The 46 Best Cover Letter Examples: What They Got Right
Published: May 22, 2024
Iâve sent plenty of cover letters throughout my career, so I know it isnât usually fun to write one. Fortunately, the cover letter examples I painstakingly gathered below show that itâs possible to have a little fun with your job search â and maybe even make yourself a better candidate in the process.
I was shocked upon learning 45% of job seekers donât include a cover letter when applying for a job. I definitely donât recommend following the crowd on this matter because your cover letter is a chance to tell the stories your resume only outlines.
Itâs an opportunity for you to highlight your creativity at the earliest stage of the recruitment process.
Are you ready to showcase your unique skills and experience? Or are you looking for more tips and cover letter inspiration?
Keep reading for 40+ cover letter examples, then check out tips for cover letter formatting and what makes a cover letter great.
Table of Contents
Customizable Cover Letter Examples
Best cover letter examples, short cover letter examples, creative cover letter examples, job cover letter examples, career cover letter examples, whatâs on a cover letter, what makes a great cover letter.
In a hurry for a cover letter example you can download and customize? Check out the ones below from HubSpotâs cover letter template kit .
1. Standard Cover Letter Example
5 Free Cover Letter Templates
Five fill-in-the-blank cover letter templates to help you impress recruiters.
- Standard Cover Letter Template
- Entry-Level Cover Letter Template
- Data-Driven Cover Letter Template
You're all set!
Click this link to access this resource at any time.
What does a good cover letter look like in practice, and how can you make yours stand out? I found six examples from job seekers who decided to do things a bit differently.
Note: Some of these cover letters include real company names and NSFW language that I've covered up.
4. The Cover Letter That Explains âWhy,â Not Just âHowâ
You may already know how to talk about how youâll best execute a certain role in your cover letter. But thereâs another question you might want to answer: Why the heck do you want to work here?
The Muse , a career guidance site, says that itâs often best to lead with the why â especially if it makes a good story.
I advise against blathering on and on, but a brief tale that illuminates your desire to work for that particular employer can really make you stand out.
In an increasingly digitized world, where customer-centric strategies are vital for business success, I am thrilled to apply for the [Job Title] position at HubSpot."
Unhelpful Cover Letter Introduction:
"To Whom it May Concern,
I am applying for the [Job Title] position at HubSpot. I have some experience in marketing and can help your clients grow their businesses."
Relevant Professional Experience
It can be tempting to use the same cover letter for every job. After all, itâs about your experience, isnât it? But it's not enough to rephrase the work history in your resume.
Recruiters and hiring managers are looking to fill a specific role, so you need to show how your experience translates to their unique needs.
So, the body of a great cover letter should showcase the specific professional experiences that are relevant to the job you're applying for. Emphasize your accomplishments and skills that directly relate to what the job needs.
To speed up this part of the cover letter writing process, start by creating a list of your transferable skills . Drafting this list can help you quickly focus on the skills to highlight in your cover letter.
Then, use AI tools to summarize job descriptions and narrow in on where your experience and the needs of the role you're applying for overlap. This post is full of useful AI assistant tools if you're new to AI.
Helpful Cover Letter Experience:
âAt [Company Name], I had the opportunity to assist a global ecommerce retailer in enhancing their online customer experience. By conducting in-depth market research and customer journey mapping, I identified pain points and areas of improvement in their website navigation and user interface.â
Unhelpful Cover Letter Experience:
âI also worked with an ecommerce retailer to improve the customer experience. We did some surveys and training, and they were happy with the results.â
Useful Examples
To make your cover letter stand out, add specific examples that show how you've solved problems or gotten results in past roles.
Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible, using data to give the reader a clear understanding of your impact.
Helpful Cover Letter Example:
âI lead a team of five content writers while increasing website traffic by 18% year-over-year.â
Unhelpful Cover Letter Example:
âI have a great track record of leadership and achieving fantastic results.â
Research and Company Knowledge
Hiring teams arenât hiring anyone with the skills to do the job. Theyâre hiring a person they'll work alongside at their specific company.
So, to show that youâre not just looking for any job anywhere, share your knowledge of the companyâs industry, values, and culture in your cover letter.
Spend some time on the company website and take notes on what makes this business interesting to you and why you would want to work there.
Then, explain how your skills align with the company's mission and goals and explain how you could add to their chances of success. This will showcase your interest in the company and help them see if you are a good cultural fit.
Helpful Cover Letter Research:
âI was particularly drawn to HubSpot not only for its industry-leading solutions but also for its exceptional company culture. HubSpot's commitment to employee development and fostering a collaborative environment is evident in its recognition as a top workplace consistently. I strongly believe that my passion for continuous learning, self-motivation, and dedication to contributing to a team will make me a valuable asset to HubSpot.â
Unhelpful Cover Letter Research:
âI have been inspired by HubSpot's commitment to inbound marketing and its comprehensive suite of solutions. HubSpot's dedication to providing valuable content and fostering meaningful relationships aligns with my own values and aspirations.â
Clear Writing
Your cover letter needs to pack in a lot of important information. But it's also important that your cover letter is clear and concise.
To accomplish this, use professional but easy-to-understand language. Be sure to remove any grammar or spelling errors and avoid lengthy paragraphs and avoid jargon or overly technical language.
You may also want to use bullet points to make your letter easier to skim. Then, proofread your cover letter for clarity or ask a friend to proofread it for you.
- Guide to Becoming a Better Writer
- Tips for Simplifying Your Writing
Helpful Cover Letter Writing:
"In addition to my academic accomplishments, I gained valuable practical experience through internships at respected law firms.
Working alongside experienced attorneys, I assisted in providing legal support to clients. This hands-on experience helped me develop a deep understanding of client needs and enhanced my ability to effectively communicate complex legal concepts in a straightforward manner."
Unhelpful Cover Letter Writing:
"Furthermore, as a complement to my academic accomplishments, I have garnered invaluable practical experience through internships at esteemed law firms.
Throughout these placements, I actively collaborated with seasoned attorneys to conduct due diligence and furnish clients with comprehensive legal support. Notably, these experiences fostered a profound comprehension of client necessities, whilst honing my legal acumen to articulately convey intricate legal principles within a lucid and concise framework, adhering to applicable precedents and statutes of limitations."
Genuine Interest and Enthusiasm
Find ways to convey your passion for the role and how excited you are to contribute to the company you're applying to. At the same time, make sure your interest feels authentic and outline how it aligns with your career goals.
Your ultimate goal is an enthusiastic letter that feels honest and leaves a lasting positive impression.
Showing excitement in writing doesn't come naturally for everyone. A few tips that can help you boost the genuine enthusiasm in your letter:
- Record audio of yourself speaking about the role, then use voice-to-text technology to transcribe and add these sections to your letter.
- Choose your words carefully .
- Write in active voice.
Helpful Cover Letter Tone:
âI am genuinely enthusiastic about the prospect of joining [Company/Organization Name] as an accountant. My combination of technical proficiency, eagerness to learn, and strong attention to detail make me an ideal candidate for this role. I am confident that my dedication, reliability, and passion for accounting will contribute to the continued success of your organization.â
Unhelpful Cover Letter Tone:
âHonestly, I can hardly contain my excitement when it comes to reconciliations, financial statement analysis, and tax regulations! Engaging in spirited discussions with professors and classmates has allowed me to foster an unbreakable bond with the fascinating world of accounting, and I'm positively bursting with enthusiasm at the prospect of applying my skills in a professional setting.â
Memorable Conclusion
End your cover letter on a strong note. Summarize your top qualifications, restate your interest in the position, and express your interest in future communication.
Then, thank your reader for their time and consideration and include your contact information for easy follow-up.
To make your conclusion memorable, think about what parts of your letter youâd most like the hiring manager to keep top of mind. Then, consider your word choice and phrasing. If youâre feeling stuck, this list of ways to close an email can help.
Helpful Cover Letter Conclusion:
"Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to further discuss how my qualifications align with the needs of Greenpeace. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to arrange an interview.
Together, let's make a lasting impact on our planet.
[Your Name]"
Unhelpful Cover Letter Conclusion:
"Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my qualifications further and how I can contribute to Greenpeace's mission. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to arrange an interview.
Iâd like to add another stage to the job search: experimentation.
In todayâs competitive landscape, itâs so easy to feel defeated, less-than-good-enough, or like giving up your job search.
But donât let the process become so monotonous. Have fun discovering the qualitative data Iâve discussed here â then, have even more by getting creative with your cover letter composition.
I certainly canât guarantee that every prospective employer will respond positively â or at all â to even the most unique, compelling cover letter. But the one thatâs right for you will.
So, get inspired by these examples and templates. Write an incredible cover letter that shows the hiring team at your dream job exactly who you are.
Editor's note: This post was originally published in October 2020 and has been updated for comprehensiveness. This article was written by a human, but our team uses AI in our editorial process. Check out our full disclosure to learn more about how we use AI.
Don't forget to share this post!
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The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Cover Letter
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How to Write a Cover Letter [Full Guide & Examples for 2024]
After weeks of heavy job searching, youâre almost there!
Youâve perfected your resume.
Youâve short-listed the coolest jobs you want to apply for.
Youâve even had a friend train you for every single interview question out there.
But then, before you can send in your application and call it a day, you remember that you need to write a cover letter too.
So now, youâre stuck staring at a blank page, wondering where to start...
Donât panic! Weâve got you covered. Writing a cover letter is a lot simpler than you might think.Â
In this guide, weâre going to teach you how to write a cover letter that gets you the job you deserve.
We're going to cover:
What Is a Cover Letter?
- How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter, Step by Step
- 15+ Job-Winning Cover Letter Examples
Letâs get started.
A cover letter is a document that you submit as part of your job application, alongside your resume or CV.
The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, it should be around 250 to 400 words long .
A good cover letter is supposed to impress the hiring manager and convince them youâre worth interviewing as a candidate.
So, how can your cover letter achieve this?
First of all, it should complement your resume, not copy it. Your cover letter is your chance to elaborate on important achievements, skills, or anything else that your resume doesnât give you the space to cover.Â
For example, if you have an employment gap on your resume, the cover letter is a great place to explain why it happened and how it helped you grow as a person.Â
If this is your first time writing a cover letter, writing about yourself might seem complicated. But donât worryâyou donât need to be super creative or even a good writer .
All you have to do is follow this tried and tested cover letter structure:
- Header. Add all the necessary contact information at the top of your cover letter.
- Formal greeting. Choose an appropriate way to greet your target audience.
- Introduction. Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph and explain your interest in the role.
- Body. Elaborate on why youâre the best candidate for the job and a good match for the company. Focus on âsellingâ your skills, achievements, and relevant professional experiences.
- Conclusion. Summarize your key points and wrap it up professionally.
Now, letâs take a look at an example of a cover letter that follows our structure perfectly:
New to cover letter writing? Give our cover letter video a watch before diving into the article!
When Should You Write a Cover Letter?
You should always include a cover letter in your job application, even if the hiring manager never reads it. Submitting a cover letter is as important as submitting a resume if you want to look like a serious candidate.
If the employer requests a cover letter as part of the screening process, not sending one is a huge red flag and will probably get your application tossed into the ânoâ pile immediately.
On the other hand, if the job advertisement doesnât require a cover letter from the candidates, adding one shows you went the extra mile.
Putting in the effort to write a cover letter can set you apart from other candidates with similar professional experience and skills, and it could even sway the hiring manager to call you for an interview if you do it right.
Need to write a letter to help get you into a good school or volunteer program? Check out our guide to learn how to write a motivation letter !
How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter
Now that you know what a cover letter is, itâs time to learn how to write one!
Weâll go through the process in detail, step by step.
#1. Choose the Right Cover Letter Template
A good cover letter is all about leaving the right first impression.
So, whatâs a better way to leave a good impression than a well-formatted, stylish template?
Just choose one of our hand-picked cover letter templates , and youâll be all set in no time!
As a bonus, our intuitive AI will even give you suggestions on how to improve your cover letter as you write it. Youâll have the perfect cover letter done in minutes!
#2. Put Contact Information in the Header
As with a resume, itâs important to start your cover letter with your contact details at the top. These should be in your cover letterâs header, separated neatly from the bulk of your text.
Here, you want to include all the essential contact information , including:
- Full Name. Your first and last name should stand out at the top.
- Job Title. Match the professional title underneath your name to the exact job title of the position youâre applying for. Hiring managers often hire for several roles at once, so giving them this cue about what role youâre after helps things go smoother.
- Email Address. Always use a professional and easy-to-spell email address. Ideally, it should combine your first and last names.
- Phone Number. Add a number where the hiring manager can easily reach you.
- Location. Add your city and state/country, no need for more details.
- Relevant Links (optional). You can add links to websites or social media profiles that are relevant to your field. Examples include a LinkedIn profile , Github, or an online portfolio.
Then itâs time to add the recipientâs contact details, such as:
- Hiring Manager's Name. If you can find the name of the hiring manager, add it.
- Hiring Manager's Title. While thereâs no harm in writing âhiring manager,â if theyâre the head of the department, we recommend you use that title accordingly.
- Company Name. Make sure to write the name of the company you're applying to.
- Location. The city and state/country are usually enough information here, too.
- Date of Writing (Optional). You can include the date you wrote your cover letter for an extra professional touch.
#3. Address the Hiring Manager
Once youâve properly listed all the contact information, itâs time to start writing the content of the cover letter.
The first thing you need to do here is to address your cover letter directly to the hiring manager.
In fact, you want to address the hiring manager personally .
Forget the old âDear Sir or Madamâ or the impersonal âTo Whom It May Concern.â You want to give your future boss a good impression and show them that you did your research before sending in your application.
No one wants to hire a job seeker who just spams 20+ companies and hopes something sticks with their generic approach
So, how do you find out whoâs the hiring manager?
First, check the job ad. The hiring managerâs name might be listed somewhere in it.
If that doesnât work, check the companyâs LinkedIn page. You just need to look up the head of the relevant department youâre applying to, and youâre all set.
For example, if youâre applying for the position of Communication Specialist at NovorĂ©sumĂ©. The hiring manager is probably the Head of Communications or the Chief Communications Officer.
Hereâs what you should look for on LinkedIn:
And there you go! You have your hiring manager.
But letâs say youâre applying for a position as a server . In that case, youâd be looking for the ârestaurant managerâ or âfood and beverage manager.â
If the results donât come up with anything, try checking out the âTeamâ page on the company website; thereâs a good chance youâll at least find the right person there.
Make sure to address them as Mr. or Ms., followed by their last name. If youâre not sure about their gender or marital status, you can just stick to their full name, like so:
- Dear Mr. Kurtuy,
- Dear Andrei Kurtuy,
But what if you still canât find the hiring managerâs name, no matter where you look?
No worries. You can direct your cover letter to the company, department, or team as a whole, or just skip the hiring managerâs name.
- Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
- Dear Hiring Manager
- Dear [Department] Team
- Dear [Company Name]
Are you applying for a research position? Learn how to write an academic personal statement .
#4. Write an Eye-Catching Introduction
First impressions matter, especially when it comes to your job search.
Hiring managers get hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of applications. Chances are, theyâre not going to be reading every single cover letter end-to-end.
So, itâs essential to catch their attention from the very first paragraph.
The biggest problem with most opening paragraphs is that theyâre usually extremely generic. Hereâs an example:
- My name is Jonathan, and Iâd like to work as a Sales Manager at XYZ Inc. Iâve worked as a Sales Manager at MadeUpCompany Inc. for 5+ years, so I believe that Iâd be a good fit for the position.
See the issue here? This opening paragraph doesnât say anything except the fact that youâve worked the job before.
And do you know who else has similar work experience? All the other applicants youâre competing with.
Instead, you want to start with some of your top achievements to grab the readerâs attention. And to get the point across, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position.
Your opening paragraph should also show the hiring manager a bit about why you want this specific job. For example, mention how the job relates to your plans for the future or how it can help you grow professionally. This will show the hiring manager that youâre not just applying left and rightâyouâre actually enthusiastic about getting this particular role.
Now, letâs make our previous example shine:
Dear Mr. Smith,
My nameâs Michael, and Iâd like to help XYZ Inc. hit and exceed its sales goals as a Sales Manager. Iâve worked as a Sales Representative with Company X, another fin-tech company , for 3+ years, where I generated an average of $30,000+ in sales per month and beat the KPIs by around 40%. I believe that my previous industry experience, passion for finance , and excellence in sales make me the right candidate for the job.
The second candidate starts with what they can do for the company in the future and immediately lists an impressive and relevant achievement. Since theyâre experienced in the same industry and interested in finance, the hiring manager can see theyâre not just a random applicant.
From this introduction, itâs safe to say that the hiring manager would read the rest of this candidateâs cover letter.
#5. Use the Cover Letter Body for Details
The next part of your cover letter is where you can go into detail about what sets you apart as a qualified candidate for the job.
The main thing you need to remember here is that you shouldnât make it all about yourself . Your cover letter is supposed to show the hiring manager how you relate to the job and the company youâre applying to.
No matter how cool you make yourself sound in your cover letter, if you donât tailor it to match what the hiring manager is looking for, youâre not getting an interview.
To get this right, use the job ad as a reference when writing your cover letter. Make sure to highlight skills and achievements that match the job requirements, and youâre good to go.
Since this part of your cover letter is by far the longest, you should split it into at least two paragraphs.
Hereâs what each paragraph should cover:
Explain Why Youâre the Perfect Candidate for the Role
Before you can show the hiring manager that youâre exactly what theyâve been looking for, you need to know what it is theyâre looking for.
Start by doing a bit of research. Learn what the most important skills and responsibilities of the role are according to the job ad, and focus on any relevant experience you have that matches them.
For example, if youâre applying for the position of a Facebook Advertiser. The top requirements on the job ad are:
- Experience managing a Facebook ad budget of $10,000+ / month
- Some skills in advertising on other platforms (Google Search + Twitter)
- Excellent copywriting skills
So, in the body of your cover letter, you need to show how you meet these requirements. Hereâs an example of what that can look like:
In my previous role as a Facebook Marketing Expert at XYZ Inc. I handled customer acquisition through ads, managing a monthly Facebook ad budget of $40,000+ . As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation and management process end-to-end. I created the ad copy and images, picked the targeting, ran optimization trials, and so on.
Other than Facebook advertising, Iâve also delved into other online PPC channels, including:
- Google Search
Our example addresses all the necessary requirements and shows off the candidateâs relevant skills.
Are you a student applying for your first internship? Learn how to write an internship cover letter with our dedicated guide.
Explain Why Youâre a Good Fit for the Company
As skilled and experienced as you may be, thatâs not all the hiring manager is looking for.
They also want someone whoâs a good fit for their company and who actually wants to work there.
Employees who donât fit in with the company culture are likely to quit sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employeeâs annual salary , so hiring managers vet candidates very carefully to avoid this scenario.
So, you have to convince the hiring manager that youâre passionate about working with them.
Start by doing some research about the company. You want to know things like:
- Whatâs the companyâs business model?
- Whatâs the companyâs product or service? Have you used it?
- Whatâs the companyâs culture like?
Chances are, youâll find all the information you need either on the company website or on job-search websites like Jobscan or Glassdoor.
Then, pick your favorite thing about the company and talk about it in your cover letter.
But donât just describe the company in its own words just to flatter them. Be super specificâthe hiring manager can see through any fluff.
For example, if youâre passionate about their product and you like the companyâs culture of innovation and independent work model, you can write something like:
Iâve personally used the XYZ Smartphone, and I believe that itâs the most innovative tech Iâve used in years. The features, such as Made-Up-Feature #1 and Made-Up-Feature #2, were real game changers for the device.
I really admire how Company XYZ strives for excellence in all its product lines, creating market-leading tech. As someone who thrives in a self-driven environment, I truly believe that Iâll be a great match for your Product Design team.
So, make sure to do your fair share of research and come up with good reasons why you're applying to that specific company.
Is the company you want to work for not hiring at the moment? Check out our guide to writing a letter of interest .
#6. Wrap It Up and Sign It
Finally, itâs time to conclude your cover letter.
In the final paragraph, you want to:
- Wrap up any points you couldn't make in the previous paragraphs. Do you have anything left to say? If thereâs any other information that could help the hiring manager make their decision, mention it here. If not, just recap your key selling points so far, such as key skills and expertise.
- Express gratitude. Politely thanking the hiring manager for their time is always a good idea.
- Finish the cover letter with a call to action. The very last sentence in your cover letter should be a call to action. This means you should ask the hiring manager to do something, like call you and discuss your application or arrange an interview.
- Remember to sign your cover letter. Just add a formal closing line and sign your name at the bottom.
Hereâs an example of how to end your cover letter :
I hope to help Company X make the most of their Facebook marketing initiatives. I'd love to further discuss how my previous success at XYZ Inc. can help you achieve your Facebook marketing goals. Please donât hesitate to reach out to me at the provided email address or phone number so that we may arrange an interview.
Thank you for your consideration,
Alice Richards
Feel free to use one of these other popular closing lines for your cover letter:
- Best Regards,
- Kind Regards,
Cover Letter Writing Checklist
Once youâre done with your cover letter, itâs time to check if it meets all industry requirements.Â
Give our handy cover letter writing checklist a look to make sure:
Does your cover letter heading include all essential information?
- Professional Email
- Phone Number
- Relevant Links
Do you address the right person?Â
- The hiring manager in the company
- Your future direct supervisor
- The company/department in general
Does your introductory paragraph grab the reader's attention?
- Did you mention some of your top achievements?
- Did you use numbers and facts to back up your experience?
- Did you convey enthusiasm for the specific role?
Do you show that youâre the right candidate for the job?
- Did you identify the core requirements for the role?
- Did you show how your experiences helped you fit the requirements perfectly?
Do you convince the hiring manager that youâre passionate about the company youâre applying to?
- Did you identify the top 3 things that you like about the company?
- Did you avoid generic reasons for explaining your interest in the company?
Did you conclude your cover letter properly?
- Did you recap your key selling points in the conclusion?
- Did you end your cover letter with a call to action?
- Did you use the right formal closing line and sign your name?
15 Cover Letter Tips
Now youâre all set to write your cover letter!Â
Before you start typing, here are some cover letter tips to help take your cover letter to the next level:
- Customize Your Cover Letter for Each Job. Make sure your cover letter is tailored to the job you're applying for. This shows you're not just sending generic applications left and right, and it tells the hiring manager youâre the right person for the job.
- Showcase Your Skills. Talk about how your skills meet the companyâs needs. And while your hard skills should be front and center, you shouldnât underestimate your soft skills in your cover letter either.
- Avoid Fluff. Donât make any generic statements you canât back up. The hiring manager can tell when youâre just throwing words around, and it doesnât make your cover letter look good.
- Use Specific Examples. Instead of saying you're great at something, give an actual example to back up your claim. Any data you can provide makes you sound more credible, so quantify your achievements. For example, give numbers such as percentages related to your performance and the timeframe it took to accomplish certain achievements.
- Research the Company. Always take time to learn about the company you're applying to. Make sure to mention something about them in your cover letter to show the hiring manager that you're interested.
- Follow the Application Instructions. If the job posting asks for something specific in your cover letter or requires a certain format, make sure you include it. Not following instructions can come off as unattentive or signal to the hiring manager that youâre not taking the job seriously.
- Use the Right Template and Format. Choose the right cover letter format and adapt your cover letterâs look to the industry youâre applying for. For example, if youâre aiming for a job in Law or Finance, you should go for a cleaner, more professional look. But if youâre applying for a field that values innovation, like IT or Design, you have more room for creativity.
- Express Your Enthusiasm. Let the hiring manager know why you're excited about the job. Your passion for the specific role or the field in general can be a big selling point, and show them that youâre genuinely interested, not just applying left and right.
- Address Any Gaps. If there are any employment gaps in your resume , your cover letter is a great place to mention why. Your resume doesnât give you enough space to elaborate on an employment gap, so addressing it here can set hiring managers at easeâlife happens, and employers understand.
- Avoid Quirky Emails. Your email address should be presentable. Itâs hard for a hiring manager to take you seriously if your email address is â[email protected].â Just use a [email protected] format.
- Check Your Contact Information. Typos in your email address or phone number can mean a missed opportunity. Double-check these before sending your application.
- Mention if You Want to Relocate. If youâre looking for a job that lets you move somewhere else, specify this in your cover letter.
- Keep It Brief. You want to keep your cover letter short and sweet. Hiring managers donât have time to read a novel, so if you go over one page, they simply wonât read it at all.
- Use a Professional Tone. Even though a conversational tone isnât a bad thing, remember that it's still a formal document. Show professionalism in your cover letter by keeping slang, jargon, and emojis out of it.
- Proofread Carefully. Typos and grammar mistakes are a huge deal-breaker. Use a tool like Grammarly or QuillBot to double-check your spelling and grammar, or even get a friend to check it for you.
15+ Cover Letter Examples
Need some inspiration? Check out some perfect cover letter examples for different experience levels and various professions.
5+ Cover Letter Examples by Experience
#1. college student cover letter example.
Check out our full guide to writing a college student cover letter here.
#2. Middle Management Cover Letter Example
Check out our full guide to writing a project manager cover letter here.
#3. Team Leader Cover Letter Example
Check out our full guide to writing a team leader cover letter here.
#4. Career Change Cover Letter Example
Check out our full guide to a career change resume and cover letter here.
#5. Management Cover Letter Example
Check out our full guide to writing a management cover letter here.
#6. Senior Executive Cover Letter Example
Check out our full guide to writing an executive resume here.
9+ Cover Letter Examples by Profession
#1. it cover letter example.
Check out our full guide to writing an IT cover letter here.
#2. Consultant Cover Letter Example
Check out our full guide to writing a consultant cover letter here.
#3. Human Resources Cover Letter
Check out our full guide to writing a human resources cover letter here.
#4. Business Cover Letter Example
Check out our full guide to writing a business cover letter here.
#5. Sales Cover Letter Example
Check out our full guide to writing a sales cover letter here.
#6. Social Worker Cover Letter
Check out our full guide to writing a social worker cover letter here.
#7. Lawyer Cover Letter
Check out our full guide to writing a lawyer cover letter here.
#8. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter
Check out our full guide to writing an administrative assistant cover letter here.
#9. Engineering Cover Letter Example
Check out our full guide to writing an engineer cover letter here.
#10. Receptionist Cover Letter Example
Check out our full guide to writing a receptionist cover letter here.
Need more inspiration? Check out these cover letter examples to learn what makes them stand out.
Plug & Play Cover Letter Template
Not sure how to start your cover letter? Donât worry!
Just copy and paste our free cover letter template into the cover letter builder, and swap out the blanks for your details.
[Your Full Name]
[Your Profession]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Location]
[Your LinkedIn Profile URL (optional)]
[Your Personal Website URL (optional)]
[Recipient's Name, e.g., Jane Doe],
[Recipient's Position, e.g., Hiring Manager]
[Company Name, e.g., ABC Corporation]
[Company Address]
[City, State/Country]
Dear [Recipient's Name],
As a seasoned [Your Profession] with [Number of Years of Experience] years of industry experience, I am eager to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With my experience in [Your Industry/Sector] and the successes I've achieved throughout my education and career, I believe I can bring unique value and creativity to your team.
In my current role as [Your Current Job Title], I've taken the lead on more than [Number of Projects/Assignments] projects, some valued up to $[Highest Project Value]. I pride myself on consistently exceeding client expectations and have successfully [Mention a Key Achievement] in just a [Amount of Time] through [Skill] and [Skill].
I've collaborated with various professionals, such as [List Roles], ensuring that all [projects/tasks] meet [relevant standards or objectives]. This hands-on experience, coupled with my dedication to understanding each [client's/customer's] vision, has equipped me to navigate and deliver on complex projects.
My key strengths include:
- Improving [Achievement] by [%] over [Amount of Time] which resulted in [Quantified Result].
- Optimizing [Work Process/Responsibility] which saved [Previous Employer] [Amount of Time/Budget/Other Metric] over [Weeks/Months/Years]
- Spearheading team of [Number of People] to [Task] and achieving [Quantified Result].
Alongside this letter, I've attached my resume. My educational background, a [Your Degree] with a concentration in [Your Specialization], complements the practical skills that I'm particularly eager to share with [Company Name].
I'm excited about the possibility of contributing to [Something Notable About the Company or Its Mission]. I'd be grateful for the chance to delve deeper into how my expertise aligns with your needs.
Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
The Heart of Your Job Search - Creating a Killer Resume
Your cover letter is only as good as your resume. If either one is weak, your entire application falls through.
After all, your cover letter is meant to complement your resume. Imagine going through all this effort to leave an amazing first impression in your cover letter, only for the hiring manager to never read it because your resume was mediocre.
But donât worry; weâve got you covered here, too.
Check out our dedicated guide on how to make a resume and learn everything you need to know to land your dream job!
Just pick one of our resume templates and start writing your own job-winning resume.
Key Takeaways
Now that weâve walked you through all the steps of writing a cover letter, letâs summarize everything weâve learned:
- A cover letter is a 250 - 400 word document thatâs meant to convince the hiring manager that youâre the best candidate for the job.
- Your job application should always include a cover letter alongside your resume.
- To grab the hiring managerâs attention, write a strong opening paragraph. Mention who you are, why youâre applying, and a standout achievement to pique their interest.
- Your cover letter should focus on why youâre the perfect candidate for the job and why youâre passionate about working in this specific company.
- Use the body of your cover letter to provide details on your skills, achievements, and qualifications, as well as make sure to convey your enthusiasm throughout your whole cover letter.
- Recap your key selling points towards the end of your cover letter, and end it with a formal closing line and your full name signed underneath.
At NovorĂ©sumĂ©, weâre committed to helping you get the job you deserve every step of the way!Â
Follow our career blog for more valuable advice, or check out some of our top guides, such as:
- How to Make a Resume in 2024 | Beginner's Guide
- How to Write a CV (Curriculum Vitae) in 2024 [31+ Examples]
- 35+ Job Interview Questions and Answers [Full List]
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A Career Expert's Top 6 Tips For An Incredibly Effective Cover Letter
By Zahra Thompson
Writing an amazing cover letter can feel impossible, but putting in that effort is so worth it. "Cover letters are an opportunity to make a case for why youâd excel at the job, totally aside from whatâs on your rĂ©sumĂ©," Alison Green, a former hiring manager who runs the Ask a Manager blog, tells SELF. "Employers arenât just hiring experience," she explains. Instead, they're looking for someone who more or less has the whole package, which is hard to tell if all they know is your job history! Here, Green offers her expert insight on how to make your cover letter rise to the top of the pile.
1. Use a more casual opening than "To whom it may concern."
Since the most successful cover letters are usually more conversational than formal, it can be good to leave this one behind. "If you know the name of the hiring manager, use that. But if you donât, you really donât need to go to great lengths to try to track it down," says Green. In instances where you have no idea who's in charge of the process, she recommends starting off with "Dear hiring manager" instead.
2. Inject some personality that plays to your strengths.
A cover letter that repeats what's on your rĂ©sumĂ© is a wasted opportunity to shine. "When youâre facing hundreds of generic form cover letters that summarize rĂ©sumĂ©s, one written using a conversational tone, like it's by a real person, is incredibly refreshing," says Green. To catch the hiring manager's attention, add interesting tidbits that give a glimpse of who you are while also emphasizing why you'd be excellent in the position. Think of it as showing instead of tellingâyou're not just saying you're qualified, you're backing it up with examples.
Green remembers one woman who pulled this off pretty flawlessly. "Once when I was hiring for an assistant job, a candidate mentioned that her friends teased her about her obsessive organization because she color-coded her closet and kept her music catalogued on a spreadsheet," says Green. "Thatâs not the sort of thing that youâd put on a rĂ©sumĂ©, but it quickly gave me a sense of who she was and why she might be a great fit for a job that required organizational skills." Thanks to those kinds of compelling details (in addition to other awesome qualities, of course), the candidate ended up scoring the job .
That's not to say you can't touch on various details of your past roles! You can and should, but instead of standing alone, each one should be fleshed out to give the hiring manager a better picture of who you are. Maybe you talk about how thanks to your meticulous research, a recent presentation you made clinched a major deal for your office. Or perhaps this is your chance to mention how your career trajectory points to a long-held interest in what the company does. Whatever it is, that extra information can help you stand out in a good way.
3. Resist the urge to say you'll follow up to schedule an interview.
There's a difference between taking initiative and jumping the gun. "This is overly pushy and will turn off most hiring managers," says Green. "You've already expressed interest by applying for the job, so now it's in the employer's court to review your application along with the others they've received and decide if theyâd like to talk further." She adds that most people who write this don't actually follow up, so then they seem unreliable in addition to being too forward.
4. Stay away from cover letter clichés.
You don't need a gimmick to pique the interest of whoever's reviewing your application. "Hiring managers donât want to feel like youâre selling them," says Green. "They want to feel like youâre talking to them like a colleague." To that end, she suggests cutting anything "aggressively sales-y" from your cover letter. Think openings like, "If you are looking for a dynamic professional who can X, Y, and Z, look no further!â Beyond seeming forced, they've seen it before. "It's so generic at this point that the hiring managerâs eyes are likely to glaze over," says Green.
5. Avoid phrases like, "I'm uniquely qualified for this job."
Along with "I'm the best candidate for this position" and other variations on the theme, these declarations can come across as either clueless or arrogant. "You just have no way of knowing those things, since you donât know what the rest of the candidate pool looks like," says Green. Something self-assured but not hinting that you're omniscient is probably a better bet, like "I'm confident my X and Y could make me a great asset to your team."
6. Hit the length sweet spot.
If you can fill about a page with quality content, you're golden. "The perfect length is the amount of space it takes to explain why youâre an exceptionally strong candidate for the job. Half a page usually wonât be enough to do that," says Green. "On the other hand, you also shouldnât be writing to hit a word minimum, since that often doesn't lead you anywhere good."
She suggests asking yourself if your cover letter explains why you'd thrive in the position without straight-up rattling off your work history at any point. If so, it's probably offering up just the right dose of "I'm amazing, you should bring me in for an interview ASAP" vibes that can get you one step closer to landing a new job .
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SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
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ADMIN MOD. Here's the best cover letter I've ever seen. Resumes/CVs. Hey everyone. I've been using this cover letter for years and it has worked really well. Most recently in my job search, I've had at least 3 separate contacts make a comment about how good the format is. Hope it helps you. Let me know if you have any questions.
Your City, ST 12345 867-5309 [email protected]. 4th September 20XX. Read Reader CEO, Company Name. 123 Address St. Anytown, ST 12345. Dear Hiring Person, This first paragraph is going to grab your attention. It's going to make you want to know more about me. I am interesting, and you're about to find out why.
I was googling around for cover letter advice, (since I was applying for a position that would be a major, major upgrade in terms of both title and pay and didn't want to screw up the first impression) and came across this old post. I've applied to 8 jobs so far in the last 2 weeks and have submitted this cover letter to 3 of them.
A cover letter that has worked fantastically for me is one that starts with 3-4 sentences saying. "hi my name is ___, I studied ___ and I would love to be considered for the position ___ because of my previous job where we did x,y,z (things relevant to the posting). "Based on your description I have experience in the following: (List things ...
Write this down in a table. You may not fit all the requirements - that's OK - just make sure you can maximise your suitability for the role. b) Write the letter, introducing yourself, what the purpose of the letter is, and your experience and background in a single paragraph. The second paragraph is how you meet their requirements.
So a cover letter should show that you can communicate what you do with people outside your field of expertise. Consider targeting paragraph 1 to a non-expert audience and letting paragraph 2 include more technical explanations about your fitness for the role.
I feed the job description and my master resume into the prompt engine and ask for a customized resume that uses as many of the key words and skills from the description as possible, then I give it a template for a cover letter and tell it to write a cover letter using the job description and my resume and follow the template.
88 votes, 18 comments. 2.7M subscribers in the writing community. Discussions about the writing craft.
Ok đ you do you. No. Almost never. Yes if I see gaps in between jobs or lack of scope of role the person is applying for. People should write cover letters to explain something in their CV such as rational for switching careers or looking to move to a new state or country.
Follow in the footsteps of those who already know the way. Learn from real resume examples and cover letter examples, sorted by profession and company. Have questions about resume, cover letter or career? Check our tips and land your dream job! Visit us at Kickresume.com
I use the cover letter to highlight specific examples of how I meet the job description/person spec. My CV may give my job history and brief job descriptions, but the cover letter is for more specific examples of projects, work streams and achievements. As a hiring manager, I pay way more attention to the cover letter than the CV.
Cover letters are to show that you particularly care about a company or have specific experience you wish to highlight. ChatGPT produces generic writing. It can be good for polishing your own words. I was part of a hiring committee for new analysts for a boutique fund and yes cover letters made a big difference.
Step 2: Add your contact info. At the top of your cover letter, you should list out your basic info. You can even copy the same heading from your resume if you'd like. Some contact info you might include (and the order you might include it in) is: Your name. Your pronouns (optional)
7. End with a killer call-to-action. The last step in writing a killer cover letter is writing a memorable closing paragraph. This is your last chance to leave a lasting impression on the hiring manager, so make it count by reminding them why they should hire you over every other candidate.
We asked for cover letters because a person's resume may not describe certain qualifications for the job - primarily, soft skills and unofficial/non professional experience. I got one that started with "hey!" All lowercase, with the exclamation point. I was told I'm a "boomer" because I didn't particularly like this intro.
Use a simple font and black text. Match the font to your resume, and choose something like Arial or other simple resume fonts. Think of your letter in terms of three or four paragraphs and no more than one page. Less is often more. Finish with a professional closing such as "Sincerely," "Best regards," etc.
This list makes the candidate look perfect for the specific role they're applying to fill. 2. The funny cover letter. This clever cover letter from former ESPN anchor Kenny Mayne is one of the best examples of how to land a job with a joke: Sometimes all you have to do to get a job is make the right person laugh.
In just a second, I will break down exactly how to write an amazing cover letter from top to bottom with detailed examples for you to follow. Get your pen and paper out; it's time to get rocking ...
Here are the five best cover letters of 2024 to give you some inspiration, followed by a list of the traits all great cover letters share and our advice for how to make the ideal cover letter for your situation. 1. The standard cover letter. A standard cover letter follows a common pattern, but it doesn't have to be boring or like everybody ...
6. The Cover Letter with H.E.A.R.T. HubSpot has a lot of H.E.A.R.T. â Humble, Empathetic, Adaptable, Remarkable, Transparent. Our Culture Code is the foundation of the company's culture, the driving force behind our mission to help millions grow better, and serves as the scaffolding for our hiring practices.
How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter #1. Choose the Right Cover Letter Template #2. Put Contact Information in the Header #3. Address the Hiring Manager #4. Write an Eye-Catching Introduction #5. Use the Cover Letter Body for Details #6. Wrap It Up and Sign It Cover Letter Writing Checklist 15 Cover Letter Tips 15+ Cover Letter Examples 5 ...
Here, Green offers her expert insight on how to make your cover letter rise to the top of the pile. 1. Use a more casual opening than "To whom it may concern." Since the most successful cover ...
Communicate that you'll bring something to the company: You'll get more into the details after your opening, of course. But your cover letter opener should still tell the reader, "This person can do something for us ," rather than, "This job would really help them .". Stick to the point: Your opener, while creative, should still be ...