cover letter for award

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• Cover Letter for Award Application

Welcome to our guide on writing a cover letter for an award application. This article aims to provide you with helpful tips and examples to effectively showcase your achievements, skills, and qualifications when applying for an award.

A well-crafted cover letter can make a significant difference in your application by highlighting your unique qualities and demonstrating why you are deserving of the award. Whether you are applying for an academic, professional, or community-based award, this guide will assist you in creating a compelling cover letter that stands out from the competition.

Letter Example 1: Academic Achievement Award

Letter example 2: professional excellence award, letter example 3: community service award, letter example 4: leadership award, suggestions for writing a cover letter for an award application, conclusions, q: what should i include in my cover letter for an award application, q: how long should my cover letter be, q: should i address my cover letter to a specific person or committee, q: how important is proofreading my cover letter, examples of cover letters for award application.

Dear [Award Committee Name],

I am writing to submit my application for the Academic Achievement Award. As a senior at [University/Institution], I have dedicated myself to academic excellence and have consistently demonstrated outstanding performance in my studies.

Throughout my academic journey, I have maintained a stellar GPA, consistently ranking at the top of my class. Additionally, I have actively engaged in various research projects and have presented my findings at several conferences. These experiences have not only enhanced my knowledge but also allowed me to contribute to my field of study.

Thank you for considering my application for the Academic Achievement Award. I believe that my dedication to academic excellence and my passion for learning make me a deserving candidate. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.

[Your Name]

I am delighted to submit my application for the Professional Excellence Award. Over the past [number of years], I have demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and expertise in my professional field.

Throughout my career, I have consistently exceeded expectations and delivered exemplary results. I have successfully managed high-profile projects, collaborated with cross-functional teams, and developed innovative solutions that have significantly impacted my organization's success.

I am honored to be considered for the Professional Excellence Award. My commitment to continuous improvement, strong work ethic, and passion for my field make me a deserving candidate. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Warm regards,

I am delighted to submit my application for the Community Service Award. As an active member of our community, I have dedicated my time and efforts to making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Over the past [number of years], I have volunteered with various organizations, including [specific organizations and roles]. Through these experiences, I have developed strong leadership skills, empathy, and a deep understanding of the needs of our community.

Thank you for considering my application for the Community Service Award. I am passionate about serving others and making a difference, and I believe that my dedication and commitment make me a deserving candidate. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.

Best regards,

I am writing to submit my application for the Leadership Award. Throughout my academic and professional journey, I have consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities, inspiring and motivating others to achieve greatness.

As the president of [Organization/Club], I have successfully led a team of [number] members, overseeing various projects and initiatives that have had a significant impact on our community. I have also collaborated with other leaders to organize events and create opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Thank you for considering my application for the Leadership Award. My passion for leadership, ability to inspire others, and dedication to making a positive impact make me a deserving candidate. I am excited about the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.

• Start with a strong opening paragraph that grabs the reader's attention and clearly states the purpose of your letter.
• Showcase your achievements, skills, and qualifications relevant to the award you are applying for.
• Provide specific examples and evidence to support your claims and demonstrate your excellence.
• Highlight your passion, dedication, and commitment to your field, community, or organization.
• Use a professional tone and language throughout the letter.
• Keep the letter concise and focused, aiming for one page if possible.
• Proofread carefully to ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors.
• Address the letter to the appropriate person or committee.

Writing a cover letter for an award application is an opportunity to showcase your achievements and qualifications in a concise and compelling manner. By following the examples and suggestions provided in this guide, you can create a strong cover letter that increases your chances of being recognized and awarded.

A: Your cover letter should include a strong opening paragraph, details of your achievements and qualifications, specific examples that demonstrate your excellence, and a closing paragraph expressing your gratitude and interest in the award.

A: Aim to keep your cover letter concise and focused, ideally one page in length.

A: Yes, it is best to address your cover letter to the appropriate person or committee responsible for reviewing award applications.

A: Proofreading is crucial to ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors that could detract from the professionalism and impact of your cover letter.

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• Applying For Scholarships

Write a Killer Cover Letter for a Scholarship in 2023 (w/Example)

David Jul 24, 2022

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It’s easy to get put off by scholarship applications that require a cover letter. Cover letters may seem annoying but there is a bright side here. A simple letter gives you another opportunity to convince the scholarship committee that you deserve to win the award.

So how do you start? What should you include in the letter? How should you end it?  In this post, we’ll answer all these questions and we’ll even provide a sample letter that you can use as a template in the end. 

What Is a Cover Letter? 

Let’s start with the basics. A cover letter for a scholarship is similar to a cover letter you’d submit for a job . What does that mean exactly?

It’s simply a letter you write to the scholarship committee. In the letter you should explain what makes you a great candidate for the award. You should also talk about how the scholarship will help you reach your educational and career goals . 

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The scholarship committee wants to find the most fitting students to invest their money in. Make them see the reasons why they should they invest in you. 

Why a Cover Letter? 

Whether you have those things or not, many scholarship committees look for something else.  They look at students who have overcome struggles. Students who are leaders in their community. And students who have unique hobbies. Your cover letter is the place to show off your unique self.

Although not every scholarship application requires students to submit a cover letter, when they do, it’s a great idea to submit a great one. Use the opportunity to think about how can you make yourself stand out from other applicants. What is unique to you that other applicants don’t have? Brainstorm and show it off!

What Should Your Cover Letter Accomplish? 

Your cover letter should do the following: 

• Highlight your strengths: Why do your strengths make you a good match for the scholarship? 
• Express what your plans are for the future: How will this particular scholarship help get you there? 
• Convey a clear structure: Your cover letter should flow in a clear and concise manner. 

Cover letters can be a great opportunity for you to convince the scholarship committee that you are the best candidate for the scholarship. Take time writing your cover letter and don’t wait until the final days before the deadline to start writing. A little bit of effort, could be the difference  that helps you win the award! 

Scholarship Cover Letter Example

Alexis Smith 4519 Owl St. Bend, OH 45052

The Scholarship Committee University of Pennsylvania  3440 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 

To Whom It May Concern, 

My name is Alex Smith and I am a high school senior in Bend, Ohio. In the fall of 2019, I will be starting my freshman year at the University of Pennsylvania at the Annenberg School of Communication with an intended major in communications.

Since my freshman year of high school, I have served on my school’s journalism team. During freshman and sophomore year, I worked as a writer. By junior and senior year, I became the senior editor and co-manager of the school paper. Throughout my four years of being part of the club, I have learned so much about journalism; from pitching creative ideas, to carrying out interviews, and writing up an article. I have also learned about editing and publishing. Although these tasks intimidated me in the beginning, I can confidently say that I now feel very skilled and knowledgeable about the field. 

I am particularly passionate about giving the underserved population a voice to be heard. Some of my favorite interviews and articles I have published have been with female refugees from the community here in Ohio. Some of my articles have been published in our local paper in Bend. 

Of course, there is so much that I still have and want to learn. I am eager to start my undergraduate education and learn from experts in the field. I am excited to take journalism, communication, and marketing courses and learn everything there is to know. I am also hoping to work with the Pennsylvania Daily and join the journalism club on campus. I want to take advantage of every opportunity offered to further my career and personal growth.

As you are well aware, the cost of college is very high. As much as I have saved during high school, I will still have to take out loans to fund my college education. I am planning to work part-time during my studies, but I don’t want work to interfere too much with my school work. This scholarship would greatly help me cover some of these fees and give me more time to focus on school.

I am very hardworking and creative, and I can’t wait to contribute my talents to the University of Pennsylvania. I would be so grateful to receive a scholarship. Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely, 

Alexis Smith

• Applications

David Tabachnikov is the CEO of ScholarshipOwl. Formerly at Waze and Google, David is an experienced CTO/R&D manager with over 10 years of experience of leading tech teams. David fervently believes that students should have greater access to education, and is passionate about using technology to help them achieve that goal.

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How to List Awards in Cover Letters

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How to Add a Person Who Recommended You for a Job in the Cover Letter of a Resume

How to reply to a boss's accolades, how to write a cover letter without a job in mind.

• What Do You Say in a Complimentary Letter About Your Boss?
• Restaurant Job Qualifications Resume

Being the recipient of an award is definitely something you don't want to keep to yourself when you're applying for a job. While the most appropriate place for listing prestigious awards is in your resume, there are ways to work some types of recognitions into your cover letter, as well, to grab the interviewer's attention.

According to McGill University , the most important part about writing a cover letter is knowing yourself and knowing your audience. So, make sure you note the awards in the appropriate context of the letter rather than simply providing a laundry list of accolades. For instance, in an application for scholarship in university, you might highlight the award you received for tutoring in high school as you highlight their peer tutoring program.

Industry Awards and Cover Letters

If you were recognized with an award from an industry association, such as a chamber of commerce, small business development organization or a significant industry peer group, it’s worth noting it in your cover letter. Work the recognition into the portion of the letter that addresses your work history and your knowledge of your line of business.

For example, in a cover letter for award submission applications geared toward telecommunication professionals, you might note, “As a 20-year veteran of the telecommunications industry, I take great pride in staying ahead of industry trends. In fact, I was recognized with a ‘visionary thinker’ award from my previous employer.” Your application for award submission will stand out from the crowd when you show that you have been recognized in the past.

Professional Achievements and Cover Letters

Significant professional milestones and recognitions are of interest to potential employers. According to the University of Wisconsin , you want to include anything especially pertinent to the job in your cover letter, but you don't need to replicate what is already on your resume or CV. So, weave professional awards into your cover letter in the context of your personal commitment to ongoing professional enrichment. You might include something like, “I continually strive to contribute at optimum levels in all facets of my work. In fact, I recently received a 'promising young executive' award from my colleagues.”

Prestigious Awards and Cover Letters

You should also include any prominent award that is well-known in your field, or among the general business community, in your cover letter. You should note the award as part of an explanation of your standing in your industry. For example, you might say, “I am applying for this finance position because I have a long-term commitment to helping small business owners secure operational start-up funding. In recognition of my efforts, I received an advocacy award from the U.S. Small Business Administration."

Service Awards and Cover Letters

Any award you receive that’s related to outstanding customer service is worthy of noting in a cover letter as well. The type of industry doesn’t matter; providing superior service is a quality all employers want to have in an employee. Mention your award in the context of your commitment to representing a business. You might say, “I know quality service is a cornerstone of your corporate philosophy. I share that same belief, as I am the proud recipient of a customer service excellence award from my previous employer.”

• McGill University: Writing a Cover Letter
• University of Wisconsin: Cover Letter and Resume Guide

Lisa McQuerrey has been an award-winning writer and author for more than 25 years. She specializes in business, finance, workplace/career and education. Publications she’s written for include Southwest Exchange and InBusiness Las Vegas.

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A Compelling and Motivating Scholarship Cover Letter Example

There’s a lot of great advice on writing cover letters to pursue different careers or get into the university of your dreams. Unfortunately, scholarship cover letters tend to be overlooked in all of this. That’s a shame, because a motivational scholarship cover letter can really make a difference as you apply for competitive scholarship funds.

If you’re applying for tuition aid in hopes of receiving some much needed funding, keep reading. We’ve lined up several actional writing tips, and a scholarship cover letter sample that you can use as a writing aid. 

What Should I Write in a Scholarship Letter?

A cover letter for scholarship application is the first point of introduction between you and the admission committee (or specific professor). Its main goal is to provide extra context around your application — highlight your strengths, past academic and professional achievements, motivation, and goals.

Here are several good points to bring up in a scholarship cover letter:

• Your motivation and passion for a specific program/subject 
• What differentiates you from other applicants 
• Why you are a good “fit” for this particular scholarship 
• What are your strengths and unique experiences? 

Remember: a cover letter isn’t the same as a scholarship application essay . Unless you are given a specific writing prompt, don’t try to turn this into a personal narrative. Instead, maintain a more formal tone and structure of a standard business letter. And save the storytelling bits for the other parts of your application. 

How Long Should a Scholarship Cover Letter Be?

A standard cover letter for a scholarship should be one page long. That’s 250-400 words in Times New Roman 12 font. It may be tempting to go longer. But remember that most admission officers have limited time and won’t dwell on your letter for an eternity. So keep some other curious bits about yourself for other documents — a personal essay, requested application forms, etc — and leave make your cover letter short . 

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Scholarship

Writing a cover letter for a scholarship is easy when you understand the required structure and format. First, check if the application form provides any specific guidelines or writing prompts.

If there are no special requests, go with a “classic” structure of a cover letter:

• Introduction paragraph: State your name, the reasons for the letter, and the specifics of the scholarship application.
• Body: Sum up your main “talking points” into 2-3 well-structured paragraphs. Keep it at one main idea per paragraph.
• Concluding paragraph: Thank the reader for their time and consideration and suggest follow-up action (e.g. to contact you if they have any other questions). 

Now let’s zoom in on every step. 

How Do You Start a Scholarship Letter?

If you were asked to mail a cover letter, the very first thing you should write is the recipients’ address and full name. Research and double-check both in advance! If you are applying online, start with a formal greeting, and a quick summarizing paragraph, introducing yourself and your objective for writing. 

Here are several sample opening paragraphs for scholarship cover letters: 

Formal Opening 

My name is Joanne Ninja and I would like to be considered for Fuller’s Fund Financial Aid Program for first-generation college attendants. Presently, I’m a high school student at Willow Creek Highs, Head of the Robotics Group, and First-Prize Winner of Regional Robotics Comp in Ohio. Enclosed are copies of my academic accomplishments. 

Personal Opening 

When I was 5, my Grandmother gifted me an old and rusty clarinet. At first, I hated the gift. Because I hoped to receive a radio-controlled helicopter like my neighbor had. But then Grandma showed me how to play the instrument. I was dazzled. The tune she taught me to play helped me make it through the most challenging times when I was growing up in an incomplete family and struggling with anxiety. Her passion for music prompted me to apply to the NYC Arts academy. 

Format Your Letter So it is Easy to Read

Once you’ve crafted several openings, work on the body of your letter. There could be hundreds of applicants for a single scholarship. A single person will most likely have to read all of them and then determine whether or not an applicant should be given further consideration. If your application letter looks like a wall of text, it won’t make it any further. 

Thus, format your letter for readability. Start by choosing a font that is friendly to the eyes. Use plenty of white space. Break your letter down into small paragraphs. Finally, keep things brief. Your letter should be compelling, not lengthy.

Sample Scholarship Cover Letter Format

[Name of the Institution] 

[Full address] 

[Name of the Organization or Contact Person], 

Opening statement: Keep this one 1-2 long sentences max. Summarize your agenda for writing and provide an umbrella statement for the rest of the letter. 

First Paragraph: Write around 100-150 words around your first talking point — educational background, achievements, personal reasons for applying. 

Second Paragraph: Transition to the second discussion point. Add another 100 words about why you should be considered.

Third Paragraph: See second. 

Closing paragraph: Provide a logical conclusion to the discussion. Thank the reader for their time and suggest the next steps. 

Sincerely, 

Name, Signature

Relate Your Chosen Course of Study to The Scholarship

Many scholarships are offered by groups or other organizations with a cause or goal in mind e.g. increase the number of women in STEM or aid people of certain backgrounds. One of the best things you can do in your scholarship cover letter is to share how your chosen studies align with those goals.

For example, if you are studying nursing , and are applying for a scholarship at a community organization, you can discuss how you might return to your community as a volunteer to provide healthcare to underserved people.

Include All of The Required Information

Read through all of the information that you have about the scholarship and the application process. The organizers may ask you to include specific information. You may even need to provide a response to a certain prompt in your motivational letter. Double-check before submitting to ensure that you are including every bit of required information.

Document checklist for scholarship applications:

• Completed scholarship application forms 
• Personal ID
• Social security number 
• Proof of income (bank statements, tax returns)
• High school transcripts
• Transcripts for previous college work
• Letters of reference or contact person(s)
• Letter of recommendation 
• Scholarship application essay or personal essay 
• Resume and cover letter 

Check Spelling and Grammar Carefully

Any time you are applying for any sort of academic aid, you should pay very close attention to detail. Even small errors in spelling and grammar will really stand out. This can result in your being removed from consideration. To avoid this, take a multi-staged approach. Here is an example.

• Start by turning on the spelling and grammar checker that comes with your word processor.
• When you finish writing,  use another, premium tool. Try Grammarly or WhiteSmoke.
• Next, read your finished letter out loud. Fix any mistakes.
• Finally, have a trusted friend, family member, or teacher review your letter.

Use Powerful Examples

Remember that the purpose of your scholarship letter is to motivate your reader. You want to show them that you are the person who is the best fit for their scholarship. A scholarship fund might be intended for a student who is a good leader, interested in a specific academic field, exemplifies service to others, or who adheres to a specific belief system. The requirements for scholarships vary widely.

How do you prove you are a good fit? The best way is to show it by using one or two great examples. Imagine that you are applying for a scholarship given by an animal rights organization. You might share the story of how you spent two summers interning at a wildlife rehabilitation center. This provides concrete evidence of your loyalty to that cause.

Here’s another compelling scholarship cover letter example:

“The mission of Dentelles Fund is to attract more women to STEM. That is a cause that I share too. During my undergraduate studies, I volunteered with several local schools in Denver Districts, alongside my professor. Ms. Johns. Together, we hosted after-hour workshops for girls, interested in entering STEM. I also provided individual tutoring and mentoring to a group of high-school girls who are preparing to enter the field. At that time, I recognized that teaching would be my ultimate career goal. That is why I’d like to pursue an MA degree at Colorado Tech State”. 

Stuck for ideas? Check out other cover letter examples our team has created for more experienced professionals. You can pick up a few more styling tips on how to effortlessly weave in some personal stories into a cover letter.

Sample Cover Letter for Scholarship in .docx Format

To demonstrate some of the points made above, here is a sample scholarship letter. Feel free to use it as a guide.

Download example (Word version)

Scholarship Cover Letter Example – Text Format

Dear Ms. Billings,

My name is Jonathon Ninja. I’m a senior at Metro Academy of Fine Arts. I’m writing this letter as part of my application for the Greater Washington Area Music Scholars award. I plan on attending Berklee School of Music in the fall, and will study Jazz Saxophone and Music Theory.

I know that the Music Scholars award is designed to go to a student who plans to pursue a career in music performance. Not only do I plan to do that, I am actively working as a paid performer even as a student. I am currently the tenor saxophonist for the Metro Community Jazz band. In addition to this, I am part of a jazz ensemble, Ninja Music Group that regularly plays weddings, parties, and other gatherings. I was also fortunate enough to backpack through Europe earning money busking and singing with local bands.

The rest of my application packet requires all of the information you requested. Please note that my GPA matches your organization’s requirements. I have also included my letter of acceptance from Berklee.

Thank You, 

Jonathan Ninja

Final Tip: How Do You Write 5 Sentences About Yourself?

A lot of scholarship application forms ask you to share five personal statements about yourself. So what should you bring up? Don’t repeat the same highlights from your resume and cover letter. Instead, use a mix of personal, educational, and professional achievements when answering this question. Here’s a quick formula:

• Write a sentence about your background and what shaped you as a person. 
• State what makes you passionate about the chosen field of work and research. 
• Mention an interest or activity that provides a glimpse of your personality.
• Explain your aspirations and plans for the future. 
• Finish with your most significant personal or professional achievement. 

Follow the tips above, and you are likely to impress any scholarship committee and encourage them to give you a further chance of making your case in person!

Other Cover Letter Samples

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A huge collection of cover letters created by a ninja team of writers and career advisors. Learn how to write, style and file cover letters that employers actually enjoy reading.

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   Cover Letter for Award

I would like to submit my official nomination of Jack Brown for the prestigious XYZ Award for Community Contributions. Mr. Brown has worked tirelessly for the last forty years, both professionally and in his spare time, to improve the quality of Cleveland neighborhoods, schools and parks.

Born and educated in Cleveland, Mr. Brown graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in Education and began teaching Highland Middle School students not only the basics of grammar and literature, but horticulture, baseball and woodworking as well. He strongly believes in practical, manual skills as well as higher education, and encourages student involvement in all things.

In his spare time he has been known to arrange weekly baseball and softball games at Davis Park for students of all ages. He took it upon himself to arrange cleanup events to reduce litter and dangerous objects at Grant Park, Horton Park and Lily Fields at various times throughout the years. He has volunteered at the Minas Homeless Shelter every Sunday for the last fifteen years, and he has been recognized on many occasions as an outstanding community leader and contributor.

I have been the principal at Highland Middle School for the last eighteen years, and I have known Jack since we attended OSU together in 1965. I have personally witnessed his dedication and enthusiasm when it comes to creating safe, healthy environments for citizens of all ages.

Attached is the official application. I have also included a resume that lists all of Mr. Brown's qualifications, as well as my own. Thank you for your consideration.

Download this cover letter — free!

Formatted and ready to use with Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or any other word processor that can open the .DOC file format.

Index of Cover Letter Examples

The 23 Best Cover Letter Examples: What They Got Right

Published: December 14, 2023

I've sent plenty of cover letters throughout my career, so I know it isn't usually fun to write one. Fortunately, the cover letter examples I painstakingly gathered below show that it’s possible to have a little fun with your job search — and maybe even make yourself a better candidate in the process.

I was shocked upon learning 45% of job seekers don't include a cover letter when applying for a job. I definitely don't recommend following the crowd on this matter because your cover letter is a chance to tell the stories your resume only outlines.

It's an opportunity for you to highlight your creativity at the earliest stage of the recruitment process.

Are you ready to showcase your unique skills and experience? Or are you looking for more tips and cover letter inspiration?

Keep reading for 20+ cover letter examples, then check out tips for cover letter formatting and what makes a cover letter great .

5 Free Cover Letter Templates

Five fill-in-the-blank cover letter templates to help you impress recruiters.

• Standard Cover Letter Template
• Entry-Level Cover Letter Template
• Data-Driven Cover Letter Template

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

Cover Letter Examples

• Standard Cover Letter Example
• Data-Driven Cover Letter Sample
• Entry-Level Cover Letter Example
• The Cover Letter That Explains 'Why,' Not Just 'How'
• The 'We're Meant for Each Other' Cover Letter
• The Cover Letter with H.E.A.R.T.
• Short-and-Sweet Cover Letter Example
• The Short Story
• The Bare Bones Cover Letter
• The Breezy Follow-Up
• The Administrative Assistant Cover Letter
• The Internship Cover Letter
• The Brutally Honest Cover Letter
• The Pivot Cover Letter
• The Graphic Design Cover Letter
• Consulting Internship Cover Letter Example
• Nonprofit Referral Cover Letter Example
• General Email Inquiry Cover Letter Example
• Post-Phone-Call Cover Letter Example
• Mission-Driven Graduate Cover Letter Example
• Short Recommendation Cover Letter Example
• Professor or Research Position Cover Letter Example
• Director Cover Letter Example
• Editorial Cover Letter Example
• Promotion Cover Letter Example
• Law Cover Letter Example

Customizable Cover Letter Examples

In a hurry for a cover letter example you can download and customize? Check out the ones below from HubSpot’s cover letter template kit .

1. Standard Cover Letter Example

Download a Customizable Copy of This Cover Letter Example

This standard cover letter is among my favorite approaches because it hits all the right notes: It includes a space to give a brief summary of your experience, as well as a space to delve in-depth into the specific responsibilities of your current role.

You also have the chance to describe the challenges you’ve mastered in previous roles, showing that you’re capable of facing any problem that comes your way.

Why I Love It

I love this cover letter because it allows you to describe the high points of your career while still being professional, personalized, and succinct.

2. Data-Driven Cover Letter Sample

Numbers are worth a million words — or that’s how I think the saying should go (if only we could include pictures in cover letters).

Citing data and statistics about your achievements at your current company is an assured way to capture a hiring manager’s attention.

Over the years, I've learned most hiring managers don’t read the entire letter, so a bulleted summary of your achievements can be a powerful way to increase the effectiveness and scannability of your message.

I love this cover letter because it’s adaptable to any role. Even if you don’t work in a data-centric role, you can include any enumerable achievement.

If I worked in a creative industry, for instance, I could include the number of creative assets you designed for your current company.

3. Entry-Level Cover Letter Example

Many of us have had "first job jitters" (that's what I'm calling it) when applying for our first career opportunity.

However, my experience taught me to increase my chances of getting that first interview by including a cover letter that explains how my education can help me succeed in the role I applied for.

In fact, HubSpot staff writer Erica Santiago says highlighting her education was key to snagging her first role out of college.

"When I graduated from journalism school, I only had a couple of internships under my belt and maybe some writing clips — not enough to compete with most young professionals with more experience," she recalls.

"So, I highlighted the classes I took such as 'News Reporting and Writing' or 'Electronic News Gathering," she says, "And I explained the assignments I did and how they gave me real-world experience in interviewing and reporting."

She says that's how she got her first job as a digital journalist for WSVN in Miami.

If you need help understanding how to highlight your education in a cover letter, look no further than this example from HubSpot.

While other cover letter samples give experienced professionals the opportunity to share their experience at length, this one gives you the chance to describe your personal and professional attributes.

You can then convey how you can use your knowledge to help your target company reach its goals.

I love this cover letter because it’s easy and simple to use for a student who has little experience in their target industry — including those who haven’t yet completed an internship.

Looking for more? Download the entire kit below.

5 Professional Cover Letter Templates

Fill out the form to access your templates., best cover letter examples.

What does a good cover letter look like in practice, and how can you make yours stand out? I  found six examples from job seekers who decided to do things a bit differently.

Note: Some of these cover letters include real company names and NSFW language that I've covered up.

1. The Cover Letter That Explains 'Why,' Not Just 'How'

You may already know how to talk about how you’ll best execute a certain role in your cover letter. But there’s another question you might want to answer: Why the heck do you want to work here?

The Muse , a career guidance site, says that it’s often best to lead with the why — especially if it makes a good story.

I advise against blathering on and on, but a brief tale that illuminates your desire to work for that particular employer can really make you stand out.

Image Source

Here’s another instance of the power of personalization.

The author of this cover letter clearly has a passion for this prospective employer — the Chicago Cubs — and if she’s lying about it, well, I'm sure that would eventually be revealed in an interview.

Make sure your story is nonfiction and relatable according to each job. While I love a good tale of childhood baseball games, an introduction like this one probably wouldn’t be fitting in a cover letter for, say, a software company.

But a story of how the hours you spent playing with DOS games as a kid led to your passion for coding? Sure, I’d find that fitting.

If you’re really passionate about a particular job opening, think about where that deep interest is rooted. Then, tell your hiring manager about it in a few sentences.

Why This Is A Great Cover Letter

This example shows how effective personalization can be. The writer is passionate about the employer, drawing from her own childhood experience to communicate her enthusiasm.

Further reading: Sales Cover Letter Tips

2. The 'We're Meant for Each Other' Cover Letter

This cover letter example is a special one because it was submitted to us here at HubSpot. What does the letter do well? It makes a connection with us before we've even met the letter's author.

"Content Marketing Certified" shows the applicant has taken the content marketing certification course in our HubSpot Academy (you can take the same course here ).

Our "records" indicate he/she did indeed give an interview with us before — and was a HubSpot customer.

The cover letter sang references to a relationship we didn't even know we had with the candidate.

The letter ends with a charming pitch for why, despite him/her not getting hired previously, our interests complement each other this time around.

(Yes, the applicant was hired).

This cover letter example does an excellent job of building rapport with the employer. Despite not getting hired for previous roles they applied for at HubSpot, the writer conveys exactly why they are right for this role.

Read more: Customer Service Cover Letter Tips

3. The Cover Letter with H.E.A.R.T.

HubSpot has a lot of H.E.A.R.T. — Humble, Empathetic, Adaptable, Remarkable, Transparent.

Our Culture Code is the foundation of the company's culture, the driving force behind our mission to help millions grow better , and serves as the scaffolding for our hiring practices.

Recruiters at HubSpot look for applicants that demonstrate how they embody the Culture Code and job description, paying extra attention to cover letters that are super custom to HubSpot.

In another HubSpot submission, a HubSpot applicant writes about how she found out about HubSpot, why she likes the company, and how her professional experience aligns with H.E.A.R.T.

HubSpot's recruiting team was impressed with her dedication to the company and how she went beyond what was asked for by linking her portfolio in her closing paragraph.

Featured Resource: 5 Free Cover Letter Templates

Download our collection of 5 professional cover letter templates to help you summarize your professional journey and land your dream job – whether it's at your first or fifth company.

Short Cover Letter Examples

4. the short-and-sweet cover letter.

In 2009, David Silverman penned an article for Harvard Business Review titled, " The Best Cover Letter I Ever Received. " That letter has three complete sentences, as follows:

One might argue that this particular letter is less than outstanding, and I'll also admit it's an older example.

It’s brief, to say the least, and the author doesn’t go into a ton of detail about what makes him or her qualified for the job in question.

But that’s what Silverman likes about it — the fact that the applicant only included the pieces of information that would matter the most to the recipient.

"The writer of this letter took the time to think through what would be relevant to me," writes Silverman. "Instead of scattering lots of facts in hopes that one was relevant, the candidate offered up an opinion as to which experiences I should focus on."

When you apply for a job, start by determining two things:

• Who might oversee the role — that’s often included in the description, under "reports to." Address your letter to that individual.
• Figure out what problems this role is meant to solve for that person. Then, concisely phrase in your cover letter how and why your experience can and will resolve those problems.

The key to this standout cover letter is research.

By looking into who you’ll be reporting to and learning more about that person’s leadership style, you’ll be better prepared to tailor your cover letter to focus on how you can create solutions for them.

Read here for more tips on how to land your dream job .

5. The Short Story

Basha Coleman began her cover letter with a short story. The goal of this short story is two-fold:

• Detail the experience she already has with the organization.
• Stand out to the hiring team.

I notice her short story follows a typical narrative arc: It has a conflict/obstacle, a turning point, and a positive outcome, all created with a goal to emphasize a theme or point.

In this case, Coleman is emphasizing her existing affinity with the brand and her triumphs within the program so that she can continue on her career path.

Like the second example in our list, this cover letter does an excellent job of conveying the applicant’s existing affinity for the brand. If you are applying to a company you love, don’t be shy about showing it and explaining why.

6. The Bare Bones Cover Letter

In today's job market, cover letters aren't always necessary. Even though many recruiters won't ask for or even read them, cover letters can still be effective and convey personality to a reader.

Writing a strong cover letter can help you better convey your interest in the position and company.

This template from The Balance Careers puts together the essential components of a short cover letter: excitement about the position, your qualifications, and a call-to-action for the recruiter to follow up with you.

Combining these central aspects in a well-written, compelling narrative will go a long way in convincing readers to hire you.

This letter is organized and concise. The inclusion of bullet points to highlight key skills and help the recruiter skim the document is a nice touch.

Check out this post for more useful cover letter tips .

7. The Breezy Follow-Up

In this cover letter, Amanda Edens is following the instructions the hiring manager gave by forwarding an email with resume and writing samples attached.

This short cover letter is the result. I especially admire how she uses casual and breezy language to convey personality and enthusiasm, and she keeps her paragraphs succinct.

Not only does Amanda include links to relevant writing samples that are live on the web, but she also closes with a strong final paragraph that:

• Summarizes the expertise she has relevant to the posting
• Emphasizes that she doesn't want to simply get a job but rather help the organization accomplish their goals
• The reader gets everything they need in an organized and thoughtful manner.

8. The Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

In this cover letter the candidate, Michelle, plays up her prior music industry experience to build a connection with Epic Music Group. If you have specific industry experience for the role you are applying for, be sure to highlight that.

It’s clear that she’s passionate about not only the music industry, but Epic as a whole.

She’s done so much research on the company that she knows what software programs they use, and happens to be proficient in it to help convey value to the hiring manager.

This example further illustrates the importance of research.

Make sure you understand the culture of the company to which you’re applying before you send a completely unfiltered cover letter — if you don’t, there’s a good chance it’ll completely miss the mark.

In just three short paragraphs, the applicant uses their company research to drive home why they are the perfect fit for the role — emphasizing industry experience as well as software knowledge specific to the company.

All of this communicates that she’d be able to start with very few hiccups while getting up to speed.

Further reading: 15 Cover Letter Templates

9. The Internship Cover Letter

Maybe you’re just getting started in your career and looking to land the right internship to gain experience in your field.

In this case, you’ll need to highlight more of your educational background and transferable skills since you won’t have as much professional experience to highlight.

The cover letter above is a great example of how to emphasize your skills and accomplishments when applying to internships or entry-level positions. A few things the applicant does well:

• Highlights relevant extracurriculars and affinity networks. In this case, the applicant is applying for a business analyst position, so mentioning their involvement in a FinTech group makes sense.
• Previous internships in relevant fields: Our applicant points out that they’ve interned as a Business Analyst at another firm. Pointing out that they’ve done the role before will help make their case for fit.
• Highlight other useful skills: This applicant is fluent in both English and German. If an international company or an organization needs bilingual support, knowing multiple languages is an asset.

This cover letter example illustrates how you can leverage your education and background to get the gig even when you don’t have much working experience. Highlighting previous internships or experience in related fields can go a long way in convincing hiring managers you’re the perfect candidate for the role.

Further reading for recent graduates:

• How to Find a Job After College
• Writing a Cover Letter for an Internship

Creative Cover Letter Examples

10. the brutally honest cover letter.

Then, there are the occasions when your future boss might appreciate honesty — in its purest form.

Former Livestream CEO Jesse Hertzberg, by his own admission, is one of those people, which might be why he called this example " the best cover letter " (which he received while he was with Squarespace):

As Hertzberg says in the blog post elaborating on this excerpt — it’s not appropriate for every job or company.

But if you happen to be sure that the corporate culture of this prospective employer gets a kick out of a complete lack of filter, then there’s a chance that the hiring manager might appreciate your candor.

"Remember that I'm reading these all day long," Hertzberg writes. "You need to quickly convince me I should keep reading. You need to stand out."

The applicant did their research on the company’s culture and executed this cover letter flawlessly. It’s funny and shows off the applicant’s personality all while making it clear why they are a good fit for the role.

Further reading:

• How to Stand Out and Get Hired at Your Dream Company
• How to Find Your Dream Job

11. The Pivot Cover Letter

Making a career switch? Your cover letter can be an excellent opportunity for you to explain the reasoning behind your career change and how your transferable skills qualify you for the role.

It’s clean but effective.

Since the role she is applying for is more visual, it’s important to both show and tell why you’re a good fit.

This cover letter strikes the perfect balance between creativity and simplicity in design while putting the applicant's career change into context.

The copy is clean, with a creative font choice that isn’t distracting from the content, but still demonstrates the applicant’s knack for design.

12. The Graphic Design Cover Letter

When applying for more creative roles, the design of your cover letter can say just as much as the words on the page. Take the graphic designer letter example below.

It’s got so much going for it:

• Pop of color
• Clean layout
• Interesting fonts

Besides the style elements, this example also doesn’t skimp on the key skills recruiters are looking for. Using metrics, the applicant proves their value and why they would be a great fit.

This cover letter thoroughly conveys the applicant’s skills and qualifications using a variety of visual elements and emphasizing their greatest achievements.

Pro tip: If you're applying for a graphic design job, share a link to your graphic design portfolio website , even if it's not an application requirement.

Job Cover Letter Examples

Next up, let’s go over some classic cover letter examples for jobs, especially if you’re applying to internships or only have a few years of experience.

The below cover letters follow the golden rules and don’t deviate too much from the standard — which is ideal if you’re applying to positions in more traditional industries.

13. Consulting Internship Cover Letter Example

Many internship applicants are early on in their careers or are still in college. That means they’ve yet to gather enough experience to offer tangible proof of their ability to do the job.

That means that a cover letter is the place where an internship applicant can shine.

This cover letter example highlights the applicant’s skills in a bullet-point format. That makes it easier for an overburdened hiring manager to get the essence of her points, quickly, if they’re only skimming cover letters.

Not only that, but this applicant personalized the letter in every single sentence. She shares information about her prior conversations with some of the company’s employees and mentions the company’s name at every turn.

While she only has one prior consulting job, she deftly mentions the skills she developed in that role and ties them into her desired position at Quantcast Product Group.

This cover letter example does a fantastic job advertising the applicant’s soft skills in a highly scannable format — while still going heavy on the personalization.

Don’t be shy to lightly play with formatting to get your point across and to imbue the letter with your passion for a company.

14. Nonprofit Referral Cover Letter Example

This cover letter example for a nonprofit job hits the ground running by right away inserting the name of one of the nonprofit’s Superintendents.

That’s an excellent way to get a recruiter’s attention and make you stand out from the slush pile, even if you’re only just out of school, as is the case for this applicant.

If you’ve received an internal recommendation for a position, you’d be wise to open your letter with that information. Don’t worry about it feeling too stilted or strange — remember, hiring managers only skim letters.

Your goal is to make sure they get information about you that they otherwise won’t get from your resume.

With only three full paragraphs, this cover letter example is short, sweet, and to the point. No time is wasted, and it also goes over the critical basics, such as skills and experience.

This nonprofit cover letter includes a recommendation from an internal employee at the target organization, making it more likely to stand out from the slush pile.

I  also love that it doesn’t skimp on the basics, such as skills, enthusiasm, and experience.

15. General Email Inquiry Cover Letter Example

Even if a job opportunity isn’t available at an organization yet, it doesn’t mean that there won’t be. You can always send a general inquiry cover letter, like the one in this example.

This email cover letter for a political campaign internship is short and sweet, but includes the critical information the campaign coordinator needs to consider the applicant for any new positions that may open up.

The best part about this cover letter is that it can be easily customized from one political campaign employer to the next.

While it does include a level of personalization, it’s brief and can be easily changed to address the specific political candidate.

When sending general inquiries like this one, it’s essential to make the personalization aspect as pain-free as possible for yourself. That may mean including only one sentence or two, knowing that a general inquiry might not be replied to.

Setting up customized email signatures is also highly recommended. They should include your name, job title, and ideally links to your website or social accounts as well as your headshot.

These add a professional touch and help you stand out from other cover letters in the recipient’s inbox. At the same time, the headshot makes you easier to remember in case a job position becomes available, while the website or social links allow recruiters to learn more relevant details about you.  

This email cover letter example hits all the right notes while keeping it brief and to-the-point. While we don’t recommend choosing this format for a formal cover letter, it works if you’re sending a general inquiry to an employer over email.

It’s also a good example to follow if you’re still in college or have very little experience.

Read more: How to Write a Letter of Interest

16. Post-Phone-Call Cover Letter Example

If you get a phone call from a potential employer and they invite you to send your resume, pat yourself on the back — that is such a win. In your cover letter, be sure to mention that right away, like this example does.

A hiring manager or an executive at a company likely has a lot of tasks on their plate, which means that they may forget about your call from one week to the next.

That is totally okay, which is why this example starts with a reminder that the applicant and the letter recipient spoke back on January 31st. It also has a few more details about why they started speaking in the first place.

Aside from leveraging the phone call that’s already occurred, this cover letter also does an excellent job explaining why the applicant is an ideal choice for the job.

It goes into detail about skills and previous experience with a high level of enthusiasm, and includes a promise to follow up at the end.

This cover letter example includes two things that will immediately draw my attention: A phone call they’ve already had, and a mutual contact at their organization.

The job and internship search can be grueling; never be afraid to use everything you have at your disposal to improve your standing over other applicants.

Read more: How to Start a Cover Letter

17. Mission-Driven Graduate Cover Letter Example

This cover letter example from a recent B.A. graduate wowed me from the first sentence.

The applicant right away explains her attained degree and her specific career interests, then dives into the aspects of her experience that make her such a great candidate.

It's so personalized to the employer’s own mission that it’s difficult to stop reading it.

Even if the hiring manager isn’t a science or health professional, they would be able to effectively gauge the applicant’s suitability for the role by the expertise she shows in her cover letter alone.

The applicant explains at length why she’s excited to work for that specific hospital. The organization serves Aboriginal populations, which aligns with her own values and research interests.

In the last paragraph, she summarizes what she knows about the employer in one sentence, then describes how each of her experiences supports the employer’s mission.

That is an exceedingly clever and meaningful way to align yourself with an organization at a deeper level.

If you’re applying to a mission-driven organization, don’t be shy about showing your excitement and expertise. You don’t need a lot of experience to show that your values align with those of your target organization.

This cover letter example is especially good inspiration if you’re making a career change, have only just a few internships under your belt, or are graduating from college.

18. Short Recommendation Cover Letter Example

Referral or recommendation cover letters don’t need to be too long, and this is a great example of that. It immediately leverages a mutual connection at the company.

The mutual connection recommended that the applicant contact the hiring manager for a role, which is a piece of information I  always recommend you frontload in your letter.

This specific cover letter comes from an applicant with little experience, making it a good example to follow if you’re switching careers or just out of college.

Instead of talking about their experience, the applicant uses anecdotal evidence to convey their enthusiasm for working at that company.

The writer also goes over their most salient skills, such as being able to speak multiple languages. They also explain how their degree directly applies to the target role.

I  love that the candidate highlights their leadership abilities and makes that an effective selling point for being hired.

This cover letter doesn’t go on for too long, which we love. It’s simple and sweet and provides all the information the hiring manager needs to look more closely at the applicant’s resume and make an interviewing decision.

19. Professor or Research Position Cover Letter Example

Academic or research position cover letters might require a little more information than the typical cover letter — and this is one such example. Why is it okay to go a little longer?

Because the letter is not only a way to supplement the PhD candidate’s academic CV, but to provide a writing sample for the search committee.

I love this cover letter because it expresses the candidate’s enthusiasm for teaching and explains her instructional ethos, such as providing out-of-the-classroom opportunities, championing communication, and encouraging students to step out of their comfort zone.

The applicant also suggests courses she may be able to teach at the target institution, and expresses her interest in developing new courses as needed.

She also suggests how she can enhance the college’s extracurricular programming by offering study abroad courses, which shows not just an interest in teaching but adding to the school’s overall culture.

While this letter goes for a little longer than recommended, it serves as a fantastic writing sample and explains the applicant’s research background at length.

If you’re applying to academic or research roles, don’t be afraid to go into detail about what most excites you in terms of research interests.

20. Director Cover Letter Example

This cover letter example — for a Director of Catering position at a university — doesn’t waste any time.

The applicant right away says that they’re a strong candidate for the role, then jumps right into three salient qualifications that make him a great fit.

I love how the applicant uses bullet points and bold text to guide an overburdened hiring manager through the cover letter — and to give them permission to scan it, if needed.

If the hiring manager would like more information or actual examples of the skills, they merely need to read the rest of the bullet point paragraph.

As mentioned, light formatting can be beneficial to your cover letter, as it draws the recruiter’s eyes and prevents them from having to fish for the information they’re looking for.

This short, sweet cover letter includes the critical information a hiring manager or high-level executive needs to make an interview decision.

I  love the use of formatting that doesn’t stray too much from regular cover letter conventions, and I  like that the applicant kept all other paragraphs extremely brief.

21. Editorial Cover Letter Example

Applying for an editorial or journalistic position? Like a cover letter example I  shared earlier, you can take a more storytelling approach to capture the hiring manager’s attention.

This cover letter example does that effectively by telling an anecdote that directly mentions the newspaper where they’d like to work.

This immediately draws the reader in and tells them that this application isn’t random at all; the applicant would like to work at the newspaper because they’ve read it every morning.

Not only that, but they have a favorite reporter on the newspaper’s staff. The applicant then jumps into the specific reason they want to take an editorial position at the Baltimore Sun.

The cover letter includes all pertinent information, such as how previous positions have equipped the applicant to take on this job. It closes with enthusiasm after keeping the reader rapt every step of the way.

The applicant uses storytelling to — you guessed it — apply for a position that needs storytelling skills. If you’re applying for a data-driven position or a graphic design position, why not showcase those skills in the cover letter itself?

I  like that this letter doesn’t diverge too much from cover letter conventions while still differentiating itself.

22. Promotion Cover Letter Example

In this cover letter example, the applicant already works for the employer and wishes to apply for the next position to move up in their career.

I  like that the letter cites the applicant’s extensive knowledge of the organization, which will no doubt give them an advantage over external applicants.

Not only that, but the applicant also references their experience before they started working at the employer and uses that information to make their candidacy even more desirable.

Lastly, this letter includes a healthy level of enthusiasm for the university and the position — something that is never extra in a cover letter.

This cover letter example does an excellent job showing the candidate’s knowledge of their current organization while stating why they’re a natural fit for the promotion.

Plus, the letter includes information on the applicant’s relevant activities outside of work — if you’re involved in any organizations that might help you do your job better, be sure to include them.

23. Law Cover Letter Example

This law cover letter example jumps right into personalization, a bold move that will serve you well if you’re genuinely interested in a company and want to stand out.

The applicant cites the recipient’s recent article on bond litigation, then ties that into the role they’d like to get at the law firm.

The applicant then goes into his skills and the feedback he’s received from past managers. This is an excellent way to introduce your skills without sounding dry — or even unfounded.

By citing positive feedback you’ve received, you’ll imply that others have praised you for having those skills, and that you’re not only "tooting your own horn."

Pro-Tip: In cover letters, it’s absolutely okay to toot your own horn — that’s what they’re for. But if you can cite others’ remarks, that also helps.)

At just two and a half paragraphs, this letter is exceedingly short but no less effective. It’s an excellent example of how to personalize your letter quickly while still conveying the essentials of a cover letter.

This short cover letter example keeps it brief while still creating high impact. The applicant personalizes the letter immediately, cites external feedback, and conveys enthusiasm.

This letter proves you don’t need to write a novel about an employer to sway the hiring manager into giving you an interview.

Now that I've shown you some excellent examples, let's talk about how you can create the best cover letter for your dream job.

What is a good cover letter?

A cover letter is used to show your interest in the role, passion for the company, and the impact you've had in previous positions. Good cover letters should include a standout opening, relevant skills and qualifications, and a strong finish with a call-to-action — all within one page and unique to each application.

What’s on a cover letter?

Before you start writing your cover letter, let's cover a few basic must-haves you'll want to include. If you’re looking for more detailed instructions, check out this guide to writing a cover letter .

Add a simple, but pleasant greeting to address the recruiter or hiring manager.

Learn more:

• Dear Sir or Madam Alternatives
• Cover Letter Greetings

Write a catchy introduction that explains why you’re interested in the role.

• How to Write an Introduction
• Tips for Writing a Good Introduction Sentence

Work Experience

This is the heart of your cover letter. It outlines your relevant experience and why you’d be a great fit for the role. You can highlight special skills, experiences, professional achievements, or education to help make your case.

• How to Write About Your Professional Background
• Professional Bio Examples
• LinkedIn Bio Examples

In this paragraph, add a call-to-action by expressing interest in an interview. Offer your contact information and sign off.

• Email Closing Line Examples
• Tips for Writing Conclusions

What does a cover letter look like?

Besides showing off your skills and qualifications, cover letters give you the opportunity to present a clear, concise, and compelling writing sample. It shows off your personality and your ability to convey ideas.

That's a lot of information to include on a single page, so it can help to have a clear structure to start with.

Check out our fillable cover letter templates to see how you should organize the content of your cover letter.

What makes a great cover letter?

A cover letter is personal, but it also needs to help you reach a goal and help the hiring team understand how you could perform that role with their company. This complexity can make cover letters really tough to write.

Because cover letters are difficult to write, many come off as boring, basic, or confusing for hiring managers to read. But the tips below about the qualities that make a cover letter great can help you take your cover letter from basic to bright.

Start with this quick video, then keep reading for more tips:

Personalized Introduction

Begin with an introduction that's personal. It should capture the reader's attention and address your recipient by name. Then, add a compelling opening sentence that emphasizes your interest in the specific role.

Helpful Cover Letter Introduction:

"Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

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

Unhelpful Cover Letter Introduction:

"To Whom it May Concern,

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

Relevant Professional Experience

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

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

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

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

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

Helpful Cover Letter Experience:

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

Unhelpful Cover Letter Experience:

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

Useful Examples

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

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

Helpful Cover Letter Example:

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

Unhelpful Cover Letter Example:

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

Research and Company Knowledge

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

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

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

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

Helpful Cover Letter Research:

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

Unhelpful Cover Letter Research:

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

Clear Writing

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

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

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

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

Helpful Cover Letter Writing:

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

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

Unhelpful Cover Letter Writing:

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

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

Genuine Interest and Enthusiasm

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

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

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

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

Helpful Cover Letter Tone:

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

Unhelpful Cover Letter Tone:

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

Memorable Conclusion

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

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

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

Helpful Cover Letter Conclusion:

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

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

[Your Name]"

Unhelpful Cover Letter Conclusion:

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

I’d like to add another stage to the job search: experimentation.

In today’s competitive landscape, it’s so easy to feel defeated, less-than-good-enough, or like giving up your job search.

But don’t let the process become so monotonous. Have fun discovering the qualitative data I’ve discussed here — then, have even more by getting creative with your cover letter composition.

I certainly can’t guarantee that every prospective employer will respond positively — or at all — to even the most unique, compelling cover letter. But the one that’s right for you will.

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

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

Don't forget to share this post!

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Endorse or Nominate a Candidate For an Award • Example Letters, Guides and Samples

Organizations frequently give awards and recognitions on the basis of endorsement letters that provide specific details, cases, and examples of the candidate's accomplishments and qualifications.

How to write this endorsement letter:

• Identify the person you are endorsing and the award for which he or she is a candidate.
• State how long you have known the candidate and discuss the nature of your relationship.
• Consider the kinds of personal qualities and skills for which the award is given and describe how the person you are endorsing possesses those qualities or abilities. List your nominee's achievements.
• Reiterate your direct endorsement in the closure and offer to answer questions or give more information.

Example Letter #1

Having learned of the call for nominations for this year's (Name of Award), I am writing today to endorse a highly suitable individual, (Name of Nominee). In many ways exceeding the challenging requirements and expectations for the award, (Name of Nominee)'s ambitions, intelligence, and accomplishments complement precisely the stellar community of past recipients and make her highly deserving of the honor and opportunity bestowed by the (Name of Award). To further support this nomination, I would be pleased to express in more detail my personal insights into (Name of Nominee)'s unique talents and qualifications, and I would welcome the opportunity to mention additional contacts who would be willing to express their support of the nominee. Please feel free to contact me at any time.

Example Letter #2

I am pleased to nominate Jane Doe for the Employee of the Year Award. I have known and worked with Jane for ten years and have always found her dependable, efficient, and unfailingly punctual. In fact, I have never worked with a person who gives as much attention to detail as she does. Also, her willingness to take on difficult projects like the Doe proposals and see them to successful completion has repeatedly impressed me over the years.

Her skills do not end with her office work. She also projects a warm, cheerful attitude to our clients. I have seen her resolve conflicts and handle other difficult situations with remarkable patience and admirable tact. In the community she goes out of her way to help people in need by organizing charity drives each December and singing with the city choir. She loves people, works hard, and always tries to lift the spirits of those around her. I believe these characteristics represent all that is good in our company, and I am pleased to nominate her for the honor of Employee of the Year.

Example Letter #3

I wish to nominate Jane Doe, a friend and colleague of more than ten years, for the Caretaker of the Year Award. Jane and I work together on many fund-raising events each year and she never ceases to impress me. She is easily the most compassionate person I know--the kind of person who goes out of her way to help the less fortunate every day. When she is not caring for her family, she devotes time to various civic organizations, including the City Cupboard, the Rape Crisis Center, and the Springfield Center for the Homeless. I can think of no one more deserving of this award than Jane Doe.

Example Letter #4

I have been asked to nominate the candidate who has, in my opinion, accomplished more than any others in our research field and is deserving of the Outstanding Humanitarian Award. Without hesitation, I choose Dr. John Doe for that honor.

Dr. Doe began making contributions toward understanding communicable diseases when he was still studying for his doctorate degree and he continues twenty years later with the publication of his recent book summarizing his theory on virus mutation.

I had the honor of working with Dr. Doe at the Center for Communicable Disease for two years. During that period, I developed enormous respect for his dedication to the center's work. I also became acutely aware of his great knowledge and skills as well as the endless hours he worked in a determination to help humanity in its struggle against disease.

It has been a privilege to know this brilliant and dedicated scientist and humanitarian. I nominate him and ask that you please call on me if I can further assist you in this regard.

Example Letter #5

It is my pleasure to recommend Jane Doe for the Sales Executive Award. As head of the Sales Division, I have seen Jane rise from the level of Junior Representative to her present position in a short five years. Jane works tirelessly to update her knowledge of our products--and of the competition's products as well. As an Account Representative, she averaged a new account every month, the highest average in the company. As a Sales Executive, she has been effective at teaching her skills to her five Account Representatives. Their averages are now the highest of any group in our division.

I feel confident that you will agree that Jane Doe is the most deserving candidate for this award. Please feel free to contact me for any additional information you may require.

Example Letter #6

Many local heroes go unnoticed. Here's your chance to do something nice. Submit the name of a person who should be recognized for his or her outstanding contributions to the community.

Nominate that person for the "Citizen of the Year Award" by filling out the enclosed reply card and returning it to us by April 3.

Our judges will select the final winner from the submissions. The winner will be announced May 25 at the Rotary luncheon.

Thanks for helping us recognize outstanding citizens in our community. We hope to see you at Rotary.

Example Letter #7

Doe Products strives to exceed your expectations in service and support. We request that you please take a few minutes to complete the enclosed short survey to evaluate our performance.

Your opinions and feedback are an integral part in helping us determine how we can better serve you.

Thank you in advance for your time and comments.

Write Your Letter Step-by-Step

1 Identify the person you are endorsing and the award for which he or she is a candidate.

Sample Sentences for Step 1

• I hereby endorse John Doe as a candidate for the Salesperson of the Year Award.
• I wish to nominate my friend and colleague, Jane Doe, for the annual American Mechanical Engineer Award.
• I would like to endorse Jane Doe for the Springfield Community Service Award.
• Because of Jane Doe's long-term commitment to the viability of Springfield as a manufacturing, agricultural, and educational center, I want to nominate her for the annual Friend of Springfield Award.
• Of all the candidates nominated for the annual award, none strikes me as more deserving and qualified than Jane Doe. I offer my endorsement of her and list some of the reasons why I think she should be recognized.

Sample Phrases for Step 1

• as a candidate for
• award to be presented at
• candidate's accomplishments and qualifications
• friend and colleague
• have no hesitation in recommending
• hereby nominate
• is our best choice for
• is my nominee for
• is my choice for
• most deserving and qualified
• my nomination of
• my choice for
• put forward the name of
• seems best qualified to
• should be considered as
• sure you will agree
• the obvious choice for
• thoroughly deserves the
• worthy of recognition
• would like to endorse
• would like to voice my
• would be our first choice for
• would like to nominate

2 State how long you have known the candidate and discuss the nature of your relationship.

Sample Sentences for Step 2

• I have known John Doe ever since he joined the company in 1975. I hired him because of his excellent record, and he worked as a highly competent and skilled member of my staff until his promotion to management last year.
• I have known Jane Doe since I started regularly attending city council meetings in 1987.
• I doubt whether Jane Doe even knows who I am, but I have often heard her speak with wisdom, persuasiveness, and dignity on important community issues.
• Jane Doe has been one of my colleagues in the legal community since I started practice in 1980.

Sample Phrases for Step 2

• a personal friend as well as
• are not personally acquainted, but
• been one of my colleagues for
• believe I speak for all her co-workers
• both been active in
• can certainly vouch for
• developed a great respect for
• ever since he started working for
• familiar with work of
• first met in
• have come to admire
• joined the company in
• joined my staff in
• know firsthand the accomplishments of
• known her ever since
• often heard him speak
• seen her in action in
• universally admired for
• was first employed by
• were both employed by
• worked under his direction on
• worked together on
• worked with him on

3 Consider the kinds of personal qualities and skills for which the award is given and describe how the person you are endorsing possesses those qualities or abilities. List your nominee's achievements.

Sample Sentences for Step 3

• I understand the award is given to the person whose life best characterizes what we stand for as a company: honesty, integrity, and efficient performance. My friend excels in all of these areas.
• I know Jane Doe to be a person of integrity and high moral standards.
• John Doe produces excellent results and meets each completion date on time.
• Jane Doe is well known for her loyalty, dedication, and hard work. She is a tireless promoter of our cause.
• Jane Doe is always among the first to volunteer. She understands the goals and purposes of the organization better than most people.
• Jane Doe was the chief organizer of the fund raiser, and through her untiring efforts, we far exceeded our funding goals.

Sample Phrases for Step 3

• a tireless promoter
• although he shuns publicity
• always among the first to
• an exemplary character
• as I understand the requirements
• as all who know him will attest
• excels in the areas of
• has shown his commitment to
• has shown both skill and dedication in
• has been an able spokesperson for
• have won her the respect of
• her actions express more than words could
• integrity is unquestioned
• is well known for her
• monumental contributions to
• prefers to work behind the scenes
• produces excellent results
• shows the qualities of
• to the best of my knowledge
• untiring efforts on behalf of
• whose life best characterizes

4 Reiterate your direct endorsement in the closure and offer to answer questions or give more information.

Sample Sentences for Step 4

• For all of these reasons and more I endorse John Doe, without reservation, for the 2019 Doe Associates Employee of the Year Award.
• If I can answer any questions concerning John Doe, please let me know. In my opinion, there is no better qualified candidate in the company.
• John Doe has my full confidence and endorsement for the annual award.
• I know of no one who better exemplifies the personal and professional qualities that we honor through the award.
• Without ignoring the fine qualities of all of the other candidates, I advocate Jane Doe because of her outstanding contribution. She has all of the qualities we honor in giving the award. No one can say that we have diminished our standards by honoring her.

Sample Phrases for Step 4

• a wonderful opportunity to
• am proud to nominate
• can feel honored to have candidates like
• deserves this honor
• feel sure you will agree that
• for these reasons
• has my full support
• has all of the qualities
• have complete confidence in
• if I can answer any questions
• if you need any further
• in my opinion
• is well qualified for this
• know of no one who
• many other reasons
• please feel free to
• the list is by no means exhaustive
• who is best qualified for
• who best exemplifies the
• without reservation, I endorse

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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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How to Write a Stand-Out Cover Letter

• How to Write a Stand-Out…

SO, WHAT IS A COVER LETTER?

Literary agents and many literary competitions require a cover letter along with your sample chapters and synopsis. This is a formal introduction to you and your novel. Note: It is not a CV, a bio or a blurb for the book. It’s a letter, written from one professional to another, that should make the agent or judge want to read more. The biggest mistake entrants to the BPA First Novel Award made this year was getting the balance off, either writing too much about the novel or too much about themselves – some poor novels didn’t get a mention. There’s a rough template most agents and competition judges will look for, and it’s pretty doable! Let’s give it a go.

TELL US ABOUT THE NOVEL

First, tell us about the novel. That’s what you’re trying to sell! You want the agent to finish the cover letter with such curiosity about the book that they’re hungry for the sample chapters. 

The first paragraph will usually reveal the title , the genre , the word count of the completed manuscript (If you don’t include this, they might worry you haven’t finished it!) and something that offers a taste of the novel, like a mention of the themes you’re going to explore.

Be specific when stating the genre – if it’s general fiction, think about whether the market is commercial, book club, upmarket or literary. If it’s YA, don’t just say it’s YA – is it a YA romance? YA dystopia? Who’s out there writing YA crime? The literary agent will be familiar with all the terms, so the more specific you are, the easier it will be to picture an audience for the book.

Once you’ve provided these core facts, write an elevator pitch . This is a single sentence that conveys your novel’s hook or USP. For inspiration, check out the Sunday Times Bestsellers List:

• Richard Osman’s  The Thursday Murder Club : Four friends in a retirement village team up to solve a mystery on their doorstep.
• Paula Hawkins’  The Girl on the Train : A commuter’s fascination with a married couple she passes every day turns deadly.

It’s a good idea to follow this up with a one-paragraph description of the novel. Unlike the synopsis, it doesn’t need to tell the entire story, but it should be just more than the premise. Tell us who the protagonist is, what happens to upset the balance of their life, and what their goal is (presumably to restore said life balance!). If you can do that in a couple of sentences, you might also mention one of the novel’s core turning points.

Cover letters should describe the novel first, then the writer, then remind us of the novel at the end. In a short final paragraph, say what inspired you to write the book and offer some comparable titles . (Check out agent Nelle Andrew’s advice on comparable titles .)

The letter should be targeted towards the literary agent or competition judge you’re writing to. Some writers choose to open with this and others incorporate it into the later paragraphs. The best way to make a connection and show you’ve done your research is to mention an author on the agent’s list who has a relevant readership. You could also explain why you think your novel aligns with what they describe in their wish list.

TELL US ABOUT YOU

It’s the writing, not the writer, that’s important … but the agent or judge does want to know about you too. They especially want to know why you were the one person who could write this book . And it’s true – no one else could write the book you’ve written. So tell us why. Did your job as a psychiatrist inspire the analysis of your antagonist’s motivation? Do you live in the idyllic town where the book is set? Have you studied the era of your historical novel? Share relevant details about yourself. 

The agent or judge also wants evidence that you are a writer. You’re not just someone who thinks they have a novel in them; you take your craft seriously. If you can, share what magazines your short fiction has been published in, the competitions you’ve been listed in or the creative writing courses you’ve completed. If you don’t have that kind of experience, share anything that tells us you’re serious. Join a writer’s workshop group and tell us about that. Attend an online masterclass (like the ones BPA runs ) and mention that. Experiment with writing in different forms and tell us about it. S hare which contemporary authors have inspired you, so it’s clear that you’re well read. Just don’t put, ‘This is my first attempt at writing fiction,’ and leave it at that. It doesn’t inspire confidence.

A cover letter should be professional, like the cover letter you would send with a job application, but you also want it to have some personality. And given you’re basically applying for the role of ‘novelist’, it needs to be well written.

So, keep it formal, make sure it’s eloquent, and try to get some flow into it. When you read it aloud, it should sound natural. If it doesn’t, it might be that you haven’t varied sentence length, that you’ve used rigid language, or simply that you’re trying too hard. As formal as a cover letter should be, you want your enthusiasm for this novel you’ve spent so long writing to imbue the lines. 

COMMON ISSUES IN ‘BPA FIRST NOVEL AWARD’ SUBMITTED COVER LETTERS

• Formatting it like a CV or splitting it into sections titled ‘Bio’ and ‘Novel Summary’.
• Sharing irrelevant detail about your personal life. 
• Making it too short – 200-350 words is a good guideline.
• Or too long – unfortunately, nobody’s going to read a cover letter past the first page!
• Writing a vague description of the story e.g. ‘When a mysterious event happens, a woman will have to look to the past to uncover the truth.’
• Including long-winded explanations of why there’s a huge market for your book.
• Coming across as arrogant … or lacking in confidence.
• Sharing more about the novel’s message than its story.

WRITE THE COVER LETTER YOUR NOVEL DESERVES

Once you’ve finished a manuscript, the instinct is to get it on submission as soon as possible, but it’s worth taking the time to give an accurate and exciting representation of the work . Literary agents receive many submissions a day and have to fit reading time in with a huge workload. You need to grab them in the cover letter so that they’re already thinking of you as a potential client when they read the sample.

Out of everything you could have written on the blank pages of a document titled Novel , you’ve carefully chosen each word of this story that has to be told. You know people will love it and you hopefully have a sense of who and why . Get that across to the agent or competition reader, and maybe, just maybe, they’ll request the full manuscript.

For personalised feedback on your cover letter, you might want to consider a BPA Submission Package Report – enquire here .

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The Winning Cover Letter Sample For a Resume

Table of contents.

• How to make your resume and cover letter correspond
• What information to include on your cover letter
• A cover letter sample

Creating a great resume isn't easy and neither is writing a perfect letter that goes along with it perfectly. The truth about cover letters is that one does not fit all. While you may create one general resume and send it to ten or more positions, the same does not go for your cover letter. The resume-cover letter combination has to be just right - tailored to the job and with corresponding facts.

Does all of this sound complicated? Don't worry. We're here to help.

in this guide we'll teach you:

• How to make your resume and cover letter correspond perfectly
• What information from your resume to include in the cover letter

Before we jump into the details, make sure your resume is on point. Head over to our resume builder to create an amazing resume in minutes.

How to Make Your Resume & Cover Letter Correspond

First of all, why is it important that your resume and cover letter correspond? This is because you want to have an application that is solid throughout. That means having facts and dates about your experience on the resume and an explanation of how you're planning on using this experience in the new position (which goes on the cover letter).

Make sure that:

• all relevant experience listed on the resume is referenced in the cover letter but be careful not to repeat your resume literally.

If the resume says: " 5 years of experience in sales ,"

the cover letter should say: "I plan on using my 5 years of experience in sales to improve your client retention and increase customer base by 10% in the next 6 months."

Here the resume presents factual information about the candidate and the cover letter explains how the candidate plans on making it practical.

• mention all relevant accomplishments and tell the stories behind the facts

While your resume is the place to list what you've achieved in your previous job and what accolades you've earned, the cover letter is the place to explain how you managed to do that and why it was significant.

This will show the hiring manager what you've learned and how you can contribute to their company.

Resume : "won Sales Manager of the year 5 times in a row"

Cover letter : "I realized that the best way to make my team more productive was to find every single member's strength and help them develop it. This is how I won the Sales Manager of the year award for 5 years in a row."

Do this only for the relevant accomplishments to the job you're applying for. If you've won other impressive prizes but in a whole different industry, you can leave that off.

• outline all transferable skills

This point is especially important if you're changing industries. Let's say that you've worked in the hospitality industry for years and want to transfer to banking. Say your goal is to get a teller position. It has all to do with customer service but since you haven't worked in finance before, it may not seem that obvious how you're qualified.

Make sure that your resume outlines the particular skills you're transferring to the new industry and use the cover letter to give a brief explanation.

Resume : "worked as a Hotel Concierge for 5 years"

Cover letter : "thanks to my experience as a Concierge, I learned how to interact with customers with a high degree of empathy and understanding and quickly resolve problems .

This way the hiring manager will be able to see the connection and really consider you for the position instead of seeing a complete industry switch and discarding your resume.

What Information to Include on the Cover Letter

It's important to remember that the cover letter should be no longer than one page . This is why you have to include only the most important and relevant facts.

Here is a checklist of what should be on your cover letter:

• Address (city, state, zip code)
• Phone number (cell phone is best. Never, ever give your work phone)
• Email (always list a professional email - [email protected] VS [email protected])
• A proper address (Dear Hiring Manager)
• Reasons why you want the job
• What you'll contribute to the company
• Closing statement
• Signature (Sincerely)

This is the basic scheme of a cover letter. Now let's look at a sample you can use.

Cover Letter Sample

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am excited to apply for [position] at [Company] , as advertised in [ place where you saw the ad ORas referred to by - person who referred you] .

I believe that the skills and experiences I have gained as [Current Position] at [Company] make me an ideal candidate for the [position you're applying to] .

Over the course of my career, I have developed [relevant skills the ad mentions] . For example, one of my main tasks is to [relevant action the job requires].

This duty requires [actions] . I have proven to be very effective by [winning award/ accomplishment associated with this action].

I have also gained extensive experience in [tasks] – that you state the [position ] must be familiar with. My experience at [Company] has given me the opportunity to master [another relevant skill] which would undoubtedly contribute to the role.

I am confident that my experience in the [field] and my [relevant skills] qualify me for consideration. My plan for the position is [brief mention of your vision].

I look forward to meeting with you and discussing the opportunity to join the team.

FirstName LastName

Fill in this sample cover letter with details from your resume and relevant information from the job ad and send in your application confidently.

Having a solid resume is key to landing the job you want. Once you've finished that step, it's time to write a killer cover letter.

Study the job ad carefully and identify which skills and experiences on your resume are relevant to the role. Then fill in the sample cover letter and make sure it corresponds with your resume.

If you need some more tips on creating an awesome resume, head over to our resume builder .

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Your Financial Aid Award Letter: It's Not Just an Offer

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• You can find a school's cost of attendance online, but you may pay less based on your financial aid.
• Your financial aid award letter will include grants, scholarships, work study, and loans.
• You can appeal your financial aid award if you need more money to attend the school.

What is a financial aid award letter?

Opening a college acceptance letter is a high point in many students' academic careers. There's screaming, jumping up and down, and a frantic dash to buy merch from the college's store. But after the initial excitement wears off, there's a reality check: How much will this school cost?

The answer might seem simple, as you're able to see the sticker price of most schools on their websites before you apply. But depending on your financial need and academic profile, schools will also offer different types of financial aid packages that could have a big impact on how much you actually pay.

To receive financial aid, students will need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid around the same time they are submitting their college applications. 

Once you receive your acceptance letter, a financial aid award letter will likely follow shortly afterward. Sometimes it comes with the acceptance letter. Award letters will include scholarships, grants, work study, and loans.

Financial aid award letters are only for one school year, and you'll need to fill out the FAFSA each year you're in school to determine what aid you're eligible for. 

Rick Castellano, a spokesperson Sallie Mae Student Loans , points out that these letters vary in how they are written. Students may find it difficult to differentiate between financial aid packages because of the inconsistent presentation of financial aid awards from different colleges, Castellano says. 

"There is no standard format," Castellano says. "That can make this somewhat confusing. You might get a financial aid offer from one school and then another, and it might not look exactly the same. So that's why it's really important that families take a moment to read the fine print and understand exactly what is in that letter."

For instance, if you're offered a merit scholarship, you may have to keep up a certain GPA while in school or risk losing the money altogether.

Some schools may list loans intermixed with scholarships and grants, while others will separate loans to make it clearer what money you'll borrow. Some schools may detail the cost of attendance in your aid letter, while other schools omit that information.

What you'll find in your award letter

Your financial aid package will be broken up into several parts: Grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. 

• Grants: These are often given based on exceptional financial need or if you are a member of a designated group. Pell Grants, which are offered to students with significant financial need, have a maximum award of $7,395 for the 2024–25 award year. Learn more about types of federal grants . 
• Scholarships: These aren't usually given based on your expected family contribution (EFC), but rather on factors such as academic merit, athletic achievement, or volunteer experience. You might even net a full ride , where your entire cost of school is covered. 
• Work-study : This is a type of financial aid that provides part-time positions for students with financial need to earn money for academic expenses. Your total package is based on when you apply, your level of financial need, and the amount of money your school has available. 
• Loans:   Direct subsidized loans  are made to students with financial need, and the government will cover the interest on the loans while you're in school and during a six-month grace period after you graduate. Direct unsubsidized loans aren't made based on financial need, and interest will accrue once loan funds are dispersed. Direct PLUS loans, made to graduate students and parents of undergraduate students, may also be offered.

On top of the included financial packages listed above, your letter will also include:

• Cost of Attendance: Tuition, fees, room and board, etc.
• Expected Family Contribution (EFC): What the school expects you/your family can contribute.

How to read your award letter carefully

When reading your financial aid award letter, there are three steps to take:

• Compare to the Total Cost: How much of a gap is left after aid?
• Check for Conditions: Maintaining a certain GPA, full-time student status, etc.
• Deadlines: Learn when you need to accept or decline different parts of the award.

Figure out how much you'll have to pay

To compare offers, make sure you understand how much of each type of aid you're receiving and how much you'll need to repay. Follow these steps to get a gauge of the cost of your school:

• Determine the cost of attendance . Add up tuition and fees, room and board, the cost of books, transportation expenses, and miscellaneous personal costs.
• Subtract the "free money" in your aid package . This includes grants (federal, state, and institutional) and scholarships. 
• Subtract money you'll work for . This includes any type of work-study you plan to take on.
• Subtract money you'll borrow . This includes federal subsidized loans, federal unsubsidized loans, and federal PLUS loans. 

The remainder after following these steps is the total gap you need to bridge. You can do so with savings, outside scholarships, or private student loans. 

If you prefer to use an online tool, Sallie Mae has a template that helps you easily compare different financial aid offers, broken down by the type of aid in each package. This may allow you to get a clearer sense of the true cost of each school. 

When weighing a school's affordability versus a student's school preference, it's important to make a balanced choice.

"It's a personal decision," Castellano says. "You want to make the best choice for your student and family and you want that choice to be responsible. You don't want to wake up after college and figure out okay, great, my son or daughter went to a dream school, and now look at this bill that I'm having to navigate after school."

What if I want to appeal my financial aid award?

If you find the money you have to pay isn't within a reasonable range for you and your family, you may be able to appeal your aid package.

Neeta Vallab is the founder of  MeritMore , a search tool that allows students to estimate the amount of merit aid they could receive from particular schools based on their GPA and test scores. Vallab says you can ask for more money from colleges in an appeal letter.

Keep a professional tone, thank the school for accepting you, and express your excitement to attend the school, she advises.

"You can include any sort of new financial situations that might have come around since you submitted your financial aid forms," Vallab says. "But the biggest driver is do you have better offers from similar colleges? Can you pit one school against another? They don't want to lose you to a school they consider a peer school." 

Vallab's website has an appeal letter generator that allows families to create customizable appeals, if you prefer not to start from scratch.

Understanding the actual cost of a school before signing on the dotted line will save you future financial headaches and help you make the most informed decision possible.

What if the award isn't enough to cover costs?

If the award isn't enough to cover costs, contact the school's financial aid office, consider scholarships, or explore private student loans (use cautiously).

Can I negotiate my financial aid award?

Sometimes you may be able to negotiate your financial award. If you have a better offer from another school, or your financial situation changed, it might be possible.

Do I have to accept the entire award?

No, you don't need to accept the entire award. You can accept grants, decline loans, or take a smaller loan amount.

Where do I find my financial aid award letter?

Your financial aid award letter may be mailed, emailed, or accessible on the college's online portal.

If you enjoyed this story, be sure to follow Business Insider on Microsoft Start.

Letter of Award Template – Format, Sample & Example

A letter of award or award letter is basically an announcement that informs someone about their approval/ qualification that they have been applied for or looking forward to. It can be anything, a monetary award or in form of respect too. For example, a monetary gain for gain in business contracts from government and an award for doing excellent job in some area of interest etc. 

Usually award letter is written during situations like auctions where so many parties are bidding for one same contract coming from a high repute company or government. 

Actually, these traditions of writing award letter are an important professional etiquette for contact where not just what is written important but its presentation is equally matters. Therefore, a careful effort is required. Although, it is not very complicated to frame one nice award letter, but it can become a hassle if written or dealt with in bulk. It is recommended to build an award letter template and maintain it to significantly simplify and fast process of writing a letter of award when it comes to write an individual award letter. 

Format of Award Letter

The format is given below:

[To (who so ever it is going to be awarded) For example, Name of the company or the concerned person ] 

[ Address associated ]

[ Subject i.e. Name/Title of the contract/project it is related to ]

[Body/ Content of the letter]

[Signature and date]

[Name of the company awarding the contract]

How to Write Letter of Award

To begin with creating a letter of award, it is important that you know all about the essentials need to be remembered while writing it. Therefore, we have provided you with a few tips here in this article. 

• Make a broad outline which will be suitable for the maximum of letter of awards that you anticipate. This will allow you to draft award letter in a quick and fast manner along with lesser of efforts by just doing a few changes in the formed template. 
• Always make a check if the format is appropriate and the content is suitable for the award letter you are writing. 
• You must not forget to pay attention to the language of award letter. It should be in a polite and easy tone. This is something we should always take care of. But here, since it is very professional contact letter, a little attention over the tone can make a huge difference.
• Make a spelling and grammar check. Remember this letter must not be a letter of mere statements and facts or overly verbose but instead a mix of both. 

Letter of Award Samples with Examples

For your references, a few examples are provided below. You may visit our page to find more such samples and examples. 

Letter of Support for Award

From, 7 Adams Ave. Brandon, FL 33510

Date: 24th November, 2001

To, Sital Pvt. Ltd. Chicago, USA

RE: Congratulations for getting nominated for PLG Gas contract

Dear Sir/ Ma’am, We are very pleased to inform you that your company has been nominated and invited for the process of bidding and a short contractual based presentation for the area of AB State.  This is a letter of award for being nominated and invited to participate in this important bidding which is organized by Government of United States.

However, meanwhile kindly submit the application details which is given in the attachment and send it to us within dates as mentioned. 

We are looking forward for your response as soon as possible. 

Thanking You.

Signature & Date

Department of Renewable Resources, USA

Sample Letter of Award

From, 9086 Briarwood St. Loganville, GA 30052

Date: 25th November, 2003

To, Gail Tints Pvt. Ltd 46, Casco Road, Ohio, USA

Dear Sir/Madam,

We are very pleased to inform you that your company has been selected for the above-said tender for the organization of the event [Annual council on Environment and Climate Change] on 30th May 2003.

On the basis of the work you presented and depending upon the history of your company’s standard, we are selecting your company to organize this high repute event where many big delegates from across the world are going to be present.

We are so sure that your work will impress us and make this event a huge success. Trust is being placed on the strong shoulders of Gail Tints. For this purpose, if you accept our proposal which is also attached with the award letter, kindly revert back to us as soon as possible. A thorough meeting will be finalized once you provide us with the confirmation. 

Thanking you.

Signature and Date

University of Shanghai

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