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

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

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

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

What is a cover letter and why does it matter?

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

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

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

What 3 things should you include in a cover letter?

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

1. Personalization

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

2. Highlight relevant achievements and skills

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

3. Show enthusiasm and fit

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

What do hiring managers look for in a cover letter?

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

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

Clear and concise writing

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

Demonstrated knowledge of the company

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

Achievements and accomplishments

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

Enthusiasm and motivation

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

Professionalism

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

How do you structure a cover letter?

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

Contact information

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

Employer's contact information

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

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

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

How to write a good cover letter (with examples)

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

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

1. Add a header and contact information

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

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

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

Christopher Pike

San Francisco, California

[email protected]

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

Warm regards,

Catherine Janeway

Bloomington, Indiana

[email protected]

(555) 999 - 2222

2. Include a personal greeting

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

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

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

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

3. Draw them in with an opening story

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

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

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

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

“Dear Mr. John Doe,

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

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

4. Emphasize why you’re best for the job

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

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

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

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

Highlight how you fulfill these requirements:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tips to write a great cover letter that compliments your resume

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

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

Common cover letter writing FAQs

How long should a cover letter be.

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

Should I include personal information in a cover letter?

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

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

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

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

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

Should I include references in my cover letter?

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

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

The hardest part of writing is getting started. 

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

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

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

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

Ace your job search

Explore effective job search techniques, interview strategies, and ways to overcome job-related challenges. Our coaches specialize in helping you land your dream job.

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

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

3 cover letter examples to help you catch a hiring manager’s attention

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• Cover Letter

How to Write a Cover Letter for Any Job [2024 Guide]

A cover letter can make or break your entire job application. Discover how to write a cover letter that will impress any recruiter.

Many people think that writing a cover letter is daunting and anxiety-inducing, but the truth is that more than half of employers prefer candidates with cover letters. Missing a cover letter means missing a lot of interviews. Having a bad cover letter means...almost the same. 

If you don't know how to write a cover letter, do not worry. We'll teach you how to write a good cover letter. The one employers want to see and will get you a lot of job interviews. 

This guide will show you:

• How to write a cover letter for a job application that stands out.
• A cover letter sample that will get you more interviews.
• How to write a cover letter for different types of jobs. 
• A full step-by-step guide to writing a cover letter quickly and painlessly

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

Create your cover letter now

What users say about ResumeLab:

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

Want to see cover letter examples for a specific positions? Feel free to check out these articles:

• Business Cover Letter
• Consulting Cover Letter
• Customer Service Cover Letter
• Digital Marketing Cover Letter
• Human Resources Cover Letter
• Internal Position Cover Letter
• Internship Cover Letter
• IT Cover Letter
• Marketing Cover Letter
• No Experience Cover Letter
• Non-profit Cover Letter
• Project Management Cover Letter
• Social Work Cover Letter
• Teacher Cover Letter

Looking for a different cover letter example? See Cover Letter Examples for all professions . 

How to Write a Cover Letter—Example

Jennifer J. Amato

Customer Service Specialist

89 Westfield Road

Anytown, CA 92301

552-993-0888

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/jenny-j-amato

Anytown, 1/10/2021

Mr. James Stipe

Head of Product

3015 Round Table Drive

Anytown, CA 90544

Dear Mr. Stipe,

When I found the opening for the Senior Customer Service Specialist with ABC Bank I felt as if it was addressed to me, personally. In my current position as CSR at Acme Corp, I’ve boosted customer retention by 37% in 9 months and raised the mean NPS from 7.9 to 8.8. I’m sure my expertise can translate into similar results for ABC.

I realize that the major upcoming challenge for your Customer Service Team will be to assist other teams in launching the new AI-based platform for Personal Internet Banking. While working at Acme, I:

• Planned and supervised online and phone surveys prior to the redesign of our internet banking platform.
• Oversaw collaboration with colleagues in a cross-departmental project team of customer service reps, data analysts, and software developers to design a consumer-insight-driven product.
• Trained 46 customer service agents in resolving customer queries related to the new online banking platform; after the launch of the platform, these agents had a 97% satisfaction rating on average.

I love that your Customer Service Team operates with one goal in mind only: to maximize the business opportunities by finding and implementing tailor-made solutions for all customers. It perfectly reflects my core professional value: the drive to connect every customer with personalized support at every step of their consumer life journey.

When can we schedule a call to discuss solutions for boosting ABC’s Customer Satisfaction Scores by 20% in the next Fiscal Year?

P.S. I’d also value the opportunity to tell you how I raised customers’ satisfaction rates with my team by 48% above the company average.

After reading this cover letter, Mr. Stipe couldn’t resist inviting Ms. Amato to a job interview. Yours can be just as effective. Let’s start with the basics:

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a one-page document that’s a part of your job application alongside your resume. In your cover letter, you get a chance to introduce yourself, set yourself apart from all the other candidates, and prove you’re the best person for this job.

A cover letter isn’t just a retelling of the facts you share in your resume. It gives a glimpse of your personality while showcasing your professional achievements in greater detail. It should also show your passion for the specific job you’re applying for—otherwise, the recruiter will think you don’t really want the job and move on to the next candidate.

In short, a cover letter is a document that can make or break your entire job application. Let’s see how to write one that’s guaranteed to become a success: 

How to Write a Cover Letter

Many people—even seasoned professionals—aren’t quite sure how to write a cover letter. So, if the very thought of writing it makes you anxious, you’re definitely not alone. But you’re not doomed to dedicate half of your day to anxious guesswork along the lines of “How do I even get started?”

Effective cover letters follow a clear underlying structure that you can easily borrow:

• Opening paragraph that grabs the reader’s attention
• Paragraph that shows why you’re the best candidate
• Another paragraph that demonstrates your passion for this specific job at this specific company
• Call to action
• P. S. (optional)

If you include all these elements in your cover letter, you’ll be a lot closer to getting your dream job than you think.

Now, let’s go through all these elements. Here's how to write a successful cover letter:

1. Stick to the Proper Cover Letter Format

Your cover letter should follow the best practices for writing business letters.  Keep your cover letter short and to the point—in fact, your entire cover letter shouldn’t be longer than 350 words. Yes, that doesn’t look like much, but it’s a good cover letter length to aim for.

Pick a professional, easy-to-read font, set the line spacing to 1 or 1.15, and align your paragraphs to the left . This formatting is easy on the eyes and won’t give the recruiter a headache.

Recruiters are busy people, remember? Add an extra line between paragraphs so that your cover letter is easy to scan within a few seconds.

Not sure how to format your cover letter and choose the best layout? Check out our guide to cover letter formatting or, even better, use our cover letter builder that does the job for you.

Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.

CREATE YOUR COVER LETTER NOW

Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here .

2. Write a Professional Cover Letter Header

Writing a cover letter heading sounds simple, but if you happen to get it wrong, your job application is doomed.

Fortunately, writing cover letter headers is easy. Just follow this template:

[Your First and Last Name]

[Your Job Title]

[Phone Number]

[Email Address]

[LinkedIn Profile URL]

[Location / Date of Writing]

[Hiring Manager’s First and Last Name]

[Hiring Manager’s Professional Title]

[Name of Company]

[Company Street Address]

[City, State, Zip Code]

You can also add links to other online profiles that are relevant for your job. For example, you can link to your GitHub if you’re a software developer. If you’re an illustrator, add a link to your portfolio on Behance.

Expert Hint: Double-check your cover letter header for typos—no hiring manager wants to see their name misspelled! Also, make sure your contact info is the same as the info you give in your resume header.

3. Open a Cover Letter with a Killer First Paragraph

Done with the header? Good, let’s move on to the next step.

Start with a simple, professional greeting . If you’re applying for a corporate job, opt for “Dear Mr./Ms. Lastname”. If your dream employer has a more relaxed company culture, you can write “Dear Firstname” instead.

Can’t find the hiring manager’s name in the job ad? Research the company’s website, do a quick search on Google or LinkedIn… or just call the company and ask who’s responsible for the hiring process.

If you still can’t find out their name, write “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Hiring Team”. This greeting isn’t as great as addressing a letter to a specific person, but it’s still better than “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To whom it may concern”.

Now it’s time to write the first paragraph. Your main goal here is to grab the reader’s attention and make them read on. Here are some ways to start a cover letter :

• Tell a brief story of your key achievement
• Drop a name
• Mention the company’s recent achievement and compliment them on it

Let’s look at some examples.

How to Write a Cover Letter: Opening Paragraph

In this opening paragraph, the candidate shares two epic achievements and promises to bring similar value to the company she’s applying to.

Hi there, 

In response to your Senior Customer Service Specialist opening, I’d like to submit my application. With 7+ years of experience in customer service, I know I would be a perfect fit for the position.

First , “Hi there” isn’t the best way to address a hiring manager at a bank.

Second , simply having 7+ years of experience doesn’t automatically make you qualified for a specific job.

Third , this intro is simply boring. HR people see those clichés dozens of times every day, and, unless they’re extremely bored and have nothing else to do, they won’t read the rest of the letter.

4. Prove You’re the Best Person for This Job

Our candidate, Jennifer, is applying for a Senior Customer Service Specialist position with The ABC Bank.

Her prospective employer has specific plans: they’re launching a new AI-based, customized platform for personal internet banking . She researched the bank’s website, read the job ad once again, and identified that the employer is specifically looking for:

• A skilled Customer Service Specialist , obviously
• Someone experienced in developing customer surveys to analyze insights
• An employee good at collaboration with members from other teams

In the next paragraph of her cover letter, Jennifer shows two things:

• She’s researched the company and knows what project she’ll be working on.
• She has a history of professional achievements that clearly match the ideal candidate’s profile.

Here’s how she did it:

How to Write a Cover Letter: Second Paragraph

I realize that the major upcoming challenge for your Customer Service Team will be to assist other teams in launching the new AI-based platform for Personal Internet Banking . While working at Acme, I:

See how she gives specific, highly relevant proof? This is how you should write your own cover letter. 

Now, let’s look at what another candidate wrote:

In my career, I’ve performed a wide array of customer service duties. I was responsible for providing assistance to customers via phone, email, and fax, performing general clerical duties, filing, data entry, billing, as well as recognizing and resolving documentation errors.

OK, so they did customer service stuff. Were they good at it? Just listing a bunch of responsibilities doesn’t prove you were actually good at any of them. After all, someone was responsible for making the Titanic unsinkable!

5. Let Your Cover Letter Show Why This is Your Dream Job

In the next paragraph of your cover letter, show why you’re passionate about working for this particular company. Why?

Well, no one wants to hire a person who doesn’t care about their job.

Here are some ways to show your passion:

• Compliment the employer on an award they won or some other recent achievement
• Demonstrate that you share the company’s values
• Make it clear that you’d be honored to be a part of such an excellent team

How to Write a Good Cover Letter: Examples

Jenny wrote the following:

You may need to look at the company’s website to learn more about its values. But you always do your research before applying for a job, don’t you?

Also, make sure you tailor this paragraph to every job offer you’re applying to. Don’t be like this person:

This one screams, “I’VE ALREADY COPIED AND PASTED THIS A MILLION TIMES AND I’M NOT GOING TO STOP!”

If you just copy and paste generic phrases like this, recruiters will just assume that you don’t care about this specific job offer. So they won’t care to invite you to an interview either.

6. End Your Cover Letter with a Powerful Call to Action

What’s the point of your cover letter? To persuade the reader to take action and invite you to a job interview. And the best way to get someone to act is… by asking them. Yep, it’s that straightforward.

Ask the reader to schedule a call or a meeting, and offer to talk about the value you can bring to the company.

What to Write in a Cover Letter: Sample Call to Action

Jenny clearly means business. She’s confident, straightforward, and eager to help the employer achieve specific, measurable results. Looks like the right person for the job.

This doesn’t even look like a call to action. Rather, it’s yet another boring cliché—the recruiter will probably just yawn and move on to the candidate.

7. Sign off Like a Pro

You’re almost done! Now’s the time to end your cover letter . Write something like “Sincerely” (or any other classic closing formula for business letters ) and then add your full name.

If you’ve got a scanned version of your handwritten signature, paste it into the document for that cool, ultra-professional look. After that, repeat your contact information. This is a common practice in business letters and makes it easier for the reader to contact you immediately.

Here’s what it looks like for Jenny:

8. Add a Tasty P. S.

Now you know how to write a cover letter. But if you want to put an extra cherry on the cake, add a P. S. under your sign-off.

In the P. S., promise to tell the reader a story about one of your most impressive achievements. They won’t resist inviting you, even if it’s just to hear the story.

Expert Hint: You may be tempted to put a joke in the P. S., but that’s very risky. The joke might fall flat and ruin your entire job application. Stay professional throughout your entire cover letter.

9. Make Sure Your Resume is as Good as Your Cover Letter

We've covered all the information you need to write in a cover letter. But, your cover letter, no matter how amazing, is just one half of your job application. Your resume needs to be just as good, so give it some love, too.

We've prepared a dedicated guide on how to write a resume . It'll show you step-by-step instructions, similary to this one. 

With ResumeLab’s resume builder you’ll write your resume in a flash. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Improve your resume in our resume builder now .

CREATE YOUR RESUME NOW

Nail it all with a splash of color, choose a clean font, highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You’re the perfect candidate and we’ll prove it. Just pick one of 21 resume templates and get started now .

You’ve just read a ton of information, so let’s recap. Here’s how to write a cover letter for any job or internship:

• Start with a professional cover letter layout and formatting (use our cover letter builder or a free MS Word cover letter template)
• Create a header and make sure it’s perfectly error-free
• Craft an attention-grabbing first paragraph
• Give specific examples showing that you’ve the right person for this specific job
• Show your passion for the company
• Add a call to action
• Sign off like a pro
• Surprise the reader with a P. S. (optional)

Got questions about how to write a great cover letter? Need assistance with writing your cover letter for a job? That’s what the comments section is for. Get in touch and I’ll respond right away.

About ResumeLab’s Editorial Process

At ResumeLab, quality is at the crux of our values, supporting our commitment to delivering top-notch career resources. The editorial team of career experts carefully reviews every article in accordance with editorial guidelines , ensuring the high quality and reliability of our content. We actively conduct original research, shedding light on the job market's intricacies and earning recognition from numerous influential news outlets . Our dedication to delivering expert career advice attracts millions of readers to our blog each year.

How to Write a Cover Letter: Frequently Asked Questions

How to write a good cover letter.

Here are some tips for writing a successful cover letter:

• Keep it  short  and to the point
• Pick a professional  cover letter template
• Tailor your cover letter to a specific job offer —never send out generic cover letters!
• Craft a  strong opening paragraph
• Explain how you'll  bring value  to the company
• Show  passion
• Close with a  compelling call to action

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a one-page document that you send in with your resume . Here's what to include in a cover letter : additional information about your achievements and skills, proof that you're the best candidate for this job, and proof of your passion for this specific company.

Use a cover letter builder to craft a cover letter that follows all best practices.

What do employers look for in a cover letter?

Here's what employers want to see in your cover letter:

• Clear , to-the-point writing
• Solid  proof  that your skills and achievements will bring value to the company
• A genuine  passion  for this specific company and this specific role
• Your understanding of the company's  values
• Signs that you've  researched  the company before applying

Check out more  cover letter writing tips .

How to address a cover letter without a name?

If you can't find the recruiter's name in the job ad or on the company website,  opt for "Dear Hiring Team" or "Dear Hiring Manager" .

Take care to avoid outdated, impersonal phrases like "Dear Sir or Madam" or "To whom it may concern". Learn more in the dedicated guide to  addressing cover letters .

How to format a cover letter?

Format your cover letter like you would format any business letter:

• Your contact info
• The date and your location
• The recruiter's contact info
• Business salutation (Ideally "Dear Mr./Ms...")
• Opening paragraph
• Closing paragraph
• Sign-off ("Best regards" followed by your name will do just fine)
• Optional P. S.

For more information on page margins, fonts and layout, check out our guide on cover letter formatting . Or head straight to a cover letter generator that will take care of the formatting.

Is a cover letter the same as a resume?

A resume provides an overview of your career and education, usually in the form of bullet points. A cover letter, on the other hand, provides context and explains why you're the best candidate. To make sure your job application is successful, submit both a resume and a cover letter. Use a resume builder and a matching cover letter builder for a consistent look.

Is a cover letter necessary?

Short answer: yes . More than 70% of recruiters prefer candidates who do send a cover letter, even if the job ad says it's optional.

Unless you're applying via an online form where you can't upload a cover letter, always make sure to include one . Use a cover letter builder to make the writing process quick and painless.

How long should a cover letter be?

200–350 words . This is a good cover letter length to aim for—just enough to put your message across without unnecessary fluff.

Olga is a career expert with a background in teaching. At ResumeLab, she writes actionable guides to help job-seekers highlight their unique strengths and unlock their career potential.

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Sample Cover Letter for a Job Application

What Is an Application Letter?

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

• How to Send an Email Application

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Alex Dos Diaz / The Balance

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

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

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

Key Takeaways

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Balance

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

September 6, 2023

George Gilhooley LTC Company 87 Delaware Road Hatfield, CA 08065

Dear Mr. Gilhooley,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Signature  (only if a hard copy letter)

John Donaldson

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

Email Application Letter Example

Subject: Colleen Warren - Web Content Manager Position

Dear Hiring Manager,

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you for your consideration.

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

How to Send an Email Application Letter

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

Colleen Warren - Web Content Manager Position

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cover Letter Templates

Craft a polished cover letter in minutes with our Cover Letter Builder. Choose from dozens of free cover letter templates, add pre-written content from Certified Professional Resume Writers and download in the file format you need.

Our customers have been hired at: * Foot Note

Charismatic

This professional cover letter template features a dual-tone heading to make your name stand out.

This resume cover letter template will help you tell your story with a modern font and unique design.

Try this job application cover letter template to craft a straightforward and impressive letter.

A strong font makes this cover sheet template ideal for modern architecture, technology and advertising jobs.

No matter your industry, this creative job cover letter template can help bring out your creative side.

Present your qualifications front and center with this professional cover letter template.

Catch the recruiter’s attention with this job application letter, which features your name and information aligned to the left.

This best-in-class cover letter free template will speak volumes about your professionalism.

Distinguished

This straightforward cover letter template free download places your name front and center.

The elegant design of this sample cover letter template commands attention.

Make a bold statement with this modern cover letter template, which offers customizable colors and fonts.

Grab the recruiter’s attention with the pops of color and fun icons featured in this layout. It’s the best cover letter template for creative jobs.

Change the colors and font type of this cover letter template for job applications to fit your needs.

Make a subtle statement by choosing a resume cover letter template that colorfully highlights your contact information.

Professional

The sophisticated layout of this application letter template tells employers you mean business.

A monogram graphic in the cover letter heading gives this cover sheet template a unique look.

Customer Reviews

Why you should use our free cover letter templates, we handle cover letter formatting for you.

Our templates follow standard  cover letter format  rules, ensuring you use the correct line spacing, margin spacing and proper fonts.

Professional cover letter template designs

From modern cover letter templates to creative and professional designs, our experts have designed our templates to get you past applicant tracking systems (ATS) and noticed by hiring managers.

Easy to customize templates

You can easily customize your color palette, font size, section spacing and more to fit your career goals and stylistic preferences.

We’ll help you write your cover letter

Download a cover letter template free and edit it to fit your needs, or use our  Cover Letter Builder  to guide you through each step of creating your document in minutes.

Modern free cover letter templates

These free cover letter templates are great for jobs in industries such as technology or business, where looking sharp and staying on top of the latest trends matters.

Bold cover letter template

If you want to convey that you’re a professional who is not afraid to take risks, this is the best template cover letter for you.

Blueprint cover letter template

Stand out with this colorful cover letter template free of charge. Its two-column layout neatly displays your qualifications, making them easy to read.

Charismatic cover letter template

This free cover letter template download injects some personality into your career story. Notice how two colors make the job applicant’s name pop.

Professional free cover letter templates

You can’t go wrong with the classic style of a formal cover letter template. Download one free of charge and show hiring managers you mean business.

Professional cover letter template

Simple yet effective, this template shows that basic doesn’t have to mean boring.

Deluxe cover letter template

This free resume cover letter template gives you all the room to present your accomplishments.

Executive cover letter template

This is a good cover letter template for anyone who wants to get straight to the point.

Creative free cover letter templates

Creative jobs require imaginative designs. Use these layouts to visually show your personality and make a statement, especially if you’re applying for a job in a creative industry. Download a creative resume cover letter template free of charge and show employers your creative side.

Original cover letter template

This free cover letter template combines icons, pops of color and a fun approach.

Standout cover letter template

The minimalist design detail beside your name makes this cover letter job application template unforgettable.

Centered cover letter template

Sleek fonts and bold colors make this free cover letter template download perfect for creative job seekers.

Simple and basic free cover letter templates

A clean cover letter template is the best way to communicate your information and experience. Try a simple or  basic cover letter  free of charge.

Distinguished cover letter template

This simple cover letter template has an elegant, understated style with classic fonts and dotted dividing lines.

Contempo cover letter template

Keep it classy with a basic cover letter template that never goes out of style.

Whitespace cover letter template

Give your letter a chic and intelligent look with a free cover letter template that perfectly spaces your information and boldly states your name.

Cover letter templates for top jobs

Use our  cover letter examples  for guidance and inspiration. We have plenty of examples created by experts for different jobs and scenarios that use the cover letter templates featured on this page.

Showcase your teaching experience with this unique teaching job cover letter template with a bold header.

Administrative assistant

This professional cover letter template will tell the recruiter more about your excellent time management and organizational skills.

Assistant principal

Highlight your leadership and communication skills with this application letter template.

Executive assistant

This clean and straightforward template for a cover letter presents your reliability and expert organizational skills.

Customer service representative

This sleek and elegant cover sheet template perfectly showcases your exceptional interpersonal skills.

Senior project manager

This distinguished sample cover letter template is ideal for demonstrating your management skills.

Flight attendant

Excellent interpersonal skills and a diplomatic attitude are essential for this job, so use a cover letter template that can effectively tell your story.

A no-nonsense job requires a simple and easy-to-read template for a cover letter that hits the mark.

Cover letter templates for unique scenarios

A well-written cover letter showcases your unique skills to hiring managers and demonstrates why you’re a great fit for the role. Our in-depth  How to Write a Cover Letter  guide teaches you everything you need to know about writing this important document. We have a cover letter format template for every unique situation. Try a cover letter Word template or a cover letter Pages template to customize your document quickly.

Entry-level cover letter template

When you don’t have a lot of work experience, a cover letter is crucial to market yourself as an excellent addition to the team properly.

Career-change cover letter template

When changing careers, you want a standard cover letter template showing your transferable skills, bridging your experience and the new job, and explaining why you want to work with that company specifically. Just use the content in this cover letter template as inspiration.

Employment gap cover letter template

Regarding employment gaps, you only have to address the gaps you feel comfortable discussing in your cover letter. Did you start your own business or explore artistic projects? Connect these experiences to the potential job as this sample cover letter template does.

Unadvertised position cover letter template

Don’t see a job posting? No problem! Explain how you heard about the job and why you want to join the team in your resume cover letter template.

“Cold-call” cover letter template

You came across a company you like but aren’t sure if they’re hiring. Get on their radar with a cold call cover letter that introduces who you are and your skills that could be valuable to the company, as this application letter template does.

Temporary-to-permanent employee cover letter template

You like where you work and want to stay there permanently. Use a cover letter template to explain why keeping you around is in the company’s best interest.

Seeking promotion cover letter template

You’re ready to take the next step in your career and grow within the company. Recap your experience using a professional cover letter template and convince the employer you’re more than qualified for the new job.

Applying for a different position with the same company cover letter template

Do you meet the requirements of a new position in your company? Take the leap and use a template for a cover letter to explain why you’re perfect for the role.

How to use a cover letter template

Choose a cover letter template that highlights your unique qualities..

A cover letter is an extension of your resume. It’s your chance to present yourself to the employer and explain how your skills and experience suit the job. Your cover letter design template should answer four significant points:

• Why you want the job
• How you’re prepared to handle the daily requirements of the job
• How you can fit in and adapt to the company’s culture
• How you can help the company move forward

Show your passion and interest in the company.

Use our professional cover letter templates to explain what inspires you about your potential employer. It could be the company’s mission, a new initiative, or how you can contribute to its long-term goals. Show the hiring manager you’ve already invested time researching the company; they’ll be more likely to invest in you.

Match your skills and experiences to the job’s requirements with a suitable cover letter template.

Respond directly to duties and  skills  listed in the job description, and show your capabilities in those areas through concrete examples from your own experience and training. You can also point out a challenge the company is currently facing and how you can help solve it, similar to what our cover letter templates showcase.

Encourage the hiring manager to learn more about you.

Your cover letter should incentivize hiring managers to read your resume and follow up for an interview. Be forthright. Direct the reader to examine your resume for more details on your relevant skills and accomplishments. Conclude by expressing your readiness to meet and discuss how you can contribute. If you’re unsure how to do this, you can personalize one of our cover letter templates in our Cover Letter Builder to access professionally written content suggestions tailored to your job title.

Avoid repeating information from your resume.

While your resume and cover letter template must be similar, they shouldn’t reiterate the same information.  Review your resume  and note what you want to explain further in your cover letter; it could be a set of skills, a work achievement relevant to the job you’re applying for, or a project you know will help you stand out. A free downloadable cover letter template from this page will help you tell your story to get noticed.

Tailor your cover letter template to the job.

Whether a resume or cover letter,  tailoring your document  to the job is critical. This includes using keywords from the job description in your writing, using a tone of voice that reflects the company culture and addressing the letter to the hiring manager and not “To whom it may concern.” A cover letter Word template or Apple Pages cover letter template is easy to customize.

Match your resume and cover letter template

Matching your cover letter and resume template helps you craft a polished and cohesive job application. After all, cover letters and resumes are strong when they both read and look their best. We have all the tools and guides you need to build the perfect resume to complement your cover letter.

• How to Write a Resume : Follow our in-depth guide to learn how to write a strong resume that effectively captures your skills and qualifications.
• Resume Examples : We have extensive resume examples for all jobs and industries.
• Resume Templates : From creative to modern and professional, our resume templates are designed by the same experts that create our cover letter templates, are ATS-friendly and are easy to customize.
• Resume Builder : With step-by-step guidance and expert phrases, a CV cover letter template combined with our Resume Builder makes it easy to create a resume in minutes.

Cover letter template FAQ

A cover letter is a one-page document you submit alongside your resume or  CV . Its purpose is to support the content of your resume or CV by expanding on your achievements, showcasing your personality and explaining why you’re a great fit for the company.

Even though a cover letter has a supporting role in the application process, it’s no less critical and could decide whether you get hired. Check out these  cover letter basics  and our  cover letter writing tips  to get hired fast.

Yes. A recent survey found that 83% of hiring managers, recruiters and HR staff consider cover letters essential to decision-making. We always recommend writing a cover letter because:

• It allows you to provide information that isn’t in your resume.
• It gives hiring managers and recruiters a glimpse into your personality.
• It has the space you need to market yourself as the best candidate.

Choose a cover letter layout template from this page to increase your chances of getting the job. Look at the  five qualities of every successful cover letter  to learn more.

You can write a cover letter for your resume in just 15 minutes — and we’re here to help you.

A successful cover letter should be formatted neatly for easy reading, and the content should catch hiring managers’ attention. To achieve the first goal, use a cover letter sample template as a model, and keep your letter to the point and one page long.

To ensure your content fits the bill, consult the job description and pinpoint essential  keywords  that you should mention in your letter. For example, if you’re applying to a customer service position that stresses knowledge of customer relations management (CRM) systems, mention your experience with CRM in your cover letter. 

Doing so will also help your letter pass automated applicant tracking systems (ATS), which many employers use to scan cover letters for the right keywords. We also recommend exploring how to make an ATS-friendly resume to ensure that your job application reaches hiring managers. 

Using an  AI cover letter generator  can help you tailor your cover letter to your target job with keywords and industry-specific content.  

Finally, your cover letter should answer the most critical question: Why are you interested in the job and the company? Explain  why you should be hired for the role  and what makes you the best fit. Employers will be impressed by a cover letter that shows you’ve done your homework and thought about how you can contribute. Download a free professional cover letter template and get started today!

A cover letter is a blank canvas where you can formally introduce yourself to the hiring manager — think of it as your sales pitch. Generally speaking, the hiring manager wants to know more about your skills and background, why you want to work for them and how you will help them. Still, this approach may differ depending on your professional experience.

For example, hiring managers will want to know why you have a career gap in your resume if you have one. If you ventured into running a small business or were affected by COVID-19, you’d want to explain what happened and show how your past experiences will help you fill this new role, as our professional cover letter templates show.

We recommend checking out our guide on what to include in a cover letter for tips from career advice experts.

Using a cover letter builder is not just OK but encouraged! Our Cover Letter Builder makes the writing process a breeze by providing over 15 cover letter templates, expert suggestions, step-by-step guidance, and customization tools to create and save as many versions of your cover letter as you want.

It’s the easiest way to assemble a professional cover letter for your resume, and all you have to do to get started is choose the downloadable cover letter template that best works for you.

A cover letter should be one page long. This  cover letter length  allows you to detail key achievements without overwhelming the reader. The recruiter or hiring manager won’t spend that much time reviewing your application, so your writing must be concise and straightforward. A work cover letter template from this page can help you organize your cover letter on one page.

If you don’t know who to address your cover letter to, here are some options to try:

• Address the cover letter to the department you’re interested in joining. For example, “Dear Creative Department,” “Dear Accounting Department,” or “Dear [Company] Team.”
• If you have the hiring manager’s name but are unsure whether to use titles like Mr., Mrs., or Ms., you can leave it out and use their full name. For example, “Dear John Smith” or “Dear Helena Law.”

Avoid starting your cover letter with greetings such as “To whom it may concern” or “Dear sir or madam” — it’s old-fashioned. This page’s cover letter samples can point you in the right direction.

How we reviewed this article

Since 2013, we have helped more than 15 million job seekers. We want to make your career journey accessible and manageable through our services and Career Center’s how-to guides and tips. In our commitment to bring you a transparent process, we present our Editorial Process .

• ResumeLab. Article. Tomaszewski, Michael.” Is a Cover Letter Necessary in 2023? Do I Need a Cover Letter? “

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Kellie Hanna, CPRW

Career advice expert.

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

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Cover Letter Format (w/ Examples & Free Templates)

Give someone who knows nothing about cooking the ingredients to a perfect meal and you’ll end up with a disorganized, very possibly inedible, meal. 

The same disorganized, quite possibly tasteless, fate awaits your cover letter if you don’t know how to properly format it. 

Getting the cover letter format right is the same as having those coveted cooking skills that can turn the right ingredients into a meal that leaves you wanting more.

Now, if you’re wondering whether your formatting skills are enough to impress recruiters, there’s no need to worry. 

This article is going to show you exactly how to format a cover letter the right way. 

Here’s what we’re going to cover: 

• What Should Go On a Cover Letter?
• How to Format Your Cover Letter
• (Free) Cover Letter Templates You Can Use
• How to Format Your Cover Letter When Sending It Via Email

The Best Cover Letter Format - What Goes on a Cover Letter

Your cover letter’s format is both how your cover letter looks and how it’s structured. 

So, cover letter formatting includes everything from page margins, spacing, and font size to how long your cover letter should be, how many paragraphs it should have, and what each paragraph should contain. 

Pretty substantial, if you ask us - which is exactly why we’ll go over these elements one by one. Before we do, however, let’s first get the essentials out of the way. 

What exactly goes into a cover letter? The short answer is as follows:  

• A header , which contains your contact information and the employer’s or recruiter’s contact information.
• A greeting to the recruiter and the opening paragraph , which you want to use to grab the reader’s attention.
• The body of your cover letter , which is between 1-3 paragraphs.
• A closing paragraph , which usually contains a call to action.
• A formal salutation .

And here’s what that looks like in practice: 

A Look into Your Cover Letter Format, by Section

In theory, all these rules are pretty straightforward...

But if you’ve ever written a cover letter before, you’ll probably agree with us that actually writing one ain’t all that simple.

In this section, we’ll take you through the entire process of creating a cover letter, section by section!

Starting with:

#1. Header 

Your cover letter’s header should contain your contact info, the date, and the hiring manager’s or employer’s contact info. 

If you’re wondering which contact information you should include and which you should leave out, here are the essentials: 

• Full name and professional title (where applicable) 
• Phone number
• Name and professional title of the hiring manager
• Name of the company you’re applying to 
• Company address 

Here’s a visual representation of this: 

If you want to know more about header formatting, such as what you can optionally include and what you should definitely leave out, head over to our guide on how to start a cover letter . 

#2. Greeting 

After listing your contact information, it’s time to address the cover letter . 

First things first: the impersonal and overly popular “To Whom It May Concern” and “Dear Sir/Madam” are yesterday’s news. They’re impersonal and just about every other applicant uses them. 

And you want your cover letter to stand out, right?

So, greet the hiring manager directly, instead. For example: 

Dear Mr. Brown, Dear Mrs. Waldorf,

If, however, you are unsure about their title, gender, marital status, or pronouns, use their entire name to avoid any mistakes, such as: 

Dear Alex Brown, Dear Blair Waldorf,

Alternatively, the recruiter may hold a title, such as Doctor, Professor, or sergeant, or you might be addressing a letter without a contact person. 

In such cases, here are some do-s and don’t-s to keep in mind: 

Dear John Doe, Dear Mr./Mrs. Doe, Dear Dr. Leonard, Dear Rev. Owen, Dear Marketing Hiring Team, Dear Director of Marketing,

To Whom It May Concern, What’s Up Hiring Team, Dear Sir/Madam, Hey John, Hi there Hiring Team,

#3. Opening Paragraph 

The opening paragraph of your cover letter is where the recruiter first gets to really hear your voice. As such, you’ve got to make it count and grab their attention before they move on to the next applicant.  

And how exactly do you do that? Well, for starters, avoid being generic. You don’t want your opening paragraph to sound as if you’re applying to dozens of jobs with the same letter.

Instead, you want your opening paragraph to mention:

• Your name, profession, and years of experience.
• 1-2 of your top achievements (to help you stand out).
• The name of the firm and position you’re applying for.

Here’s what this would look like in a cover letter:

My name is Ellen and I’d like to join Company X as a marketing expert. I believe that my 5+ years of experience as a marketing specialist, as well as my skills in PPC management and copywriting, will help me drive new users to your platform Additionally, I believe that my past experience in the financial industry will help me excel at the role.

Struggling with writing your own cover letter introduction? Check out our guide on how to start a cover letter effectively! 

#4. Cover Letter Body 

The body of your cover letter usually consists of 1-3 paragraphs and is where you convince the recruiter that you're the right person for the job.

We have a few pointers to help you do that:

• Don’t just rehash your CV. The recruiter already read it. Instead, use your cover letter to elaborate on your achievements and back them up with even more evidence. 
• Understand the job requirements. Check the requirements for the position in the job listing, see how you can match them with your strengths and qualifications, and use the body of your cover letter to show you’re a good fit for the job. 
• Research the company. Also important is to show that you match the company’s culture. Read up about the company you’re applying for and learn what’s their product/service, what are they known for, what kind of culture they have, and so on. Then, in your cover letter, mention a bit about the company’s culture and talk about how you’re a good fit.

And here’s hows the body of your cover letter would look like in practice: 

In my previous role as a Marketing Expert, I also handled the company’s Digital Marketing. During the course of one year, I managed the company’s monthly Facebook ad budget, which amounted to $20,000+ and the process of ad creation and management end-to-end. The process involved creating ad copies, images, picking out the targeting, running optimization trials, and so on. 

In addition to Facebook advertising, I am also knowledgeable in other Pay Per Click channels, such as: 

I actually learned a lot about PPC management basics from your company YouTube channel, and really admire how you guys manage your ad accounts. Since I’m already familiar with how Company X handles ads, I believe that I’d be able to really excel at the role.

#5. Closing Paragraph (And a Call to Action) 

Now, how you end a cover letter is just as important as how you start it. 

As you wrap up your cover letter, it’s important to do the following:

• Mention anything that you couldn’t in the previous paragraphs . If you have anything left to say, mention it here. 
• Thank the hiring manager for their time . Good manners go a long way. 
• Finish the cover letter with a call to action . Your cover letter’s last sentence should be a call to action, such as asking the hiring manager to take some sort of action. 

Here’s an example of that: 

In conclusion, thank you for considering my application. I hope I have the chance to help your company take its marketing initiatives to the next level. It would be great to discuss how my experience so far can make that a reality. 

As for your formal salutation, you can use any of the following “tried and tested” greetings: 

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

Cover Letter Format Guide 

We went over what goes in your cover letter section by section. However, how your cover letter looks on the outside is just as important. 

Following some standard formatting tips will show the hiring manager that you took the time and put in the effort to hand in the best version of a cover letter, which is sure to help your case. 

Here are the rules that you need to follow: 

• Keep your cover letter between half and one page in length to make sure the recruiter actually reads the whole thing (if you had to read 100+ cover letters, you’d want applicants to stick to one page too). That’s between 250-400 words long . 
• Use 1 or 1.5 line spacing throughout your text , and double spacing between paragraphs. 
• Go for a simple and readable font and set your font size to 11 or 12 pts . Using custom fonts may seem like a good idea, but there’s no guarantee the hiring manager’s computer will have that specific font installed.
• Save your cover letter in PDF format to make sure the layout stays the same despite the type of software or Operating System (OS) that opens it. 

Or Choose One of Our Cover Letter Templates 

The cover letter is an inseparable part of any application package. As such, you want your cover letter format to be as impeccable as possible. 

And while the formatting rules we’ve listed above aren’t complicated to follow, you’d rather not take any risks with your cover letter format.  

Want to make sure that your cover letter format is impeccable?

Just use a cover letter template!

The format is done for you - all you have to do is fill in the contents. 

Our cover letter templates are well-designed and guaranteed to leave a good impression on the recruiter!

On top of that, all of our templates come with a matching resume template , ensuring that your job application stands out from the rest.

Sending Your Cover Letter Via Email? Here’s How To Do It! 

It’s safe to assume that nowadays, most cover letters are sent via email. That means that you’re probably submitting your email in one of two ways: 

• Sending it as an email attachment.
• Uploading it to the company’s webpage.

If that’s the case, you’re good with the formatting rules listed above. 

If, however, you’re sending your cover letter in the body of the email, here’s what you need to do differently: 

• Write a professional subject line. The best and safest formula is “Name - Position you’re applying to” (e.g. “Helen Simms - Application for Marketing Expert Position”).
• Remove the header. As the hiring manager’s contact details and the date are no longer necessary, remove the header altogether and place your contact information underneath the formal salutation. 
• Look out for typos. Check your cover letter and then double-check it. Typing on a keyboard can be tricky; sometimes, a typo might just be a matter of fast typing. Avoid that by being extra careful. 

And you’re about ready to press “Send.”

Key Takeaways

Your cover letter format is a big part of the impression your job application can make. As such, it’s important to get the formatting right. 

Here are the main points this article covers to achieve that: 

• Make sure to structure your cover letter the right way. 
• Address your cover letter the right way and write an attention-grabbing opening paragraph.
• Wrap up your cover letter with a call to action. 
• Pay attention to the margins, space lining, font size, and cover letter length.
• If you’re sending your cover letter as the body of your email, make sure to tweak the formatting accordingly.  

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• Cover Letter

How to Format a Cover Letter: Examples for 2024

Our customers have been hired by:

Designing the perfect layout, using the right paragraph order, and anything connected to formatting a cover letter comes with a stressful act. 

But don’t worry. There’s a set of rules that will help you get your head around it. I'm about to show you all you need about cover letter format.

Want to see your perfectly written and formatted cover letter in 15 minutes? Use our cover letter builder. Choose from  20+ professional cover letter templates  that match your resume. See actionable examples and get expert tips along the way.

Format your cover letter now

Sample cover letter for a resume— See more cover letter examples here .

Here’s a quick rundown to help you navigate through the article:

• What Is a Cover Letter (And Its Formats)
• How to Format a Cover Letter (Including Layout and Structure)

Key Cover Letter Format Tips

• How to Format an Email Cover Letter

Cover Letter Format Examples for Different Types of Jobs

What is a cover letter.

A cover letter is a document attached to your job application along with your resume . It can be a standard business letter or an email. Each aims to complement the information on your resume and present you as the best candidate for a job.

• Standard cover letter , or an application letter , is the most popular cover letter type. You send it as an attachment in response to a job ad. 
• Email cover letter is a shorter cover letter type that you write directly in the email message. It’s less formal.

Choosing either depends on the type of job application process you’re in. Most online applications allow you to upload your resume and cover letter, but in some cases, you’ll be asked to email the recruiter and attach your cover letter there.

First, let me tell you how to format a standard cover letter:

How to Format a Cover Letter? 

See this infographic for the first idea of a correct cover letter structure:

1. Create a Header

A cover letter header is the first thing a hiring manager or recruiter sees, and it carries arguably the most important details of your application—your contact information. The key details are:

• Your contact information : full name, mailing address (optional), phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile handle (optional)
• City and date of writing
• Employer contact information : hiring manager’s or recruiter’s name, job title, company name, and location

See the below example: 

Cover Letter Format—Header Example

Digital Marketing Specialist

4710 Oak Way

Omaha, NE 68102

402-214-2558

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/mary.chao

Omaha, 01/28/2019

Ashley Alameda

Head of Marketing

Avanix, Inc.

2509 Hall Valley Drive

Omaha, NE 72662

2. Start With a Personal Salutation and “The Hook”

Research shows nothing activates your brain like hearing or seeing your name. Open your cover letter with the correct hiring manager’s or recruiter’s name, and you’ll get your deserved attention. Addressing the cover letter right is the most crucial thing in cover letter writing .

You can look for their name in the job description, on the company website, or on LinkedIn. Call the company and ask for the hiring manager’s name if you struggle. I advise against opening your cover letter with “ To Whom It May Concern ” or “ Dear Sir or Madam .” Nothing screams generic more than these two. Go for “ Dear Hiring Manager ” if all strategies have failed.

Cover Letter Format—Salutation Examples

• Dear Ashley,
• Dear Ms. Jones,
• Dear Ashley Jones,
• Dear Hiring Manager,

Now that you have their interest, use one of those opening strategies to create the hook (something that will keep their attention for longer):

• Mention a significant (yet relevant) accomplishment you’re proud of.
• Discuss something you love about the company you’re applying to.
• Comment on the recent award or news the company was honored by.
• Showcase your passion, skill, or other outstanding quality.
• Drop names.

See this example of a powerful opening paragraph with a hook using an accomplishment:

Cover Letter Format—Opening and Hook Example

Two months ago, I hit a goal I never thought I'd reach. I pushed SEO traffic to 20 million monthly views. One year ago, traffic for our four sites—which I manage through a team of 25 employees—rested at just 4 million per month. Upper management challenged me to lead the team toward doubling our traffic. We hit that goal in just six months, blowing away our sales revenue forecasts.

3. Craft Central Paragraphs: Your Offer and Motivation

In the body of your standard cover letter, focus on what you have to offer, not what you want from a job. Emphasize how your expertise will help solve their problems. You can use bullet points to break up the text and highlight your achievements with numbers.

Make them feel special. Your cover letter should say why you’re motivated to join the company and not any other. Once your employer understands they want you, they’ll want to know why you want them.

Cover Letter Format—Central Paragraphs Example

I know your main upcoming challenge will be growing revenue from your new website. With over seven years of experience in SEO and social media marketing, and as someone passionate about staying on the leading edge of tech, I'm confident I can repeat the growth I achieved with XYZ as your new Digital Marketing Manager.

In my current position, I successfully lead creative strategy and internal development teams. Specifically, I have:

• Skyrocketed Inbound Marketing ROI by 43%.
• Reduced Cost Per Lead by 35%.
• Boosted Landing Page Conversion Rates by 55% 

What impresses me most about your online marketing strategy is that you’ve managed to build a self-reliant team aligned with two basic key metrics only: traffic and conversions. This perfectly reflects my core professional values. 

If you’re beginning your journey, read more: Cover Letter Writing Tips for No-Experience Candidates .

4. Include a Call to Action

The hiring manager wants to give you a shot already, so don’t let them change their mind. Finish your cover letter with a compelling call to action. It should reiterate your value and summarize your qualifications in a single sentence. Then, ask for a call or a meeting. Restate that you can help them achieve their objectives.

Cover Letter Format—Call to Action Example

I'm adept at reading Google and user search intent and then translating that into measurable returns. Can we schedule a call to discuss ideas for growing your revenue by 25% in 2024?

5. End With a Sign-Off

The complimentary closing of a standard cover letter is the same as any other formal business letter. Write “Sincerely,” “Regards,” or “Respectfully,” followed by your full name, one or two lines underneath. Optionally, include a digital copy of your handwritten signature.

Pro tip : When providing a paper copy of your cover letter, handwrite your full name between the signature line and your typed name.

The tips below will let you create and maintain the proper cover letter format and layout:

• Pick a legible cover letter font , like Arial, Calibri, or Verdana, and keep it between 10 and 12 font-size points. 
• Set margins to 1 inch on each side of the page.
• Adjust cover letter spacing : double-spacing between paragraphs and 1–1.15 between lines.
• Left-align all contents.
• Limit the length of your cover letter to one page.
• Save your cover letter in PDF. It’s the best choice to keep the cover letter layout intact.
• Name your cover letter file as follows: YourName—JobTitle—CoverLetter.pdf.

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

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

How to Format an Email Cover Letter?

If you reached this chapter, it means you’re required to send a cover letter as an email message . Below, I'll teach you learn exactly how to do it. 

We won’t cover a section on the layout because email software predetermines it, and you can use what their text editors offer you by default.

1. Write a Strong Subject Line

Statistics show a continual growth in the number of emails sent and received daily. It means that recruiters and hiring managers get their inboxes flooded, too. So, how do you get through? By forging a solid subject line. Focus on the first few words to let the recipient know what you’re about straight away. 

In your case, the best approach is to name the position you’re after and include the ID of the role, if it’s available, along with your full name next to it. For example: Software Developer Position (ID:12345) — Johnny Smith.

2. Begin With a Personal Greeting

Compared to a standard cover letter, you’re not required to type your and your employer’s contact information, but you can go directly to greeting them. Yet, again, I recommend addressing them by name.

3. Write a To-The-Point First Sentence

No need for storytelling. Be precise about why you’re sending them the email and what it is about. It can be as follows: Attached you will find my resume with detailed work experience for the position of software developer.

4. Create a Relevant Main Paragraph

To nail this part, read the job description carefully to identify the most pressing needs of your employer (growth objectives, skill set, qualifications) and prove with your professional acumen and accomplishments that you’ll help them meet those needs.

5. Use a Clear Call to Action

Ask them to contact you and restate your offer.

6. End With a Formal Sign-Off

This is where you choose between “Thank You,” “Sincerely,” or “Best regards.” In addition, you need to mention your contact information for them to contact you. Include your full name, cell phone number, and LinkedIn handle (optionally). 

7. Attachment(s)

Cover letter enclosures make your email job application complete. Remember to name your files professionally and attach them to your email, for instance:

Now that I've stocked you with cover letter formatting tips let's see what the best cover letter looks like :

Professional Cover Letter Format

If you want to structure your cover letter to focus on what’s important, you’re right to choose this cover letter format. The darker sidebar covers the usual, leaving your hiring manager with the juicy and plenty of white space which they can rest their eyes on.

That format will also work for these cover letters:

• Accounting Cover Letter
• Administrative Cover Letter
• Business Analyst Cover Letter
• Operations Manager Cover Letter

Business Cover Letter Format

Looking at that cover letter format, you can tell this is a cover letter for C-suite professionals . It’s elegant. It’s neat. It’s perfect. The heading is designed to highlight your position, so use it to your advantage if you’re a senior candidate with an impressive resume.

• Consulting Cover Letter
• Law Firm Cover Letter
• Manager Cover Letter
• Program Manager Cover Letter

Modern Cover Letter Format

Entry-level candidates—here’s something just for you. A splash of color and square icons will add personal vibes to the cover letter structure. It is precisely what employers are looking for in candidates like yourself. 

• Data Entry Cover Letter
• Entry-Level Cover Letter
• Human Resources Cover Letter
• Product Manager Cover Letter

Creative Cover Letter Format

Are you recruiting to the creative industry? Then this is a perfect cover letter format for someone with a knack for design and communication. It’ll help you tell your story thanks to a sleek layout that feels complete. 

• Copywriter Cover Letter
• Event Manager Cover Letter
• Journalism Cover Letter
• Public Relations Cover Letter

Basic Cover Letter Format

Sometimes you want things to be uncomplicated, be direct, and put your thoughts down uninterrupted. This cover letter format gives you just that. It’s a simple cover letter format that lets your words take the stage.

• Federal Cover Letter
• Personal Assistant Cover Letter
• Social Work Cover Letter

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

See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Key Takeaway

 In a nutshell, this is how to format a cover letter:

• Use one-inch margins, single line spacing, and 11 to 12–pt font.
• In the top-left corner, put your contact details, city and date, and the employer's contact details.
• Open with a personal salutation.
• In the body of your letter, open with the hook, make an offer, and explain your motivation.
• Finish with a clear call to action.
• Sign off with a “sincerely” and your full name.

All check? Then, you can be sure you perfected the proper cover letter format for a job application.

Want to learn more about cover letter structure? Have additional questions we didn’t answer above? Drop me a line in the comments, and I’ll be happy to chat! 

About Zety’s Editorial Process

This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines . We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006899306022682?via%3Dihub
• https://www.statista.com/statistics/456500/daily-number-of-e-mails-worldwide/

Frequently Asked Questions about Cover Letter Format

How to format a cover letter correctly.

Even if you know what a cover letter should say , it’s still important to structure the message correctly:

• Put your contact information at the top of the letter.
• Address the cover letter to the hiring manager.
• Add today’s date.
• Use a professional cover letter greeting and the hiring manager’s name.
• Open the letter with a hook .
• Explain why you’re a good fit for the position in a few bullet points.
• Finish the letter with a call to action .
• Add a cover letter closing and sign the letter.

How to format a cover letter for an internship?

Candidates applying for an internship can use a business cover letter format . The main difference is that instead of referring to their work experience , they should put emphasis on their academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities , and relevant knowledge they learned while studying—very similar to an entry-level cover letter .

This is how you should format a cover letter for an internship:

• Put your name, field of study, and contact information at the top.
• Address the cover letter to the hiring manager or internship coordinator.
• Add the date.
• Use a professional greeting and the hiring manager’s name.
• Introduce yourself and provide an attention-grabbing accomplishment .
• Explain why you’re interested in the internship and how well you fit the position.
• Provide relevant examples of academic achievements, extracurricular activities, personal projects, etc.
• Finish with a call to action.

Remember to use a cover letter template matching your internship resume . And don’t forget to get into the details of cover letters for internships here.

What’s a good cover letter email format?

A good email cover letter format, or an online cover letter format, is shorter and less formal than a classic cover letter format. You can use such a format when the job advertisement doesn’t specifically request a cover letter. This way, you can introduce yourself and present your qualifications for the job without spending extra time on making the layout for your cover letter or choosing a Word cover letter template .

Follow our guide to read more about the best email cover letter format .

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