Cover letter
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17 Best Cover Letter Templates You Can Customize & Download
Written by: Chloe West
If you’re looking for a new job, you want to make sure you really wow your potential employer with your resume and cover letter. One great way to do that is by using a cover letter template.
While many cover letter templates you’ll find online are boring, black and white documents, we think you can do better than that.
This is why we’ve created stunning, colorful, visually appealing cover letter templates to help your application really stand out from the rest.
Read on to learn more about using a cover letter template and to browse Visme’s options.
Table of Contents
What goes into a good cover letter, why use a cover letter template, cover letter templates you can customize, how to use a cover letter template, cover letter faqs.
- A good cover letter includes the hiring manager’s name, starts with a hook, shares more than what’s covered in your resume, offers hard numbers, showcases your personality and closes with a strong statement.
- Cover letter templates with prewritten cover letters help provide you with inspiration, as well as the cover letter design already laid out for you.
- Follow these steps to use a cover letter template: select your template, change the contact information, write your cover letter, add your signature, customize and apply your branding, add interactivity and share with your potential employer.
- Create an engaging and professional cover letter with Visme. Our cover letter templates also match our resume templates so you can easily create a consistent design across both documents to impress your new employer.
The first thing you’re going to want to understand is what goes into a good cover letter , and actually makes the potential employer reading it want to call you in for an interview.
We’ve put together a list of the top things you need to include in your cover letter to help stand out from the crowd and ensure it gets read.
1. Include the hiring manager’s name.
Don’t start your cover letter off with “Dear Sir or Madam,” or “To Whom It May Concern.”
There are far too many ways to figure out exactly who your cover letter will be going to, so you should use those avenues so you can address your cover letter to the specific person who will be reading it (likely the hiring manager ).
Take a look at the company’s team page, browse employees on LinkedIn or if it’s a smaller, local company, call and ask.
If you aren’t able to figure out the specific hiring manager’s name, at the very least address your cover letter to the head of the department you’re applying to.
2. Start with a hook.
Try to really wow your potential employer from the very first sentence of your cover letter. You want to start your cover letter with a bang that makes the reader excited to check out the rest.
And while you still want to include the job that you’re applying for in your opening line or paragraph, try to jazz it up.
“I’m applying for XYZ role, and I think I’d be the perfect fit because ABC,” but make it spicy.
Don’t beg for the job, make your cover letter all about you or overly brag. It’s possible to share why you should be hired over everyone else without sounding like you’re overly confident.
3. Share more than what your resume says.
Your resume is already providing a snippet into your work experience and companies you’ve worked for. Your cover letter is where you expand on the best things you’ve done that make you perfect for this new role.
Relate your past experience to what you’ve seen in the job description to further prove that you’re the one for the job.
You want to really wow potential employers so that they’re excited to schedule an interview with you to learn even more about your experience and what you could bring to the table in this new position.
4. Offer up hard numbers.
If you’re able to, provide concrete numbers and examples of things you’ve achieved in past roles. Were you able to increase revenue by a certain percentage? Did you minimize ad cost by a big number?
Things like that are really valuable to a potential employer because they showcase real results that you have accomplished.
5. Showcase your personality.
Pay attention to the voice of the company that you’re applying for, as this might not always be acceptable.
But if the company voice or brand personality is more friendly and informal, you want to put on the same voice within your cover letter.
Cover letters don’t have to be formal documents. Instead, have fun with introducing yourself and talking about your professional experience, while injecting some of your personality into the writing. You can also do this by adding flair to your letterhead .
This is a great way to give your potential employer a peek into who you are as a person and how you would get along with the team.
6. Close with a strong statement.
Finally, end your cover letter with a bang. Don’t use something standard like, “I look forward to hearing from you.”
Instead, explain your passion for the company or the role. Let them know you’re willing to relocate if you don’t live with the company is headquartered. Tell the hiring manager that you’re excited about everything you have to offer this position.
Just make sure you’re ending on a positive note that makes the hiring manager want to pick up the phone or open a new email and immediately schedule an interview.
Why not make life easier on you and get a bit of help? Our cover letter templates have prewritten cover letters to help provide you with a bit of inspiration, as well as the cover letter design already laid out for you.
Better yet, our cover letter templates match our resume templates so that you can easily find and customize a matching cover letter and resume to impress your new employer.
Here’s a sample cover letter from our template library:
Wow your future employer with a visually appealing cover letter that stands out, rather than another boring, black-and-white Word Document.
We’ve put together 17 cover letter templates that match our resume templates so that you can easily put together a cohesive job application cover letter and land your dream job.
Take a look at the cover letter templates we have available. And don’t fret – even if you don’t see one related to your industry, remember that these can be fully customized to fit your needs.
UI/UX Developer Cover Letter Template
Put together an easy-to-read cover letter with this minimalistic template. You can keep a similar length for your cover letter, or go a little shorter and simply increase the text size to take up more of the page.
Social Media Manager Cover Letter Template
Want a small pastel accent in your cover letter? This feminine cover letter template offers the perfect opportunity to showcase your style in your job application.
Business Administrator Cover Letter Template
This is the perfect cover letter template for those of you with a single personal brand color. You’re able to create an accent using a pop of color versus the remaining black and white color scheme. Keep this pink or input the hex code of your specific shade.
Business Analyst Cover Letter Template
This two-column cover letter template is a creative way to share your information with any potential employer. Go against the grain of one-column letters and create a newspaper-esque look and feel using this unique cover letter template.
Project Manager Cover Letter Template
Don’t be afraid of using color to help your cover letter stand out. We’re not creating boring documents here, guys. Give this color blocked cover letter template a try and add in your own personal touch by updating any of the colors.
Graphic Designer Cover Letter Template
Another great way to steer clear of a boring, black and white document is to use a nice pastel color as the background for your letter. It’ll help your application stand out, while still maintaining a muted feel.
Product Photographer Cover Letter Template
Highlighting your contact details within a shape or bubble that’s a different color than the rest of your cover letter will help them to stand out so the hiring manager isn’t having to search for your email address or social media profiles.
Highlight your job title or industry right underneath your name within your cover letter so that the hiring manager knows exactly what you’re applying for, right off the bat.
Companies occasionally hire for multiple positions at once, so making this clear can be a big help.
Sales Manager Cover Letter Template
Color also doesn’t have to overwhelm your cover letter in order to make it stand out. Use two complementary accent colors like we see here, to highlight the most important parts, like your name and contact information.
UI/UX Expert Cover Letter Template
Don’t stop at color—use a cover letter template with photo. You can even use a stock photo (or your own photo if you’re applying for a photography position) and place a color overlay atop the photo to use it as a background or an accent on your color letter.
Interior Designer Cover Letter Template
Here’s a creative cover letter template where there’s an entire background photo creating a visual border around the letter. With a transparent green sidebar, the photo shines through in other areas of the letter as well.
Fashion Designer Cover Letter Template
Another creative way to use color is by adding a color overlay to your headshot that matches the rest of your cover letter’s branding. Visme allows you to adjust opacity levels until you find that perfect overlay.
Photojournalist Cover Letter Template
This beautiful cover letter template gives you a small section to introduce yourself and your skills before the hiring manager even gets to the rest of your cover letter. This is the perfect place to introduce quantitative results and experience.
Include a virtual signature within your cover letter by using a script font to sign your name at the end. Visme offers a wide selection of script fonts for you to find the perfect signature typeface.
Teacher Cover Letter Template
This is another great example of color blocking. However, the white cover letter background ensures that your cover letter is easily read. Customize this to fit your personal brand colors for a creative cover letter design.
Architect Cover Letter Template
If you’re applying for a more official or formal position, using a simple cover letter template like this one is the perfect opportunity to stand out and look clean and professional. Customize this basic cover letter template for any industry, especially if you’re looking for a classic design without a photo.
Sales Associate Cover Letter Template
Another easy way to get creative with your cover letter is by making your main content center-aligned. Create a cover letter that stands out from the rest by using color, alignment, columns and several other cover letter design ideas.
Now that we’ve showcased our available cover letter templates, it’s time to get started customizing and writing your cover letter!
We’ll walk you through the process below, but you can also watch this quick video tutorial on creating documents like cover letters with Visme.
1. Select your template.
First things first, select the template that most closely resembles your personal brand, your industry or simply a design that you like.
Simply scroll through our available cover letter template options and click to edit your favorite.
You can also scroll through all of our cover letter template options above and click the button directly below it to be taken right to your new template in Visme’s editor.
2. Change the contact information.
All of the contact information we have in place is placeholder information, and you first want to make sure you change or remove every piece of contact information that isn’t pertinent to you.
Be sure to include all relevant contact information so that the hiring manager can easily get in touch with you.
Simply double click in the text box and type in your own phone number, email address and social media logins. You can also change the font by using the dropdown menu if you want to further customize the look of your cover letter.
Add in your own headshot to replace the stock image by selecting the photo, then dragging your replacement onto the screen. The editor will ask if you want to replace the selected image, and you’ll want to select that option.
3. Write your cover letter.
The next step is to actually write your cover letter . We’ve covered what goes into a good cover letter, so time to put pen to paper – or fingers to keyboard – and start typing.
Just like in the last step, all you need to do is double click inside the text box and start typing in your cover letter content.
Introduce yourself, share which position you’re applying for, explain why you’re the person for the job and personalize it so that your voice is heard through the letter. If you need help creating a draft for your cover letter, try Visme's AI text generator . You can use it to proofread existing letter, adjust tone and handle other content related task.
4. Sign your cover letter.
As you can see in all of our resume cover letter examples, we include a signature at the bottom. You’re not actually going to have to print these off and sign them. Instead, you can easily create the illusion of a signature by using a script font.
Change the placeholder name to your name, and customize the font if you choose to.
5. Customize to fit your personal brand.
If the cover letter template you chose is perfect, then you don’t need to worry about customizing it further. Simply change the information and you’re ready to send off!
However, if you want to match your personal brand a bit more, you can easily set up a Brand Kit in Visme to access your fonts and colors.
Set up color themes or use the ones provided to change the entire color scheme of your cover letter with a single click.
You can also switch out the fonts in your cover letter if there’s another option that you like better. Your Brand Kit even allows you to import fonts that might not be in our editor.
6. Add interactivity.
Really impress your potential employer by making your cover letter interactive. Visme allows you to link elements in your cover letter, so you can make things like your email address, social media profiles and personal website clickable.
You could also add animated icons, illustrations or characters to help spice up your design. Learn more about creating interactive documents with Visme .
7. Share with your potential employer.
There are several ways you can share your cover letter with potential employers. You can download a (non-interactive) PDF version of your letter to attach to an email or print.
You can also host your cover letter with Visme and generate a shareable link to send out to potential employers.
Send off your cover letter and wait for the calls for an interview to come rolling in.
Q. What is the best format for a cover letter?
The best format to write a cover letter includes your contact information, greeting and introduction, body paragraphs, a closing paragraph and your signature.
Q. Is there a cover letter template in Microsoft Word?
Yes, Microsoft Word offers several cover letter templates.
Q. What are the three main things needed in a cover letter?
A cover letter needs three main things—the applicant’s introduction, a brief explanation of why they’re interested in the job and a summary of any relevant qualifications and experiences they have that makes them a good fit for the position.
Q. What does an employer look for in a cover letter?
Employers look for cover letters that demonstrate applicants’ enthusiasm for the role, highlight what they bring to the table, and provide specific examples of how they can contribute to the company’s success.
Q. Should your cover letter match your resume?
Ideally, your cover letter should match your resume. Maintain a consistent style and format by using similar layouts, colors, fonts and visuals in both documents.
Customize Your Cover Letter Template Today
Ready to land your dream job? Find the best cover letter templates above, and customize your resume and cover letter right inside Visme to quickly and easily create a visually appealing job application.
Sign up for Visme today to get started.
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About the Author
Chloe West is the content marketing manager at Visme. Her experience in digital marketing includes everything from social media, blogging, email marketing to graphic design, strategy creation and implementation, and more. During her spare time, she enjoys exploring her home city of Charleston with her son.
The 46 Best Cover Letter Examples: What They Got Right
Updated: May 22, 2024
Published: April 19, 2017
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 40+ cover letter examples, then check out tips for cover letter formatting and what makes a cover letter great.
Table of Contents
Customizable Cover Letter Examples
Best cover letter examples, short cover letter examples, creative cover letter examples, job cover letter examples, career cover letter examples, what is a good cover letter, what’s on a cover letter, what makes a great cover letter.
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
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Click this link to access this resource at any time.
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
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.
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Land the job with cover letter templates
Show hiring managers why you're the perfect job candidate with professional, customizable cover letter templates. find the perfect cover letter template for any industry or career path..
Download free cover letter templates
Stand out from other job applicants with free, professional cover letter templates. Cover letters are a perfect complement to your resume and provide an effective opportunity to show your personality and enthusiasm for a position. Focus on writing a compelling cover letter and let a professionally designed template do the rest.
These free cover letter templates are perfect for any stage of your career, whether you're looking to land an internship or your dream job. If you're applying for a corporate position, you may want to opt for a simple cover letter template. There are a variety of other cover letter designs available, from basic cover letter templates to creative cover letter templates.
Each of these cover letter templates is customizable in Word , so you can add your own text, change design elements, and more. Print out your cover letter or download it for free to use for online job applications. Once you've customized the perfect cover letter, explore resume templates that will match your cover letter design, or download free business cards for your next networking event.
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A general cover letter example can serve as a great starting point for your application. If you’re feeling stuck, check out this copyable cover letter sample that you can copy and paste to modify for your own experience. You can also change the cover letter template at any time.
Dear Mr. North,
My experience of managing teams through change has taught me that if you put people first, everything else will fall into place. I led a team through a turbulent 18 months of downsizing at Labsworth, while a blistering period of growth at Pine Inc. provided an entirely different experience. No matter what the trajectory of the company is, there are lessons to be learned. Upon the completion of my MBA last year, I understood that I wanted to pursue a management role with an international dimension. I have never used my native Spanish in a business context and feel that your expansion into South America will allow me to employ my change management skills in a cultural setting that is familiar to me. In a start-up, it is important to employ people with both operational and commercial expertise. I have negotiated contracts worth $9.5m, improved delivery efficiencies by 12%, redesigned warehouse packing flows, overseen staff disputes, and driven profitability to industry-leading levels. In my last year at Pine, I spearheaded three initiatives to improve the net profit from 5.2% to 6.1%. Profits improve when everything is considered. I believe in letting my teams dictate the direction of their development. I have experience working with HR to design training modules, something that is particularly useful in a start-up. I enjoy the creativity and challenge of working out how to get the most out of a diverse set of professionals. 60% of my former team have enjoyed promotions over the past five years.
I cannot wait to find out more about your international expansion plans and hope that I am well-placed to assist.
Lara Fernandez
Our best sample cover letters
Check out our most popular cover letter samples below.
Internship cover letter example
Use this Internship cover letter example to finish your application and get hired fast – no frustration, no guesswork. This cover letter example is specifically designed for Internship positions in 2024. Take advantage of our sample sentences + expert guides to download the perfect cover letter in just minutes.
Accounting cover letter example
Use this Accounting cover letter example to finish your application and get hired fast – no frustration, no guesswork. This cover letter example is specifically designed for Accounting positions in 2024. Take advantage of our sample sentences + expert guides to download the perfect cover letter in just minutes.
Graduate cover letter example
You’re a newly minted college graduate. After years of hard work, you have your diploma in hand and are ready to leap into the workforce. Congratulations! It’s time to get your job applications in order, but it can be a daunting task. Relax! Our graduate cover letter example and writing guide will make it easier to apply for your 2024 dream job.
Administrative assistant cover letter example
A great administrative assistant cover letter is your key to making a personal connection with the employer and landing a new job. This guide and complete cover letter example will walk you through the steps needed for success.
Teacher cover letter example
You know how to introduce yourself on parent-teacher nights, but how best to introduce yourself to the principal when you want a new job? The guide below will show you how to write an A+ teacher cover letter that makes the grade.
Nursing cover letter example
If you're empathetic, practical, and caring, the world of nursing is calling your name. Here's how to write a nurse cover letter that will turn the hiring manager's head.
Software engineer cover letter example
Use this Software Engineer cover letter example to finish your application and get hired fast – no frustration, no guesswork. This cover letter example is specifically designed for Software Engineer positions in 2024. Take advantage of our sample sentences + expert guides to download the perfect cover letter in just minutes.
Perfect cover letter structure
The perfect cover letter should have a clear and organized structure to make sure it highlights why you’re the right candidate for the job. Here’s what you should include to impress employers and increase your chances of landing the interview:
- Header: The cover letter header is the space at the top, or sometimes the side, of your cover letter that contains your name, contact information, and any relevant links. The header serves a vital role in identifying your cover letter and helping to create an attractive presentation.
- Greeting: The greeting of the cover letter is the way you address the person who will be reading it. We recommend using the hiring manager’s name whenever possible to establish a friendly, yet professional tone.
- Introduction: The introduction consists of the opening lines of your cover letter that serve to grab the hiring manager’s attention and encourage them to read the rest of your cover letter. The introduction should also include the company name and the role for which you are applying.
- Body (middle part): The body paragraphs are the middle part of your cover letter that give you the space and flexibility to discuss your accomplishments and key qualifications for the role.
- Conclusion & sign off: The conclusion is the final sentence of the cover letter that generally includes a call to action. This sentence expresses your enthusiasm for the job and politely encourages the hiring manager to schedule an interview.
You can also view our full guide on how to write a cover letter.
What makes a good cover letter example
A good cover letter example contains a combination of factors that work together to present you as the best possible candidate for the role. Remember that a cover letter sample is a starting point and should always be customized for your specific experience and the job you are applying to. In general, here are a few things to pay attention to that will make your cover letter stand out from the rest:
- The right template : An attractive cover letter is more likely to be noticed by employers. The best cover letter template is one that combines your own professional personality with the brand and image of the company you’re applying to. Our adaptable cover letter sample can serve as a reference when creating your header.
- Proper formatting : The right formatting makes your cover letter easier to read, and in turn, keeps the hiring manager interested for longer. Here are a few do’s and don’ts for great cover letter formatting .
- Keep a balance of white space to text
- Use paragraph breaks and proper punctuation
- Create an attractive header at the top of the page
- Adjust the margins to cram in more text
- Go overboard with flashy colors unless appropriate in your industry
- Forget to proofread for spelling and grammar mistakes
- A customized greeting : Your cover letter greeting should use the hiring manager’s name whenever possible. If you can’t find the name of a specific person, make sure to customize the greeting for the company or team.
- A professional email address : Your email address should be a combination of your first and last name (with numbers if you have a common name). Unprofessional email addresses are a big mistake.
- Clear structure : Even though a cover letter is one of the more freeform parts of your application, it should still appear organized. Use the sections of our cover letter example above as a model for your own.
- Detailed examples : The writing of your cover letter should give concrete examples of your skills, qualifications, and accomplishments. Make sure to use numbers and statistics whenever possible.
Cover letter examples FAQs
What to write in a cover letter.
Your cover letter is an opportunity to expand on the skills and experiences described in your resume. Instead of simply repeating what’s written there, make sure to add new details and examples that are relevant for the role and will encourage the hiring manager to contact you for an interview.
How do you start a cover letter?
There are plenty of ways to start a cover letter , including with an anecdote, a statement about your skills or passion, or your connection to the company. Check out our adaptable cover letter samples for more ideas to get you started writing your own cover letter.
What are 3 things you should include in a cover letter?
Three things that should always be included in a cover letter are:
- Your name and contact information
- The hiring manager’s name
- The name of the company and the role you for which you’re applying
How long should a cover letter be?
Ideally, a cover letter's length should be between 250-400 words. A shorter cover letter may not be able to capture your skills, while a longer one may become tiresome to read. A cover letter should always fit on one page. See our adaptable cover letter examples for details.
What are common cover letter phrases?
Every cover letter should be unique but a few phrases you may find useful are:
- I am excited to apply to the role of (Job Title) at (Company Name).
- I am looking forward to the possibility of an interview.
- Feel free to contact me by phone or email at (Your Phone Number) or (Email Address).
- Sincerely, (Your Name)
What words should not be used in a cover letter?
We recommend avoiding “ To Whom It May Concern ” as it sounds impersonal and outdated. You should also avoid any language that sounds cold, arrogant, or entitled. Our cover letter samples can serve as an example of the right tone to use.
What does an employer look for in a cover letter?
Employers use cover letters to gauge whether you’re truly interested in the position and if you’ve understood the requirements. Make sure to consult the job description before writing your cover letter.
What is a simple example of a cover letter?
If you’re looking for a simple example of a cover letter, you’ve come to the right place! Here are some of our favorite simple cover letter samples:
Student cover letter example
Use this Student cover letter example to finish your application and get hired fast – no frustration, no guesswork. This cover letter example is specifically designed for Student positions in 2024. Take advantage of our sample sentences + expert guides to download the perfect cover letter in just minutes.
Driver cover letter example
A driver cover letter goes far deeper than the mechanics of the job. Share the personality that makes you great at what you do.
Customer service representative cover letter example
Use this Customer Service Representative cover letter example to finish your application and get hired fast – no frustration, no guesswork. This cover letter example is specifically designed for Customer Service Representative positions in 2024. Take advantage of our sample sentences + expert guides to download the perfect cover letter in just minutes.
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Blog Graphic Design 20+ Creative Cover Letter Design Tips & Templates [2024]
20+ Creative Cover Letter Design Tips & Templates [2024]
Written by: Sara McGuire Jan 10, 2024
Are you looking to create a cover letter that will help your job application stand out? You’ve come to the right place.
Cover letters matter because they’re like your chance to say, “Hold up, there’s more to me than what’s on my resume!” They’re your first opportunity to show why you’re the ideal fit for the job and let your personality shine.
Ready to stand out from the job-hunting crowd? Browse and pick from Venngage’s dozens of cover letter templates that you can customize and have ready in no time!
Click to jump ahead :
What is a cover letter?
Cover letter design tips with examples & templates, what should a cover letter design include, how to design a cover letter, how to customize cover letter templates in venngage, 9 tips for writing your cover letter, frequently asked questions about cover letter.
A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information about your skills and experience. It’s your opportunity to explain why you’re a good fit for the job you’re applying for and to highlight relevant qualifications. A cover letter should be concise, typically no longer than one page and should be tailored to the specific job and company you are applying to.
Crafting an effective cover letter involves not only strong content but also a professional design. In this section provides, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite tips, examples and templates to help you create a standout cover letter.
Click to jump ahead:
Professional cover letter templates
Simple cover letter templates, free cover letter templates, internship cover letter templates, creative cover letter templates, use a column layout to divide your cover letter into sections.
Typically, when you write a cover letter, you will include your contact information in the header or footer. But a visual cover letter offers you the opportunity to use a different page layout.
For example, you could put your contact information in a spinal column at the side of the page. To do this, simply divide your page into columns:
Take a look at how columns are used in the page layout for this cover letter template:
Include a personal logo to make your cover letter more memorable
For example, this cover letter template uses a logo created by putting the applicant’s initial inside a triangle. Simple and sleek:
Creating your own logo might seem like a big task. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. Your logo design could be as simple as a writing your name in a specific brand font , or combining your initial with an icon or shape.
Take some time to draft a few mock ups of your logo. What shapes and font style reflect your personality? Which designs are the most eye-catching and easy to use in other places?
You could use a logo in place of the headshot in this template. Or simply, include your photo:
Design Pro Tip : Use our photo replace feature to quickly add your own headshot to your cover letter. You can use an AI generated headshot not to spend time on photoshoots. The Venngage online drag and drop editor lets you quickly upload your photo and drag it over the existing headshot. The tool will replace and resize for you.
Give your cover letter template a decorative border
This cover letter template uses an image of a map for the border. This could represent the applicant’s career path, their sense of adventure, or the places their experiences have taken them:
Design Pro Tip : Create a border using an image in Venngage’s online editor by placing a rectangle over the background image. If you would like your border to be see-through, simply adjust the opacity of the rectangle.
A border is a simple way to add some creativity to your cover letter, while still maintaining a more traditional design.
An easy and eye-catching approach is to use a background image for your border. Look for an image that reflects your skills, your hobbies or passions, or the industry you’re in or applying for. The meaning of the image can be literal or symbolic — that’s up to you!
Or instead of a border, try adding a footer or sidebar with an image, or in a solid color like this template:
Use up to three different font styles (but no more than that!)
This cover letter template uses an elegant font for the headers and a sans serif font for the body copy (for readability):
Here’s a design rule of thumb: use no more than three different font types in one design. If you use too many different fonts , your design can look cluttered.
Generally, it’s best to stick to:
- One font for headers
- One font for sub-headers
- One font for body text
For example, this cover letter template uses only two fonts: Poppins for the header and sub-headers, and Merriweather for the body text. By bolding certain headers and using a different brand color for other, the design has variation while still being cohesive:
Highlight your contact information using a bold footer
While a bright, bold header will help grab the attention of readers, a footer will help make sure your cover letter ends on an impressive note. A bold footer can also help highlight key information–like your contact information and availability.
Take a look at how the footer in this cover letter template mirrors the color in the header, while also emphasizing the applicant’s contact information:
Round out your cover letter design with an image
Look at how seamlessly the image at the bottom of this cover letter is incorporated into the design:
An image can add that final touch to your cover letter design. You can use an image to fill up empty space and to reinforce themes in your cover letter.
If you want to show off your creative chops, you could include a photo you’ve taken yourself, or a custom illustration. But when in doubt, you could incorporate a stock photo –as long as it isn’t too cheesy.
No matter what the image is, it’s important that you integrate it cohesively into your page design. That could mean using an image frame to give your image a unique border shape, or using an image with a transparent background.
Add your signature to your cover letter template
Take a look at how this cover letter template incorporates a signature in the footer:
At this point, you may have noticed something that a lot of these cover letters have in common: they include a signature.
While including a signature isn’t a requirement, it can add another personal touch to your cover letter. Personal design touches will help your cover letter be more memorable.
Here’s a perfect example of a cover letter template you can use when applying for an internship or a co-op position:
If you’re applying for your first job as a student, chances are you won’t have much hands-on work experience. In this case, you can talk about your educational qualifications as well as different skills relevant to the job that you’ve obtained from your course work.
In your cover letter, you can also explain what you bring to the table — what you think is important to the job and will make you stand out from other candidates. Take this template as an example:
If you don’t have concrete numbers to back up your work experience, you can talk about what you value and learn from previous experience — as well as what your soft skills are and how they’ll help you in the job you’re applying for.
Add a custom header that illustrates your personal brand
What impression do you want to make on readers of your cover letter? Do you want them to think you’re inventive and take risks? Do you want them to think you’re competent and reliable?
This header uses bright colors and icons to make Sophie seem creative and personable:
Design Pro Tip: Use our icon replace tool to quickly replace any icon in our templates. Click any template here to sign up for free and enter the editor. Then, click an icon to replace it with one of the thousands of icons in our library.
Similar to how you can use an image as a border, you can also create an image header.
When picking an image for your header, look for an image that isn’t too busy. Too much going on will distract from your header text — and the text is the most important part!
For example, this cover letter template uses a tranquil lake scene in the header to show off the applicant’s photography skills:
Or skip the image and separate your header text with a simple line:
Using a bold header is one way to make your job application stand out, so you don’t hear those dreaded words: “we’ll just keep your resume on file .”
You can also use our customizable letterhead templates to create unique headers.
Use icons to illustrate information like your experience, skills, or passions
Icons are simplified vector graphics used to represent concepts. They’re perfect for adding a bit of creativity to your cover letter design.
You can use icons in a number of ways to enhance your design, including:
- Drawing attention to section headers
- Creating your own custom logo or illustrations
- Emphasizing key points like your contact information
- Replacing bullet points in lists
“Using bullets points where applicable also help to make it a smooth read.”
– Brandon Thompson, Recruitment and Hiring Manager at 1-800-Got-Junk?
In this cover letter template, icons are used in the header to add a bit of color and illustrate the applicant’s experience:
Add an atypical border for a modern cover letter design
Generally speaking, it’s good to play it safe with your cover letter design. That being said, there are small design choices you can make that will have a big impact on your cover letter’s personality.
For example, you can use borders in unusual ways. A simple border used in a surprising way can make your cover letter design more interesting.
For example, instead of using a border around the edges of your page, you could use a border around one section, like the header. Take a look at how this cover letter template uses a strip of purple along the spinal column and crosses it with a border around the header:
A cover letter design should include the following elements:
- Contact Information : Include your name, address, phone number, and email address at the top of the letter.
- Employer’s Contact Information : Include the employer’s name, title, company and address, if known.
- Salutation : Address the letter to a specific person if possible (e.g., “Dear Mr. Smith”).
- Introduction : State the position you are applying for and where you found the job listing.
- Middle paragraphs : Highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications.
- Closing paragraph : Reiterate your interest in the position, thank the employer for considering your application, and express your desire for an interview.
- Closing : A formal closing phrase (e.g., “Sincerely”) followed by your signature (if submitting a hard copy) and typed name.
- Font and formatting : Use a professional and readable font (e.g., Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri) in a size between 10 and 12 points. Maintain consistent margins and spacing, typically 1-inch margins and single-spaced text with a double space between paragraphs.
- Visual elements : Use minimalistic and clean design elements, such as a subtle color scheme or a simple border, to make the letter visually appealing without overwhelming the content.
- Header and contact information: At the top of your cover letter, include your name, address, phone number and email, as well as the date of your application.
- Salutation: Begin the letter by addressing the hiring manager by their name if it’s available or use a generic “Dear Hiring Manager” if you don’t know their name.
- Content: Start with an engaging opening paragraph that clearly mentions the job you’re applying for and how you found out about it. In the following paragraphs, concisely explain why you are a strong candidate for the position, focusing on your skills, qualifications and specific achievements that align with the job requirements. Express your enthusiasm for the role and the company throughout the content.
- Closing: In the closing paragraph, express your eagerness for an interview and thank the recipient for considering your application. Use a professional closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards.”
- Proofreading and formatting: Before finalizing, carefully proofread your cover letter to ensure there are no grammar, spelling or punctuation errors. Maintain a clean, professional font and consistent formatting throughout the letter while keeping it to one page in length.
WATCH: Resume design tips
- Select a cover letter template from this post or from our templates library . You’ll be prompted to create a free account. Some of our templates are free, some require a small fee to use.
- You’ll enter Venngage’s drag and drop online editor. No design knowledge needed!
- Add your own text, including a header, description, body text and your contact information.
- Customize the color scheme , fonts , icons and images to fit your personal brand.
- Save your customized cover letter as a template for future job applications.
- Email or share a link to your cover letter within the editor.
- Upgrade to download your cover letter as a PDF.
Make sure your job application stands out. Keep reading for essential cover letter design tips…
While good design will help grab the attention of readers, your text is what will actually sell them on your qualifications.
If you met the recruiter in person, use the cover letter to get back in touch and show your interest in the position. Mention something memorable from your previous conversation to make your application stand out.
Now, onto the tips from the career experts. Here’s what they had to say on cover letter writing:
Keep your text concise
“Keep your cover letter concise, easy to skim and be sure to connect the dots as to why you meet the important qualifications.”
– Hannah Morgan, Job Search Strategist at CareerSherpa
Customize your cover letter for each company you apply to
“CUSTOMIZE YOUR LETTER TO THE COMPANY YOU’RE SENDING IT TO. Don’t just provide a list of your skills, or a few flattering paragraphs about your background. Tie your story to what the company cares about! If you’re not sure what the company cares about, go to their website. Read their About Us page. Try to figure out what they value (this is not hard – a lot of companies share their core values somewhere on their site). Pick which of those core values resonate most with you. Then, tailor your letter to those values. That is: how have you demonstrated that value in your career so far? How would your experience / skill set contribute to that value if you were to work at this company?”
– Claire Suellentrop, Co-Founder and Head of Marketing at Userlist
“Always personalize your cover letter. Explain what you have to offer and how exactly that connects with the vision/goals of the company.”
P.S: Not customizing your cover letter for each job application is probably the biggest cover letter mistake you can make as an applicant!
– Brandon Thompson, Recruitment and Hiring Manager at 1-800- Got -Junk?
Focus on communicating your career goals
“Spend more time explaining your goals/direction and your plan rather than listing off things like ‘good at multitasking and team work’. What is your focus and why do you want the role?”
– Emily Brown, Hiring Manager at Ledcor
Use creative copywriting techniques
“When hiring marketers, I look for creativity and powerful copywriting. Empathy…understand the role your prospective employer is hiring for and what good and bad (very important to have why you might not fit) ways you fit in.”
– Derric Haynie, CEO of Vulpine Interactive
Show you know a lot about the company you’re applying for
“Find a way to stand out and find a way to speak to the first person who will be reading your resume, either that’s a recruiter, HR manager or hiring manager. If you know who you’re writing the cover letter for, talk about why you are actually excited to work for that company. Talk more about the company than you do about yourself, and tie in a few reasons why you’e the right fit for the role. Reference recent news articles about the company, show that you’ve done your research, whatever you need to do to stand out beyond the copy and paste approach that everyone else is using. The information is available.”
– Martin Hauck, Head of Talent at Coinsquare
Optimize your cover letter design for print
You probably already have a few ideas for creative cover letters buzzing around in your head. But before you race off to start your design, here are a few best practices to keep in mind.
If you’re planning on bringing your cover letter to an interview, make sure that your design will look as impressive in print as it does on screen.
Design your cover letter for standard letter paper
Make sure that the size dimensions of your cover letter template fit standard printer paper. Standard letter paper is 8.5 x 11 inches.
Export your cover letter in a high resolution
You don’t want your cover letter to print out blurry. In general, it’s a good idea to export your cover letter in 300 dpi resolution.
Venngage allows you to download your design in HD PNG or PDF formats. You can also check out this guide to learn how to edit PDFs .
Set bleed marks for your printer
If you want to get your cover letter printed professional, you may want to set bleed marks in your design. “Bleed” is the area around the outside of your cover letter that will be chopped off after printing.
If your cover letter design has a solid background color, or colors and images that touch the edge of the page, you should set bleed marks to indicate where the edge of the page is.
Why should you use a cover letter template?
In most cases, your cover letter is an employer’s first introduction to who you are — your personality, your qualifications, and your goals. A cover letter is a way to develop your own personal brand :
A professional cover letter helps you seem more legitimate to employers. And it is a great document to bring with you to an interview and to publish on your portfolio site .
Why do you need a cover letter template ? Well, you should be writing a different cover letter for each job application.
So, a cover letter template will give you a framework that you can adapt for different positions, and save you time doing so.
Now, let’s take a look at different types of cover letter templates you can customize using Venngage.
Before that, if your resume design could use a little makeover, take a peek at these easy-to-use infographic resumes or creative resume templates . They’re sure to add that extra flair and make your application stand out!
How long should a cover letter be?
A cover letter should be concise, typically no longer than one page. Ideally, it should be between 250 to 400 words, encompassing three to four paragraphs. This length ensures you provide enough detail about your qualifications and interest in the position without overwhelming the reader.
Do I need a unique cover letter for every job?
Yes, you should create a unique cover letter for every job you apply to. Tailoring your cover letter allows you to highlight specific skills and experiences relevant to the job, show your knowledge about the company and explain why you are a perfect fit for the position.
This personalized approach can significantly increase your chances of standing out to potential employers.
Now that you’re equipped with these cover letter design tips, it’s time to make your own!
More design guides to power your career growth: 20+ Infographic Resume Templates and Design Tips to Help You Land That Job
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How to Write a Cover Letter [Full Guide & Examples for 2024]
After weeks of heavy job searching, you’re almost there!
You’ve perfected your resume.
You’ve short-listed the coolest jobs you want to apply for.
You’ve even had a friend train you for every single interview question out there.
But then, before you can send in your application and call it a day, you remember that you need to write a cover letter too.
So now, you’re stuck staring at a blank page, wondering where to start...
Don’t panic! We’ve got you covered. Writing a cover letter is a lot simpler than you might think.
In this guide, we’re going to teach you how to write a cover letter that gets you the job you deserve.
We're going to cover:
What Is a Cover Letter?
- How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter, Step by Step
- 15+ Job-Winning Cover Letter Examples
Let’s get started.
A cover letter is a document that you submit as part of your job application, alongside your resume or CV.
The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, it should be around 250 to 400 words long .
A good cover letter is supposed to impress the hiring manager and convince them you’re worth interviewing as a candidate.
So, how can your cover letter achieve this?
First of all, it should complement your resume, not copy it. Your cover letter is your chance to elaborate on important achievements, skills, or anything else that your resume doesn’t give you the space to cover.
For example, if you have an employment gap on your resume, the cover letter is a great place to explain why it happened and how it helped you grow as a person.
If this is your first time writing a cover letter, writing about yourself might seem complicated. But don’t worry—you don’t need to be super creative or even a good writer .
All you have to do is follow this tried and tested cover letter structure:
- Header. Add all the necessary contact information at the top of your cover letter.
- Formal greeting. Choose an appropriate way to greet your target audience.
- Introduction. Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph and explain your interest in the role.
- Body. Elaborate on why you’re the best candidate for the job and a good match for the company. Focus on “selling” your skills, achievements, and relevant professional experiences.
- Conclusion. Summarize your key points and wrap it up professionally.
Now, let’s take a look at an example of a cover letter that follows our structure perfectly:
New to cover letter writing? Give our cover letter video a watch before diving into the article!
When Should You Write a Cover Letter?
You should always include a cover letter in your job application, even if the hiring manager never reads it. Submitting a cover letter is as important as submitting a resume if you want to look like a serious candidate.
If the employer requests a cover letter as part of the screening process, not sending one is a huge red flag and will probably get your application tossed into the “no” pile immediately.
On the other hand, if the job advertisement doesn’t require a cover letter from the candidates, adding one shows you went the extra mile.
Putting in the effort to write a cover letter can set you apart from other candidates with similar professional experience and skills, and it could even sway the hiring manager to call you for an interview if you do it right.
Need to write a letter to help get you into a good school or volunteer program? Check out our guide to learn how to write a motivation letter !
How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter
Now that you know what a cover letter is, it’s time to learn how to write one!
We’ll go through the process in detail, step by step.
#1. Choose the Right Cover Letter Template
A good cover letter is all about leaving the right first impression.
So, what’s a better way to leave a good impression than a well-formatted, stylish template?
Just choose one of our hand-picked cover letter templates , and you’ll be all set in no time!
As a bonus, our intuitive AI will even give you suggestions on how to improve your cover letter as you write it. You’ll have the perfect cover letter done in minutes!
#2. Put Contact Information in the Header
As with a resume, it’s important to start your cover letter with your contact details at the top. These should be in your cover letter’s header, separated neatly from the bulk of your text.
Here, you want to include all the essential contact information , including:
- Full Name. Your first and last name should stand out at the top.
- Job Title. Match the professional title underneath your name to the exact job title of the position you’re applying for. Hiring managers often hire for several roles at once, so giving them this cue about what role you’re after helps things go smoother.
- Email Address. Always use a professional and easy-to-spell email address. Ideally, it should combine your first and last names.
- Phone Number. Add a number where the hiring manager can easily reach you.
- Location. Add your city and state/country, no need for more details.
- Relevant Links (optional). You can add links to websites or social media profiles that are relevant to your field. Examples include a LinkedIn profile , Github, or an online portfolio.
Then it’s time to add the recipient’s contact details, such as:
- Hiring Manager's Name. If you can find the name of the hiring manager, add it.
- Hiring Manager's Title. While there’s no harm in writing “hiring manager,” if they’re the head of the department, we recommend you use that title accordingly.
- Company Name. Make sure to write the name of the company you're applying to.
- Location. The city and state/country are usually enough information here, too.
- Date of Writing (Optional). You can include the date you wrote your cover letter for an extra professional touch.
#3. Address the Hiring Manager
Once you’ve properly listed all the contact information, it’s time to start writing the content of the cover letter.
The first thing you need to do here is to address your cover letter directly to the hiring manager.
In fact, you want to address the hiring manager personally .
Forget the old “Dear Sir or Madam” or the impersonal “To Whom It May Concern.” You want to give your future boss a good impression and show them that you did your research before sending in your application.
No one wants to hire a job seeker who just spams 20+ companies and hopes something sticks with their generic approach
So, how do you find out who’s the hiring manager?
First, check the job ad. The hiring manager’s name might be listed somewhere in it.
If that doesn’t work, check the company’s LinkedIn page. You just need to look up the head of the relevant department you’re applying to, and you’re all set.
For example, if you’re applying for the position of Communication Specialist at Novorésumé. The hiring manager is probably the Head of Communications or the Chief Communications Officer.
Here’s what you should look for on LinkedIn:
And there you go! You have your hiring manager.
But let’s say you’re applying for a position as a server . In that case, you’d be looking for the “restaurant manager” or “food and beverage manager.”
If the results don’t come up with anything, try checking out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.
Make sure to address them as Mr. or Ms., followed by their last name. If you’re not sure about their gender or marital status, you can just stick to their full name, like so:
- Dear Mr. Kurtuy,
- Dear Andrei Kurtuy,
But what if you still can’t find the hiring manager’s name, no matter where you look?
No worries. You can direct your cover letter to the company, department, or team as a whole, or just skip the hiring manager’s name.
- Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
- Dear Hiring Manager
- Dear [Department] Team
- Dear [Company Name]
Are you applying for a research position? Learn how to write an academic personal statement .
#4. Write an Eye-Catching Introduction
First impressions matter, especially when it comes to your job search.
Hiring managers 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 biggest problem with most opening paragraphs is that they’re usually extremely generic. Here’s an example:
- 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.
See the issue here? This opening paragraph doesn’t say anything except the fact that you’ve worked the job before.
And do you know who else has similar work experience? All the other applicants you’re competing with.
Instead, you want to start with some of your top achievements to grab the reader’s attention. And to get the point across, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position.
Your opening paragraph should also show the hiring manager a bit about why you want this specific job. For example, mention how the job relates to your plans for the future or how it can help you grow professionally. This will show the hiring manager that you’re not just applying left and right—you’re actually enthusiastic about getting this particular role.
Now, let’s make our previous example shine:
Dear Mr. Smith,
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 as a Sales Representative with Company X, another fin-tech company , for 3+ years, where I generated an average of $30,000+ in sales per month and beat the KPIs by around 40%. I believe that my previous industry experience, passion for finance , and excellence in sales make me the right candidate for the job.
The second candidate starts with what they can do for the company in the future and immediately lists an impressive and relevant achievement. Since they’re experienced in the same industry and interested in finance, the hiring manager can see they’re not just a random applicant.
From this introduction, it’s safe to say that the hiring manager would read the rest of this candidate’s cover letter.
#5. Use the Cover Letter Body for Details
The next part of your cover letter is where you can go into detail about what sets you apart as a qualified candidate for the job.
The main thing you need to remember here is that you shouldn’t make it all about yourself . Your cover letter is supposed to show the hiring manager how you relate to the job and the company you’re applying to.
No matter how cool you make yourself sound in your cover letter, if you don’t tailor it to match what the hiring manager is looking for, you’re not getting an interview.
To get this right, use the job ad as a reference when writing your cover letter. Make sure to highlight skills and achievements that match the job requirements, and you’re good to go.
Since this part of your cover letter is by far the longest, you should split it into at least two paragraphs.
Here’s what each paragraph should cover:
Explain Why You’re the Perfect Candidate for the Role
Before you can show the hiring manager that you’re exactly what they’ve been looking for, you need to know what it is they’re looking for.
Start by doing a bit of research. Learn what the most important skills and responsibilities of the role are according to the job ad, and focus on any relevant experience you have that matches them.
For example, if you’re applying for the position of a Facebook Advertiser. The top requirements on the job ad are:
- Experience managing a Facebook ad budget of $10,000+ / month
- Some skills in advertising on other platforms (Google Search + Twitter)
- Excellent copywriting skills
So, in the body of your cover letter, you need to show how you meet these requirements. Here’s an example of what that can look like:
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 $40,000+ . As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation and management process end-to-end. I created the ad copy and images, 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
Our example addresses all the necessary requirements and shows off the candidate’s relevant skills.
Are you a student applying for your first internship? Learn how to write an internship cover letter with our dedicated guide.
Explain Why You’re a Good Fit for the Company
As skilled and experienced as you may be, that’s not all the hiring manager is looking for.
They also want someone who’s a good fit for their company and who actually wants to work there.
Employees who don’t fit in with the company culture are likely to quit sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary , so hiring managers vet candidates very carefully to avoid this scenario.
So, you have to convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about working with them.
Start by doing some research about the company. 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 company’s culture like?
Chances are, you’ll find all the information you need either on the company website or on job-search websites like Jobscan or Glassdoor.
Then, pick your favorite thing about the company and talk about it in your cover letter.
But don’t just describe the company in its own words just to flatter them. Be super specific—the hiring manager can see through any fluff.
For example, if you’re passionate about their product and you like the company’s culture of innovation and independent work model, you can write something like:
I’ve personally used the XYZ Smartphone, and I believe that it’s the most innovative tech I’ve used in years. The features, such as Made-Up-Feature #1 and Made-Up-Feature #2, were real game changers for the device.
I really admire how Company XYZ strives for excellence in all its product lines, creating market-leading tech. As someone who thrives in a self-driven environment, I truly believe that I’ll be a great match for your Product Design team.
So, make sure to do your fair share of research and come up with good reasons why you're applying to that specific company.
Is the company you want to work for not hiring at the moment? Check out our guide to writing a letter of interest .
#6. Wrap It Up and Sign It
Finally, it’s time to conclude your cover letter.
In the final paragraph, you want to:
- Wrap up any points you couldn't make in the previous paragraphs. Do you have anything left to say? If there’s any other information that could help the hiring manager make their decision, mention it here. If not, just recap your key selling points so far, such as key skills and expertise.
- Express gratitude. Politely thanking the hiring manager for their time is always a good idea.
- Finish the cover letter with a call to action. The very last sentence in your cover letter should be a call to action. This means you should ask the hiring manager to do something, like call you and discuss your application or arrange an interview.
- Remember to sign your cover letter. Just add a formal closing line and sign your name at the bottom.
Here’s an example of how to end your cover letter :
I hope to help Company X make the most of their Facebook marketing initiatives. I'd love to further discuss how my previous success at XYZ Inc. can help you achieve your Facebook marketing goals. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at the provided email address or phone number so that we may arrange an interview.
Thank you for your consideration,
Alice Richards
Feel free to use one of these other popular closing lines for your cover letter:
- Best Regards,
- Kind Regards,
Cover Letter Writing Checklist
Once you’re done with your cover letter, it’s time to check if it meets all industry requirements.
Give our handy cover letter writing checklist a look to make sure:
Does your cover letter heading include all essential information?
- Professional Email
- Phone Number
- Relevant Links
Do you address the right person?
- The hiring manager in the company
- Your future direct supervisor
- The company/department in general
Does your introductory paragraph grab the reader's attention?
- Did you mention some of your top achievements?
- Did you use numbers and facts to back up your experience?
- Did you convey enthusiasm for the specific role?
Do you show that you’re the right candidate for the job?
- Did you identify the core requirements for the role?
- Did you show how your experiences helped you fit the requirements perfectly?
Do you convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about the company you’re applying to?
- Did you identify the top 3 things that you like about the company?
- Did you avoid generic reasons for explaining your interest in the company?
Did you conclude your cover letter properly?
- Did you recap your key selling points in the conclusion?
- Did you end your cover letter with a call to action?
- Did you use the right formal closing line and sign your name?
15 Cover Letter Tips
Now you’re all set to write your cover letter!
Before you start typing, here are some cover letter tips to help take your cover letter to the next level:
- Customize Your Cover Letter for Each Job. Make sure your cover letter is tailored to the job you're applying for. This shows you're not just sending generic applications left and right, and it tells the hiring manager you’re the right person for the job.
- Showcase Your Skills. Talk about how your skills meet the company’s needs. And while your hard skills should be front and center, you shouldn’t underestimate your soft skills in your cover letter either.
- Avoid Fluff. Don’t make any generic statements you can’t back up. The hiring manager can tell when you’re just throwing words around, and it doesn’t make your cover letter look good.
- Use Specific Examples. Instead of saying you're great at something, give an actual example to back up your claim. Any data you can provide makes you sound more credible, so quantify your achievements. For example, give numbers such as percentages related to your performance and the timeframe it took to accomplish certain achievements.
- Research the Company. Always take time to learn about the company you're applying to. Make sure to mention something about them in your cover letter to show the hiring manager that you're interested.
- Follow the Application Instructions. If the job posting asks for something specific in your cover letter or requires a certain format, make sure you include it. Not following instructions can come off as unattentive or signal to the hiring manager that you’re not taking the job seriously.
- Use the Right Template and Format. Choose the right cover letter format and adapt your cover letter’s look to the industry you’re applying for. For example, if you’re aiming for a job in Law or Finance, you should go for a cleaner, more professional look. But if you’re applying for a field that values innovation, like IT or Design, you have more room for creativity.
- Express Your Enthusiasm. Let the hiring manager know why you're excited about the job. Your passion for the specific role or the field in general can be a big selling point, and show them that you’re genuinely interested, not just applying left and right.
- Address Any Gaps. If there are any employment gaps in your resume , your cover letter is a great place to mention why. Your resume doesn’t give you enough space to elaborate on an employment gap, so addressing it here can set hiring managers at ease—life happens, and employers understand.
- Avoid Quirky Emails. Your email address should be presentable. It’s hard for a hiring manager to take you seriously if your email address is “[email protected].” Just use a [email protected] format.
- Check Your Contact Information. Typos in your email address or phone number can mean a missed opportunity. Double-check these before sending your application.
- Mention if You Want to Relocate. If you’re looking for a job that lets you move somewhere else, specify this in your cover letter.
- Keep It Brief. You want to keep your cover letter short and sweet. Hiring managers don’t have time to read a novel, so if you go over one page, they simply won’t read it at all.
- Use a Professional Tone. Even though a conversational tone isn’t a bad thing, remember that it's still a formal document. Show professionalism in your cover letter by keeping slang, jargon, and emojis out of it.
- Proofread Carefully. Typos and grammar mistakes are a huge deal-breaker. Use a tool like Grammarly or QuillBot to double-check your spelling and grammar, or even get a friend to check it for you.
15+ Cover Letter Examples
Need some inspiration? Check out some perfect cover letter examples for different experience levels and various professions.
5+ Cover Letter Examples by Experience
#1. college student cover letter example.
Check out our full guide to writing a college student cover letter here.
#2. Middle Management Cover Letter Example
Check out our full guide to writing a project manager cover letter here.
#3. Team Leader Cover Letter Example
Check out our full guide to writing a team leader cover letter here.
#4. Career Change Cover Letter Example
Check out our full guide to a career change resume and cover letter here.
#5. Management Cover Letter Example
Check out our full guide to writing a management cover letter here.
#6. Senior Executive Cover Letter Example
Check out our full guide to writing an executive resume here.
9+ Cover Letter Examples by Profession
#1. it cover letter example.
Check out our full guide to writing an IT cover letter here.
#2. Consultant Cover Letter Example
Check out our full guide to writing a consultant cover letter here.
#3. Human Resources Cover Letter
Check out our full guide to writing a human resources cover letter here.
#4. Business Cover Letter Example
Check out our full guide to writing a business cover letter here.
#5. Sales Cover Letter Example
Check out our full guide to writing a sales cover letter here.
#6. Social Worker Cover Letter
Check out our full guide to writing a social worker cover letter here.
#7. Lawyer Cover Letter
Check out our full guide to writing a lawyer cover letter here.
#8. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter
Check out our full guide to writing an administrative assistant cover letter here.
#9. Engineering Cover Letter Example
Check out our full guide to writing an engineer cover letter here.
#10. Receptionist Cover Letter Example
Check out our full guide to writing a receptionist cover letter here.
Need more inspiration? Check out these cover letter examples to learn what makes them stand out.
Plug & Play Cover Letter Template
Not sure how to start your cover letter? Don’t worry!
Just copy and paste our free cover letter template into the cover letter builder, and swap out the blanks for your details.
[Your Full Name]
[Your Profession]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Location]
[Your LinkedIn Profile URL (optional)]
[Your Personal Website URL (optional)]
[Recipient's Name, e.g., Jane Doe],
[Recipient's Position, e.g., Hiring Manager]
[Company Name, e.g., ABC Corporation]
[Company Address]
[City, State/Country]
Dear [Recipient's Name],
As a seasoned [Your Profession] with [Number of Years of Experience] years of industry experience, I am eager to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With my experience in [Your Industry/Sector] and the successes I've achieved throughout my education and career, I believe I can bring unique value and creativity to your team.
In my current role as [Your Current Job Title], I've taken the lead on more than [Number of Projects/Assignments] projects, some valued up to $[Highest Project Value]. I pride myself on consistently exceeding client expectations and have successfully [Mention a Key Achievement] in just a [Amount of Time] through [Skill] and [Skill].
I've collaborated with various professionals, such as [List Roles], ensuring that all [projects/tasks] meet [relevant standards or objectives]. This hands-on experience, coupled with my dedication to understanding each [client's/customer's] vision, has equipped me to navigate and deliver on complex projects.
My key strengths include:
- Improving [Achievement] by [%] over [Amount of Time] which resulted in [Quantified Result].
- Optimizing [Work Process/Responsibility] which saved [Previous Employer] [Amount of Time/Budget/Other Metric] over [Weeks/Months/Years]
- Spearheading team of [Number of People] to [Task] and achieving [Quantified Result].
Alongside this letter, I've attached my resume. My educational background, a [Your Degree] with a concentration in [Your Specialization], complements the practical skills that I'm particularly eager to share with [Company Name].
I'm excited about the possibility of contributing to [Something Notable About the Company or Its Mission]. I'd be grateful for the chance to delve deeper into how my expertise aligns with your needs.
Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
The Heart of Your Job Search - Creating a Killer Resume
Your cover letter is only as good as your resume. If either one is weak, your entire application falls through.
After all, your cover letter is meant to complement your resume. Imagine going through all this effort to leave an amazing first impression in your cover letter, only for the hiring manager to never read it because your resume was mediocre.
But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered here, too.
Check out our dedicated guide on how to make a resume and learn everything you need to know to land your dream job!
Just pick one of our resume templates and start writing your own job-winning resume.
Key Takeaways
Now that we’ve walked you through all the steps of writing a cover letter, let’s summarize everything we’ve learned:
- A cover letter is a 250 - 400 word document that’s meant to convince the hiring manager that you’re the best candidate for the job.
- Your job application should always include a cover letter alongside your resume.
- To grab the hiring manager’s attention, write a strong opening paragraph. Mention who you are, why you’re applying, and a standout achievement to pique their interest.
- Your cover letter should focus on why you’re the perfect candidate for the job and why you’re passionate about working in this specific company.
- Use the body of your cover letter to provide details on your skills, achievements, and qualifications, as well as make sure to convey your enthusiasm throughout your whole cover letter.
- Recap your key selling points towards the end of your cover letter, and end it with a formal closing line and your full name signed underneath.
At Novorésumé, we’re committed to helping you get the job you deserve every step of the way!
Follow our career blog for more valuable advice, or check out some of our top guides, such as:
- How to Make a Resume in 2024 | Beginner's Guide
- How to Write a CV (Curriculum Vitae) in 2024 [31+ Examples]
- 35+ Job Interview Questions and Answers [Full List]
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4 Cover Letter Examples (Plus Tips on How to Write Yours)
We love having examples. It’s so much easier to decorate a cake, build a model, or yes, even write a cover letter when you know what the end product could look like. So that’s what we’re going to give you—all the cover letter examples and tips you need to make yours shine (unfortunately we’re not experts in cake decorating or model building).
You'll see that writing a cover letter is all about highlighting your relevant skills, professional experience, and accomplishments, while emphasizing your interest for the role in an engaging manner.
Want to get right down to business? Skip ahead to:
Why bother with a cover letter at all?
We bet when you see a job listing that says “ cover letter optional ,” you breathe a sigh of relief, gleefully submit your resume, and move on. But you’re truly doing yourself a disservice by not including a cover letter (or by writing one that’s super generic or formulaic).
“When you’re writing a resume you’re oftentimes confined by space, by resume speak, by keywords—you’re up against a lot of technical requirements,” says Melody Godfred, a career coach and the founder of Write in Color who’s read thousands of cover letters over the course of her career. “In a cover letter you have an opportunity to craft a narrative that aligns you not only with the position you’re applying to but also the company you’re applying to.”
Whether you’re writing a cover letter for a data scientist or marketing manager position, an internship or a senior-level role, a startup or a Fortune 500 company, you’re going to want to tailor it to the role, company, and culture. A strong, customized cover letter will help you explain your value proposition and stand out from the stack of applicants.
If there’s a gap in your resume , you have the opportunity to explain why it’s there. If you’re changing careers, you have the chance to describe why you’re making the switch. If your resume is pretty dull, a cover letter helps you show some personality . And yes, cover letters still get read.
Deep in the job search, or just browsing? These open jobs on The Muse could be your ideal next step »
What do I write in a cover letter? The 3 basic elements
You'll notice from our cover letter examples that the body of your text can vary a lot depending on factors like the position you're applying for, your career stage, and the type of cover letter requested by the hiring manager. For instance, a writing sample cover letter is different from a traditional professional cover letter (we'll get there soon.)
However, there is some information that you can't leave out. It's important to highlight your most relevant experience, skills, and qualifications for the role in any type of cover letter. Plus, make sure to write an engaging first paragraph to grab the reader's attention, and an effective final paragraph, ideally followed by a call to action, in order to leave a lasting positive impression.
You could say that cover letters are a little like puzzles. When you put each component in its proper place (and remove any parts that don’t fit), you create a complete picture. Even though that picture is always different, the types of pieces are basically the same. We've broken down these three key elements for you:
1. An engaging opener
How you start a cover letter is everything. Your opening lines influence whether someone keeps reading—and you want them to, right? “Starting with something that immediately connects you to the company is essential—something that tells the company that this is not a generic cover letter,” Godfred says. “You have to say something that tells the employer, ‘I wrote this just for you.’”
It can be a childhood memory tying you back to the company’s mission. It can be a story about the time you fell in love with the company’s product. It can be an anecdote from another job or experience showing how hard of a worker you are. Whatever you decide to open with, make it memorable.
2. A clear pitch
Use the next few paragraphs of your cover letter to “hit them with the strongest results you have that are aligned with the opportunity,” Godfred says. Ryan Kahn , Muse career coach and founder of The Hired Group , calls this your pitch. In other words, the part where you’re “selling yourself for the position and why you’re qualified for it.”
Additionally, Godfred says, “If you’re someone who’s transitioning careers, and you need to explain that transition, you do it there.”
This section should have a balance of soft and hard skills . Talk about your experience using Salesforce or doing SEO work, but also highlight your ability to lead teams and communicate effectively.
“Companies are embracing authenticity, they’re embracing humanity, they’re looking for people who are going to fit their culture,” says Godfred. “So what are your values? What do you stand for? These values should be as much a part of your cover letter as the super specialized hard skills.
3. A great closing line
Your closing line could include your next steps or a call to action, Kahn says, such as “ I welcome the opportunity to speak with you more about how I can contribute to the team ,” or, “ I would love to schedule a time for us to discuss this role and my experience. ” But more importantly, “You want to make sure that you’re gracious and thanking them,” he says. While seemingly cliché , it never hurts to end on a simple, “ Thank you for your consideration. ”
Does that sound a bit overwhelming? Don’t panic! We’ve got examples of four types of cover letters below: a traditional cover letter , an impact cover letter , a writing sample cover letter , and a career change cover letter . So let’s take a look at these examples, why they work, and how you can use them to craft your own.
1. The traditional cover letter example
A traditional cover letter is similar to what you’d come up with using position-based cover letter templates . It moves in reverse chronological order through your career history, highlighting parts of your past jobs that make you well suited for this position.
You might want to use this type of cover letter if:
- You’re applying to a more formal company (like a law firm or major healthcare company ) or a more conventional role (like a lawyer or accountant).
- You want to play it safe and conservative with your application materials.
What does the job description say?
Imagine you’re applying to a paralegal job opening at a law firm. The job description might include:
Responsibilities
- Draft routine legal documents for review and use by attorneys
- Coordinate and organize materials and presentations for legal proceedings
- Research legal and related issues and report findings and conclusions to team
- Provide overall legal administrative support to the legal team
- Maintain calendars and ensure timely filings
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent of relevant education and work experience
- Strong communication skills (oral and written)
- Strong organizational , multitasking, and prioritization skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and LexisNexis
- Trustworthy, positive, energetic, and optimistic attitude with a willingness to roll up your sleeves
The cover letter example
Here’s an example of a traditional cover letter you could write for this role—keeping things strictly professional but without sounding too boring or jargon-y:
Dear Ms. Jessica Sanchez,
In my five-year career as a paralegal, I have honed my legal research and writing skills, and the attorneys I’ve worked with have complimented me on my command of case law and litigation support. Spiegel Law Firm’s 20 years in practice proves that the firm has strong values and excellent attorneys, and I’d be eager to join such a talented team.
I currently serve as a paralegal for Chandler, Chandler, and Greene, where I work closely with the partners on a number of high-priority cases. During my time here, I implemented a new calendar system that ensures timely filing of court papers. This system has prevented missed deadlines and allowed for better organization of internal and client meetings.
Previously, as a paralegal for the Neuerburg Law Firm, I received praise for my overall support of the legal team and my positive attitude. While working there, I came up with and implemented a plan for digitizing their old files while still ensuring security and privacy. This led to more efficiency when preparing for client meetings and legal proceedings.
My further qualifications include a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University, a paralegal certificate, and training in LexisNexis, Westlaw, and Microsoft Office Suite.
I would love the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your legal team. Thank you in advance for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Chase Broadstein [email protected] (222) 222-2222
Download this example
Why this works
This cover letter example is short, sweet, and to the point. It shows the candidate has a knack for getting things done in a thorough and timely manner and a track record for helping out wherever needed. The opening lines also express a genuine interest in this specific firm. Plus, there are some important keywords in there like “calendar system,” “bachelor’s degree,” “paralegal certificate,” and “LexisNexis.”
2. The impact cover letter example
The impact cover letter puts your accomplishments front and center rather than organizing your paragraphs by past roles. You might use a cover letter like this if:
- You’re applying for roles where you’re expected to deliver on certain goals or results (for example, if the jobs involve sales quotas or marketing metrics).
- You haven’t followed a straightforward career path and your past job titles don’t show the extent of your qualifications.
- You want your personality to stand out a bit more than it might in a traditional cover letter.
What does the job description say
Imagine you’ve come across an opening for an email marketing manager . Part of the job description states:
- Manage email marketing strategy and calendar, including copywriting, optimization, monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on campaigns
- Improve campaign success through conversion optimization, A/B testing, and other experiments
- Collaborate with the design team to ensure brand guidelines are followed in emails
- Partner and collaborate cross-functionally with sales, product, product marketing, and data teams
- 3+ years in email marketing
- Experience with Constant Contact, Google Analytics, HTML, CSS, Photoshop, and Microsoft Excel, a plus
- Excellent communication skills (oral and written) and an eye for copyediting
- Strong interpersonal , relationship-building, and stakeholder management skills
- Excellent project management, problem-solving , and time management skills, with the ability to multitask effectively
Here’s an example of an impact cover letter where the writer’s hard skills and successes stand out:
Dear Russ Roman,
I have a problem. See, my inbox currently (and embarrassingly) hosts 1,500 unread emails—including newsletters from at least 50 different brands.
But this problem only fuels my passion for creating emails that are worth opening. Because from my perspective, as someone who can barely get through their own stack of mail, that’s a true win.
I’ve been following Vitabe for years, and can proudly say that I open every single email you send to me. I’m a sucker for a good subject line—“Take a Vitamin-ute—We’ll A-B-C You Soon” being my favorite—and the way your email content feels both fun and expert-backed really speaks to me. This is why I’m thrilled to submit my application for a role as email marketing manager at your company.
I have over four years of experience working in the email marketing space. In my current role at Westside Bank, I was able to implement new email campaigns centered around reengaging churned clients. By analyzing data around the types of clients who churn and the engagement of our current email subscribers, as well as A/B testing headlines and newsletter layouts, we were able to increase email subscribers by 15% and convert 30% of those subscribers to purchase our product, a significant increase from the previous year.
I also launched a “Your Credit Matters” newsletter focused on educating our clients on how they spend and manage their credit—which became our highest performing campaign in terms of open-rates and click-through to date.
Previously, as a member of the marketing team at Dream Diary Mattresses, I collaborated with the sales and product team to understand how I could best support them in hitting their quarterly goals. One specific project involving creating personalized emails for customers drew more people to come back to our site after 30 days than direct paid ad campaigns, leading to a 112% increase in revenue from the last quarter.
I take the content I write and the calendars I manage seriously, editing and refining beyond detail-oriented and into meticulous territory, and I feel my experience and drive would greatly help Vitabe further develop their email program for success.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Lad Miller [email protected] (987) 654-3210
This sample cover letter concisely highlights the applicant’s most significant, relevant achievements. By adding context to how their projects were created, monitored, and completed, they’re able to show just how results-driven they are and how they’ve successfully leveraged some of the skills the company is looking for.
One thing worth noting: This person didn’t include keywords such as Constant Contact, Google Analytics, HTML, CSS, Photoshop, or Microsoft Excel—all of which are listed in the job description. But those skills are most likely in their resume already, and leaving them out gives them the space to discuss specific projects and tell a story not visible on other parts of their job application.
3. The writing sample cover letter example
For roles where written communication is key, such as PR, copywriting , or journalism jobs, your cover letter will likely be the first writing sample your future employer sees. So it’s just as important to show your skill set in action through eloquent writing.
- Writing or editing is a key component of the role you’re applying to.
- You want to show off your creativity.
Here’s part of a job description for a staff writer position:
- Pitch and write articles, reporting on timely issues and trends
- Collaborate with editorial and other teams to launch each digital issue and other special projects on schedule
- Evaluate content performance and digital trends on a daily basis to constantly adjust pitches and packaging
- Utilize CMS tools, strategically select photos and videos, and request original graphics to optimize all written content for maximum engagement
- At least 2-3 years of experience creating content at a digital-first outlet
- Strong writing and reporting skills, and the ability to write clearly and quickly
- Familiarity working in a CMS and with analytics tools such as Google Analytics
- Deadline-driven, strategic thinker with a knack for crafting click-y headlines
- Strong collaborator who thrives in fast-paced environments
Have fun with this one, but triple-check for spelling and grammar mistakes, and make sure you’re showing off your best writing. Here's the cover letter sample:
Dear Tai Chen,
Since I could walk, I’ve been dancing. And since I could read, I’ve been glued to Arabesque Weekly. At one point, you featured one of my local heroes—a ballerina who struggled with an injury early in her career and went on to become a principal dancer at Pacific Northwest Ballet—and I plastered the article above my childhood bed. It’s still there today.
That article—and so many others you’ve published—taught me that dancing was about more than just pirouettes and arabesques and that the right kind of writer can shed light on aspects of the art that make it surprising, impactful, and universal. I can be that writer.
As an editorial assistant at TheImprovGroup.com for the past two and a half years, my main responsibility was to get all of our content ready to go live on the site. This included fact-checking, proofreading, adding in HTML where necessary, and finding photos, videos, and GIFs that would complement the content and optimize audience engagement.
As I tinkered with each post, I became intimately familiar with our internal CMS. Reviewing every single article we published and following reactions and engagement helped me gain a deep understanding of what makes a piece really land with our audience.
But by far my favorite aspect of this role has been writing. Each week, I pitch and write at least one article, from 250-word news items to 900-word advice pieces to even longer profiles, features, and personal essays. I love the challenge of developing pitches that align with the trends we see in the data, reflect with the company’s brand and mission, and allow me to flex my creative muscles.
Collaborating with my team to form the best content library we can has been a dream come true. I would be so excited to use my experience to help Arabesque Weekly achieve its goals. And I hope to one day write a story that another little dance lover tapes to their wall forever.
It would be an honor to be a part of your editorial team, and I look forward to the possibility of discussing the opportunity with you.
Hoping to be your next staff writer,
Marlee Wood [email protected] (555) 666-4433
This candidate is clearly passionate about this specific publication and leads with a unique personal anecdote tied to the company’s mission that demonstrates their ability to tell stories in a compelling way. There are relevant keywords and phrases, sure, but they’re not just thrown in there. Their voice comes through in every sentence, proving this person knows how to communicate effectively and creatively.
4. The career change cover letter example
Cover letters can play a big part in helping career changers prove their qualifications—especially when it’s unclear how their skills transfer over to this new field.
You might write a career change cover letter if:
- You want to highlight the transferable skills you have that relate to the job description.
- You want to explain why you’re making the switch and what’s driving you toward this specific industry, company, or position.
Imagine you’re someone who has experience supporting a sales team as an administrative assistant , and you’re now looking to become a sales representative. You come across a job posting that includes:
- Develop new sales techniques and strategies to build pipeline and hit team goals
- Coordinate with other teams to increase lead-generation efforts
- Assist in the processing of new business, including contacting customers to finalize sales and service transactions
- 1-3 years of successful sales experience
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
- Ability to work independently to plan, set priorities, and effectively organize work
- Proven ability to be persuasive, persistent, and confident in closing a sale
Typically, this type of cover letter should include a compelling narrative about your career change and how you can transfer your past experiences to this new role. Here’s how you might translate your past experience over to this new (and exciting) prospect:
Dear Maria Russo,
The head of sales at Sunshine Inc. was in a bind. She needed six client meetings scheduled, 18 service transactions processed, and a summary of the team’s new lead generation campaign drafted before getting on a flight to Austin—in three hours. So she turned to her cool-headed, sales-savvy administrative assistant for help. That assistant was me. Not only did I execute everything on her to-do list, I did it all before her plane left the ground.
For three years, I worked in lockstep with a busy, growth-oriented sales leader to support the business development team. As the sole administrative assistant in the department, I balanced a swath of competing priorities, ranging from coordinating meetings and inputting data to contacting customers, finalizing transactions, and creating promotional materials. This role helped me develop a comprehensive understanding of the sales cycle, sales strategy, and pipeline growth.
Like many others, my career path hasn’t been entirely straightforward. After leaving Crabapple Media, I enrolled in a local coding bootcamp. Six months later, I emerged with a certificate in computer programming and a certainty that I did not want to be a coder. But education is never wasted. I’m now an aspiring sales representative with experience supporting a thriving sales team and extensive knowledge of the tech space.
Here’s a little bit more about how my experience would translate into this role:
- At Crabapple Media, I assisted in coordinating three annual sales strategy rollouts, yielding an average increase in pipeline of 26% YoY.
- At Sunshine Inc., I supported 12 independent team members in their lead-generation efforts. I also assisted in processing an average of 300 sales transactions every quarter.
- I thrive in busy, ever-changing environments that require me to communicate clearly and concisely. Supporting a high-volume team and a busy executive helped me to hone these skills—I typically sent more than 200 emails a day!
I would, of course, love to schedule a time for us to discuss this role and my experience, and I truly want to thank you for considering me.
All the best,
Olu Abiola [email protected] (123) 456-789
The opener draws you in and makes you want to learn more. It toots the person’s horn, but in a way that’s substantiated. Then, the next couple sections explain their experience in the sales space and other relevant qualifications, before eventually tying that back to why they’re applying to this specific job.
Similar to the impact cover letter, the author lists some of the more important qualities they bring to the table, doing a bit of keyword inclusion and resume gap explaining along the way.
Bonus cover letter examples
To further guide you, check out some more cover letter examples:
- Pain point cover letter example
- Internship cover letter example
- Recent graduate cover letter example
- (Another) career changer cover letter example
- Stay-at-home parent returning to work cover letter example
- Sales cover letter example
- Email marketing manager cover letter example
- No job description or position cover letter example (a.k.a., a letter of intent or interest)
- Example cover letter with no experience
Let’s break down one of our example cover letters real quick
All three professional cover letter examples have some key elements that make them great and able to grab the hiring manager's attention. Check out this handy infographic that breaks down our impact cover letter:
A few more cover letter tips
Here are a few more tips to help the cover letter process:
Start with a “brain dump”
If you’re staring at a blank page, Godfred always recommends that her clients start by getting all their ideas on the page without paying attention to length. Then “ask yourself how you can cut half of it,” she says. You’ll likely find that repeated information and very generic phrases are the first to go. (If it’s still too long, here are some tips for getting your cover letter down to one page .)
Don’t just repeat your resume
You only have so much space to get your point across, so focus on the information that isn’t stated elsewhere rather than simply regurgitating your resume. A good cover letter should complement your resume, so use the opportunity to elaborate your skills and qualifications further, as well as your accomplishments and why you're a good fit for that position.
Focus on quality over quantity
Target the jobs you’re most closely drawn to and qualified for and give them all your energy, rather than trying to churn out hundreds of cover letters, Kahn says. You may not be able to apply to as many jobs, but you’ll have a better response rate.
Remember the ATS
Much like your resume, an applicant tracking systems, or ATS , will be sifting through your cover letter. So you’ll want to scatter relevant keywords from the job description throughout your pitch where it makes sense.
Don’t stress over formatting
You may see flashy cover letter examples across the internet, but for the most part, it just isn’t necessary. An ATS can’t read text that has been formatted beyond using bold, italics, underline, and color, so keep your font and layout simple—especially if you’re submitting your cover letter through an online portal.
Don't forget your contact information
Include your contact information on every page, including your name, phone number, and email. “Imagine you come across a cover letter and you print it out with a bunch of applications to review and it doesn’t have the person’s contact information on it,” Godfred says. “You never want to put yourself in a situation where you’re the right person and they can’t find you.”
Edit your cover letter before submitting
Never submit a cover letter right after you finish writing it—there could be critical errors that you didn't notice while typing. Take some time away from your text, then revisit it like you're reading someone else's letter. Be sure to double-check all the information you've included, paying special attention to:
- The company's name
- The hiring manager's name
- The job title
- Your contact information
- Basic grammar and spelling
You're ready to go
If you've come this far, you're equipped with all the information you need to craft a great cover letter. Hopefully these cover letter examples help as you go to tackle your own. Remember: This is just one small step in the process! Take your time, but learn to move on when you’ve given it your all.
Amanda Cardoso contributed to the latest version of this article.
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1. The professional cover letter. In this great cover letter example, the applicant landed an IT project management job by proving they had the required project management skills and experience while providing highlights from their career: Include hard numbers in your cover letter to impress the employer.
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Choose the Right Cover Letter Template #2. Put Contact Information in the Header #3. Address the Hiring Manager #4. Write an Eye-Catching Introduction #5. Use the Cover Letter Body for Details #6. Wrap It Up and Sign It 5+ Cover Letter Examples by Experience 9+ Cover Letter Examples by Profession. Share this article.
Don't panic! We've got examples of four types of cover letters below: a traditional cover letter, an impact cover letter, a writing sample cover letter, and a career change cover letter. So let's take a look at these examples, why they work, and how you can use them to craft your own. 1.
Cover letter example. Examples statements in the first paragraph of your cover letter that will showcase the value you bring to a company, and express your excitement. Here is an example cover letter following the above template. Please keep in mind that your cover letter will vary depending on the employers and jobs you're applying for.
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If you're providing a hard copy of your cover letter, handwrite your signature and also include your full typed name. Download Cover Letter Outline Template. To upload the template into Google Docs, go to File > Open > and select the correct downloaded file. Related: Creating the Perfect Cover Letter (With Template and Example)