales jobs (10)

Use these sales sample cover letters for inspiration. Write a cover letter to highlight your interpersonal skills , important deals you’ve achieved and sell your best product: yourself!

• Senior Consultant
• Director Of Sales
• Inside Sales
• Lead Sales Associate
• Outside Sales Representative
• Regional Sales Manager
• Sales Associate
• Sales Executive
• Sales Specialist
• Salesperson

Social services cover letter examples (3)

Choose an example cover letter and learn how to emphasize your ability to communicate with others, highlight important projects and showcase your commitment to public serving.

• Case Manager
• Drug And Alcohol Counselor
• Group Leader

Social services

Use our Cover Letter Builder to craft a cover letter that gets noticed. We provide: 

• Professional guidance along the way.
• Expert content suggestions for each area of your cover letter. 
• Multiple file formats to download and save your document.

Teaching cover letter examples (15)

Let potential employers know you have specialized knowledge, and explain how you enrich children in the classroom. Our sample cover letters for teaching positions can help!

• Adjunct Professor
• Assistant Teacher
• Elementary Teacher
• Graduate Assistant
• Kindergarten Teacher
• Master Teacher
• Preschool Teacher
• Student Assistant
• Student Teacher
• Summer Teacher
• Teacher’s Aide
• Teaching Assistant

Use our Cover Letter Builder to craft a compelling teacher cover letter with ease. Our builder provides:

More popular industries

Find a cover letter example for your industry and career level. Learn how to connect with an employer, present the human side of your skills and show why you’re a candidate to consider

My Perfect Resume is loved by job seekers and recruiter-approved

Cover letter samples for unique situations, entry-level cover letter.

A simple cover letter should focus on your skills, education and willingness to learn in a new position. 

Use our Cover Letter Builder to create a cover letter that will help jump-start your career with: 

• Expert advice throughout.
• Multiple file formats for saving your document.

Entry-level cover letter example

A simple cover letter should focus on your skills, education and willingness to learn in a new position. In this cover letter example, you can see how it emphasizes the candidate’s training, skills and career ambition while showing how they can help the employer’s needs.

Career change cover letter

This modern cover letter example can help showcase the changes you’ve made to move forward in your career. It will also help highlight your transferable skills and career accomplishments.

Make this sample cover letter your own in our Cover Letter Builder, which includes:

• Guidance on every step.
• Expert phrases, skills and bullet points.
• All major file formats to download and save your cover letter.

Career change cover letter for a job application

When changing careers, you must make a connection between jobs. Follow the lead of this cover letter for a career change example by highlighting skills you’ve developed in previous jobs that match the new one.

Employment gap cover letter

A cover letter is the best tool to explain a time period without employment. This employment gap cover letter example shows you how to approach the subject while keeping the attention on your skills and qualifications.  

You can edit this cover letter sample in our Cover Letter Builder, which provides:

• Advice on every step.
• The ability to save your document in all major formats.

Employment gap cover letter example

A cover letter is the best tool to explain a time period without employment. This employment gap cover letter example shows you how to approach the subject while focusing on your skills and qualifications.

“Cold call” cover letter

Take a confident approach with this cold call cover letter example. Let your skills and qualifications speak for themselves while you make a connection with an employer. 

Edit this sample cover letter with ease in our Cover Letter Builder, which provides you with:

• Step-by-step guidance.

“Cold call” cover letter sample

Approaching a company without an open position requires a cold-call cover letter. With this example, learn how to positively and confidently approach an employer by showcasing your company knowledge, and what you bring to the table and connect with the human side.

Professional connection cover letter

Use our Cover Letter Builder and customize this cover letter sample to expand on the skills you’ve learned on the job and what you can offer the employer now. 

Use this sample to create your own in our Cover Letter Builder, which offers: 

• Expert-approved content suggestions.

Professional connection cover letter example

Knowing the right people can help you find the next steps for your career. Write a cover letter that centers around your professional connection, as shown in this example of a professional connection cover letter for a resume.

Temporary-to-permanent employee cover letter

Make it official. Use a modern resume template to transition into a permanent position. Bring your achievements to the table,  explain what you’ve learned so far and how your skills have helped the success of your temporary employer. 

Use our Cover Letter Builder to create an effective cover letter for a promotion that takes you from a temp to a permanent employee with: 

• Expert guidance on every step.
• Professional content suggestions for each section of your letter.
• A variety of file formats to download and save your document.

Temporary-to-permanent employee sample cover letter

The goal of these types of cover letters is to show hiring managers why they should hire you as a full-time employee. Our sample cover letter for a resume focuses on specific contributions and explains what you’ve learned so far and how you can add more value as a full-time employee.

Seeking promotion cover letter

You’ve impressed your employer with your skills and achievements, and now you want more. Use this contemporary cover letter sample to state your case, bring attention to your accomplishments and expand on what you could do in a higher position. 

Seeking promotion cover letter example

You’ve impressed your employer with your skills and achievements, and now you want more. Use this contemporary cover letter sample to state your case, bring attention to your accomplishments, and expand on what you could do in a higher position.

Unadvertised position cover letter

No need to wait until a job posting is available to apply. Write a cover letter for networking and reach out to a potential employer to share your enthusiasm and what you could bring to the company. 

Our Cover Letter Builder and cover letter sample can help you expand on the skills you can bring to the table and why you should be considered as a candidate. You will also get: 

• Professional advice for every step.
• Multiple file formats to download and save your cover letter. 

Sample cover letter for an unadvertised position

No posted job description to refer to? Use this cover letter example for a job that isn’t advertised to help you explain how you heard about the role and to share your enthusiasm about joining the team. Mention your top skills and accomplishments.

New position with current employer cover letter

A modern cover letter includes your career progress, goals reached while at the company and the knowledge acquired through experience. Find new footing in your career by adding a cover letter to your application. 

Create an effective cover letter with our Cover Letter Builder, which will help with:

• Expert guidance along the way.
• A variety of formats to download and save your cover letter.

Job application letter for a new position with current employer

Put your best foot forward with a compelling cover letter for a resume. Use this letter of interest sample for a job with the same employer to point out your accomplishments and explain how you will benefit your employer on future projects.

Referral cover letter

You’ve made an impression on your previous employers, and they’re willing to back you up. With this classic cover letter sample, you can expand on your skills and what you can bring to a new employer. 

Our Cover Letter Builder will help you craft a great cover letter with the referrals to back it up and offers:

Referral cover letter sample

When done correctly, telling an employer that someone in the company referred you lets them know you’re someone they can trust. Use our referral cover letter sample to do this correctly and catch their attention the right way.

What to include in a cover letter

Want more examples of cover letters for resumes, plus tips for organizing and formatting a cover letter? Check out our guide to  cover letter formats .

Contact information:

List your phone number and professional email address.

Employer’s information:

Include name, title, company address and email.

Salutation:

Address the letter to a specific person, such as the hiring manager.

Start with a relevant accomplishment like our professional cover letter sample.

 Elaborate on your accomplishments and skills to show your value. Remember to include numbers and use keywords from the job description.

The best cover letter examples close by inviting employers to get in touch.

Other cover letter resources

The following articles are a great source of information to make our cover letter examples your own:

• How to Position a Past Cannabis Industry Job in Your Cover Letter
• 5 Qualities That are Part of Every Successful Cover Letter
• 9 Best Cover Letter Tips for Extroverts

Customizing cover letters for different goals

When writing and formatting your document, it’s essential to understand that there are different types of cover letters. Each one is designed to serve a distinct purpose and target a specific audience. 

Although each cover letter type follows the same general format, the content and structure can vary depending on your needs. 

Types of cover letters

To illustrate how the content of your cover letter can differ depending on the purpose, let’s compare three common types of cover letters and their specific applications.

Application cover letter

An application cover letter is used to accompany your resume when you are applying for a specific job opening. It highlights your relevant skills and experiences and explains why you are the best fit for the position.

Prospecting cover letter

A prospecting cover letter is sent to companies or organizations without a specific job opening. It allows you to inquire about potential openings and showcase the qualifications that make you a strong candidate for a wide range of positions within the organization.

Networking cover letter

A networking cover letter is sent to a contact or referral to seek advice, information or potential job opportunities. It is designed to build professional relationships by emphasizing your interest in a particular industry or company and highlighting your relevant qualifications.

Explore our guide on how to write a cover letter for additional tips and tricks from career advice experts.

Get noticed with a polished cover letter

Use our cover letter examples as inspiration to write a perfect cover letter. Our Cover Letter Builder will guide you through each section of your cover letter and provide expert phrases you can include in just a few clicks.

Cover Letter Checklist

• Does the cover letter match your resume?
• Do you have the name and title of the person you’re addressing?
• Does your cover letter heading include your current contact information?
• Include your years of experience?
• Include job-relevant accomplishments?
• Include information to show you’ve researched the company?
• Explain why you’re interested in the position?
• Does your body paragraph explain why you’re the best candidate for the role?
• Does your body paragraph state the value you bring to the company?
• Summarize what you bring to the company?
• Explain why you’re interested in the potential employer?
• Include a strong call to action?
• Does your letter expand on the information on your resume and not repeat it?
• Is your cover letter for a job application grammatically correct?
• Did you include keywords from the job description?

Here are some tips for writing great cover letters: 

• Don’t repeat your resume. Use your cover letter to elaborate on it.
• Research the position and memorize the job requirements.
• Pick a professional cover letter template from our extensive library. It’s best practice to match it to your resume template.
• Use an AI cover letter generator to make a targeted cover letter in minutes. 
• Find an example of an application letter for a job in your field for inspiration; we have more than 200 cover letter samples to choose from.
• Add your contact information to the header.
• Write the date.
• Add the recipient’s address.
• Address the hiring manager by name.
• Write a short but powerful opening paragraph to introduce yourself.
• Give details about your skills and experience in the body of your application letter.
• Write a closing paragraph encouraging them to contact you for an interview.
• Sign off professionally. Proofread your cover letter content at least twice.

Use our guide How to Write a Cover Letter , with step-by-step instructions.

My Perfect Resume has 200+ cover letter examples that work for job seekers from all industries and job titles. We offer the following features:

• They’re professionally designed to look their best: Our cover letter samples and cover letter templates are built to display your content neatly and effectively.
• Provide guidance and tips for every job and industry: We have an example cover letter for every job. Select any example on this page and go to our Cover Letter Builder , which supplies expert suggestions and tips for every section.
• Customize your letter for different jobs: It’s easy to update these application cover letter examples so they fit different jobs — and if you use our builder, you can save and download as many versions of your letter as you need.
• Match your perfect letter with a perfect resume: Use our Resume Builder to create resumes that complement your letter in look and layout.

Yes! According to the Society of Human Resources Management , a cover letter demonstrates your genuine interest in the job and company. It’s also an opportunity to discuss your accomplishments, introduce yourself more personally, and make a more detailed case for why the employer should be interested in you. This is why we have 200+ cover letter examples for jobs in dozens of industries — you can find the inspiration you need to write a letter that makes an impact for your industry and career level.

Absolutely! Every company and application is different. Tailoring your cover letter allows you to show if you have what they’re seeking. Plus, you want to ensure that what you write in your application cover letter and your tone align with the company culture, values and, most importantly, the job application.

Here’s what not to include in a cover letter:

• Spelling or grammatical errors
• Information not relevant to the job
• Personal information, such as your religious beliefs and political affiliations
• Negative comments about your current or former employer
• Overly flattering language
• Your salary or work benefits requirements

For guidance on what should be in your cover letter, check out our guide on what to include in a cover letter for a job .

You can also browse our library of 200+ cover letter examples for jobs in various industries to get a good idea of what to write in your cover letter.

You do not have to discuss the details of employment gaps due to personal reasons (such as an illness or a family matter that needed attending) in your cover letter for a job application. Neither do you need to explain gaps caused by your former employer firing or laying you off.

Instead, follow our employment gap cover letter example on this page, and write about your skills, qualifications and relevant experiences and how excited you are about this new opportunity. Just be prepared to discuss employment gaps during the job interview phase . If you can show you were busy with other important pursuits or trained on new skills during your time off, mention them in your letter.

Crafting an effective cover letter is a breeze with our guidance, and it only takes 15 minutes to create one for your resume.

• A well-written cover letter is both visually appealing for effortless readability and contains content that captures the attention of recruiters.
• To ensure a proper layout, use a sample cover letter template as a reference, keeping your letter concise and restricted to one page.
• To make your cover letter stand out, align it with the job posting by identifying and incorporating key phrases and requirements. For instance, if the role is in customer service and emphasizes expertise in customer relations management (CRM) systems, highlight your CRM experience in your letter.

This strategy is also beneficial for navigating through automated applicant tracking systems (ATS), commonly employed by companies to filter cover letters based on relevant keywords. Utilizing an AI cover letter generator can assist you in customizing your cover letter with the appropriate keywords and sector-specific information.

Your cover letter must address a fundamental query: What draws you to the role and the organization? Articulate why you’re the ideal candidate for the position and how you align with the company’s needs.

A well-researched and thoughtfully written cover letter can impress employers.

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Cover Letter Examples

4.2/5 stars with 271 reviews

Kellie Hanna, CPRW

Career advice expert.

Kellie is a Certified Professional Resume Writer with 20+ years of experience in digital media and is passionate about helping job seekers navigate their careers. She earned a B.A. in English and writing from Temple University.

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‡ Results derived from a study responded by 1000 participants of which 287 created a resume online.

*The names and logos of the companies referred to above are all trademarks of their respective holders. Unless specifically stated otherwise, such references are not intended to imply any affiliation or association with MyPerfectResume.

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• Cover Letters

Sample Cover Letter for a Job Application

What Is an Application Letter?

What to include in your application letter, tips for writing a cover letter, cover letter sample and template, email cover letter sample.

• How to Send an Email Application

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Alex Dos Diaz / The Balance

What's the best way to write a letter to apply for a job? Your letter should detail your specific qualifications for the position and the skills you would bring to the employer. What’s most important is to show the employer that you’re a perfect match for the job.

Your job application letter is an opportunity to highlight your most relevant qualifications and experience. An effective cover letter will enhance your application, showcase your achievements, and increase your chances of landing an interview.

Review what to include in a job application letter, tips for writing that will get your application noticed, and examples of cover letters and email messages to send when applying for a job.

Key Takeaways

• An application letter accompanies a resume and may be uploaded to a job portal, sent via email, or even sent by postal mail, depending on the employer’s requirements.
• Application letters are an ideal way to show your interest in a job and highlight your most relevant skills.
• It’s important to match your letter to the job description and show the employer you have the qualifications they are seeking.

A   letter of application, also known as a  cover letter , is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information about your skills and experience to an employer. Your letter of application is intended to provide detailed information on why you are an ideal candidate for the job.

Your application letter should let the employer know what position you are applying for, what makes you a strong candidate, why they should select you for an interview, and how you will follow up.

Effective application letters explain the reasons for your interest in the specific organization and identify the most relevant skills that qualify you for the job.

Unless an employer specifically requests a job application letter sent by postal mail, most cover letters today are sent by email or attached as a file in an online application tracking system.

As with all cover letters, a job application letter is divided into sections:

• The heading includes your name and contact information.
• A  greeting  addressed to a specific person, if possible.
• The introduction includes why the applicant is writing.
• The body discusses your relevant qualifications and what you have to offer the employer.
• The close thanks the reader and provides contact information and follow-up details.
• Your  signature to end the letter .

Here’s how to ensure your application supports your resume, highlights your most relevant qualifications, and impresses the hiring manager.

Get off to a direct start.  In your first paragraph, explain why you are writing. Mention the job title, company name, and where you found the job listing. While you can also briefly mention why you are a strong candidate, this section should be short and to the point.

Offer something different than what's in your resume. You can make your language a bit more personal than in your resume bullet points, and you can tell a narrative about your work experience and career.

Application letters typically accompany resumes, so your letter should showcase information that your resume doesn't.

Make a good case.  Your first goal with this letter is to progress to the next step: an interview. Your overarching goal, of course, is to get a job offer. Use your application letter to further both causes. Offer details about your experience and background that show why you are a good candidate. How have other jobs prepared you for the position? What would you bring to the role and the company? Use this space to  emphasize your strengths .

Close with all the important details.  Include a thank you at the end of your letter. You can also share your contact information and mention how you will follow up.

This is a sample cover letter.  Download the cover letter template  (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for an email sample.

The Balance

John Donaldson 8 Sue Circle Smithtown, CA 08067 909-555-5555 john.donaldson@email.com

September 6, 2023

George Gilhooley LTC Company 87 Delaware Road Hatfield, CA 08065

Dear Mr. Gilhooley,

I am writing to apply for the programmer position advertised in the Times Union. As requested, I enclose my certification, resume, and references.

The role is very appealing to me, and I believe that my strong technical experience and education make me a highly competitive candidate for this position. My key strengths that would support my success in this position include:

• I have successfully designed, developed, and supported live-use applications.
• I strive continually for excellence.
• I provide exceptional contributions to customer service for all customers.

With a BS degree in computer programming, I have a comprehensive understanding of the full lifecycle of software development projects. I also have experience in learning and applying new technologies as appropriate. Please see my resume for additional information on my experience.

I can be reached anytime via email at john.donaldson@email.com or by phone at 909-555-5555.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this employment opportunity.

Signature  (only if a hard copy letter)

John Donaldson

The following is a sample email cover letter to send as part of a job application.

Email Application Letter Example

Subject: Colleen Warren - Web Content Manager Position

Dear Hiring Manager,

I'm writing to express my interest in the Web Content Manager position listed on Monster.com. I have experience building large, consumer-focused, health-based content sites. While much of my experience has been in the business world, I understand the social value of this sector, and I am confident that my business experience will be an asset to your organization.

My responsibilities have included the development and management of website editorial voice and style, editorial calendars, and the daily content programming and production for various websites.

I have worked closely with health care professionals and medical editors to provide the best possible information to a consumer audience of patients. I have also helped physicians use their medical content to write user-friendly and easily comprehensible text.

Experience has taught me how to build strong relationships with all departments in an organization. I have the ability to work within a team, as well as cross-team. I can work with web engineers to resolve technical issues and implement technical enhancements. 

I am confident working with development departments to implement design and functional enhancements, monitor site statistics, and conduct search engine optimization.

Thank you for your consideration.

Colleen Warren colleen.warren@email.com 555-123-1234 www.linked.com/colleenwarren

How to Send an Email Application Letter

If sending your cover letter via email, list your name and the job title you are applying for in the  subject line  of the email:

Colleen Warren - Web Content Manager Position

Include your contact information in your email signature but don't list the employer's contact information.

Do you have to write a cover letter when you apply for a job?

Some employers require cover letters. If they do, it will be mentioned in the job posting. Otherwise, it’s optional but it can help your chances of securing an interview. A cover letter gives you a chance to sell yourself to the employer, showcase your qualifications, and explain why you are a perfect candidate for the job.

How can you use a cover letter to show you’re a qualified candidate?

One of the easiest ways to show an employer how you’re qualified for a job is to make a list of the requirements listed in the job posting and match them to your resume . Mention your most relevant qualifications in your cover letter, so the hiring manager can see, at a glance, that you have the credentials they are looking for.

CareerOneStop. " How Do I Write a Cover Letter? "

1,500+ Cover Letter Examples

Explore thousands of cover letter examples across job functions, industries, experience levels, and more.

Cover Letter Samples by Job Category

Popular Cover Letter Examples

Administrative

Distinguish your application with our compelling Administrative cover letter examples. Crafted for secretaries, office managers, and administrative professionals, our samples guide you in articulating your organizational prowess and support skills, making you indispensable in the job market.

Elevate your storytelling with our Content cover letter examples. Designed for writers, editors, and content creators, these samples empower you to weave your narrative, showcasing your ability to engage and inform, positioning your application at the forefront of the content industry.

Customer Service

Transform your service experience into compelling narratives with our Customer Service cover letter examples. Tailored for service representatives and managers, these guides illustrate how to highlight your empathy, problem-solving, and customer satisfaction skills, setting you apart in the service sector.

Data & Analytics

Showcase your analytical acumen with our Data & Analytics cover letter examples. Ideal for data scientists, analysts, and engineers, our templates help you present your data-driven insights and project impact, positioning you as a key asset in a data-centric world.

Bring your design narrative to life with our Design & UX cover letter examples. Perfect for creative professionals, these samples help you articulate your design philosophy and user-centric approach, ensuring your application stands out in the creative industry.

Dev/Engineering

Illustrate your technical expertise with our Dev & Engineering cover letter examples. Designed for software developers, engineers, and IT professionals, these samples guide you in showcasing your problem-solving skills and project achievements, highlighting your contribution to tech innovations.

Inspire with your story through our Education cover letter examples. Crafted for teachers, administrators, and educational professionals, these guides help you convey your commitment to education and student success, enhancing your application in the academic community.

Secure your next financial role with our expert Finance cover letter examples. Tailored for accountants, analysts, and finance professionals, our samples guide you in underscoring your financial acumen and stewardship, elevating your application in the finance sector.

Human Resources

Build connections with our Human Resources cover letter examples. Designed for HR professionals, these guides enable you to highlight your people skills and organizational impact, ensuring your application stands out in the human resources arena.

Information Technology

Communicate your IT prowess with our Information Technology cover letter examples. Ideal for IT specialists and system administrators, these samples help you detail your technological solutions and successes, showcasing your value in the tech industry.

Use any of our Legal cover letter examples for free. Crafted for legal professionals, these samples guide you in presenting your legal knowledge and case-management skills, positioning your application as a strong contender in the legal field.

Market your skills effectively with our Marketing cover letter examples. Designed for marketing professionals, these guides help you highlight your strategic thinking and campaign successes, ensuring your application shines in the marketing industry.

Streamline your path to success with our Operations cover letter examples. Tailored for operations managers and COOs, these samples assist you in showcasing your efficiency and operational achievements, driving your application forward in the operations sector.

Launch your career forward with our Product cover letter examples. Perfect for product managers and strategists, these samples guide you in detailing your vision and product success stories, making your application compelling in the product management field.

Project Management

Lead with confidence using our Project Management cover letter examples. Designed for project leaders and coordinators, these guides help you articulate your project successes and leadership skills, positioning you as an effective project manager.

Drive your sales career forward with our Sales cover letter examples. Tailored for sales professionals, these samples help you highlight your revenue-driving achievements and customer relationship skills, ensuring your application stands out in the sales industry.

Stand out in your unique field with our professional cover letter examples. Designed for emerging roles and unique professions, these guides help you articulate your distinct skills and experiences, ensuring your application catches attention in any industry.

Generate a Tailored Cover Letter Example in Seconds with Teal

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely. Customizing your cover letter for each job application is crucial as it allows you to specifically address the company's needs and how your skills align with the role. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the position and enhances your chances of catching the employer's attention. Refer to our varied cover letter examples to understand how to tailor your message for different job applications effectively.

A well-crafted cover letter should include: An introduction : Mention the job you’re applying for and a brief personal introduction. Body paragraphs : Explain your qualifications, experiences, and why you’re a good fit for the role. A closing statement : Conclude with a call to action, such as requesting an interview. Each of our cover letter samples incorporates these elements, ensuring you reference a correctly structured example.

To create an impactful cover letter, follow these steps: 1. Research the company and role to tailor your letter. 2. Start with a strong introduction that captures attention. 3. In the body, detail your relevant experience and skills. 4. Conclude with a strong closing statement and call to action. 5. Proofread for any errors. Our cover letter examples follow this structure to help you build an effective letter for any job application.

Tailoring your cover letter involves connecting your experiences and skills directly with the job's requirements. Refer to the job description, using similar language and highlighting how your background makes you a perfect fit. This customization shows the employer that you’ve researched the company and understand the role's needs. Use our cover letter samples as a blueprint for how to align your letter with specific job criteria.

Your cover letter should typically be no longer than one page. Aim to concisely cover all relevant points within three to four paragraphs. This ensures your letter is impactful without being overwhelming. Following the length and format of our cover letter examples can guide you in creating a concise yet comprehensive letter tailored to your application.

A great cover letter is personalized, concise, and clear. It showcases your relevant experiences, aligns with the company’s goals, and addresses the specific needs of the job. It should complement your resume, highlight your unique value, and conclude with a proactive next step. Strive for a tone that’s professional yet approachable, reflecting your genuine interest in the role and company.

• Cover Letter

How to Write an Application Letter—Examples & Guide

Embarking on the job-hunting journey? A great letter of application can be your golden ticket to stand out in the competitive job market. Learn how to write one with our guide.

Here we go again… Another job posting, another letter. This time it’s a letter of application.

But don’t worry. You’ve probably written dozens of application letter already, you just don’t know it yet. After you read this article, you’ll never sigh at the sight of another letter of application.

This guide will show you:

• An application letter sample for any position that’s better than most others out there.
• Step-by-step guide on how to write an application letter for a job.
• Tips on setting the proper letter of application format.

Save hours of work and get a cover letter like this. Pick a template, fill it in. Quick and easy. Choose from 20+ cover letter templates and download your cover letter now.

Create your cover letter now

What users say about ResumeLab:

I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your cover letter.” Patrick I love the variety of templates. Good job guys, keep up the good work! Dylan  My previous cover letter was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful! George

Want to learn more about job application documents? Read our other cover letter guides:

• Cover Letter for a Career Change
• Cover Letter for Non-Profits
• Cover Letter for Retail Jobs
• Cover Letter Guide for IT Positions
• Entry-Level Cover Letter Example
• General Cover Letter Guide
• Internship Cover Letter
• Marketing Cover Letter Guide
• Recent Graduate Cover Letter Sample
• What Does a Cover Letter Look Like?

What Is a Letter of Application?

A letter of application is intended to introduce yourself and explain why you're interested in the position. Also known as a cover letter, it is sent with your resume when applying for a job. An application letter allows you to showcase your qualifications and skills alongside your enthusiasm.

Now let’s look at what a professional letter of application looks like:

Letter of Application Example

Vinícius Cunha Pinto

UX Researcher

2496 Bassell Avenue

Little Rock, AR 72201

501-626-5744

viní[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/viní-cunha-pinto

Sherwood, 1/10/2021

Mr. Antonio Strife

Hewlett-Packard Company

232 Pumice Dr

Sherwood, AR 72120

Dear Mr. Strife

I am excited to apply for the UX researcher position at Hewlett-Packard. As a UX researcher with over six years of experience in the field, I am confident that my expertise and passion for user-centered design make me an excellent candidate for this role. In my previous position at AG Group, I increased user engagement with our app by 45%.

Another one of my biggest accomplishments was leading a research project identifying several usability issues in our company's mobile app. I worked with the design team to create solutions to these issues, resulting in a 30% increase in user satisfaction. I was also responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and developing marketing pages for our company’s website and directly contributed to over 60% increase in revenue. Furthermore, I am skilled in conducting user interviews, usability tests, surveys, and data analysis and proficient in various research tools, such as Optimal Workshop, UserTesting.com, and Qualtrics.

I am particularly drawn to Hewlett-Packard because of its reputation for innovation and commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology. Your company's dedication to delivering cutting-edge solutions aligns perfectly with my passion for staying at the forefront of UX research and design. I am eager to bring my skills and insights to a dynamic organization like Hewlett-Packard, where I can contribute to pioneering advancements in user experiences. The collaborative and forward-thinking culture at Hewlett-Packard resonates with my professional values, and I am enthusiastic about the prospect of contributing to your team's success.

Working for Hewlett-Packard would be a wonderful opportunity for me. I would love to join your team and contribute to creating exceptional user experiences for your customers. Can we schedule a meeting, so I can tell you more about the UX solutions I can bring to your company?

P.S.— I’d also love to tell you about how I worked with the development team to implement design changes that reduced user errors by 75%.

Using this example, let’s now go through the entire process of writing a letter of application.

How to Write a Letter of Application

Follow the instructions below to create a professional yet simple job application letter:

1. Use the Right Format of an Application Letter for a Job

Before your job application reaches the recruiter, it’ll most likely need to go through an automated ATS scan . And to ensure everything is read correctly, your application letter requires clear and clean formatting.

To format your letter of application correctly, follow these guidelines:

• Use the same font you chose for your resume .
• Left-align all content.
• Keep your application letter length to only one page.
• Just like with your resume margins , set them to 1-inch on your job application letter as well.
• Leave ample white space by using double-spacing between paragraphs and setting line spacing to 1.15.

Also, save your letter of application for a job in a PDF format unless instructed otherwise. This will keep your formatting and the general layout of the document intact.

Expert Hint : You may think that sending just your resume is enough. But in truth, that’s a very wrong way to think. Letters of application are essential in the job market, so don’t risk losing to other candidates just because you didn’t write one.

2. Address Your Letter of Application Properly

Addressing an application letter is simple. Firstly, include your contact information in the header of the application letter : 

• Full address
• Telephone number
• LinkedIn profile (optional)
• Current date

Then, put your hiring manager’s and their company’s info underneath it. Use:

• Recruiter’s full name
• Recruiter’s job title
• Company’s name
• Company’s address

And lastly, greet your hiring manager by using an honorific (Mr. Ms.) and their full name. Take a look at the example below to visualize:

Letter of Application Example—Address

Mr. James Stipe

There is one challenge waiting for you in this first part. Finding out the name of your recruiter. If the company put it out in the job ad, you’re golden. If it didn’t, there are a couple of ways to try and discover it on your own. You can check the company’s website or LinkedIn profile for starters. If you still drew a blank, reach out to an employee of the company and ask them. LinkedIn makes it super easy.

If everything fails, you’ll have to resort to a generalized salutation. “Dear Hiring Manager” is a great solution.

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3. Open Up With an Enticing First Paragraph

Next up, you need to capture the recruiter’s attention. So put your best foot forward in the first paragraph.

This is how the letter of application should start :

• Show you’re enthusiastic about applying for the position.
• Present your most impressive professional work achievement .
• Identify the company and the position you’re applying for by name.

Here’s what it looks like:

Sample Application Letter for a Job—First Paragraph

I am writing to apply for the UX Researcher/Developer position advertised on your website. I have over 6 years of experience and am skilled in various UX research methods. Furthermore, I have a proven track of increasing user engagement.

In theory, both of these examples present the same candidate. But the difference in said presentation makes the second sample bite the dust.

Candidate #2 doesn’t check any of the aforementioned boxes, and it shows. He has no enthusiasm, no measurable achievement to catch the eye, and he doesn’t even mention the company by name, meaning he probably sent the same letter of application to hundreds of other jobs.

But not everyone can show a work achievement straight away. If you’re applying for your first job, focus on the two other aspects of your application letter’s first paragraph. Like so:

Example of an Application Letter with No Experience—First Paragraph

As a recent graduate in Human-Computer Interaction, I am excited to apply for the Junior UX Researcher position at Hewlett-Packard. I have been following your company's work for some time now, and I am impressed with your commitment to improving the user experience through extensive research and testing. As a passionate and detail-oriented researcher, I am confident that my skills and knowledge will make me an excellent fit for your team.

And that’s a great way to introduce yourself when writing a letter of application with no experience .

Expert Hint: Job application letters build a connection with the employer by introducing yourself in a good light. One very effective tactic is to research the company’s mission and values and refer to them in your letter of application.

4. Prove Your Expertise in the Main Body

Now that you’ve hooked the recruiter, it’s time to reel them in. Metaphorically, of course.

There are a lot of different things you can include in a letter of application . But all of them must share a certain similarity. They have to be relevant to the position you’re applying for. And that’s especially true in the main body section of the job application letter. Why? Because here, you’ll list some enticing work achievements and work skills you possess.

You can see this in the following example:

How to Write an Application Letter—Main Body Section Example

I have experience working in UX research and am confident in learning and adapting quickly to new technologies and methodologies. I can use many tools, including MS Excel. Outside my many UX accomplishments, I have also worked as a sales representative, furthering my vast skills portfolio.

See what lack of relevance and quantified achievements do to a letter of application? The second candidate could best fit the position, but he will not get picked with that paragraph.

On the other hand, in the first example, relevance guides our candidate. He doesn’t bother talking about their previous job in a different field. Instead, he presents UX skills and accomplishment statements and, most of all, quantifies them for maximum impact.

Also, it’s a letter of application . So tell the recruiter why you want to apply to this specific company. Show a cultural fit, mention your values, and talk about what you can bring to the company.

But then again… How does someone without experience tackle the second paragraph of a job application letter? They should show their drive towards the specific position and the steps they have already undertaken towards their goal. Just like that:

Sample Letter of Application for a Job With No Experience—Main Body

During my studies, I worked on several UX research projects, including conducting usability testing, creating personas, and analyzing user feedback. In addition, I have completed a certification in UX Research and Design, where I learned how to conduct user interviews, design research studies, and analyze data. I am proficient in various research methodologies and tools such as surveys, A/B testing, heat maps, and user flow analysis.

And despite the lack of measured achievements, this candidate is dedicated to becoming a UX specialist. No employer is going to have any doubts about whether he will be a driven employee at their company.

Expert Hint: As tempting as it may be, never copy your resume into the letter of application. Of course, you can show one or two of the same things but focus more on presenting other achievements and skills.

5. Finish Your Application Letter With a Clear CTA

Do you know the saying, “It’s not important how you start, it’s important how you finish?” Well, in letters of application, that’s not really a good saying, as you do need a strong start, but a strong finish is just as crucial.

So don’t screw up by including a non-ending “looking forward to hearing from you” or “thank you for considering my application.” Way too many candidates finish their letters of job application this way, and it just doesn’t work.

It’s uninspiring and boring.

Instead, do it like this: 

Ending a Job Application Letter—Sample

If you have time, we could maybe schedule a meeting or something? I want to know more about the benefits your company offers

See? The first one sounds way better than one of those overused cliché lines. At the same time, example number 2 makes the candidate look like an entitled worker with no drive.

Pay special attention to the call to action. You should always nudge the recruiter into scheduling an interview with you. It may sound silly, but it’s an effective tactic. Additionally, when signing off, write “Sincerely” before your name. It’s the best way to close off a letter of application formally.

And as you’ve probably noticed, the candidate added a postscript. What’s the deal with that? It’s a completely optional thing, so don’t stress over it. If you want to add a P.S., remember to do so with a completely unique achievement you have not presented in your resume or application letter. If you don’t have anything jaw-dropping, you’re better off not adding a postscript to the end of your letter of job application .

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Here’s a summary of what’s important when writing a letter of application for a job:

• Format your application letter correctly to make it easily readable.
• Refer to the hiring manager and the company by name . Personalization earns you a lot of points in the recruiting process.
• Put information relevant to the position throughout all sections of the application letter.
• Always refer to the keywords found in the job ad and the company’s values.
• Finish off with a call to action , and add a postscript if you have more to show.

Did you enjoy reading about how to write a letter of application? Do you have any questions about job application letters? Or maybe additional tips to make one stand out even more? Leave a comment. We’ll be happy to engage in a conversation!

Mariusz is a career expert with a background in quality control & economics. With work experience in FinTech and a passion for self-development, Mariusz brings a unique perspective to his role. He’s dedicated to providing the most effective advice on resume and cover letter writing techniques to help his readers secure the jobs of their dreams.

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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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Cover Letter Examples and How-to Guides for 2024

Explore our professionally crafted cover letter samples for any job or industry. Get inspired and boost your chances of landing your dream job.

Want to write your cover letter fast? Use our cover letter builder. Choose from 18 professional cover letter templates that match your resume. See actionable examples and get expert tips along the way.

Sample cover letter for a resume made with our builder—See more templates and create your cover letter here .

One of our users, Nikos, had this to say:

[I used] a nice template I found on Zety. My resume is now one page long, not three . With the same stuff.

Categories:

• Accounting & Finance
• Construction
• Creative & Cultural Fields
• Education & Learning
• Engineering & Scientific
• Food Service
• Government and NGOs
• Hospitality Travel & Transportation
• Information Technology (IT)
• Legal Services
• Law Enforcement & Emergency
• Management & Leadership
• Media and Entertainment
• Medicine Healthcare & Wellbeing
• Office & Administrative
• Retail & Customer Service
• Sales & Marketing

Professional Cover Letter Builder

Zety’s cover letter builder makes writing easy for you and less time-consuming, Use our beautiful, customizable templates recommended by HR pros to wow every recruiter.

Accounting & Finance Cover Letter Examples

Have a gig in finance or accounting? Want to move up the ladder? See our sample cover letters to get you there.

• Accounting Intern
• Accounting Manager
• Accounts Payable
• Bank Teller
• Business Analyst
• Financial Analyst
• Investment Banking

Creative & Cultural Fields Cover Letter Examples

A cover letter can often speak volumes, sometimes even more than your portfolio. Dive into our collection of creative cover letter examples and ignite your inspiration.

• Art Teacher
• Editorial Assistant
• Event Manager
• Event Planner
• Graphic Design
• Interior Design
• Photographer
• Production Assistant
• Public Relations (PR)
• Social Media Manager
• Technical Writer

Construction Cover Letter Examples

You need the right blueprint to craft your own cover letter. With our sample cover letters, you'll have the building block to finish yours quickly.

• Architecture
• Architecture Intern

Education & Learning Cover Letter Examples

Think of our cover letter examples as an open-book take-home test—just fill in the blanks with the right answers.

• Academic Advisor
• Adjunct Professor
• Admissions Counselor
• Assistant Principal
• Assistant Professor
• Cover Letter for College Student
• Cover Letter for Scholarship Application
• Elementary Teacher
• ESL Teacher
• for Graduate School
• Graduate Assistantship
• High School
• Library Assistant
• New Teacher
• Paraeducator
• Paraprofessional
• Personal Trainer
• Preschool Teacher
• Recent Graduate
• Research Assistant
• Research Associate
• School Counselor
• Substitute Teacher
• Teaching Assistant

Engineering & Scientific Cover Letter Examples

Engineers too, require a compelling cover letter. Discover top-notch cover letter samples tailored for engineering and science professions, and fuel your career trajectory.

• Computer Science
• Data Scientist
• Electrical Engineering
• Engineering
• Engineering Internship
• Environmental Scientist
• IT Technician
• Lab Technician
• Mechanical Engineer

Food Service Cover Letter Examples

To have the crème de la crème of cover letters for the food service industry, use our cover letter examples as the perfect recipe to get you there.

• Restaurant Manager

Government and NGOs Cover Letter Examples

Elevate your cover letter to presidential standards with our cover letter examples tailored specifically for governmental or NGO job applications.

Hospitality Travel & Transportation Cover Letter Examples

Don’t take the hard road when crafting your cover letter—use our transportation and hospitality industry sample cover letters to get your profile revved up.

• Flight Attendant
• Hospitality

Information Technology (IT) Cover Letter Examples

You code Java in your sleep but come up on the zero binary end when writing a cover letter. Use a perfect cover letter sample for your job, and you'll be done in no time.

• Cyber Security
• Data Analyst
• Front End Developer
• Network Engineer
• Software Developer
• Software Engineer
• System Administrator
• UX Designer
• Web Designer
• Web Developer

Legal Cover Letter Examples

You need a legal cover letter that won’t result in a hung (recruiter) jury. Use our sample cover letters to get a unanimous victory.

• Judicial Clerkship
• Legal Assistant

Law Enforcement & Emergency Services Cover Letter Examples

Give the Chief probable cause to read your resume. These professional law enforcement and emergency services cover letter examples will show them why you're the best choice

• Firefighter
• Law Enforcement
• Police Officer
• Security Guard
• Security Officer

Management & Leadership Cover Letter Examples

You're a natural leader, adept at leveraging expert advice. Amplify your potential with our top-notch cover letter examples for management and leadership positions, designed to guarantee your success.

• Executive Director
• Management Consulting
• Operations Manager
• Product Manager
• Program Manager
• Project Coordinator
• Project Manager

Media and Entertainment Cover Letter Examples

Whether you craft compelling copy, take two on television, or report rumors and revelations, you know how to send a message. Show you're the best fit for the job with inspiration from our media examples of a cover letter.

Medicine Healthcare & Wellbeing Cover Letter Examples

In healthcare, details matter - this includes your cover letter. Use our cover letter examples to help make yours better.

• Cosmetology
• Dental Assistant
• Dental Hygiene
• Esthetician
• Lab Assistant
• Massage Therapist
• Medical Assistant
• Medical Receptionist
• Medical Scribe
• New Grad Registered Nurse (RN)
• Nurse Practitioner
• Nursing Student
• Occupational Therapy
• Pharmacy Technician
• Phlebotomist
• Physical Therapy
• Physician Assistant
• Public Health
• School Nurse
• Speech Language Pathologist (SLP)
• Veterinary Assistant

Manufacturing & Warehousing Cover Letter Examples

Prove you've got the right skills in stock using our expedited cover letter examples for warehousing and manufacturing.

• Apprenticeship

Office & Administrative Cover Letter Examples

Any organization without you is like a car with no engine. These example cover letters will help you make it clear to employers you are that missing part.—show them how with a great office & administrative cover letter.

• Administrative
• Administrative Assistant
• Call Center
• Case Manager
• Executive Assistant
• HR Generalist
• Human Resources
• Office Assistant
• Office Manager
• Personal Assistant
• Receptionist
• Social Work
• Virtual Assistant

Retail & Customer Service Cover Letter Examples

We believe in delivering on our promises, just like you do for your customers. That's why our meticulously crafted customer service cover letter examples are designed to help you land that coveted job.

• Customer Service
• Customer Success Manager
• Retail Management
• Technical Support

Sales & Marketing Cover Letter Examples

You know sales isn't about manipulating—it's about offering a solution to a problem. Our sample cover letter for sales jobs do just that.

• Account Manager
• Business Development
• Digital Marketing
• Marketing Coordinator
• Marketing Intern
• Marketing Manager
• Sales Associate
• Sales Manager
• Sales Representative
• Store Manager

Other Cover Letter Examples

Need a cover letter sample for different scenarios you find yourself in at this stage of your career? Check out the relevant cover letter templates you need here.

• Career Change
• Cold Call / Unsolicited Cover Letter
• Electrician
• Entry-Level
• for Internal Position
• Killer Cover Letter
• Maintenance
• No Experience
• Pain Letter
• Perfect Cover Letter
• Real Estate
• Short Cover Letter Examples

Examples of Cover Letter Templates

Dear Mr. Portis,

When I found the opening for the Account position with Kaiser Permanente, I felt as if it was addressed to me. In my current position as Junior Accountant at the Pasadena Unified School District, I’ve managed a monthly bank reconciliation of over $400,000. I’m sure I can use my expertise at Kaiser Permanente.

In my current position as a Junior Accountant with the Pasadena Unified School District, my key challenge has been planning an annual budget and updating monthly forecasts. Here are some of my recent results:

• SAP implementation including creation of general ledger chart of accounts and data testing.
• Streamlined analysis and reporting processes to support company directives.
• Ensured all departmental invoices were correctly coded and documented for payment within the period. Worked with vendors to ensure all invoices were paid on a timely basis.

I know that Kaiser Permanente’s current plans involve moving to in-house accounting. It would be an exciting opportunity for me to use my skills to develop this project.

Can we schedule a meeting to discuss my solutions for helping Kaiser Permanente have proper in-house accounting?

Dieter Bender

General Cover Letter

A good cover letter is a personalized cover letter. Getting everything right takes time…and you need to submit your application right this second . Use this cover letter sample to create unique cover letters fast and easy—no matter if you need two or 20 versions.

Dear Mr. Scotten,

I'm so excited to apply for the IT Project Manager position at Weniger Aerospace.

At A/G Systems, I saved 10 meeting hours a week for 20 engineers. I did it by automating our program requirements management with Oracle Primavera. At $90 an hour, that’s $864,000 saved per year. I'm proud of that—not least because my title wasn't "IT PMP" but "Program Administrator." Transitioning to 100% IT PMP at Weniger would use my IT skills and passion to the full.

I know you're looking for an IT PMP with 5+ years of experience. I've spent 6 years creating robust IT systems with these achievements in the skill areas in your ad:

• Customer Relationship Management. Worked directly with 200+ customers to integrate our software into daily workflows. Slashed complaints by 25%.
• Trained, mentored, and on-boarded 15 new IT hires. Handled all new user training, cutting customer issues 30%. Gave software training to 12 business units nationwide.
• Led project to develop custom ERP software, automating requirements-tracking from 20,000 customers and 150+ programs.
• Wrote test scripts and coordinated testing through cross-functional teams. Expanded custom software to integrate with ERP. Slashed daily disruptions 50%.

I'm very interested in sharing how I can deliver IT PMP excellence at Weniger Aerospace. Can we schedule a call?

Best Regards,

Samantha Sunstein

PS—I'm also happy to explain how I used Oracle Primavera to automate project tracking, eliminating 120+ work-hours per year.

Career Change Cover Letter

Most people don’t do the same job for years, but career changers get the double-take. This sample letter will show you how to prove you have what it takes to start a new career. Convince the employer you’re the perfect candidate with help from this example.

Dear Larissa,

I was so excited when my protein shake packaging design was shortlisted for an Adobe Design Achievement Award.

It was no accident. Design has been a passion of mine since I was ten. I treated the coursework for my B.A. in Design at UMass Boston as a jumping-off point. My classes lit the way, but I dug in deeper with:

• Extensive extra-curricular reading of over 200 books on design, art, and business.
• Conducting a weekly podcast with interviews of 100+ top designers (and 1500+ subscribers).
• Freelance work on nights, weekends, and in the summers designing products for small money but with great return in terms of lesson learned.

When Dr. Stanhope suggested I apply for this internship, his reasoning was flawless. Paralith’s commitment to developing its interns far beyond mere clock-punching speaks directly to my voracious appetite for continued growth.

I would love to put my passion and skill to work for you. Can we schedule a call to discuss winning awards and accolades for Paralith?

Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,

Giovanna Darcy

Internship Cover Letter

Landing an internship is tough. Landing a placement that opens you up to great opportunities is even harder. This cover letter example will show you how to make the most of you skills, education, and attitude to win top companies over.

Dear Mr. Bartz,

My name is Jean West, a junior at Greenville High Academy interested in becoming a public administrator in local government. I was thrilled to come across an opening for a Front Desk Clerk with the Greenville City Council. As the High School President and Model UN participant, I am a highly driven high school student who would help Greenville City Council’s administrative challenges.

I know the main duties for this position will be to maintain a professional relationship with visitors and answering multi-line phones and transferring calls to staff members. As the Student Body President, I’ve had to maintain a professional relationship with both students and staff, while being a representative for certain student body issues. We were able to introduce several new amendments to the student handbook and showed care and compassion to all students attending Greenville High Academy.

I am applying to the Greenville City Council specifically as a way to become more involved in local politics and further my professional growth in the field. This is why I’m so excited about this opening. I’d love the opportunity to be involved in local politics in a more fundamental way.

Can we schedule a call next week to discuss this position further?

Student Cover Letter

Your job search is a catch-22: you want to work, but haven’t done enough work to get hired. These cover letter examples will help you escape this vicious circle. Be yourself, we’ll just help you bring out the best in you and give the employers the best candidate: you .

Dear Ms Danz,

It would realize a long-term dream of mine to fill the open digital marketing specialist position here at XYZ Foods. When I first got my job in customer service here, it was because your team member Arnold Dickey advised me to take any job at the company, exceed expectations, build marketing skills, then apply for a transfer to marketing. After just two months I was promoted to senior customer service agent for quick thinking and a strong work ethic. (I saved the company $2,000 a month with one suggestion.)

I read the job posting carefully and spoke with several of your team members. I know the position calls for product knowledge, written and verbal communication, and a strong sense of who our customers are. I believe I’m the perfect fit. I’ve passed quarterly product knowledge quizzes with the highest scores in my department. I’ve used strong communication skills to achieve 95% positive customer survey scores and write up daily error-free reports. My department record of 75+ calls handled per day gives me an excellent understanding of our target demographic.

The most compelling part of this position to me is that it’s the perfect fit. I’ve dreamed of working as a digital marketing specialist at XYZ for the past seven years, taking fifteen online classes from Wharton and doing 20 freelance projects on nights and weekends.

My supervisor here at XYZ customer service is happy to let me meet with you any weekday. Can we set up a time to chat about how I can exceed your expectations as I’ve exceeded hers?

Sincerely, Susan Morris

Internal Position Cover Letter

A new position opened up in your company. You know you’re the best match, but you’re worried you’ll get overlooked. There’s competition, it’s not clear who gets promoted or transitioned. These cover letter samples will show you how to get the credit you’re due.

Dear Frances,

Presently, I’m the retail operations assistant manager for Reston Raiment, but I just today saw your advertisement for a manager at Willis Wearables and I’m excited to put forth my application. I’ve been a semi-frequent customer of WW over the years, and I’ve always adored the quality of your products and the helpfulness of the staff.

During my managerial career, I’ve acquired many skills and much supervisory knowledge. These abilities, coupled with my 5+ years of management experience, make me a strong contender for this position, I believe. On top of those mentioned things, I’m also honored to have achieved some important small successes, including:

• Reduced employee turnover rates by 50% by creating a healthier, more family-like work environment.
• Cut overhead costs by around $3,000 per month by implementing sustainable electronics and devices throughout the store.
• Increased sales by 30% (2018 vs. 2017) in the holiday season by spearheading a new sales and marketing campaign.

These are but a few examples, but I hope they help to show you my management experience, a love for the job, passion, and dedication. I’m eager for the opportunity to bring these characteristics over to a store I’ve always admired.

If you’d give me the chance, I’d love to show you how I can build upon your current success and take Willis Wearables to the next level.

Karen D. Valenzuela

P.S.—What would you say to having a coffee together? I know a great cafe near your store, and I’d be happy for the chance to discuss how I can bring an increase in sales (30%) to WW this upcoming holiday season.

Manager Cover Letter

What makes this sample cover letter great? Quantifies and shows a good fit:

• Uses numbers to prove she’s the best candidate.
• Adds value to her profile by listing key deliverables.

Dear Jacqueline,

As a longtime fan of Acme’s company culture and products, I was excited to see the opening for an administrative assistant. With my lengthy experience as an administrative assistant with Fancy Malls, I know I can use my skill set and knowledge to become a valuable member of the Acme team.

In my current position with Fancy Malls, I’ve had many responsibilities and achievements that would serve me well in a role at Acme. Fancy Malls has a similar business structure and product lineup to those at Acme, so I believe I would make a smooth and quick transition. On top of that, my invoice management and directory maintenance were leading performance boosters for the company, and I’m sure that I could achieve similar results at Acme, such as:

• I saved $3,000 a year in office supplies after negotiating a new deal with the current supplier.
• I increased sales by 7% after implementing an automatic follow-up approach using a CRM program.

Obtaining the administrative assistant position at Acme would be my dream come true. I’ve long been a fan and personal user of several of your products. In fact, Acme’s unique company culture is what prompted me to seek more challenging work. Though I love being in charge of a company’s multifaceted office support, there is no other office that would make me as happy to work for. I know, should I be honored with the position, that I’d be the envy of my circle of friends!

I would eagerly welcome the opportunity to discuss your current administrative objectives and show you how my successes at Fancy Malls can translate into growth for Acme.

P.S. - I’d love the opportunity to sit down with you and go over how I can bring similar results to the 10% cost savings I achieved at Fancy Malls to the Acme office, as well.

Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

What makes this sample cover letter stand out? Shows skills like a Swiss Army knife:

• Shows adaptability and eager to meet any challenge.
• Mirrors the requirements of the job ad with her best abilities.

Perfect Cover Letter Sample

• Make it easy for recruiters to contact you .
• Address a specific person with the right salutation.
• Show your worth and fit with the company .
• Sign off to make recruiters take action .
• Highlight your unique value in the PS.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cover Letter Examples

What is a cover letter.

A cover letter is a document attached to a resume in your application that demonstrates your qualifications, relevant achievements , useful skills , and motivation to join your potential employer. It complements your resume by providing more details about your professional background so far.

Remember that your cover letter design should match your resume. See our professional cover letter templates and resume templates that work together perfectly. If you opted for a CV instead, do not hesitate to check out our professional CV templates that go well with our cover letters. Interested in the topic? Read more about the differences between a CV and a resume .

How to write a cover letter in 2024

A good cover letter should include the following parts:

• cover letter salutation
• cover letter heading
• cover letter greeting
• first paragraph with a catchy cover letter opening
• second paragraph explaining why you are the perfect fit for the company
• third paragraph with a call to action to make the recruiter realize that they do want to get in touch with you
• cover letter closing
• cover letter enclosure
• a professional sign-off

After you’ve written a cover letter example for a job you’re after, make sure to give it the right name . You can use a few more tricks in your cover letter to garner additional attention for your candidacy. To find out more, read: what to include in a cover letter .

How to format a cover letter?

When you write a cover letter, remember the following formatting rules:

• Set one-inch margins on all sides.
• Left-align all contents. Don’t use justification, it’s against the standard rules of business letter formatting.
• Use business cover letter spacing : 1 or 1.15.
• Put double spaces between paragraphs.
• Use easy-to-read cover letter fonts , such as Arial, Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Cambria, or Times New Roman. Keep the font size between 11 and 12 pt.

You can easily format a Word cover letter , a Google Docs cover letter , or even a LaTeX cover letter . However, remember that a good cover letter builder will help you even more by delivering pre-written phrases and ready-to-use templates. We advise you to look deeper into how to format your cover letter .

Should you use a cover letter example?

Using the right cover letter example (or letter of application ) might help you better understand what the necessary parts of the cover letter are . Seeing the right cover letter sample relevant to the position you’re after will also help you realize what a cover letter should look like . You will also witness the proper cover letter outline . And that can be enough to write a perfect cover letter .

Can a cover letter example help me prepare my job application?

Having the right cover letter example will help you prepare your job application. You can use it as inspiration, personalize some parts, and realize how quickly (with the right builder) you can write a piece that will impress the recruiter. If you’d like to learn more about creating a perfect document, read our cover letter tips .

Are Zety cover letter examples available for free?

Yes, you can access cover letter examples for 200+ professions grouped by industry on Zety for free. Now all you have to do is tailor the content proposed by Zety to your own needs and use our cover letter builder to create a job-winning sample cover letter accompanying your perfect resume .

Do you have cover letter samples for inexperienced candidates?

Selling yourself in a cover letter when you have little job experience and hard skills is doable, even if you’re writing one of these cover letters:

• Career change cover letter
• Entry-level cover letter
• Apprenticeship cover letter
• Internship cover letter
• Recent graduate cover letter

Since there are no past jobs you could discuss in your document, highlight the best of your soft skills and show your passion for learning. List all experiences gathered in extracurricular activities, additional courses, or through volunteering.

Are cover letters really necessary?

Even though it is widely believed that recruiters don’t read cover letters, you do need a cover letter in most cases. A well-written cover letter sets the tone for your resume, allowing you to point out your professional experience and special skills in more detail. It also shows your motivation to take the job.

Never hesitate to write a cover letter. Do it even if the job ad does not require it. It’s better to have a good cover letter example written than to miss an opportunity to get hired by not having it.

How long should a cover letter be?

Your cover letter length should ideally include 3–4 short paragraphs and no more than 400 words. Remember that recruiters prefer brief and easy-to-read content, so do not overwhelm them with irrelevant details.

If you feel like writing a short cover letter , you can always choose to send it not as a separately attached document, but as an e-mail message . Some recruiters might appreciate a shorter form.

Should you write a different cover letter for each job application?

You should always customize your cover letter for each company you’re applying to , as it significantly increases your chances of landing a job interview. To make your cover letter job-specific, review the job ad carefully, identify the most important things the company is looking for in the perfect candidate, and use that information to draft a compelling cover letter.

Read more on what a cover letter should say , and remember that with our cover letter builder your perfect cover letter is just a few clicks away!

Does Zety offer any resume examples that I could look at?

If you don’t know where to start with writing your resume, we suggest that you look at our resume examples . Find a sample matching your profession, tailor the proposed content to your needs, and add it to one of Zety’s resume templates . If you want more information about this, read our guide on how to write a resume .

Don’t know if you should write a resume or a CV? Read about the differences between a CV and a resume .

How can I edit Zety's cover letter examples?

You can easily copy and paste cover letter samples into any text editor or use our builder. It’s a simple step-by-step flow that lets you quickly and effortlessly edit an already-existing cover letter or create one from scratch. By providing you with pre-written phrases and suggestions, your cover letter will be ready in just a few minutes.

Try Zety's professional cover letter builder now

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How to Write a Cover Letter When You’re Changing Careers (Sample + Tips)

As a career changer, you need to help recruiters understand why you’re moving away from your former line of work and what you want to achieve in your new career path..

You will inevitably change jobs throughout your career as you seek more responsibility, growth, or even a higher salary. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average employee stays at each job for around four years [ 1 ]. However, for career changers—or those interested in exploring an entirely new path or industry—making that switch can sometimes involve unique challenges. 

Even so, making a career change has become an increasingly popular move. More than half of workers in the United States anticipated looking for a new opportunity in 2022 [ 2 ]. Changing careers can allow you to find more meaningful work, better align your career path with your larger goals, and move into a more energizing role.  

When you draft your cover letter to apply for a job in a new line of work, you must take time to explain your larger objectives. In this article, we’ll review specific information you can feature in your cover letter to help recruiters understand your goals and reasons for changing careers. 

Learn more: How to Plan for a Career Change: Step-by-Step Guide

How to write a career change cover letter

A cover letter is a chance to expand upon the bullet points outlined in your resume . It’s a space where you can explain your interest in the role and company, highlight your experience and skills, and sell a recruiter on the overall fit you’d make. 

But a career changer needs to do all of that and more. You also need to help recruiters and hiring managers understand why you’re moving away from your former line of work, what you want to achieve in your new career path, and any transferable skills that will help make your transition smooth. 

Let’s review four key pieces of information you can weave into your career change cover letter.  

1. Clarify your career change context

Explaining why you’re interested in changing careers and how the role you’re applying to fits within your larger career aspirations can preemptively contextualize your story. Plan to include a career change objective somewhere in your cover letter, much like you would a resume objective to provide a summary of a person’s experience and goals. Don’t be afraid to build a sense of personality so recruiters can better connect you with your objective.  

What this looks like: I’ve spent the last six years translating complex topics for various users as a technical writer. But in that time, I’ve realized that what drives me is the user’s experience. It’s the lightbulb moment behind my career change to UX design . I believe I’ll make a strong addition to your team because my work has largely put the user front and center, and now I’m interested in focusing on a different facet of that goal. 

2. Specify the value of your certificates, courses, or trainings

It costs over $4,000 to hire an employee, according to the Society for Human Resources Management [ 3 ]. That’s all the more reason why recruiters and hiring managers want to find the right candidate. It can be costly otherwise. Help explain what you’ve done to prepare for your career change by highlighting any professional certificates or trainings you’ve completed to prepare you for your new line of work. 

What this looks like: In order to familiarize myself with the tools and processes used in data analysis, I completed the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate , which taught me SQL and R, and trained me to clean and visualize data. Thanks to this preparation, I feel confident that I will make a strong addition to your team from the very start.  

3. Bring attention to your transferable skills 

Transferable skills are “portable,” in that you take them from job to job. They include problem-solving, critical thinking, attention to detail, and more. Show recruiters that you have important skills to help you do the job so they can understand the unique value you’d bring to their company.  

It can also help to find out the key technical skills the job requires and spend time learning what you can, especially when it comes to important software or tools. 

What this looks like: As a software developer, I regularly relied on my problem-solving skills to think through complex issues. I’ll bring that same skill, as well as my attention to detail, listening, and decision-making, to ABC High School as the new algebra teacher. 

4. Highlight your past achievements 

Any time you can highlight what you’ve managed to accomplish in your past roles, you help a recruiter see your potential in a new role. Where possible, summarize any moments that showcase your strengths and illustrate your work ethic or character. 

What this looks like: I pride myself on being a team player and a problem-solver. As a social media manager at Company X, I identified a better program to help my team schedule content. Using that tool improved my team’s efficacy, leading to our most successful quarter. 

Why is a cover letter important when changing careers?

The idea of a career path can sometimes be rigid, suggesting that people only follow one specific track. Although that perspective is starting to shift, it’s still prevalent. You can help recruiters and hiring managers understand more about your interest in a role by explaining why you’re changing careers and what you’ve done to streamline your transition. 

It helps to align your cover letter with a resume objective, which can be especially useful for career changers. An objective on your resume is a place where you can contextualize your larger career aims, quickly summarizing what you’re hoping to achieve in your next role. Repeat that same information in your cover letter and expand on it slightly to give your application materials more cohesiveness.  

Read more: How to Use Resume Sections to Shape Your Professional Story

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Career change cover letter sample

It's common practice nowadays to submit your cover letter digitally. In that case, include some of your contact information in the top left corner so recruiters can easily see how to get in touch.

Thomas Bennett

Nashville, TN

(555) 555-1234

[email protected]

Dear Ms. Tufte,

I’m writing to apply for the project manager role at Company X. I initially began my career as a marketing coordinator and eventually moved into email marketing , where I was responsible for strategizing and developing new campaigns. But in that time, I realized how much I thrived when managing our quarterly campaigns from start to finish. That’s why I’m interested in segueing into project management. 

Knowing that, despite my experience, I still needed to learn more specifically about project management, I completed the Google Project Management Professional Certificate . Over six months, I’ve learned Agile project management as well as how to create product documentation, among other key skills. I believe this training, along with my previous experience, will help me transition to a project management role at Company X and make a big impact.   

I’m an organized problem-solver with a sharp eye for detail, all important project management skills. I believe my previous work in email marketing provided hands-on training in managing projects, albeit without the official title. I identified new tools to help my team create more effective quarterly campaigns. As a result, we increased our click-through rate (one of our key metrics) to 1.87 percent, bringing it closer to the industry standard—an immense achievement. 

I’m proud of the foundation I gained through marketing, but in realizing where my true passion lies, I’m keen to transition into a project management role with more growth opportunities. I appreciate your consideration. 

Tips for strengthening your cover letter 

Much like you would for a standard cover letter, you can strengthen your cover letter as a career changer using the following tips: 

Tailor your letter for each role.

You should tailor your resume for each role you apply to, and the same goes for your cover letter. Research the company, find out about aspects of their work that interest you, and insert those details into your cover letter. You should also tailor your experience and skills, highlighting each job's most relevant skills and accomplishments. 

Get specific.

Your cover letter should expand upon your resume rather than repeating the same information. One way to do this is by giving details about your past achievements. When possible, quantify your impact with numbers and explain how these accomplishments make you uniquely qualified for this new role.

Use action words. 

Build action words into your resume and your cover letter. Rather than more staid words that don’t capture your unique story or responsibilities, action verbs can liven up your cover letter and make it more enticing to read. Find verbs that succinctly and accurately depict your previous experience.

Start advancing your skills today

Brush up on your cover letter writing skills by taking the University of Maryland’s free course, Writing Winning Resumes and Cover Letters . Or develop important skills for an in-demand career with a Professional Certificate from industry leaders like Google, Meta, and IBM. Most certificate programs take less than seven months to complete, and you can start for free with a seven-day, all-access trial.

Article sources

US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “ Employee Tenure in 2020 , https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/tenure.pdf.” Accessed April 26, 2024.

CNBC. “ The Great Resignation is Likely to Continue , https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/25/great-resignation-55-percent-are-looking-to-change-jobs-over-the-next-year-.html.” Accessed April 26, 2024.

ADP. “ Calculating the True Cost to Hire Employees , https://www.adp.com/spark/articles/2019/07/calculating-the-true-cost-to-hire-employees.aspx.” Accessed April 26, 2024.

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