cover letter for growing company

Here's How To Write a Cover Letter for a Startup Job in 2022

When you find the right fit, startups can be great places to work in, but this often doesn't eliminate the need for hiring tools like resumes and the dreaded cover letter—even in 2022.

If you're fascinated by the world of technology and want to join a startup that is at the forefront of innovation and growing fast, making a great first impression is key.

» FREE TRIAL: Sign up to LoopCV and automatically personalize your cover letters to reach more opportunities faster

For that, you'll need a cover letter.

A really, really good cover letter.

So, how do you write one that captures the attention of the hiring manager or founder? And what are the steps to jump through the technological hoops of HR software in 2022?

Let's go through each step.

Why Your Cover Letter Matters if You Want To Join a Startup

You may think that cover letters are outdated and, to some degree, they are. But they're also still used by most corporations, and startups are no different.

So what makes for a good startup cover letter?

And how does it differ from a classic one?

Searching for the right position is both a quantitative and qualitative job. You have to strike the right balance between nailing your message and sending out enough applications.

Your cover letter plays the qualitative part of the equation, especially if you're looking to apply for a job at a startup where they want to hire forward-looking individuals.

What Startups are Looking for in a Candidate

Tech startups that are serious about their growth opportunities will want to onboard forward-looking individuals who understand the "chaos" of working in a new environment.

This doesn't mean that a startup is unorganized, it just means that a lot of the processes necessary to handle the type of growth they're going through aren't ready yet.

So the primary thing a hiring manager or founder themselves will want to see from a candidate is the willingness to adapt and make decisions on your own as to what's next.

The primary thing a hiring manager or founder themselves will want to see from a candidate is the willingness to adapt and make decisions on your own as to what's next.

Unlike established firms, startups need to produce results to keep afloat and, therefore, are looking for people with a good amount of confidence in taking ownership of tasks.

(i.e. don't just follow instructions, create them!)

You can absolutely have this type of mentality come through your cover letter and, in fact, it's one of the better places to do so. A cover letter may just be an email for example.

However, don't forget that cover letters are about the value you can deliver to the startup company. They talk directly to somebody in relation to what you can do for them .

Your name, age, and past experiences won't cut it.

You need to go deep into the value you're going to provide instead…

AIDA: The 4 Elements Your Startup Cover Letter Can't Do Without

Borrowed from the world of copywriting (marketing), the AIDA model is perfect for writing a cover letter as well. It stands for Attention, Interest, Desire, and Action.

These 4 elements can help you shape the way you drive the readers' focus down to having them reach out. After all, looking for a job is a form of marketing yourself to a company.

So, let's look into each of them:

1) Attention

This is the most important aspect of your cover letter—the opening. You can't possibly get a startup owner to hire you if you don't grab their attention first, right?

To write a cover letter that grabs attention, you need to get to the heart of the problem as quickly as possible, and become hyper-relevant in doing so.

Here's an example of a standard opening:

"Dear Mr. [Manager's name],

My name is John and I'm interested in applying to [enter company]'s position as [enter role]. I have extensive experience of [enter subject matter] and believe that my skills would fit well with the type of position you're looking to fill.

I've collected multiple certifications in the field of [enter field] over the years and demonstrated impact in previous roles by working on [enter projects], where I've learned to apply my skills in stressful environments such as a startup.

Your company is interesting to me because..."

And here's an example using the AIDA model:

Looking at [enter company]'s open role for [enter position], I can contribute to the growth of your startup company in the following ways:

• Enhance the efficiency of [enter process] by applying my skills in [enter field] and communicating changes with existing employees.
• Drive [enter business goal] forward by implementing [enter tactic] and ensuring the effective rollout of each feature necessary.
• Communicate on a daily basis regarding progress made towards reaching [enter business goal] and steps taken towards improving [enter process].

Prior experience of 5+ years allows me to state with confidence that [enter company]'s goal can be achieved in [enter timeframe], advancing your business infrastructure and cementing your position as a leader in [enter industry].

My contribution to your position will..."

The AIDA model helps the reader understand the value they're getting from the very first paragraph, unlike a standard approach where the applicant talks about themselves only.

This will increase your chances of getting noticed in a sea of same-ish cover letters that are bound to end up either in the trash or that will never receive a response.

2) Interest

Grabbing attention is only one part of the equation though; now you need to attract the interest of the reader by showcasing your skills, or the how of benefitting the startup.

This is where you have free reign to talk about your skills, technicalities that may be related to the job, and things that pertain to you in regards to helping the company.

Don't go overboard, a few paragraphs will suffice. Make sure that what you write is pertinent to the benefits you've highlighted at the beginning of your cover letter.

As the hiring manager or founder goes through your cover letter, they're building up a desire for what you can bring to the table. You've literally given them all the answers!

Now you just need to reinforce the message that what you offer is what they're looking for, and you can do so with a simple message such as:

"My goal is to help [enter company] achieve the goals you've set out to hit in a timely manner, and do so while driving innovation from within the company.

This way, the value you'll gain will be shared among internal collaborators, making my contribution a team effort rather than an individual force."

Mentioning the fact that you're willing to share your knowledge inclusively (i.e. without leaving out other collaborators) increases your desirability in a startup.

Why? Because they're just getting started…

The more value they can build internally, the better.

Having somebody state that they will do what's good for the company as a whole going forward is exactly the type of message you have to send through at the Desire stage.

Finally, you want the reader to take positive action towards making your dream startup job a reality. The way you do this is by providing an entryway into your world.

You've grabbed their attention, funneled their interest, and made yourself desirable; now it's a lot easier for you to pitch your contact details rather than just saying "call me."

The key to this step is conciseness.

You don't want to confuse the reader…

Give the hiring manager one place where they can reach you in regards to your application, one only. Don't beg for a reply, simply give your contact details.

After going through all of what you've written that's specifically catered to helping the organization thrive, the hiring manager will likely shortlist you as a potential candidate.

Your chances of receiving a reply this way are 100x higher than sending a generic "I can do this and that" type of cover letter. Use AIDA to drive action!

This may sound like a lot of work and to some degree it is, but you can streamline the process significantly through the use of job search personalization software like LoopCV.

Here's an example of making your cover letter stand out for multiple startup companies without having to write a new one every single time you want to apply:

» Create a forever free account

» Choose a job title, location, and more

» Personalize your email and cover letter for each position

» Active your "loop" to send out personalized cover letters to each startup

And that's it!

You've just created an automatic way to apply to 100s of highly-qualified jobs at interesting startup companies without having to re-do your cover letter each time.

Personalize Your Startup Cover Letter & Get Replies

Your job isn't a joke, and neither is the process of searching for a job. This is why a cover letter is so important even in startup culture… It builds trust in what you can bring to the table.

In a sea of poorly-written cover letters, your chances of getting noticed are slim. But with the AIDA model (and a bit of creative energy!), you can make it to the other end successfully.

With a bit of preparation and a touch of personalization using software like LoopCV, this numbers' game will quickly turn in your favour and lend you the job of your dreams.

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Entrepreneur / Business Owner Cover Letter Samples & Examples That Worked in 2024

Creating an entrepreneur or business owner cover letter that captures your business acumen and innovative spirit doesn't have to be a challenge. We've got you covered with practical tips, inspiring examples, and customizable templates.

Use them effectively, and you'll have a cover letter that clearly communicates your entrepreneurial grit and value to potential business partners or investors.

In this guide, we'll teach you everything you need to know about writing a cover letter as an entrepreneur. Keep reading to learn about:

• Cover letter examples  for multiple entrepreneurial positions
• Properly formatting your entrepreneur cover letter
• Writing an effective cover letter header & headline
• Personalizing the greeting on your entrepreneur cover letter
• Making your entrepreneur cover letter introduction memorable
• Showing your professional value as an entrepreneur in your cover letter
• Using impactful action words in your entrepreneur cover letter
• Concluding your cover letter with a strong closing statement
• Avoiding common mistakes on an entrepreneur cover letter
• Accessing valuable job search resources for entrepreneurs

Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired.

CEO cover letter example

Why does this CEO cover letter work?

• Effective summary of experience: One strong point in this cover letter is how the candidate effectively summarises their experience right at the start. By mentioning over a decade of experience in leading organizations of various scales (from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies), the candidate instantly sets the stage for their skills and knowledge. This gives readers a clear understanding of the candidate's value proposition.
• Specific role-related skills: Another great aspect of this cover letter is the detailed mention of specific role-related skills. Whether it's coordinating business functions, hiring new employees, or identifying revenue growth opportunities, these skills closely align with the responsibilities of a Chief Executive Officer. By specifying how they've successfully performed these tasks in the past, the candidate clearly communicates their potential value-add to the employer.

What could make this CEO cover letter example better?

• Improving readability with bullet points: A point of potential enhancement in this cover letter is the readability. While it contains valuable information, bullet points could further optimize this. Using bullet points to summarize key achievements or skills allows the reader to quickly scan and grasp crucial aspects of the candidate's potential value.

Business operations manager cover letter sample

What makes this cover letter sample effective?

• A big-picture leader with an eye for detail:  A strong point of this cover letter is a clear demonstration of the candidate's overall command over business operations. From leading a team, handling significant budgets, to ensuring project success and operational oversight, the candidate exhibits an ability to handle complex and varied managerial tasks. 

What can improve this cover letter?

• Avoid repetition — leave the resume to do its job: One improvement for this cover letter could be to avoid repetition of information that is surely available in a resume. By mentioning their educational background and professional certification, which presumably are already detailed in their resume, the candidate has missed an opportunity to instead focus on unique aspects or intriguing nuances of their experience that the resume alone may not effectively convey. Remember, a cover letter complements the resume — it doesn't echo it.

Business development intern cover letter sample

What's a strong point of this cover letter sample?

• Value-added presentation: A clear plus of this resume is how it showcases value addition. Rather than merely listing roles or achievements, this resume connects the dots, linking educational pursuits to practical applications. By associating roles in the Marketing Society and Model United Nations to the development of skills for the internship, this resume spotlights the candidate's capacity to draw learning from one area and effectively apply it to another.

How can we make this intern cover letter sample shine?

• Taming the text: While the content of the resume is undeniably strong, one area for improvement is its length. A more concise, bullet-point format could make it more skimmable, ensuring key points are not overlooked in a quick scan.

1. Properly format your entrepreneurial cover letter

Creating an entrepreneur cover letter can seem daunting, but a little attention to formatting can go a long way. Here are some helpful tips:

• Structured layout: Break your letter into clear sections — introduction, main body, and conclusion — to guide the reader smoothly through your letter.
• Consistent design: Use the same font, size and color scheme as your resume to maintain consistency across your application materials.
• Headers and bullet points: Use headers and bullet points to break down information. This helps the reader to glean key points at a glance.
• White space: Include plenty of white space around your text. It gives your letter a neat, uncluttered look and makes it easier to read.
• Brief and succinct: Keep your language clear, precise, and easy to understand. Remember, less is often more. 

Remember, the goal is to make your letter as clear and easy to read as possible. This can be your first step towards landing that dream business owner role.

Let your cover letter write itself — with AI!

2. write an effective cover letter header & headline.

The first steps to creating a well-written entrepreneur cover letter are to properly format your header and headline.

A cover letter header is a short block of text that includes all the necessary information about the applicant and the company they are applying to.

As for the cover letter headline , this is similar to a title that helps to introduce the topics covered within the letter and hook the attention of the employer.

Below, we have included more in-depth examples and explanations of both of these cover letter elements:

Formatting the header

The header of your cover letter can vary in formatting and order of information, depending on the visual style you are going for on the document. However, it should always contain between 3 to 4 lines of text that include:

• Your name and professional title
• Your professional contact information (phone number, email address, LinkedIn, etc.)
• The name and title of a hiring manager, the company name you are applying to (& the department, when applicable), the company address

Let's take a look at two contrasting examples:

Bad example of a cover letter header

From: John K. Williams [email protected]

Why is it weak? This example falls short as it lacks specific information such as the department or person to which the letter is addressed and the applicant's professional designation. Moreover, using a humorous or self-promoting email can come across as unprofessional.

Good example of an entrepreneur cover letter header

From: John Doe, Entrepreneurship Specialist (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/john-doe

To: John Mitchel, Hiring Manager B2B Academy, Entrepreneurial Department New York, NY 10003

Why does it work?  In this enhanced version, the header addresses the specific person at the receiving company, includes the sender's professional title and more acceptable email. What's more, it contains a phone number and LinkedIn profile for additional contact methods.

Writing the headline

When writing the headline of your cover letter, you should consider how journalist use headlines to catch the eye of potential readers. Your headline should be as accurate as it is compelling, providing an honest look into the information your letter will cover.

To create your headline, you should always use a keyword related to the position, an eye-catching number or trigger word, a powerful adjective or verb, and a promise.

Bad example of a cover letter headline

Experienced Entrepreneur

Why is it ineffective?  This headline is too vague and does not provide any specific information about the applicant's achievements.

Good example of an entrepreneur cover letter headline

Transforming Business Landscapes: A 40% Efficiency Boost through Tech Innovations

Why does it work?  This headline is clear and catchy, showing just how much of a game-changer the applicant can be. It talks up their achievements with real numbers while highlighting their solid tech skills. Essentially, this headline tells a quick, intriguing story that makes anyone want to keep reading and learn more about what this candidate brings to the table.

All in all, a well-crafted header provides complete, professional contact information, while a compelling headline grabs attention and effectively summarizes your value, setting the stage for a successful first impression.

3. Personalize the greeting on your entrepreneur cover letter

The greeting on your cover letter is more important than you might think. It's the first interaction you have with your potential employer, so it's crucial to get it right. Ideally, you want to personalize the greeting with the hiring manager's name. Here's why:

• It shows you’ve taken the time to do a bit of research.
• Personalization creates a connection and is more likely to grab their attention.
• It demonstrates a high degree of professionalism.

But where can you find the hiring manager's name? Here are a few places to start:

• The job listing: Sometimes, it's mentioned right there.
• The company website:  Look for names within the team or contact page.
• LinkedIn:  A bit of detective work can often unearth who you're looking for. 

Here's an example of personalized greetings

Dear Mr. Johnson, Dear Mr. Michael Johnson, Dear Hiring Manager Michael Johnson,

If despite your best efforts, you can't track down a name, don't worry. There are professional ways to open your cover letter:

General greetings for your cover letter

Dear Hiring Manager, — works as a general-purpose greeting. Dear [Company Name] Team, — shows you're addressing the collective group.

Remember, to avoid old-fashioned and impersonal greetings like "To Whom It May Concern." A well-addressed greeting sets the tone of professionalism and personalization, vital for making a good first impression.

4. Make your entrepreneur cover letter introduction memorable

The greeting and headline of your cover letter will do a lot of the heavy-lifting in terms of initially attracting the attention of employers. However, to keep them intrigued, you need a compelling and memorable introductory paragraph that includes:

• A brief overview of your professional history and goals
• A statement on why you are enthusiastic about applying to this company
• A mutual acquaintance (when possible)

Bad example of an entrepreneur cover letter introduction

I am applying for the Entrepreneur position at your company. I have worked in this industry for five years.

Why is it weak? This example is not engaging or memorable, and it doesn't provide any specific information about the applicant's skills or achievements. It's also missing a personal connection and enthusiasm about the company. 

Good example of an entrepreneur cover letter introduction 

Harnessing a rich experience of leading startups and securing investor interest, I’m an entrepreneur with a proven knack for business development. It was during my recent consulting project with your esteemed Head of Business Affairs, Jack Smith, that I learned about the entrepreneurial opportunity at [Company]. Jack's recommendation has encouraged me to apply, firmly believing that my skills can spur further growth at your esteemed company.

What's making this click?  The revised introduction is direct yet intriguing, offers values the candidate brings, and adds a personal touch with a reference within the company. It capitalizes on the applicant's experience while propelling interest for what they could offer in the new role.

5. Show your professional value as an entrepreneur in your cover letter

Following the introduction of your cover letter are the body paragraphs, where you will provide a more in-depth look into what makes you the ideal candidate for the position.

In these body paragraphs, you should strive to answer each of the following questions:

• What excites you about working at this company?
• What do you hope to learn from working at this company?
• What accomplishments or qualifications make you stand out as an applicant?
• What key skills do you possess that are relevant to the position?

Pay special attention to your accomplishments in this section of your cover letter, as they help to show employers the real-life and actionable value you can bring to the company.

Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in an entrepreneur cover letter

As an Entrepreneurial Consultant for [Former Employer], I assisted in the acquisition of a new business asset that raised the market value of the company by roughly $2.4M. Additionally, I conceptualized a company re-brand used to relaunch the business under a new name and mission.

Find out your resume score!

6. Use impactful action words in your entrepreneur cover letter

As you aim to infuse life into your job application, consider adding action verbs to your cover letter. These 'doing' words can make your capabilities and contributions utterly clear and compelling. 

Why does it matter? Here's why: 

• They portray you as a go-getter.
• They allow you to showcase your skills in action.
• They intensify your accomplishments to stand out.

Here are action words that entrepreneurs might find useful in their cover letters

• Spearheaded 
• Engineered 
• Transformed
• Diversified 

Including these action-packed words in your cover letter can enhance readability and rivet the reader’s attention. Boost your entrepreneurial story with these power words and let your accomplishments do the talking!

7. Conclude your cover letter with a strong closing statement

The final component of your entrepreneur cover letter is a powerful closing statement. In this closing statement, you should include:

• An enthusiastic sentence saying you are looking forward to hearing from them
• An additional sentence stating you will follow up, including how you will contact them or how they can contact you
• A formal sign-off

Bad example of a cover letter conclusion

Looking forward to your call.

[Your Name]

Why is this weak? This statement is too passive and doesn't show any proactive intention from the candidate's side. It's also quite generic, lacking a personal touch or specific mention of the role.

Good example of closing statement on an entrepreneur cover letter

I am eager to speak with you directly about how I can apply my entrepreneurial skills to grow your business and achieve your company’s objectives efficiently. To best reach me, you may call (123) 456-7890 any weekday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to set up a formal meeting time. I greatly look forward to hearing from you and will reach back out in a week’s time to follow up.

Yours Truly,

[Applicant Name]

Why does it work?  This version has the candidate taking active steps for follow-up, clearly mentioning their interest, and providing specific details on when they can be contacted. It leaves a more professional and thoughtful impression.

8. Avoid common mistakes in an entrepreneur cover letter

Steer clear of these pitfalls when crafting your entrepreneur cover letter:

• Overusing jargon: Limit your use of buzzwords and focus more on clear, straightforward language. Keep it human.
• One-size-fits-all approach: Customize each cover letter to match the specific job you're applying for. Generic letters usually lack punch.
• Too long, didn't read: Keep your cover letter concise. If it's too lengthy, key points might be overlooked.
• Neglecting proofreading: Spelling mistakes or grammatical errors can undermine your credibility. Double-check your work .
• Being too humble: Don't shy away from showcasing your achievements. Let them know what you're capable of.
• Lack of follow-up plan: Indicate your plan to touch base or your availability for a future conversation.

Remember, your cover letter is often your first impression — make it count.

9.Average salary and job outlook for entrepreneurs 

When it comes to entrepreneurs, earnings can vary greatly depending on the type of business, industry, and the entrepreneur's level of experience and success. However, for an equivalent comparison, we can look at data for top executives.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , top executives earned an average annual wage of $100,090 as of May 2022. Remember, this may well be less than what successful entrepreneurs can make, but it gives a general picture of salary in a leadership role.

In terms of outlook, the employment of top executives is projected to grow by 3% from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. What does this mean for potential entrepreneurs? There's going to be competition, but there's also room for growth and opportunity.

Notably, about 311,600 openings for top executive positions are projected each year, on average, over the decade. While not all entrepreneurs are looking to fill such openings, this figure does suggest a healthy demand for individuals with leadership prowess and business acumen — key traits of successful entrepreneurs.

10. Valuable job search resources for entrepreneurs 

As an entrepreneur, your role often requires you to wear many hats and make critical decisions. To successfully navigate this sphere, here's a list of must-have resources:

• Startup job boards:  Sites like AngelList , VentureLoop , and Crunchboard are excellent for finding opportunities in new and emerging companies.
• Networking platforms:   LinkedIn is invaluable not just for job search but also for connecting with other professionals, investors and potential partners in the entrepreneurial space.
• Professional organizations:  Groups like the Young Entrepreneur Council or Entrepreneurs' Organization offer resources, mentorship and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs.
• Online communities:  Platforms like Reddit (especially the r/startups and r/Entrepreneur subreddits) can offer a wealth of advice, collaboration opportunities, and even job postings.
• Pitch events:  Many cities host events where entrepreneurs can pitch their ideas to potential investors. Check local listings for opportunities.
• Co-working spaces:  Beyond just a place to work, these environments often foster a community of like-minded entrepreneurs and can be a source of advice, networking, and job opportunities. 

Remember, stepping into the entrepreneurial world is a brave step. With the right resources, your journey can become smoother and potentially more rewarding.

Follow this cover letter outline for maximum success.

Entrepreneur / Business Owner Cover Letter FAQ

Your entrepreneur cover letter should include your contact information, a personalized greeting, and an engaging introduction. Highlight your relevant experience, entrepreneurial skills, achievements, and explain why you're interested in this specific opportunity. Wrap it up with a compelling closing and your signature.

To make your cover letter stand out, focus on your achievements as an entrepreneur, highlight your problem-solving skills, and demonstrate your innovative thinking. Customization is key, so make sure your letter is tailored to the opportunity you're pursuing.

Yes, it's best to create a unique cover letter for each opportunity. This allows you to speak directly to the needs of the specific organization or individual you're contacting, which is likely to make a stronger impression.

Your cover letter should ideally be one page long, encompassing about three to four brief paragraphs. 

An entrepreneur cover letter should be professional, yet also reveal your personal passion and drive. Steer clear of overly formal language and let your entrepreneurial spirit shine through.

Julia Gergelova

Julia is a professional writer, translator and graphic designer. She holds degrees in translation and interpretation, and has international work experience from a number of different countries in Europe as well as China and Panama. Julia formerly taught academic writing and as a graphic designer contributed to outlets such as  The Business of Business . She has a passion for lifelong learning and good coffee.

All business cover letter examples

• Account Manager
• Business Development
• Procurement

All entrepreneur / business owner cover letter examples

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1 Head of Growth Cover Letter Example

Heads of Growth are strategic visionaries, adept at identifying opportunities, driving innovation, and scaling businesses to new heights. Similarly, your cover letter is your strategic roadmap, highlighting your unique skills, experiences, and your ability to drive growth. In this guide, we'll delve into the best cover letter examples for Heads of Growth, helping you craft a narrative that showcases your ability to propel a company forward.

Cover Letter Examples

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The best way to start a Head of Growth cover letter is with a compelling hook that showcases your understanding of the company's growth challenges and your enthusiasm for addressing them. Begin with a concise statement that reflects your knowledge of the industry and the specific company, then quickly pivot to highlight a key achievement that demonstrates your ability to drive significant growth. For example: "Recognizing ABC Corp's ambition to dominate the tech industry, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my track record of scaling user bases by 200% year-over-year to your dynamic team." This approach immediately aligns your experience with the company's goals and sets the stage for presenting your qualifications.

Head of Growths should end a cover letter by summarizing their qualifications and expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity. They should reiterate their interest in the role and how their skills and experiences align with the company's goals. It's also important to express eagerness to contribute to the company's growth. For example: "I am excited about the possibility of bringing my unique blend of skills and experience to your company and driving your growth strategies forward. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team." Always thank the reader for their time and consideration, and express your hope for further discussion. Remember to end with a professional closing such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name.

A cover letter for a Head of Growth position should ideally be one page long. This length is sufficient to succinctly present your qualifications, achievements, and interest in the role without overwhelming the reader. As a Head of Growth, you're expected to communicate effectively and efficiently, and your cover letter should reflect this. It's important to be concise and to the point, focusing on your most relevant experiences and skills that make you a strong fit for the role. Too long of a cover letter may lose the reader's interest, while too short may not provide enough information about your suitability for the role.

Writing a cover letter for a Head of Growth position without prior experience in the same role can be challenging, but it's not impossible. Here's how you can approach it: 1. Highlight Relevant Skills: Even if you haven't held the title before, you may have relevant skills from other roles that can be transferred to a Head of Growth position. These might include strategic planning, data analysis, marketing, project management, leadership, and more. Make sure to highlight these in your cover letter. 2. Show Results: If you've been able to drive growth in previous roles, even if they weren't specifically as a Head of Growth, make sure to mention this. Use specific numbers and examples to illustrate your success. 3. Demonstrate Understanding: Show that you understand what the role of a Head of Growth entails. This might involve discussing how you've worked closely with a growth team in the past, or how you've studied growth strategies in your own time. 4. Express Passion: A Head of Growth needs to be passionate about driving business success. Make sure to convey your enthusiasm for this in your cover letter. 5. Tailor Your Letter: Make sure your cover letter is tailored to the specific company and role you're applying for. Research the company and understand their growth challenges and opportunities, then discuss how you can help address these. 6. Show Willingness to Learn: If there are areas you lack experience in, be honest about this, but also show your willingness and ability to learn quickly. Here's a sample structure: - Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and express your interest in the role. - Body: Discuss your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. Show your understanding of the role and the company's growth challenges and opportunities. - Conclusion: Reiterate your interest in the role and your eagerness to contribute to the company's growth. Thank the reader for their time and consideration. Remember, your cover letter is your chance to make a strong first impression, so take the time to make it compelling and persuasive.

Related Cover Letters for Head of Growths

Growth manager cover letter.

Business Development Manager Cover Letter

Chief Marketing Officer Cover Letter

Marketing Manager Cover Letter

Product Manager Cover Letter

Digital Marketing Manager Cover Letter

Head of Growth Cover Letter

Related Resumes for Head of Growths

Head of growth resume example.

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Business Cover Letter Examples & Templates [2024 ready]

You have an eye for detail and a salesman’s touch. Use our ready business cover letter template to get a seat at the negotiating table and seal the deal.

In business, first impressions matter. More often than we would like to admit, they dictate whether we seal the deal.

And since your business cover letter is the very first impression you make on your employer, you need a document that will get you to the negotiating table. We got you on that. 

In this article, you’ll get:

• Two business cover letter examples: for experienced and entry-level Business representatives.
• All you need to know about the correct business cover letter format. 
• Step-by-step tips on how to write professional cover letters that will get you a seat at the table.
• A template you can copy, adjust, and have ready in 15 minutes.

Save hours of work and get a cover letter like this. Pick a template, fill it in. Quick and easy. Choose from 18+ cover letter templates and download your cover letter now.

Create your cover letter now

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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

Looking for other cover letter examples for similar positions? See:

• Business Analyst Cover Letter
• Business Development Cover Letter
• Consulting Cover Letter
• Digital Marketing Cover Letter
• Executive Cover Letter
• Manager Cover Letter
• Marketing Intern Cover Letter
• Office Manager Cover Letter
• Product Manager Cover Letter
• Project Manager Cover Letter

Haven't found what you're looking for? Check all our  Good Cover Letter Examples.

For starters, read these two business cover letter examples. What do you think makes them so great?

1. Business Cover Letter Examples

First, see this sample business cover letter for a candidate with a few years of relevant professional experience as a business development consultant, Thomas.

The job to which Tom is applying requires experience in planning, organizing and managing business projects, including performing research, developing detailed business proposals, as well as determining, tracking, and reporting on KPIs. See how well this business cover letter shows he’s the perfect candidate:

Example #1: Experienced Business Cover Letter

Experienced Cover Letter Example—Text Version

Thomas Smith

Phone: +1-292-322-2322

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tom-g-smith

Anytown, July 15, 2019

Greg Employer

Head of Consulting

Consulting Company Inc.

14 Corporate Drive

Anytown, IL 60623

As a long-term reader of Consulting Company Inc.’s industry blog, I was thrilled to see an opening for a Business Consultant with your company. With my 5+ years of experience in developing and managing comprehensive business projects and proposals, I am confident I can deliver on the objectives and key results you are working towards.

In the job listing, you state that you’re looking for a consultant skilled in planning, researching, organizing, and managing business projects and proposals. You also require an individual that is willing to take responsibility for setting, tracking, and reporting on key metrics.

In my current position with Consulting House, I take absolute ownership of my projects’ metrics. The most recent project I planned and executed was the launch of a new beauty brand of our Client X. For this project, I agreed with the client on a target of 20,000 units sold and a revenue of $1m in the first quarter. I prepared bi-weekly reports identifying key trends and issues, which allowed us to adjust our business strategy constantly, and helped us to exceed the Q1 units sold target by a gap in the market for a new, similar product launching next month.

I am aware that at Consulting Company Inc, you base your approach on solid data and the newest prediction technologies, including AI. I am sure that my data-driven approach will be the right fit for you team, and the tools and practices you have will help me grow and reach my personal goals.

Can we schedule a meeting or a call to discuss how I can help strengthen the relationships Consulting Company has with its customers by delivering world-class results?

+1-292-322-2322

[email protected]

Did this business cover letter sample seem overwhelming? Afraid you can’t get that top business job because you don’t have that much experience?

Don’t worry. Even if you are just fresh out of college, you can write a business cover letter that will get you in the room. Here’s another candidate, Elaine. She’s applying for a business internship that will involve performing research, analysis, and reporting to support existing business projects.

Elaine has never worked in business before, but the following internship cover letter shows she has all the skills that they require.

Example #2: Entry-Level Candidate (Cover Letter For a Business Internship)

Entry-Level Candidate (Cover Letter For a Business Internship)—Text version

Elaine Watson

221-522-4343

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/elainewatsonn

In the job posting, you say you are searching for interns to research, analyze, and report on your business projects. As a highly-motivated final-year college student with strong interpersonal skills, well-developed research skills and attention to detail, I would like to apply for the position of Business Intern with Consulting Company Inc. 

I am studying Business Administration at NYU. Currently, I hold a 3.8 GPA and made the Dean's List last semester. I have tactically oriented my coursework around market research and analytics, as reading between the lines and finding the missing piece is something that excites me.

I have developed those strong research and analysis skills not only through my studies, but also through being part of the Business Society, where we worked on hypothetical and real-life business cases. After I presented my report for one of the projects we prepared, I was commended for excellent research of the beauty product category, and identifying key niche gaps in the market. 

Can we schedule or a call to discuss how I can contribute my skills to your research and analysis activities?

Best Regards,

So, here are two amazing cover letters.  Now, let’s write an equally striking business cover letter for yourself.

2. Write a Business Cover Letter Step by Step (Easy-To-Fill Business Cover Letter Template)

1. follow the perfect business cover letter format.

Business professionals must be organized, concise, and radiate professionalism at every step. It doesn’t matter if you’re writing an executive business development cover letter or a business cover letter for an administrative position—perfect layout must shine right out of it.

Here are the key rules for the perfect cover letter format :

• Use ‘Align Left’, don’t use justification. Not indenting paragraphs will give you more room.
• Use equal, at least 1-inch margins on all sides.
• Use an elegant, readable cover letter font—Arial, Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, Georgia.
• Use 1.15 line spacing. Always leave a space between each section, and between paragraphs.
• One page is always enough when it comes to the length of a cover letter .

Now that your business cover letter format is presentable, let’s dive more in-depth into what to include in your cover letter for business jobs.

2. Compose a Professional Cover Letter Header With Contact Information

The important thing to keep in mind about your business cover letter header, is to make sure it matches the heading on your resume . Both of those headers should include your full name, job title and contact details. Right below the header, list the city, date, and details of the hiring manager.

Follow this business cover letter sample:

Business Cover Letter Header 

[ Your Full Name]

[ Your Job Title ] (Optional)

[ Phone Number ]

[ Email Address ]

[ LinkedIn Profile ]

[ City and Date ]

[ Hiring Manager’s Full Name ]

[ Hiring Manager’s Position, e.g. Business Team Leader ]

[ Company Name ]

[ Company Street Address ]

[ City and Zip Code ]

The ResumeLab builder is more than looks. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Easy. Improve your resume in our resume builder now .

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Nail it all with a splash of color, choose a clean font, and highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You’re the perfect candidate, and we’ll prove it. Use our resume builder now .

3. Identify the Job to Which You’re Applying and Introduce Yourself

Face the reality. The hiring manager has many more pieces of paper on her desk than yours. Once they finally read yours, you don’t want to lose them straight away, which is what happens in most cases. For this reason—make the hiring manager know that she’s not wasting her time.

Address the hiring manager by name . Additional points for finding this out if it wasn’t given in the job posting. Be creative, use LinkedIn and if you must—a phone.  Start the cover letter by identifying the job which you’re applying to, and straight away show exactly why you are the right fit.

Use this business cover letter template for reference. Just fill in the [blanks] with what’s relevant to you and the job you are applying to.

Business Cover Letter Sample: Introduction

Dear  [Hiring Manager’s Name] :

Once I discovered the job posting for  [Position Title]  at  [Target Company Name] , I was elated. As a business professional with  [number of years]  years of professional experience, and with considerable skills in  [market research/data analysis/critical thinking/problem solving/other relevant skills you have]  I’m sure I can help your team with your next goal.

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 .

4. Highlight Your Relevant Strengths

In a business cover letter, the second paragraph should refer directly to the job description of the position you are targeting. You want to demonstrate that you are the perfect match. 

Pick the most important requirements and responsibilities and give examples of those, underlined by achievements that will make you stand out from the other candidates. You can start with this fill-in-the-blank template:

Sample Business Cover Letter: Middle Paragraph

In the ad, you require a  [Position Name]  experienced in  [refer to the requirements of the job] . In my most recent position with  [Name of Your Current or Most Recent Company],  I have succeeded at  [responsibilities, duties, or projects you’ve successfully completed, supported by metrics, if possible] . I strongly believe I can translate those skills into success for  [Target Company Name] .

Expert Hint: If you see your future in Business Analysis, the International Institute of Business Analysis offers the gold-standard certifications. Their body of knowledge is the leading framework, and you will master it during the course. It also offers a chance to expand your business network.

5. Explain Why You Want In

In the third paragraph of your business cover letter, show your enthusiasm and interest in the company. There are many candidates with the same skills as you—

Which is why they will hire the one that is the most interested and excited by the prospect of working there. Highlight why you want this job more than any other. Use this template:

Business Cover Letter Example: Your Motivation

I was really excited when I found out that at  [Target Company Name] , you focus all your business activities around  [something you genuinely admire about the company] . Your values and mission reflect my professional beliefs, which is why I think  [Target Company Name]  would be the perfect place for me to grow, while helping you reach your business goals.

6. Get That Reply: Include a Call to Action

At the very end of your cover letter , don’t be passive. Don’t “ hope to hear from you. ” If you don’t ask—you don’t get.

Put an emphasis on the strongest point of your pitch—something they could be genuinely interested in, and ask for a meeting or at least a call. This is a sample business manager cover letter closing you can use for reference:

Sample Cover Letter for Business: Call to Action & Formal Closing

Can we schedule a call or a meeting to discuss how my skills can help  [Target Company Name]  achieve  [your goals/all your KPIs/your business objectives]  in the near future?

Best regards,

[Digital Copy of Your Handwritten Signature]

[Your Full Name]

[Phone Number]

[Email Address]

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 .

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 .

While writing a business cover letter, you should:

• Find out the name of the hiring manager, and address the business cover letter to them. 
• Identify the position you are applying for, introduce yourself, and list your strengths in the first paragraph.
• Show achievements and qualities corresponding to what is asked for in the job description—in the second paragraph
• Show enthusiasm and interest in the company in the third paragraph of your business cover letter.
• Tie it all up with a strong call to action, asking for a meeting, and sign off professionally.

Business and development jobs often require you to relocate. If that's the case, check out our guide on writing a  cover letter when relocating . 

Any questions on business cover letter format left unanswered? Need further help with writing your business cover letter? Let me know in the comments, I’ll be more than happy to help!

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.

Dave is a career expert delivering a wide range of well-researched advice regarding the job hunting and application process. At ResumeLab, his data-driven resume and cover letter guides help readers capitalize on their potential.

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Business Cover Letter Example & How-To Guide in 2024

You’re a master of negotiation.

You can analyze a balance sheet in your sleep, and you've got industry know-how down to a science.

But all your business acumen evaporates when you’re staring at a blank screen, trying to draft your cover letter.

Your career centers on effective communication and strategy, and yet this is the one place you’re lost.

Don’t worry. We know your struggle, and we’re here to help.

In this article, we’re going to teach you:

• What a Job-Winning Business Cover Letter Looks Like
• 5 Steps to Writing a Flawless Business Cover Letter
• 3 Essential Cover Letter Tips for Business Professionals

Let’s get started.

Business Cover Letter Example

5 Steps for the Perfect Business Cover Letter

You've just seen a top-notch business cover letter that's sure to get noticed.

Now it's your turn to learn how to write a cover letter that shows off your skills and lands you that job! Just follow the steps we're about to dive into:

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

Start your business cover letter by putting your contact details at the top, just like you would on your resume header . Here's what you should have up there:

• Full Name. Place your full name near the top corner of the page.
• Job Title. Use the exact title mentioned in the job ad you're applying for. With hiring managers juggling multiple roles, being specific helps them, which helps you.
• Email Address. Go with a professional email. Ditch quirky emails you might have had in your younger days. For example, [email protected] is a no-go, but [email protected] works just fine.
• Phone Number. Make sure it's a number where you can be reached easily. If the job is international, include the dialing code.
• Location. Your city and state (or country) are enough. But if you're looking for a remote role or planning to move, make that clear in both your resume and cover letter.
• Relevant Links (optional). Adding links to any important websites or social media profiles, like LinkedIn, is always a good idea.

After sorting out your details, focus on the hiring manager's contact information :

• Company Name. Write down the company's name.
• Hiring Manager’s Name. Include the hiring manager’s name, if you can find it.
• Hiring Manager’s Title. If you find out the hiring manager’s exact job title, say, the Director of Business Development , use that title instead of just "Hiring Manager."
• Location. Add the city and state (or country) of the company, especially if they have multiple locations. You can add the street address if you want to be super specific.
• Date (optional). Including the date you wrote the cover letter adds a professional flair.

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

Once you've got all your contact details down, it's time to address the person who'll be reading your cover letter .

Trust us, "To Whom It May Concern" is not how you want to start your first impression.

Do a little homework first. Look up the company website, the job ad, or their LinkedIn profile to find the person who’s hiring for the job you’re after. You should be able to find their name somewhere and add it to your cover letter.

Then address them by using "Mr." or "Ms.", followed by their last name. If you're not certain about their gender or marital status, their full name works fine. For instance:

• Dear Mr. Thompson  
• Dear Alex Thompson

But if you couldn't find any information on the hiring manager or the head of the business department you’re looking to join, no worries. You can still address your letter to the team or the company at large:

• Dear Business Department  
• Dear Hiring Team  
• Dear Human Resources Team  
• Dear Head of Business

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

Hiring managers spend just a few seconds on each application before deciding if it’s worth reading more into it.

That's why nailing the start of your cover letter is key, especially when you're eyeing a business role. Lead with why this job catches your eye and some of the skills you’re bringing. Showing real enthusiasm for the role or the field can also make a hiring manager take a second look.

Doing your homework about the company pays off. The better you understand them, the more you can show how well you'd fit their culture. It's a strong signal that you're not just throwing applications left and right but are genuinely keen on this specific role.

Depending on your career stage, you might want to start your business cover letter with a standout achievement or any skills that make you a shoo-in for the job. Just keep it short and sweet. The goal here is to spark interest, so the hiring manager will read the rest of your letter.

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

The core part of your cover letter is your chance to shine as a business professional . Here, you want to go beyond the bullet points on your resume to really sell your skills and experience.

And don't just repeat your resume. Use this space to highlight what sets you apart from the competition. If you have any big wins in the business world, this is where you want to mention them. Take cues from the job ad to tailor your letter accordingly. 

For example, if you're applying for a role that requires strong analytical skills, focus on achievements from your past that prove you've got what it takes. Instead of talking about general leadership qualities, point out how you've used analytics to drive business growth.

Being knowledgeable about the company you're applying to can earn you extra points. If you're familiar with their market presence or have insights into their business model, weave that into your letter. It makes the hiring manager see you as a more suitable candidate when compared to the rest.

Make sure your enthusiasm shines through your entire letter, so it’s obvious you want this job, not just a job. Express your excitement for the role and be confident in stating how you can add value to their team with your unique skills and experience.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out our other cover letter examples !

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Nailing the conclusion of your cover letter is essential. You want to assure the hiring manager that they've made the right choice in reading your application to the end.

Write a brief conclusion to your cover letter so you can recap why you're the ideal candidate for the business role you’re targeting. Briefly reiterate some of your most relevant skills, but don’t go overboard. The idea here is to summarize your key selling points.

Then add a call to action. This could be an invitation for the hiring manager to further discuss your application or to arrange an interview. This leaves a lasting impression and nudges the hiring manager to do something, which increases your odds of progressing to the next step.

Lastly, sign your business cover letter like a real professional. Just pick an appropriate closing line and sign your name underneath. Here's a sample:

Feel free to contact me at your convenience so that we may arrange an interview and further discuss how I can contribute to your business goals.

Warm regards,

Alex Johnson

If "Warm regards" feels too clichéd, other professional yet approachable options include:

• Yours sincerely,
• Yours truly,
• Thanks for your time,

3 Essential Business Cover Letter Tips

You already know the basics of crafting a solid business cover letter.

Now, let's take yours to the next level with some tailored cover letter tips for the business world.

#1. Match Your Resume

Your cover letter should echo the professionalism of your resume.

Presentation skills matter, and your application is the first place you get to showcase yours. If your resume and cover letter don’t pair well, you could come off as an unpolished candidate.

Make sure your text is positioned neatly on the page, and keep the font uniform all the way through. Just as you'd handle a business proposal, pay attention to those page margins and the line spacing. And while you’re at it, remember to keep it brief—an ideal cover letter is always one neat page.

Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead

Are you trying to get your application out there as soon as possible?

Our resume builder is a lifesaver. Use it to create the best business resume in minutes, and grab one of our matching cover letter templates to complete your application. 

Every one of our templates is designed with feedback from hiring managers from around the globe, so they meet all industry standards and give your application a sleek, professional look.

#2. Mention Skills

Hiring managers want to know what you can bring to the table, and there’s no better way to show them than by mentioning your skills.

Your business cover letter should always include the most essential skills from your resume . Your skills tell the hiring manager what you can do and how much they might need to train you. But only if you mention your skills in the right way.

Don’t just toss them in there randomly, like a salad. Connect the dots for the hiring manager by weaving a narrative that backs up every skill you mention. For example, if you're good at data analysis, explain how that skill helped improve a past employer's quarterly earnings. 

The key here is relevance. Discussing your skills in context shows you're not only skilled but also aware of how those skills can benefit the company. It paints a picture of you as a well-rounded candidate who’s both qualified and ready to hit the ground running.

#3. Proofread the Final Draft

Never underestimate the importance of proofreading your cover letter.

A single typo or grammatical error might seem small, but to many hiring managers, it can scream "carelessness”—a crucial cover letter mistake for any candidate who claims to have “an eye for detail”.

Hundreds of applications get tossed aside for the same reason. So, to make sure your business cover letter is spotless, take the time to read it multiple times. Consider asking a friend for a fresh perspective, just in case you missed something yourself.

We recommend you also use a spell-checking tool like Grammarly . Don’t trust it blindly, though - you should always take the time to decide for yourself if it’s correct. Clean and polished writing shows professionalism, which can make all the difference in your application's success.

Key Takeaways

And that’s all there is to writing your business cover letter!

Hopefully, we’ve inspired you, and you’ve prepared your application for that job you’ve been eyeing.

But before we say goodbye, let’s do a brief recap of what we mentioned:

• The top of your business cover letter should have a header where you include your contact information as well as the hiring manager’s. Just make sure it’s factually correct.
• Your opening paragraph should be captivating, or else the hiring manager might not bother to read more of it. Mention why you’re writing and be enthusiastic, so it shows you’re genuinely interested.
• The body of your cover letter should include the bulk of your sales pitch. Focus on your relevant achievements, qualifications, and skills and how they relate to the job you’re after.
• Make sure your cover letter matches your resume. This shows a professional touch, and it helps the hiring manager pick out your application from all the rest.

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How to write a stand-out cover letter when applying to a startup

I'm regularly asked by candidates whether they should write a cover letter, and what to include. I'm noting down a few recommendations that I believe will help you stand out.

Sam Franklin

Read more posts by this author.

I'm regularly asked by candidates whether they should write a cover letter, and what to include. I'm noting down a few recommendations that I believe will help you stand out.

When to write a cover letter?

If you are excited about the role, I believe there's only one situation where you shouldn't write a cover letter.

When applying for a job, sometimes companies ask for additional answers alongside a CV (e.g. "What excites you about our company?"). In this case I don't believe you need to write a cover letter. They've been helpful to give you a clear opportunity to stand out.

Otherwise, I recommend writing a cover letter. I say this because I advocate for making fewer, better applications. I know it's hard to spend more time on an individual application, especially when job searching feels like a numbers game. But I feel writing quality applications is a better strategy for securing a great role. If others are sending their CV and nothing else, and you're writing a well-crafted cover letter, you are more likely to stand out!

What to write in a cover letter

To structure the cover letter, imagine you're being asked these two questions and use one paragraph to answer each. Your cover letter should be brief (1 page).

1 - What excites you about company X?

The best way to stand out is to demonstrate you have put time and thought into understanding the company.

There are simple things you can do that will instantly elevate you above candidates who haven't put additional effort in:

• Refer to an article/blog which talks about the company
• Talk about how you've tried the product and what you like
• Write why you like the mission, or show an understanding of the problem being solved

I've also written an article on 6 areas to research before interviewing at a startup - these are all useful areas to include in a cover letter to show you're excited.

Once you've written this paragraph, ask yourself "If I replaced company X with another company, for example a competitor, would it still make sense?". If the answer is yes, you probably need to add more insight and detail. The aim is to avoid seeming generic.

I often see receive cover letters with sentences like "I want to join Otta as you are changing recruiting" and this isn't enough insight to help you stand out. In fact, sometimes it can work against you, as you've made the effort to write a cover letter but haven't taken the time to write in-depth!

2 - Why do you want this role?

Your CV tells the hiring manager about your previous experience, but it doesn't say anything about your motivations. I believe a cover letter is a great opportunity to tell more of your story.

Here are some example questions that you may want to answer in this paragraph:

• What is it about this role that you really like? (Look carefully at the job description and the areas that excite you)
• If you're applying for a more senior role, why is now the right time?
• If you're moving from a corporate to a startup, why are you confident that a fast-growth environment is right for you? (I've written an article about the qualities startups look for when hiring )
• If you're making a career shift (e.g. strategy to marketing), what is your reasoning? What have you done to make yourself confident this is the right move for you?
• What do you want to achieve in your next role?
• Where do you want to be in 3-5 years and how will this role help you?
• What's important in your next role?

You don't need to tell your whole story (e.g. why you decided to start your career as a software engineer). Ideally you'll find a few interesting areas where the hiring manager will think "yes, that's exactly what we need!" and this will elevate you above other candidates.

Don't make your cover letter an extension of your CV

When reading cover letters, I make this comment about 50% of the time. A lot of candidates use a cover letter to write their CV in more detail. Either by writing more achievements, including deeper detail about projects, or repeating selling-points from the CV.

In my experience, a hiring manager will use the CV to judge your experience and suitability. They're looking to the cover letter to find something else to excite them. I believe my advice (explaining your excitement about the company and why you want the role) will help you stand out more.

If you find yourself using a cover letter to write more detail, I recommend going back to your CV and make edits to include those details in a concise way.

Ready to start your job search?

Find your next role at a fast-growing company

The 23 Best Cover Letter Examples: What They Got Right

Published: December 14, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

5 Free Cover Letter Templates

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

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

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

Cover Letter Examples

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

Customizable Cover Letter Examples

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

1. Standard Cover Letter Example

Download a Customizable Copy of This Cover Letter Example

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

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

Why I Love It

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

2. Data-Driven Cover Letter Sample

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

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

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

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

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

3. Entry-Level Cover Letter Example

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking for more? Download the entire kit below.

5 Professional Cover Letter Templates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Image Source

Here’s another instance of the power of personalization.

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

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

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

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

Why This Is A Great Cover Letter

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

Further reading: Sales Cover Letter Tips

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Yes, the applicant was hired).

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

Read more: Customer Service Cover Letter Tips

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

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

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

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

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

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

Featured Resource: 5 Free Cover Letter Templates

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

Short Cover Letter Examples

4. the short-and-sweet cover letter.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The key to this standout cover letter is research.

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

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

5. The Short Story

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

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

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

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

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

6. The Bare Bones Cover Letter

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

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

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

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

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

Check out this post for more useful cover letter tips .

7. The Breezy Follow-Up

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

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

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

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

8. The Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

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

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

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

This example further illustrates the importance of research.

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

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

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

Further reading: 15 Cover Letter Templates

9. The Internship Cover Letter

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

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

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

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

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

Further reading for recent graduates:

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

Creative Cover Letter Examples

10. the brutally honest cover letter.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Further reading:

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

11. The Pivot Cover Letter

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

It’s clean but effective.

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

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

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

12. The Graphic Design Cover Letter

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

It’s got so much going for it:

• Pop of color
• Clean layout
• Interesting fonts

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

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

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

Job Cover Letter Examples

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

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

13. Consulting Internship Cover Letter Example

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

14. Nonprofit Referral Cover Letter Example

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

15. General Email Inquiry Cover Letter Example

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more: How to Write a Letter of Interest

16. Post-Phone-Call Cover Letter Example

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more: How to Start a Cover Letter

17. Mission-Driven Graduate Cover Letter Example

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

18. Short Recommendation Cover Letter Example

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

19. Professor or Research Position Cover Letter Example

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

20. Director Cover Letter Example

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21. Editorial Cover Letter Example

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

22. Promotion Cover Letter Example

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

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

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

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

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

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

23. Law Cover Letter Example

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is a good cover letter?

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

What’s on a cover letter?

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

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

Learn more:

• Dear Sir or Madam Alternatives
• Cover Letter Greetings

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

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

Work Experience

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

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

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

• Email Closing Line Examples
• Tips for Writing Conclusions

What does a cover letter look like?

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

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

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

What makes a great cover letter?

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

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

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

Personalized Introduction

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

Helpful Cover Letter Introduction:

"Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

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

Unhelpful Cover Letter Introduction:

"To Whom it May Concern,

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

Relevant Professional Experience

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

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

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

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

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

Helpful Cover Letter Experience:

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

Unhelpful Cover Letter Experience:

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

Useful Examples

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

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

Helpful Cover Letter Example:

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

Unhelpful Cover Letter Example:

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

Research and Company Knowledge

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

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

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

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

Helpful Cover Letter Research:

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

Unhelpful Cover Letter Research:

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

Clear Writing

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

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

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

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

Helpful Cover Letter Writing:

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

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

Unhelpful Cover Letter Writing:

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

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

Genuine Interest and Enthusiasm

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

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

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

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

Helpful Cover Letter Tone:

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

Unhelpful Cover Letter Tone:

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

Memorable Conclusion

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

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

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

Helpful Cover Letter Conclusion:

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

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

[Your Name]"

Unhelpful Cover Letter Conclusion:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don't forget to share this post!

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How To Write an Effective Cover Letter for a Growth Marketer (With Examples)

Are you looking to land a remote job as a growth marketer? You've come to the right place! One of the most important parts of applying for a job is the cover letter. This is your chance to show the hiring manager why you're the right fit for the position.

Here are some tips for writing an effective cover letter:

• Do your research

Before you start writing your cover letter, make sure you've thoroughly researched the company and the position you're applying for. Take the time to read through the job description and company website. This will help you tailor your cover letter to the specific role and show the hiring manager that you've done your homework.

• Show your passion

Growth marketing is an exciting field, and hiring managers want to see that you're passionate about it. Make sure to highlight why you're interested in growth marketing and what motivates you in the field. This will help you stand out from other candidates who may not have the same level of enthusiasm.

• Highlight your experience

Your cover letter should highlight your relevant experience in growth marketing. Make sure to mention any previous roles where you've helped a company grow, and provide specific examples of the results you've achieved. This will show the hiring manager that you have the skills they're looking for.

Keep your cover letter concise and to the point. Hiring managers don't have time to read through long cover letters, so make sure to get your point across quickly. Aim for no more than three paragraphs in your cover letter, and make sure each paragraph has a specific purpose.

• Show your personality

While it's important to keep your cover letter professional, you also want to show a bit of your personality. Hiring managers want to know that you're not only qualified for the role, but that you'll also be a good fit for the company culture. Try to inject a bit of your personality into your cover letter to stand out from other candidates.

Remember, your cover letter is your chance to make a great first impression, so take the time to craft a thoughtful and effective letter. Good luck!

Example Cover Letters

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name], I am excited to apply for the Growth Marketer position at [Company Name]. As a data-driven marketer with [Number of Years] of experience in [Specific Skill], I am confident that I can contribute to the growth of [Company Name]. Through my experience at [Previous Company], I have honed my skills in [Specific Skill or Experience], which I believe are directly relevant to the demands of your role. Additionally, I am drawn to [Company Name]'s mission to [Company Mission]. I am excited about the opportunity to leverage my skills in a remote environment while contributing to the growth of [Company Name] in more meaningful ways. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, [Your Name]

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am excited to submit my application for the Growth Marketer position at XYZ Company. With five years of experience in developing and executing successful marketing campaigns, I am confident that I have the skills and expertise required to excel in this role.

At my previous job, I led a team that increased website traffic by 50% and generated a 30% increase in revenue within a year. My expertise in SEO, SEM, content marketing, and email marketing will allow me to develop and implement innovative strategies that drive business growth for XYZ Company.

I am passionate about working in the tech industry and I am familiar with XYZ Company’s focus on innovation and growth. I am excited about the opportunity to join your team and contribute to your success.

Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications in further detail.

Dear [Hiring Manager], I am excited to apply for the Growth Marketer role at [Company Name]. With my 3 years of experience in driving user acquisition and engagement at [Similar Company], I believe I have the skills and expertise to help take [Company Name] to the next level. In my current role, I have successfully executed various growth experiments that have led to a 25% increase in monthly active users. My experience in data analysis and customer research has enabled me to identify user pain points and work on initiatives to improve retention. I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]'s mission to empower small businesses to succeed. As someone who has worked with a number of start-ups, I understand the challenges they face in getting their products to market. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to the continued growth of [Company Name]. Thank you for considering my application. Best regards, [Your Name]

Writing an effective cover letter for a Growth Marketer requires following a few simple steps. Start with researching the company and tailoring your letter specifically to their needs. Address their pain points, highlight your relevant experience and skills, and demonstrate your passion for the role. Remember to keep the letter brief, but impactful, and always proofread and edit before sending.

While a cover letter is important, it's also essential to write a great resume that showcases your achievements and experiences. Check out our guide to writing a great Growth Marketer resume.

Preparing for job interviews is also a crucial step in landing your dream job. Research the company and practice answering common interview questions to help you excel in the interview process.

If you're currently seeking a remote Growth Marketer position, be sure to check out our dedicated page to remote Growth Marketing jobs.

If you're preparing for your interviews, we're here to help! We've created comprehensive guides that cover interview questions and answers for various growth marketer specializations, including Content Marketing , SEO , Social Media Marketing , Conversion Rate Optimization , and Email Marketing .

Professional Growth Marketing Cover Letter Example for 2024

Read for inspiration or use it as a base to improve your own Growth Marketing cover letter. Just replace personal information, company application data and achievements with your own.

Cover Letter Guide

How to write a growth marketing cover letter that makes you proud.

According to 83% of hiring managers, cover letters are an important part of every recruiter’s decision-making process.

What’s more, 72% of them will expect you to hand in a great cover letter, even if this part is listed as ‘optional’ on the job advert.

And if you ask our experts, cover letters are an amazing opportunity to tell a personal story and make the right first impression.

But what exactly is a cover letter and how to write a good one? Let’s see…

First off, you need to remember that a cover letter should build upon the information in your resume, rather than just repeat it.

Second, make sure that the tone of voice you use matches the company culture.

And last but not least, try to convey your enthusiasm for the position and the field. This will give your text a personal touch.

But how can you make your cover letter grab every hiring manager's attention? Let’s see…

Use an appropriate salutation and write a powerful introduction

Choosing the right salutation might be tough – we get it. After all, you don’t want to sound way too formal or too friendly.

There are some things that should definitely be taken into consideration when it comes to addressing your cover letter. First and foremost comes the recruiter’s name.

Even if you don’t know who the person reading your cover letter might be, try to find out. Check company websites or social media profiles or even media articles.

If this doesn’t help, you can go for traditional gender-neutral salutations that don’t require knowing the hiring manager’s name.

Here are some of our favorites:

• Dear [company name] Recruiter,
• Dear Mr./Ms. Smith,
• Dear Hiring Manager,
• To the [team you're applying for] Team

You wonder what the key to good introductions is? (Moderate) Creativity!

You’ve probably heard that many people out there have started using phrases like “I found your job advert on platform X and decided to apply”, right?

And what’s wrong with such phrases, you may ask. They’re outdated and they definitely won't make you stand out, to say the least.

So go for something different. Begin your cover letter by sharing your excitement about the company, the position, and even the field.

Talk about your hard and soft skills

Although you’ve probably listed (or are planning to list) your hard skills on your resume, don’t forget to mention them in your cover letter as well. One way to do that is by telling a personal story.

You can share how some of your skills or qualities have helped you achieve goals in the past. Or perhaps you want to talk about the things that help you get over challenges. You decide.

Naturally, both soft and hard skills should be present here. It’s especially important to include skills and qualifications that have been mentioned as part of the job description or the requirements section of the advert. This will help you pass applicant tracking systems that screen documents for certain keywords.

Show that you've researched the company

Showing that you’ve researched the company and are familiar with it is a good way to prove your work-readiness.

It will also point the recruiter to the fact that your skills and qualifications will have a long-term impact on the company. Just link some of your strengths to the ways in which current or potential issues can be resolved.

Go for a strong ending

While a strong introduction makes a great first impression, a confident, yet considerate conclusion is essentially what will get you a callback.

There are different ways to end your cover letter. But remember – the closing line you choose should match the company culture.

Your safest bet would be going for traditional phrases like “Looking forward to hearing from you” or “Looking forward to your reply”. For bonus points, add a simple “Thank you for your time and consideration”.

Cover letter examples by industry

AI cover letter writer, powered by ChatGPT

Enhancv harnesses the capabilities of ChatGPT to provide a streamlined interface designed specifically focused on composing a compelling cover letter without the hassle of thinking about formatting and wording.

• Content tailored to the job posting you're applying for
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Business Owner Cover Letter Examples

Use these Business Owner cover letter examples to help you write a powerful cover letter that will separate you from the competition.

Business owners are responsible for the day-to-day operations of their company. They need to be able to wear many hats, from bookkeeper to marketer to salesperson.

To show hiring managers that you’re the right person for the job, you need a well-written cover letter. Follow these examples to learn how to write a business owner cover letter that stands out.

Formal/Professional Writing Style Example

With over 10 years of experience in managing successful small businesses and a strong background in finance, I am confident in my ability to make a significant, positive impact at your company.

Throughout my career, I have demonstrated strong financial acumen and the ability to develop and implement successful business strategies. As a Business Owner, I have been responsible for overseeing all aspects of operations, including financial management, marketing, human resources, and client relations. My ability to multitask and effectively prioritize duties has led to increased efficiency and profitability in my businesses.

In my previous role, I successfully increased revenue by 35% within the first two years through strategic marketing initiatives and improved financial tracking. Additionally, my strong analytical skills have consistently helped me identify areas for improvement and implement changes that significantly contributed to business growth.

I hold a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a focus on Finance and a Master of Business Administration degree with a specialization in Marketing. These degrees, along with my extensive experience, have provided me with a strong foundation in business management and financial analysis.

I am eager to bring my passion, dedication, and expertise to your organization to help it achieve its goals and grow. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with a dynamic team of professionals and contribute my skills in a meaningful way.

Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further and demonstrate my commitment to adding value to your business. Please find my resume enclosed for your review.

[Your Name]

Entry-Level Writing Style Example

As a recent graduate from XYZ University with a Bachelor of Business Administration, I am eager to apply my skills and enthusiasm toward managing a small business. I believe my educational background, combined with my passion for entrepreneurship, would make me an excellent candidate for this position.

Throughout my college years, I participated in various entrepreneurship initiatives and managed several projects for small business clients. My coursework in marketing, finance, and management provided a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of running a successful business. I also have strong communication skills and the ability to build a positive rapport with employees and customers.

In addition to my academic achievements, I gained practical experience as an intern at ABC Company, where I was responsible for managing social media campaigns, improving customer service protocols, and researching industry trends. This hands-on experience allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of the day-to-day operations of a business and the importance of strategic decision-making.

I am excited about the opportunity to join your company as a Business Owner and contribute to its growth and success. I am confident that my educational background, leadership experience, and entrepreneurial spirit make me an ideal candidate for this position. I look forward to the chance to further discuss my qualifications and how I can contribute to the success of your organization.

Thank you for considering my application.

Networking/Referral Writing Style Example

My application comes with a warm recommendation from John Smith, a mutual connection who has shared with me the positive impact and success of your business. John and I have collaborated on various projects over the years, and he thought my experience and skills would be an excellent match for your growing team.

For the past decade, I have run a successful small business, where I have demonstrated strong leadership, effective communication, and efficient decision-making abilities. As a result, I have developed a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of owning a business, including strategic planning, financial management, and team development. My dedication and passion for continuous improvement have allowed me to grow the business by 15% annually and reach new milestones in customer satisfaction.

Moreover, I am known for building long-lasting relationships with clients, suppliers, and employees alike, ensuring that all parties feel valued and respected. This network of strong relationships has contributed to the success and sustainability of my business.

I am excited about the possibility of joining your team and believe that my experiences have equipped me with the necessary skills to lead and drive new growth in your organization. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my suitability for the position and to learn more about your plans for the future.

Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to the continued success of your dynamic organization.

Enthusiastic/Passionate Writing Style Example

As someone who has always dreamt of leading a team and owning a business, the opportunity to join your company, which holds an excellent reputation in the industry, is beyond exciting for me. It is with great anticipation that I submit my application, as I am confident that my entrepreneurial spirit, strong work ethic, and deep passion for fostering growth and innovation make me an ideal candidate for this role.

Throughout my professional journey, I have developed a versatile skill set that includes effective communication, strategic planning, and an unwavering commitment to achieving objectives. Not only do I have experience in managing teams and building lasting relationships with clients, but my dedication to mentoring employees and promoting professional development showcases my relentless pursuit of success.

Moreover, my ability to embrace challenges and adapt to changing market dynamics aligns perfectly with the role’s responsibilities. Embracing risks and learning from both successes and failures has been a cornerstone of my approach to business, and I believe it is this mentality that will propel your company’s continued growth and dominance in the market.

The prospect of contributing to your organization’s vision and goals excites me beyond words. I am eager to invest my energy, commitment, and passion into your company and help realize its boundless potential. Thank you for considering my application for the Business Owner role. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my suitability for the position further and would be available to meet at your earliest convenience.

Warm regards,

Problem-Solving Writing Style Example

Having thoroughly researched your company, I recognize that you have made great strides in expanding your reach, diversifying your product offerings, and incorporating crucial sustainability initiatives. However, the rapidly evolving business landscape presents new challenges, such as remaining adaptable and maintaining a strong competitive advantage. I firmly believe that my background in effective solution implementation could provide the innovative leadership and strategic vision needed to tackle these challenges head-on and drive your company to new heights.

My experience as a business consultant has honed my ability to identify and analyze key issues, devise creative solutions, and efficiently execute plans to deliver tangible improvements. In my previous role, I assisted a struggling startup in streamlining its operations and identifying its market niche, which ultimately led to a 30% increase in profitability over six months. This accomplishment instilled a deep appreciation for the importance of making data-driven decisions and a commitment to constantly exploring new ways to stay ahead of the curve.

With your company’s impressive growth trajectory, I recognize the need for a solid foundation to support the influx of new clients and increased workload. As someone who has established and overseen teams in various industries, I can bring valuable cross-functional exposure and management expertise to your organization. By developing an efficient structure that minimizes redundancy, I can ensure that your team remains engaged and productive while continuing to deliver exceptional value to your clients.

In addition to my technical competencies, I pride myself on being a tenacious, hands-on leader who values open communication and champions individual growth. I believe these factors are crucial in fostering a positive company culture that will attract and retain top talent to help realize your company’s long-term vision.

Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your company’s success and look forward to discussing how my skill set aligns with your current and future needs.

Storytelling/Narrative Writing Style Example

As a child, I was always fascinated by my father’s small grocery store, watching him interact with customers and manage the day-to-day operations. It seemed like a magical world, where hard work and determination could transform a simple corner store into a bustling hub of the community. As I grew older, I knew that I wanted to follow in his footsteps and create something meaningful of my own. Now, with years of experience and a proven track record of success, I believe that I am the ideal candidate for the Business Owner role at your organization.

I still remember the day when, as a fresh college graduate, I launched my very own online retail business. The thrill of developing a unique brand, connecting with customers, and watching sales pour in was exhilarating. Over the years, I have honed my skills in marketing, sales, and inventory management, and have led my business to impressive growth despite fierce competition. I have also cultivated strong relationships with suppliers and partners, always seeking win-win solutions that benefit all parties involved.

In addition to my entrepreneurial experience, I have also demonstrated leadership and a keen eye for detail in various managerial roles. I have successfully led teams to achieve ambitious targets, while fostering a positive and inclusive work environment. My ability to adapt and respond to challenges has been instrumental in navigating the ever-changing business landscape.

I am eager to bring my passion, experience, and expertise to your organization and help drive its continued success. I am confident that my unique blend of skills and experiences will make me a strong asset to your team, and I look forward to the opportunity to discuss further how I can contribute to your organization’s growth.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you soon.

Radiologist Cover Letter Examples

Operations specialist cover letter examples, you may also be interested in..., county extension agent cover letter examples & writing tips, physiologist cover letter examples & writing tips, financial advisor assistant cover letter examples, apprentice cover letter examples & writing tips.

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NPR defends its journalism after senior editor says it has lost the public's trust

David Folkenflik

NPR is defending its journalism and integrity after a senior editor wrote an essay accusing it of losing the public's trust. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

NPR is defending its journalism and integrity after a senior editor wrote an essay accusing it of losing the public's trust.

NPR's top news executive defended its journalism and its commitment to reflecting a diverse array of views on Tuesday after a senior NPR editor wrote a broad critique of how the network has covered some of the most important stories of the age.

"An open-minded spirit no longer exists within NPR, and now, predictably, we don't have an audience that reflects America," writes Uri Berliner.

A strategic emphasis on diversity and inclusion on the basis of race, ethnicity and sexual orientation, promoted by NPR's former CEO, John Lansing, has fed "the absence of viewpoint diversity," Berliner writes.

NPR's chief news executive, Edith Chapin, wrote in a memo to staff Tuesday afternoon that she and the news leadership team strongly reject Berliner's assessment.

"We're proud to stand behind the exceptional work that our desks and shows do to cover a wide range of challenging stories," she wrote. "We believe that inclusion — among our staff, with our sourcing, and in our overall coverage — is critical to telling the nuanced stories of this country and our world."

NPR names tech executive Katherine Maher to lead in turbulent era

She added, "None of our work is above scrutiny or critique. We must have vigorous discussions in the newsroom about how we serve the public as a whole."

A spokesperson for NPR said Chapin, who also serves as the network's chief content officer, would have no further comment.

Praised by NPR's critics

Berliner is a senior editor on NPR's Business Desk. (Disclosure: I, too, am part of the Business Desk, and Berliner has edited many of my past stories. He did not see any version of this article or participate in its preparation before it was posted publicly.)

Berliner's essay , titled "I've Been at NPR for 25 years. Here's How We Lost America's Trust," was published by The Free Press, a website that has welcomed journalists who have concluded that mainstream news outlets have become reflexively liberal.

Berliner writes that as a Subaru-driving, Sarah Lawrence College graduate who "was raised by a lesbian peace activist mother ," he fits the mold of a loyal NPR fan.

Yet Berliner says NPR's news coverage has fallen short on some of the most controversial stories of recent years, from the question of whether former President Donald Trump colluded with Russia in the 2016 election, to the origins of the virus that causes COVID-19, to the significance and provenance of emails leaked from a laptop owned by Hunter Biden weeks before the 2020 election. In addition, he blasted NPR's coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

On each of these stories, Berliner asserts, NPR has suffered from groupthink due to too little diversity of viewpoints in the newsroom.

The essay ricocheted Tuesday around conservative media , with some labeling Berliner a whistleblower . Others picked it up on social media, including Elon Musk, who has lambasted NPR for leaving his social media site, X. (Musk emailed another NPR reporter a link to Berliner's article with a gibe that the reporter was a "quisling" — a World War II reference to someone who collaborates with the enemy.)

When asked for further comment late Tuesday, Berliner declined, saying the essay spoke for itself.

The arguments he raises — and counters — have percolated across U.S. newsrooms in recent years. The #MeToo sexual harassment scandals of 2016 and 2017 forced newsrooms to listen to and heed more junior colleagues. The social justice movement prompted by the killing of George Floyd in 2020 inspired a reckoning in many places. Newsroom leaders often appeared to stand on shaky ground.

Leaders at many newsrooms, including top editors at The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times , lost their jobs. Legendary Washington Post Executive Editor Martin Baron wrote in his memoir that he feared his bonds with the staff were "frayed beyond repair," especially over the degree of self-expression his journalists expected to exert on social media, before he decided to step down in early 2021.

Since then, Baron and others — including leaders of some of these newsrooms — have suggested that the pendulum has swung too far.

Author Interviews

Legendary editor marty baron describes his 'collision of power' with trump and bezos.

New York Times publisher A.G. Sulzberger warned last year against journalists embracing a stance of what he calls "one-side-ism": "where journalists are demonstrating that they're on the side of the righteous."

"I really think that that can create blind spots and echo chambers," he said.

Internal arguments at The Times over the strength of its reporting on accusations that Hamas engaged in sexual assaults as part of a strategy for its Oct. 7 attack on Israel erupted publicly . The paper conducted an investigation to determine the source of a leak over a planned episode of the paper's podcast The Daily on the subject, which months later has not been released. The newsroom guild accused the paper of "targeted interrogation" of journalists of Middle Eastern descent.

Heated pushback in NPR's newsroom

Given Berliner's account of private conversations, several NPR journalists question whether they can now trust him with unguarded assessments about stories in real time. Others express frustration that he had not sought out comment in advance of publication. Berliner acknowledged to me that for this story, he did not seek NPR's approval to publish the piece, nor did he give the network advance notice.

Some of Berliner's NPR colleagues are responding heatedly. Fernando Alfonso, a senior supervising editor for digital news, wrote that he wholeheartedly rejected Berliner's critique of the coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict, for which NPR's journalists, like their peers, periodically put themselves at risk.

Alfonso also took issue with Berliner's concern over the focus on diversity at NPR.

"As a person of color who has often worked in newsrooms with little to no people who look like me, the efforts NPR has made to diversify its workforce and its sources are unique and appropriate given the news industry's long-standing lack of diversity," Alfonso says. "These efforts should be celebrated and not denigrated as Uri has done."

After this story was first published, Berliner contested Alfonso's characterization, saying his criticism of NPR is about the lack of diversity of viewpoints, not its diversity itself.

"I never criticized NPR's priority of achieving a more diverse workforce in terms of race, ethnicity and sexual orientation. I have not 'denigrated' NPR's newsroom diversity goals," Berliner said. "That's wrong."

Questions of diversity

Under former CEO John Lansing, NPR made increasing diversity, both of its staff and its audience, its "North Star" mission. Berliner says in the essay that NPR failed to consider broader diversity of viewpoint, noting, "In D.C., where NPR is headquartered and many of us live, I found 87 registered Democrats working in editorial positions and zero Republicans."

Berliner cited audience estimates that suggested a concurrent falloff in listening by Republicans. (The number of people listening to NPR broadcasts and terrestrial radio broadly has declined since the start of the pandemic.)

Former NPR vice president for news and ombudsman Jeffrey Dvorkin tweeted , "I know Uri. He's not wrong."

Others questioned Berliner's logic. "This probably gets causality somewhat backward," tweeted Semafor Washington editor Jordan Weissmann . "I'd guess that a lot of NPR listeners who voted for [Mitt] Romney have changed how they identify politically."

Similarly, Nieman Lab founder Joshua Benton suggested the rise of Trump alienated many NPR-appreciating Republicans from the GOP.

In recent years, NPR has greatly enhanced the percentage of people of color in its workforce and its executive ranks. Four out of 10 staffers are people of color; nearly half of NPR's leadership team identifies as Black, Asian or Latino.

"The philosophy is: Do you want to serve all of America and make sure it sounds like all of America, or not?" Lansing, who stepped down last month, says in response to Berliner's piece. "I'd welcome the argument against that."

"On radio, we were really lagging in our representation of an audience that makes us look like what America looks like today," Lansing says. The U.S. looks and sounds a lot different than it did in 1971, when NPR's first show was broadcast, Lansing says.

A network spokesperson says new NPR CEO Katherine Maher supports Chapin and her response to Berliner's critique.

The spokesperson says that Maher "believes that it's a healthy thing for a public service newsroom to engage in rigorous consideration of the needs of our audiences, including where we serve our mission well and where we can serve it better."

Disclosure: This story was reported and written by NPR Media Correspondent David Folkenflik and edited by Deputy Business Editor Emily Kopp and Managing Editor Gerry Holmes. Under NPR's protocol for reporting on itself, no NPR corporate official or news executive reviewed this story before it was posted publicly.

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Prosecutors Say Ohtani’s Interpreter Stole $16 Million From Star

The interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was charged with bank fraud, after prosecutors said he stole money to pay his gambling debts.

By Tim Arango and Michael S. Schmidt

Tim Arango reported from Los Angeles.

Federal prosecutors said on Thursday that Shohei Ohtani had been the victim of a “fraud on a massive scale,” releasing a detailed complaint that claimed Ippei Mizuhara, the baseball star’s former interpreter, exploited his access and the fact that Ohtani did not speak English to steal $16 million from him to feed his gambling addiction.

The account provided by the authorities largely confirms what Ohtani told the public in late March, shortly after reports first surfaced that $4.5 million had been transferred from Ohtani’s account to Mizuhara. At that time, Ohtani explained how he believed Mizuhara had stolen money from him and that he did not bet on sports himself.

And authorities acknowledged that the speed at which the investigation proceeded — the allegations against Mizuhara surfaced only three weeks ago — was partly because of the desire to avoid having American sports tarred by the implication of a possible gambling scandal involving one of its biggest stars.

“I want to emphasize this point,” said E. Martin Estrada, the U.S. attorney for the Central District of California. “Mr. Ohtani is considered a victim in this case.”

The case is a very public example of the fine line sports leagues are walking in regard to sports gambling. Professional leagues resisted any association with gambling for decades, but that has changed since a Supreme Court ruling six years ago led to 38 states now allowing legalized gambling on sports. (California is not one of them.)

Now leagues are taking millions of dollars from casinos and sports books, and advertisements from sports gambling companies are ubiquitous in stadiums and on game broadcasts. Still, the leagues worry about protecting the integrity of their games, and the perception that players wagering on games would affect their performances. Therefore, players are not allowed to bet on their sports or, in some cases, any sports.

Baseball has had several historically notable gambling scandals, including Pete Rose in the late ’80s and the 1919 Chicago Black Sox, making the situation especially delicate.

Tyler Hatcher, special agent in charge with the I.R.S. Criminal Investigation unit who was involved with the case, said that “protecting sports at the highest levels” is a priority of the federal government.

Estrada said the investigation moved so rapidly because of high public interest and questions that had been swirling about Ohtani’s connection to the case. Ohtani, 29, has been a major league phenomenon since coming to the United States from his native Japan in 2018. He both pitches and hits for power, drawing comparisons to greats like Babe Ruth. He was a two-time Most Valuable Player during six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels.

Excitement around Ohtani has been especially intense since he signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers in December. The allegations that Mizuhara had stolen money from Ohtani surfaced last month when Ohtani and the Dodgers were in Seoul to open the season against the San Diego Padres.

Estrada suggested that the government marshaled more resources for the case because of its high-profile nature.

The prosecutors laid out the evidence against Mizuhara in an extensive 37-page complaint that revealed a significant amount of details about Mizuhara’s betting habits, his relationship with Ohtani and how Mizuhara had implicated himself. In high-profile cases like this one, prosecutors at times use complaints instead of indictments because they allow authorities to tell more about what their investigation found, as there are more constraints on what prosecutors can say in indictments, according to Daniel C. Richman, a law professor at Columbia University and former federal prosecutor.

The relationship between Ohtani and Mizuhara dates back to Ohtani’s playing days in Japan. He joined Ohtani when he started playing for the Angels and the two were close, with Mizuhara acting as a confidant and personal assistant as much as an interpreter.

The money that Mizuhara took from Ohtani came directly from an account where Ohtani’s baseball salary was paid, the authorities said. While Mizuhara used the money to place bets with an illegal bookmaker, there is no indication that Mizuhara bet on baseball, nor that Ohtani knew about it, they said. The bookmaker is also the subject of a federal investigation, the authorities said.

“There’s no indication Mr. Ohtani authorized the $16 million from his account to the bookmakers,” Estrada said.

The authorities charged Mizuhara with bank fraud, for which the maximum penalty is 30 years in prison. The complaint contains a message sent by Mizuhara in which he admits to a bookmaker that he stole the money from Ohtani.

The release of the complaint comes a day after The New York Times reported that Mizuhara’s lawyer and federal prosecutors were negotiating a plea deal , that Ohtani had been interviewed by the authorities and that prosecutors had uncovered evidence Mizuhara stole more than the $4.5 million he was initially accused of taking.

Mizuhara will make an initial court appearance on Friday in federal court in Los Angeles. He will not be asked to enter a plea, and is expected to be released without bond, according to the U.S. attorney’s office.

Estrada said that while Mizuhara took the money from Ohtani’s account to place bets, on the rare occasions that he won money, he transferred the winnings to a different account. The authorities said they had obtained recordings of calls between Mizuhara and the bank that had Ohtani’s account in which Mizuhara pretended that he was Ohtani.

Among the messages in the complaint was an exchange Mizuhara had with the person with whom he placed the bets.

“Have you seen the reports?” Mizuhara wrote the bookmaker after articles appeared in March.

The bookmaker responded, in part: “Obviously you didn’t steal from him. I understand it’s a cover job, I totally get it.”

“Technically I did steal from him,” Mizuhara said. “It’s all over for me.”

Tim Arango is a correspondent covering national news. He is based in Los Angeles. More about Tim Arango

Michael S. Schmidt is an investigative reporter for The Times covering Washington. His work focuses on tracking and explaining high-profile federal investigations. More about Michael S. Schmidt

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