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Sample Cover Letter for Any Job Application

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This free sample cover letter for job applications is ready to download in Word format. A well-written cover letter introduces you to potential employers, providing a glimpse into your personality, skills, and qualifications. This template helps you do that and more. Download it now!

• File format:  Word (Microsoft)
• File size:  79 KB
• Ready-to-use:  fast, easy, and free

According to a recent survey, 83% of recruiters agree that a cover letter with your job application is crucial even today. This official document should not be viewed as an obligation , but rather as a chance to showcase your candidacy to the hiring team.

If you’ve never included a cover letter with your job applications, you should start doing it now.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to writing a persuasive cover letter for job application . Keep reading, as we’ve also included a job application cover letter template to make it easy for you to get started.

Cover Letter example for Job Application (Text Format)

Full Name Address Phone Number Email Address

Hiring Manager’s Full Name Job Title Company Name Company Address

To: Hiring Manager Full Name, Date

Dear Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name,

I am writing to express my sincere interest in the (Job Title) position at (Company Name), as posted on (platform where you found the job posting). Qualified with a Bachelor’s degree in (your field) and 6 years of hands-on experience, I am confident that I can positively contribute to your team and drive exceptional results.

In my previous role at (Previous Company), I successfully (mention a key achievement or responsibility relevant to the job you’re applying for).

Furthermore, my (X) years tenure at (Previous Company) has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of (Industry/Field) best practices. Throughout this remarkable journey, I showcased my strategic thinking and the ability to deliver concrete results by leveraging strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

In terms of soft skills, my excellent communication and interpersonal abilities have fostered positive working relationships with colleagues and clients alike. My adaptability and resilience have been crucial in navigating complex projects and overcoming challenges, ensuring successful outcomes. Additionally, I am proficient in using (Software or tools), enhancing my efficiency and productivity.

I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and experience to (Company Name) and contribute to the continued success of your team. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing further how my qualifications align with the needs of your organization.

Please feel free to contact me at (your phone number) or (your email address) to schedule a convenient time for an interview.

Sincerely, Leah Richards

6 Steps To Crafting a Winning Cover Letter for Job Application

Recruiters are busy individuals, so they appreciate cover letters that are clear , structured, and, of course, purposeful. To ensure your application doesn’t end up in the reject pile, follow the steps below to craft a winning cover letter for job application:

1. Research the job you are applying for

Before you begin your job application cover letter, research the company or industry you are applying to. Every job has different requirements; to get noticed by recruiters, it’s crucial to comply with those conditions .

Here are a few things you need to research before starting with your job application cover letter:

• Job requirements : Read the job description to understand what recruiters seek. Highlight the essential skills or qualities so you can later integrate them into your cover letter.
• Know the company you’re applying to : Skim through the firm’s website to learn about its long-term goals and culture. If the organization you’re applying to lacks social media handles, you can inquire about them with your friends or colleagues as well.
• Identify the hiring manager’s name : Addressing the recruiters by their full name indicates that you have invested time to find out who will read your cover letter. To discover the hiring manager’s name, you can refer to the job description, search the company on LinkedIn, or even explore the company’s website.

2. Outline sections of your cover letter for job application

Breaking down your cover letter into sections makes it easier for recruiters to follow . It minimizes confusion and lets them quickly locate key information, such as your qualifications, experiences, and goals.

A compelling cover letter for job application would typically contain several sections, including:

• Comprehensive header containing your and the employer’s contact information.
• Formal salutations or greetings.
• Catchy introductory paragraph.
• Middle body: containing qualifications, skills, and experiences.
• Closing paragraph: to thank the recruiter for their time.

3. Sell your abilities in your job application cover letter

When showcasing your skills in a cover letter, it’s crucial to go beyond mere statements and provide concrete evidence to demonstrate your abilities.

An effective approach is identifying the key skills mentioned in the job description. Additionally, select specific examples from your previous experiences that align with the identified accomplishments to strengthen your stance. You can draw on instances from your previous jobs, academic projects, or even extracurricular activities.

Moreover, if you aim to add credibility to your achievements, consider quantifying them . For instance, if you improved a process, mention the percentage of improvement.

Here’s an excellent example of how to utilize the above teachings in a job application cover letter:

“ In my previous role, I spearheaded weekly team meetings, improving communication flow and collaboration among team members. This resulted in a 20% increase in project efficiency, showcasing my ability to convey complex ideas in a clear and concise manner. “

4. Mention your hard and soft skills

Your skills are valuable assets that set you apart from other candidates . Incorporating your expertise into your cover letter clearly demonstrates how you can contribute to the company’s success.

A persuasive job application cover letter example will have the below essential technical skills:

• Proficiency in programming languages.
• Data analysis.
• Know-how of Microsoft Word Suite.
• Graphic Designing.

In addition to hard skills, your soft skills also play a significant role in conveying your effectiveness in the workplace to recruiters.

As you craft your job application cover letter, consider emphasizing the following soft skills:

• Ability to convey information clearly, both verbally and in writing.
• Open to collaborating with others to achieve common goals.
• Flexible and open to change in the working environment.
• Capability to identify challenges and develop practical solutions.

5. Prove your enthusiasm to the employers

Highlighting your accomplishments and skills is crucial for a job-winning cover letter . However, another critical element in establishing credibility is expressing enthusiasm to potential employers using impactful action words.

Clearly state why you are excited about the role. Is it the chance to work with a talented team or the alignment between your skills and the job requirements? Be specific .

Here’s an example to make it more clear:

“I am genuinely excited about the prospect of contributing my skills and passion to ABC Company. I am confident that my software development and my enthusiasm for driving innovative solutions make me an ideal fit for your team.”

Moreover, you can also mention specific achievements or projects of the company that inspire you. This demonstrates that you’ve researched and are genuinely interested in the organization.

For instance, you can add:

“ The innovative projects undertaken by ABC Company, particularly the groundbreaking development of the XYZ platform, resonate deeply with my career aspirations. “

6. Close your job application cover letter with the appropriate CTA

Ending your cover letter with a compelling Call to Action (CTA) is crucial in expressing your eagerness for further discussion. Consider the following steps when crafting the ending paragraph of your job application cover letter:

• Express gratitude : Start by thanking the recruiter for their time and consideration. A simple “ Thank you for your consideration ” is a polite way to express appreciation.
• Restate your interest : Remind the recruiters that you’re genuinely interested in the job by highlighting how your skills align with what they seek.
• Showcase eagerness to discuss things further : Clearly express your readiness to discuss your qualifications and skills by providing your contact information.

For instance, you can mention:

“I am eager to further discuss how my skills and experiences align with (Company Name)’s goals. Please feel free to contact me at [your phone number] or [your email address] to schedule a convenient time for an interview.”

• Conclude with a formal sign-off : Finally, conclude your job application cover letter with a formal salutation such as “ Sincerely, ” followed by your full name.

Job Resume Template

Cover Letter for Job Application Key Takeaways

• Research the company you’re applying to before crafting your cover letter.
• Divide your cover letter into five sections: header, salutation, introductory and middle paragraph, and closing body.
• Instead of mentioning your abilities, sell them to the recruiters using compelling words .
• Constantly restate your enthusiasm for the role throughout your job application cover letter.
• Conclude your cover letter by thanking the hiring manager and providing your contact information for further discussions .

Free Resume Templates to Download in Word

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How to Write a Job Application Letter (With Examples)

What Is a Job Application Letter?

Tips for writing a job application letter, how to get started.

• Writing Guidelines
• What to Include in Each Section

Simple Formatting Using a Template

Tips for writing an effective letter, sample job application letter, sending an email application, review more letter examples.

Do you need to write a letter to apply for a job? Most of the time, the answer is yes. Even when employers don’t require a job application letter , writing one will help you highlight your skills and achievements and get the hiring manager’s attention. The only time not to send one is when the job listing says not to do so. It can help, and it definitely won't hurt to include an application letter with your resume.

A job application letter, also known as a cover letter , should be sent or uploaded with your resume when applying for jobs. While your resume offers a history of your work experience and an outline of your skills and accomplishments, the job application letter you send to an employer explains why you are qualified for the position and should be selected for an interview.

Writing this letter can seem like a challenging task. However, if you take it one step at a time, you'll soon be an expert at writing application letters to send with your resume.

Melissa Ling / The Balance

Before you begin writing your job application letter, do some groundwork. Consider what information you want to include, and keep in mind that space is limited.

Remember, this letter is making a case for your candidacy for the position. But you should do more than just regurgitate your resume. Instead, highlight your most relevant skills, experiences, and abilities.

Analyze the Job Posting

To include the most convincing, relevant details in your letter, you'll need to know what the employer wants.

The biggest clues are within the job advertisement, so spend some time decoding the job listing . Next, match your qualifications with the employer's wants and needs.

Include Your Most Relevant Qualifications

Make a list of your relevant experience and skills. For instance, if the job ad calls for a strong leader, think of examples of when you've successfully led a team. Once you've jotted down some notes and have a sense of what you want to highlight in your letter, you're ready to start writing.

Writing Guidelines for Job Application Letters

Writing a job application letter is very different from a quick email to a friend or a thank-you note to a relative. Hiring managers and potential interviewers have certain expectations when it comes to the letter's presentation and appearance, from length (no more than a page) and font size to style and letter spacing . Keep these general guidelines in mind, but always stick to any explicit instructions in the job listing or application portal.

Length: A letter of application should be no more than one page long. Three to four paragraphs are typical.

Format and Page Margins: A letter of application should be single-spaced with a space between each paragraph. Use 1-inch margins and align your text to the left, which is the standard alignment for most documents.

Font: Use a traditional font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. The font size should be between 10 and 12 points.

What to Include in Each Section of the Letter

There are also set rules for the sections included in the letter, from salutation to sign-off, and how the letter is organized. Here's a quick overview of the main sections included in a job application letter:

Heading: A job application letter should begin with both your and the employer's contact information (name, address, phone number, email), followed by the date. If this is an email rather than an actual letter, include your contact information at the end of the letter, after your signature.

•   Header Examples

Salutation: This is your polite greeting. The most common salutation is "Dear Mr./Ms." followed by the person's last name. Find out more about appropriate cover letter salutations , including what to do if you don't know the person's name or are unsure of a contact's gender.

Body of the letter: Think of this section as having three distinct parts.

In the first paragraph , you'll want to mention the job you are applying for and where you saw the job listing.

The next paragraph(s) are the most important part of your letter. Remember how you gathered information about what the employer was seeking, and how you could meet their needs? This is where you'll share those relevant details on your experience and accomplishments.

The third and last part of the body of the letter will be your thank you to the employer; you can also offer follow-up information.

Complimentary Close: Sign off your email or letter with a polite close, such as "Best," or "Sincerely," followed by your name.

• Closing Examples

Signature: When you're sending or uploading a printed letter, end with your handwritten signature, followed by your typed name. If this is an email, simply include your typed name, followed by your contact information.

• Signature Examples

Overwhelmed by all these formatting and organization requirements? One way to make the process of writing a job application easier is to use a template to create your own personalized letters. Having a template can help save you time if you are sending a lot of application letters.

Be sure that each letter you send is personalized to the company and position; do not send the same letter to different companies.

• Always write one. Unless a job posting explicitly says not to send a letter of application or cover letter, you should always send one. Even if the company does not request a letter of application, it never hurts to include one. If they do ask you to send a letter, make sure to follow the directions exactly (for example, they might ask you to send the letter as an email attachment or type it directly into their online application system).
• Use business letter format. Use a formal business letter format when writing your letter. Include your contact information at the top, the date, and the employer’s contact information. Be sure to provide a salutation at the beginning and your signature at the end.
• Sell yourself. Throughout the letter, focus on how you would benefit the company. Provide specific examples of times when you demonstrated skills or abilities that would be useful for the job, especially those listed in the job posting or description. If possible, include examples of times when you added value to a company.

Numerical values offer concrete evidence of your skills and accomplishments.

• Use keywords. Reread the job listing, taking note of any keywords (such as skills or abilities that are emphasized in the listing). Try to include some of those words in your cover letter. This will help the employer see that you are a strong fit for the job.
• Keep it brief. Keep your letter under a page long, with no more than about four paragraphs. An employer is more likely to read a concise letter.
• Proofread and edit. Employers are likely to overlook an application with a lot of errors. Read through your cover letter, and if possible, ask a friend or career counselor to review the letter. Proofread for any grammar or spelling errors.

This is a job application letter sample.  Download the letter template (compatible with Google Docs or Word Online) or read the example below.

Sample Job Application Letter (Text Version)

Elizabeth Johnson 12 Jones Street Portland, Maine 04101 555-555-5555 elizabethjohnson@emailaddress.com

August 11, 2024

Mark Smith Human Resources Manager Veggies to Go 238 Main Street Portland, Maine 04101

Dear Mr. Smith,

I was so excited when my former coworker, Jay Lopez, told me about your opening for an administrative assistant in your Portland offices. A long-time Veggies to Go customer and an experienced admin, I would love to help the company achieve its mission of making healthy produce as available as takeout.

I’ve worked for small companies for my entire career, and I relish the opportunity to wear many hats and work with the team to succeed. In my latest role as an administrative assistant at Beauty Corp, I saved my employer thousands of dollars in temp workers by implementing a self-scheduling system for the customer service reps that cut down on canceled shifts. I also learned web design and timesheet coding, and I perfected my Excel skills. 

I’ve attached my resume for your consideration and hope to speak with you soon about your needs for the role.

Best Regards,

Elizabeth Johnson (signature hard copy letter)

Elizabeth Johnson

When you are sending your letter via email include the reason you are writing in the subject line of your message:

Subject Line Example

Subject: Elizabeth Johnson – Administrative Assistant Position

List your contact information in your signature, rather than in the body of the letter:

Email Signature Example

Elizabeth Johnson 555-555-5555 email@emailaddress.com

Review more examples of professionally written cover letters for a variety of circumstances, occupations, and job types.

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

University of Maryland Global Campus. " Cover Letters ."

Official Job Application Letter

Letter maker.

In this fast-paced business environment, it has become very difficult for job seekers to find a job that fits their skills and qualifications. The phrase “job applicants need to stand out” has been stated and implied so many times that it has quite lost its purpose. But despite the phrase being overused, it still bears great importance for job applicants wanting to land their dream job.

• Reference Letter from a Previous Employer Examples – PDF
• Character Reference Letter Examples – PDF

The first step to a successful job application is the creation and submission of a job application letter. Listed below are job application letter examples in PDF format to help you in creating your own application letter. We also included some tips on how to create a job application letter as well as sample job application letters.

Financial Adviser Job Application Letter Example

Size: 49 KB

Graphic Designer Job Application Letter Example

Size: 338 KB

Journalist Job Application Letter Example

Size: 76 KB

Nurse Job Application Letter Example

Size: 96 KB

Tips in Creating a Job Application Letter

A job application letter is not difficult to compose. You just need to incorporate the correct details and you will be hired by the company you are applying for in no time. Here are some tips in creating a job application letter :

Specify the recipient of the letter

It is of high importance that the job application letter should be addressed to a specific person, either to the human resource manager or any company officer. Most of the time, the job listing includes information on to whom you will be submitting your application. The full name together with the designation is usually listed down (for example: Ms. Elizabeth Olsen, Human Resource Manager, or Mr. Paul Bettany, Finance and Payroll Manager).

If a name is nowhere to be found, do research and try to locate the names of the company officers. If you are still unsuccessful, you can just address the application letter to the human resource department (for example: Human Resource Department, ABC Corporation). Take note that addressing to the human resource department is your last option, as listing down the specific recipient is more formal and will be appreciated more by the company.

Limit the content to three paragraphs max

Limit the length of your job application letter to three paragraphs maximum. The first paragraph should include information on the job position you are applying for and the reason why you are applying for the job. The second paragraph should include a short description of your skills as well as the reasons why the company should hire you. The third or closing paragraph should indicate your contact number and/or email address as well as a few sentences that you are looking forward to meeting with them in the future.

Some job application letters combine the first and second paragraphs, while the closing paragraph always closes the job application letter on a high note. Take note that the job application letter is a formal business document and you are addressing the letter to professionals who have years of experience in their respective fields. Make sure the letter is only one-page long and the content should cut directly to the point. HR managers and other company officers don’t have time to read very lengthy job application letters, and these types of letters will easily take a one-way trip to the trash bin.

Be professional

As previously mentioned, job application letters are formal business documents. You are addressing these documents to managers, officers, CEOs, or business owners. Since you are already a professional yourself, keep the job application letter professional. This includes avoiding statements that come off as desperate and hopeless. Among the statements to completely avoid are:

• “Please hire me, I need a job.”
• “Please hire me, I haven’t had a job in a long time.”
• “I have friends working in the company.”
• “My father is good friends with the CEO.”
• “I am willing to work for any job in the company.”
• “I don’t mind working 10 hours a day including Sundays.”
• “It’s hard finding a job being a fresh graduate.”

Don’t forget your signature

Never forget to affix your signature in the job application letter. It might be the easiest thing to do but most times applicants tend to forget affixing their signatures due to mostly being in a hurry to submit their application. Additionally, to make the job application letter formal, do not attach a digital signature . Use your own handwriting (and preferably a marker) instead.

Outline for Official Job Application Letter Example

Size: 114 KB

PT Job Application Letter Example

Size: 119 KB

Social Worker Job Application Letter Example

Size: 161 KB

Sample Job Application Letter with Format (for applicant with experience)

January 1, 2018 (date to be listed should be when the application letter will be submitted)

(standard format – phone number, home address, email address of applicant)

(standard format – name of HR manager or other company officer, name of company, company address) 

Dear Ms. Jones:

I am very interested with the job position your company is offering, namely the full-time Sales Executive position. The reason why I am applying for this position is due mainly to the lure and prestige that your company brings. XYZ Corporation is one of the leading retailers of computer equipment in the city, and has been so for the past decade.

My track record as a proven and effective sales person has also led me in applying for this job. I have worked previously for ABC Corporation and DEF Corporation for five years combined, both of which involved heavy sales work.

My interest in working for the company, my proven sales track record, and my desire to be the best sales person I can become will help me land this job. You can reach at this phone number, +02987443546 and I have also attached my resume for your reference.

I hope we can talk soon about my application. Thank you very much!

Chuck Taylor  

Sample Job Application Letter with Format (for fresh-graduate applicants)

July 4, 2018 (date to be listed should be when the application letter will be submitted)

Greetings, Mr. Lee!

I am submitting this application with the intent of applying as a Comic Book Artist in your company. I recently graduated with a Fine Arts degree from the University of Michigan, and working for Marvel Entertainment, Inc., will definitely start off my graphic artist career on a high note.

Despite having no work experience after only graduating last month, I believe can become a long-term asset for Marvel Entertainment, Inc., due to the skills I possess. I am very proficient in both Adobe Photoshop and CorelDRAW, as evident in the designs I attached in this application.

Aside from the designs, I also attached my resume as well as my transcript of records for your easy reference. I hope we can talk soon about my application. Thank you and have a nice day!

Wade Wilson    

Sample Job Application Letter with Format (for career-shift applicants)

February 14, 2018 (date to be listed should be when the application letter will be submitted)

Good day, Ms. Targaryen!

I hope you are having a fine day! I am very interested in the Technical Analyst vacancy which your company is hiring. This is to inform you that although I do not have any working experience as a technical analyst, I have been preparing for this day ever since I switched careers from being a registered nurse.

My passion has always involved programming and software development, in which I assisted my brother in his software business, selling and maintaining various software security systems to small businesses around the city. I resigned from my work as a nurse six months ago, and after that time I attended numerous seminars and immersed myself in an extensive self-review on software development to prepare me for this job application.

I have attached my resume, certificates from the software development seminars I attended, and various character references with mention of my programming skills for your reference.  

Thank you and I hope we can talk soon about my application.

Respectfully,

Sansa Stark         

Sample Job Application Letter (for managerial positions)

Good day, Mr. Curry!

I hope all is well with you. I am writing this application with the intent of applying as an Accounting Manager in your company, Golden State Inc. Being a manager requires lengthy relevant work experience as well as strong leadership and communication skills.

In regards to work experience, I have worked in a managerial capacity for more than four years in another accounting firm. When it comes to my leadership and communication skills, I made sure the employees in the previous company I worked in strictly adhered to company policies while meeting the required monthly and annual quota. The employees did not only barely meet the quota, but performed at high efficiency rates on a regular basis.

My long-term plan is to work with Golden State Inc. to continue my career on a successful path. I also plan to replicate the success I had with my previous company to Golden State, and make sure this company meets its goals and achieve long-term sustainability.

I have also attached my resume for your reference. I am looking forward to meeting with you soon to discuss my application. Thank you and have a great day!

Sincerely yours,

LeBron James, CPA

Store Manager Job Application Letter Example

Size: 41 KB

Storeperson Job Application Letter Example

Size: 86 KB

Survey Assistant Job Application Letter Example

Size: 79 KB

Writing a job application letter is simple. Even submitting the letter to the company is much more tiring and nerve-racking. As long as you incorporate the necessary details in writing a job application letter, then you can be assured that you will be shortlisted by the company for an interview or exam. We also included some examples (in PDF format) for your reference.

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