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Stand out from other job applicants with free, professional cover letter templates. Cover letters are a perfect complement to your resume and provide an effective opportunity to show your personality and enthusiasm for a position. Focus on writing a compelling cover letter and let a professionally designed template do the rest.

These free cover letter templates are perfect for any stage of your career, whether you're looking to land an internship or your dream job. If you're applying for a corporate position, you may want to opt for a simple cover letter template. There are a variety of other cover letter designs available, from basic cover letter templates to creative cover letter templates.

Each of these cover letter templates is customizable in Word , so you can add your own text, change design elements, and more. Print out your cover letter or download it for free to use for online job applications. Once you've customized the perfect cover letter, explore resume templates that will match your cover letter design, or download free business cards for your next networking event.

12 CV cover letter examples

A  cover letter  for your CV, or covering note is an introductory message that accompanies your CV when applying for a job.

The purpose of the cover letter is simple… Persuade the reader to open your CV.

Learn how to write a cover letter properly, and you will hugely increase your chances of getting responses and landing job interviews.

This guide, with 12 annotated cover letter examples will show you everything you need to know about creating a winning cover note.

CV templates 

How to layout a cover letter for your CV

This annotated example of a cover letter shows you how you should structure your cover letters, and the type of information you should be including.

You should always write your CV in the body of your email (or j ob site messaging system) so that it can be read instantly. Never attach it as a separate document, or the recipient probably won’t open it.

Example CV cover letters

These 11 example CV cover letters from a range of industries should give you some good inspiration for creating your own cover letter.

Admin CV cover letter

This cover letter is aimed at administrative roles , so it highlights the candidate’s abilities in efficiency, report writing and meeting deadlines, whilst demonstrating the types of environments they have worked in.

Learn how to write a cover letter step-by-step here.

Customer service CV cover letter

This customer service cover letter briefly explains the candidate’s length of experience in the field and highlights some of the more important customer service skills such as call handling, order taking and complaint resolution.

This gives the reader an excellent introduction to the candidate and should certainly encourage them to open the CV.

See our full customer service cover letter guide,  sales assistant cover letter example  and waiter/waitress cover letter example .

Finance CV cover letter

As a finance professional, it’s important to highlight your specialisms within finance, the types of companies you’ve worked for, and high level functions you’ve carried out within your cover letter. This will give the hiring manager a good overall feel of your abilities, and if it’s well tailored to the role, should provide them with enough info to excite them about your CV.

Quick tip: Use our job application tracker spreadsheet to track your applications and follow up with employers who don’t respond.

Events CV cover letter

This events manager candidate has done a great job of summarising the type and size of events they manage, along with details of core skills such as leadership, project delivery and stakeholder management.

This certainly provides enough info to create a buzz around the CV attached and encourage the recipient to open it.

Executive assistant CV cover letter

This executive assistant CV cover letter provides a good high level intro to the candidate showing the reader key business support knowledge in areas such as admin, diary management and document management. It also shows that the candidate is confident supporting senior business figures.

Graduate CV cover letter

As a graduate , your cover letter will need to be a little longer than an experienced candidates, to compensate for your lack of experience and really sell yourself.

This candidate speaks in lots of detail about their education, qualifications, and extra-curricular work which relates to the roles they are applying for.

IT CV cover letter

As an IT candidate, it’s important not only to highlight your technical skills, but also show how you apply those skills in the workplace to translate real benefits for your employer.

This candidate gives a good overview of the candidates technical abilities and the types of projects they apply them to, along with results they achieve.

Marketing CV cover letter

This marketing cover letter provides readers with a summary of the candidate’s core marketing abilities such as media planning, brand awareness and cost reduction. It also explains the types of marketing campaigns and companies they have experience with – a great high-level intro.

Cover letter examples

Warehouse Operative cover letter – Training Contract cover letter – Cleaning Job cover letter – Nursery Assistant cover letter – Recruitment Consultant cover letter – Dental Nurse cover letter –

Chef cover letter – Editorial Assistant cover letter – Aircraft Mechanic cover letter – Biomedical Science cover letter – Cabin Crew cover letter – Finance Assistant cover letter – Hotel Receptionist cover letter – Asset Management cover letter – Assistant Psychologist cover letter – Beauty Therapist cover letter – Cafe Worker cover letter – HR Administrator cover letter – NQT cover letter – Quantity Surveyor cover letter

More cover letter examples

• Academic cover letter
• Account Manager cover letter
• Accountant cover letter
• Accounting cover letter
• Accounts Assistant cover letter
• Acting cover letter
• Admin Assistant cover letter
• Administrator cover letter
• Apprenticeship cover letter
• Architecture cover letter
• Assistant Manager cover letter
• Banking cover letter
• Bar Staff cover letter
• Barclays cover letter
• Barista cover letter
• Bartender cover letter
• Business Analyst cover letter
• Business Development Manager cover letter
• Car Sales Person cover letter
• Care Assistant cover letter
• Career Change cover letter
• Catering Assistant cover letter
• Civil Engineer cover letter
• Computer Science cover letter
• Consulting cover letter
• Copywriter cover letter
• Cyber Security cover letter
• Data Entry Clerk cover letter
• Data Scientist cover letter
• Delivery Driver cover letter
• Digital Marketing cover letter
• Electrician cover letter
• Engineering cover letter
• Estate Agent cover letter
• Event Manager cover letter
• Exam Invigilator cover letter
• Executive Assistant cover letter
• Fashion Designer cover letter
• Finance cover letter
• Financial Analyst cover letter
• Google cover letter
• Graduate cover letter
• Graduate Engineer cover letter
• Graduate Scheme cover letter
• Graphic Design cover letter
• Health Care Assistant cover letter
• Hospitality cover letter
• HR Assistant cover letter
• HR cover letter
• Interior Designer cover letter
• Internal Position cover letter
• Internship cover letter
• Investment Banking cover letter
• Investment Manager cover letter
• IT Support cover letter
• Journalist cover letter
• JP Morgan cover letter
• Lawyer cover letter
• Legal Assistant cover letter
• Legal cover letter
• Library Assistant cover letter
• Manager cover letter
• Marine Engineer cover letter
• Marketing Assistant cover letter
• Marketing cover letter
• Marketing Intern cover letter
• Marketing Manager cover letter
• McKinsey cover letter
• Mechanical Engineer cover letter
• Medical Receptionist cover letter
• Medical Writer cover letter
• Model cover letter
• Nanny cover letter
• Nurse cover letter
• Nursing cover letter
• Office Assistant cover letter
• Office Manager cover letter
• Operations Manager cover letter
• Optical Assistant cover letter
• Paralegal cover letter
• Part Time cover letter
• PE Teacher cover letter
• Personal Assistant cover letter
• Personal Trainer cover letter
• Pharmacist cover letter
• Pharmacy Assistant cover letter
• PHD Application cover letter
• Photographer cover letter
• Placement cover letter
• Private Equity cover letter
• Product Manager cover letter
• Production Assistant cover letter
• Production Operator cover letter
• Project Coordinator cover letter
• Promotion cover letter
• PWC cover letter
• Quantity Surveyor cover letter
• Receptionist cover letter
• Research Assistant cover letter
• Researcher cover letter
• Retail Assistant cover letter
• Retail cover letter
• Retail Manager cover letter
• Sales Advisor cover letter
• Sales Executive cover letter
• Sales Manager cover letter
• Scrum Master cover letter
• Security Officer cover letter
• Ski Season cover letter
• Social Media Executive cover letter
• Social Media Manager cover letter
• Software Developer cover letter
• Software Engineer cover letter
• Speculative cover letter
• Student cover letter
• Support Worker cover letter
• Teaching Assistant cover letter
• Team Leader cover letter
• Trainee Dental Nurse cover letter
• University cover letter
• UX Designer cover letter
• Volunteer cover letter

Project manager CV cover letter

A project manager’ s cover letter needs to quickly explain to recipients the types of projects they lead and the technical expertise they bring to the projects. It’s also important to describe level of experience, seniority and background.

See full project manager cover letter example + writing guide

Operations manager cover letter

This operations management CV provides a brief introduction to the types of operations the candidate manages and the firms they work for.

They also touch upon some core operations skills such as efficiency, logistics and ROI improvement.

Sales CV cover letter

As a sales candidate, this cover letter shows the types of business this person can generate and the size and scale of the impact they create by highlighting some sales results.

It also mentions some core sales skills like business development, presenting, working under pressure and closing deals.

Cover letter templates

Teacher cover letter

This teacher cover letter does a great job of introducing the candidate, and showing the recipient the key facts they will be looking for, such as; the age group they teach, subject specialisms, and the results they have achieved.

The cover letter is brief and gets to the point quickly, so that readers will instantly look to open the attached CV .

How to write your CV cover letter

Now that you’ve seem good examples of cover letters to accompany your CV (or resume if you are in the USA) this guide will show exactly how to write your own, and the content that needs to be included .

Send your CV cover letter in email format (when possible)

When applying for jobs online you usually have 2 choices…

1) Send a message via the job website’s messaging system

2) Send the recruiter an email directly

If you can find an email address for the recruiter, then I would always recommend sending an email directly because it gives you more control.

When you send a message through a job website, it will transfer into an email with basic formatting and an auto-generated headline , which will look like this when the recruiter receives it.

If you cannot find an email address for the recruiter on the job advert, then try searching LinkedIn or the company website to find the relevant contact.

You may not always be able to find an email address, but when you can – always send a job application by email .

Make your subject line appealing

As you can see in the picture above, a bad subject line can kill your chances of actually having your email read in the first place.

Your subject line should stand out and give the recruiter a reason to open your email.

When recruiters look into their inbox, they are looking for one thing; a candidate who can do the job they are advertising – so give that to them in your subject line.

Your subject line should be a short summary of your experience that relates directly to the job you are applying for.

The following are good subject line examples;

KS2 Teacher with 5 years experience

Front End Web developer with HTML, HTML & JavaScript experience

Junior Graphic designer with 1st BA Hons Graphic Design

If your subject line shows that you have one or two of the most important requirements for the job, your email should get opened every time.

Address the recruiter by name

To get the relationship off on the right foot, you should try to address the recruiter by name if you can.

Often the recruiter’s details will appear on the job advert but sometimes you may have to check out the company website or do some digging around on LinkedIn.

If you really can’t find the name, then it’s not the end of the world – just start with a simple friendly opening like “ Hi ”

(If you applying to a more traditional organisation such as an academic post for a university, you may want to use something a bit more formal like “ Dear sir or madam ”)

Use a friendly yet professional tone

It’s important to sound professional when writing a cover letter but you also need to demonstrate your ability to communicate with other people and show some personality.

If your email is too casual and written in an over-familiar tone, then you will come across us un-professional.

But on the other hand, if your email is too formal and shows no signs of rapport building, you risk appearing as somebody who lacks social skills.

So when writing your cover letter, try to strike a nice balance of professionalism and friendliness.

Opening with a line such as “ hope you’re well ” is a nice way to breathe a bit of personality into your cover letter.

Ensure that your spelling and grammar is perfect throughout your cover letter because sloppy mistakes are a huge red flag for recruiters.

Quick tip:  If you struggle with spelling and grammar, try our quick-and-easy CV Builder

Keep it brief

Unless the job advert specifies otherwise; keep your cover letter short and sweet.

Recruiters and employers receive hundreds of job applications per week, so they don’t want to read a 2 page cover letter.

Depending on the role, around 2-4 sentences should be enough for the content of the cover letter.

You just need to write enough to persuade them to open your CV – It should roughly contain the same amount of information as your CV profile or personal statement.

Show how your skills match the job

To ensure that recruiters open your CV, you simply need to explain how your skills and experience match the job requirements from the advert.

Scan the job advert to discover what the most important candidate abilities are, and show how your previous experience has prepared you to cover these.

In particular, look out for any requirements that are essential to the job .

Focus on what you have to offer at this stage and not what you want.

At this stage, your covering letter is simply a means of getting the recruiter to open your CV, so it’s too early to talk about salary demands etc. Save that for your initial conversation with the recruiter.

Include a professional signature

End your cover letter with a friendly salutation such as “Regards” and a smart signature which includes your name and most direct contact method (usually mobile phone for most people)

A professional email signature will show recruiters that you understand business-email etiquette and ensure they have a means of contacting you – even if they can’t open your CV for any reason.

Writing a CV cover letter

Hopefully this guide has given you everything you need to create a winning cover letter that will ensure you CV gets opened every time you send it.

Just remember to keep it brief, be friendly, tailor it towards your target role, and give recruiters some good reasons to be interested in you.

Good luck with the job hunt!

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Successful Short Cover Letter Examples for Job Seekers

Crafting Your Short Cover Letter

Writing tips for short cover letters.

• Examples by Career Level
• Real World Examples

Short Cover Letter FAQs

In today’s fast-paced job market, cover letters don’t need to be long to stand out. It can even help your most prominent skills shine when there aren’t too many details that take away from your main points.

Just like using resume builders , resume templates , and resume examples during the application process, short cover letter examples are practical tools to help you maintain the proper structure while customizing details for your needs.

To help you out, we’ve compiled some top-notch short cover letter samples for different points in your career and tailored to specific industries. Plus, we’ll detail the exact structure and information you need to make yours stand out.

While crafting your short cover letter, you want to ensure it complements your resume, is tailored to each job, and only includes the most essential information to show why you’re the best fit.

For example, someone applying for a marketing role at a social media-focused agency may want to emphasize skills in social media analytics and short-form content design.

Let’s review the details you need for short and simple cover letters and what you should omit.

Understanding the essentials

Good short cover letters should include the following details:

• Your contact information: When you wow the hiring manager with your cover letter, you want to ensure it’s clear how they can get in touch with you. Always list your contact information toward the top of your short cover letter for clarity and a professional layout.
• A brief greeting and introduction: As you begin your cover letter draft, greet the hiring manager by name. You’ll usually find a contact person’s name in the job description or on the company’s website. Then, start with a brief introduction paragraph that touches on your connection to the company’s mission and interest in the role.
• Body paragraphs tailored to relevant experience: In the body of your cover letter, focus on some prominent abilities and experiences that show you’re an ideal fit for the role . Detailing specific metrics, like how you increased sales or used industry-specific software to boost efficiency, will help show your impact here.
• A strong closing statement: Ensure you close out each cover letter by thanking the hiring manager for their time and restating your connection with the company and enthusiasm for the role.

What to include and what to omit

Now that you know the basic structure and essentials for short cover letters, here are some guidelines on what you should include and omit throughout.

Your most relevant skills

In each cover letter, make sure you pick skills relevant to the company’s needs. It’s ideal to identify two or three skills emphasized in the job description and focus on those.

As you grow in your career, you’ll want to omit skills and experiences that are no longer relevant.

For example, experience as a data entry clerk may be great to show transferable abilities as an entry-level accountant, but a few years down the line, you’ll want to replace that with more relevant skills in Quickbooks and managing accounts payable to show your most up-to-date skill set.

The impact of your education

Detailing your education is an excellent way to present industry-specific knowledge and skills.

When applying to entry-level roles, you may want to focus more on educational achievements and projects that demonstrate your abilities since you don’t have much real work experience in your field.

However, as you gain a more advanced skill set , you’ll want to omit many of those details in favor of experience that shows how you’ve shined in the workplace.

Supporting details for your claims

When you write about skills or achievements you’ve had, ensure you provide supporting details that back them up. That could include key metrics or the process you took to achieve something.

For instance, if you’re an auto mechanic and state your expertise in engine repair, you’d want to detail things like how you use computerized diagnostic systems for 54% more efficient and effective engine troubleshooting.

You should omit any skills or experiences from short cover letters where you can’t find clear supporting evidence to back them up to ensure what you include is the strongest representation of your abilities.

Now that you know the details you need for your short cover letter, let’s review some tips and best practices that will help you polish it up and make an impactful first impression on hiring managers.

Start strong: the opening line

The opening line is crucial for short cover letters since its tone and content can make or break whether the hiring manager continues reading.

Some tips for a strong opening line to a cover letter are:

• Tailor your tone to match what the company used in the job description. It’ll show how you fit the company’s culture.
• Touch on your connection to the company’s mission.
• Show enthusiasm for the role.
• Ensure it’s highly specific to the details of each company you apply to.

To give you an idea of how you can do this effectively, let’s say you’re applying for a customer service role at an internet and cable TV provider. Their mission is to provide fast, reliable, and customer-centric service so customers never feel disconnected. You could begin your cover letter by saying:

• “I’ve been a customer with FiberNet Communications for three years. I’ve admired your commitment to reliable service, which made me eager to apply when I saw your customer service job opening.”

This opening line works well since it shows an immediate connection to the company, knowledge of their mission for reliable service, and your enthusiasm for the role.

Powerful closing statements

A powerful closing statement that leaves a lasting impact is just as important as starting with a strong opening line.

An excellent way to close out short cover letters is to restate a couple of key skills you bring to the table and your connection and enthusiasm about working with the company. For example, while applying to a nutrition coaching role, you could say, “Driven by a people-first approach to diet planning and client motivation, I believe I’d be an ideal fit to assist in your mission of helping others live happier and healthier lives.”

You should also end on a light call to action to show continued interest in learning more about the role. Aim for something like, “I’m excited to discuss in more detail how I can contribute as a nutrition coach at Advanced Fitness Solutions.”

Using a cover letter generator

When you’re just getting started writing short cover letters, it can feel confusing trying to structure everything into a brief and impactful overview of your abilities. Cover letter generators can help streamline and speed up the process.

Our cover letter generator at BeamJobs ensures all the critical elements are presented and communicated concisely to optimize for fast-paced hiring environments.

Using our generator will give you an excellent structure to build upon when writing a cover letter . Once you have that template, fine-tune it with your personal details, skills relevant to each company, and connection to their mission so you stand out for each role you apply to.

Short Cover Letter Examples by Career Level

How you display your abilities in a short cover letter will vary slightly at different points in your career. For example, you may want to focus on education and non-traditional work experience in entry-level roles, emphasize transferable skills when changing fields, or address gaps in your resume after returning to work after a break.

Here are some sample short cover letters for use at various stages in your career path. These will give you an idea of how to structure yours as you grow in your career.

While these samples skip specific templates to focus purely on content, you can visit the BeamJobs Cover Letter Examples page for more structured examples with templates, or use the BeamJobs AI Cover Letter Generator to craft and template your cover letter effectively.

High School Students or No Experience Short Cover Letter Example

Kyle Yazbek 1542 Willow Ave. Denver, CO 80202 720-912-3456 [email protected]

Zach Keyser Kroger 2910 Maple Dr. Denver, CO 80202

Dear Mr. Keyser,

Having been a member of my school’s football team for the last three years, I’m driven by a team-first mentality that I believe will make me an excellent fit on the Kroger grocery staff.

This past year, I was named the football team captain and worked to improve communication as a leader to reduce errors on the field by 40%.

I also have a commitment to learning and have managed my study time to maintain a 3.7 GPA.

My abilities to learn, manage schedules, and communicate in team environments will help me create an outstanding shopping experience as a Kroger grocery clerk. I look forward to discussing the position with you further.

Thank you, Kyle Yazbek

Entry-Level Positions Short Cover Letter Example

David Lindstrom 2894 Oak Ln. Orono, ME 04469 404-564-9988 [email protected]

Samantha Kingston KemberRose 230 Pine St. Orono, ME 04469

Dear Ms. Kingston,

During my studies at the University of Maine, I learned how essential accurate tax reporting is. That’s why I’m excited about your tax accounting internship at KemberRose. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn and grow with an organization focused on honesty and integrity in financial reporting.

In a project during my tax accounting class, I reviewed and reported on income statements and financial data with 98% accuracy.

My three years with the University of Maine’s Future Business Leaders of America organization have also taught me a lot about the ins and outs of business operations for better financial reporting.

I’m eager to continue growing my tax reporting accuracy and knowledge at an integrity-driven organization like KemberRose. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely, David Lindstrom

Mid-Career Professional Short Cover Letter Example

Beth Johnson 672 Pine Rd. Lansing, MI 48917 407-998-8765 [email protected]

Chris Melentiev Michigan Association of School Boards 178 Liberty St. Lansing, MI 48917

Dear Mr. Melentiev,

Driven by a passion for secure and accurate visual data reporting, I’m excited to apply for your data systems analyst role at the Michigan Association of School Boards.

During my time at SunPlus Data Systems, I’ve significantly grown my skills in data systems. I used Microsoft Power BI to craft visual displays that led to 55% more efficient decision-making companywide.

Data security is also an essential aspect of every project I work on. At the Lincoln Financial Group, I applied Oracle Security Safe to containerized data to reduce external threats by 66%.

I’m eager to apply my data visualization and analysis skills to help you make more efficient and effective educational policy decisions at the Michigan Association of School Boards. Thank you for considering me for your data systems analyst role, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely, Beth Johnson

Career Change Short Cover Letter Example

Lydia Jacobson 840 Elm St. Austin, TX 78712 512-456-2342 [email protected]

Jessica Carter University of Texas 4621 Broadway St. Austin, TX 78712

Dear Ms. Carter,

With a passion for learning and helping others, I’m excited about the role of associate marketing professor at the University of Texas to help develop the next generation of business leaders.

While working as the digital marketing team lead at Heartland Business Systems, I developed a passion for helping others on our team grow their promotional skills. By providing coaching and tips, I increased conversion rates by 59%. Seeing the impact I made instructing others is why I want to transition into a teaching role.

With ten years of experience in the marketing industry, I’m confident I can help students at Texas University develop real-world skills in positioning strategies and sales techniques.

Thank you for your consideration, and I’m excited to discuss the associate marketing professor role with you further.

Sincerely, Lydia Jacobson

Returning to Work Short Cover Letter Example

Matt Frazier 3192 Birch Pl. Seattle, WA 98101 206-543-9876 [email protected]

Kevin Landers Campbell Union Elementary School 829 Market St. Seattle, WA 98101

Dear Mr. Landers,

The gym teacher job opening at Campbell Union Elementary School grabbed my attention because I’m a big believer in your mission of early-age health promotion.

After taking a break from teaching to care for my son after he was born, I’m eager and ready to return to the workforce.

During my break, I’ve continued teaching as a volunteer youth health instructor at the YMCA, where I implemented instruction that helped boost kids’ daily activity by 38%.

Plus, with my eight years of prior experience, I’m confident in my abilities to plan lessons and engage in active listening while instructing students.

Thank you for considering me for the gym teacher role at Cambell Union Elementary School. I’m excited to discuss in more detail how I can contribute to your early-age health promotion efforts.

Sincerely, Matt Frazier

General Short Cover Letter Example

Anders Benedict 2337 Cedar Blvd. San Francisco, CA 94103 415-234-5678 [email protected]

Natalie Benson Bear Real Estate Group 1010 Mission St. San Francisco, CA 94103

Dear Ms. Benson,

I’m eager to apply for your account manager role with the Bear Real Estate Group to help achieve your mission of providing more accessible housing solutions.

At L&P Real Estate, I managed a portfolio of accounts and developed an informational strategy to help realtors identify the ideal properties for clients 65% more efficiently.

My bachelor’s degree in business administration has also equipped me with financial management knowledge, allowing me to make more effective and accurate decisions on the job.

Thank you for considering me for the account manager role at Bear Real Estate Group. I’m excited to discuss further how I can contribute to your solution-focused team.

Sincerely, Anders Benedict

Real-World Examples of Successful Short Cover Letters

How you present skills in a short cover letter also varies by industry. Let’s look at some real-world short cover letter examples tailored to the needs of major fields to show how you can customize yours accordingly.

As with the examples by career level, these industry-specific samples focus on content without templates. For more detailed examples with templates, visit the BeamJobs Cover Letter Examples page or utilize the BeamJobs AI Cover Letter Generator to seamlessly create an attractive cover letter.

Tech Job Short Cover Letter Example

Randy Hendrickson 1456 Maple Ct. Chicago, IL 60601 312-654-3210 [email protected]

Marko Gutierrez MindPal 200 Wacker Dr. Chicago, IL 60601

Dear Mr. Gutierrez,

I’m impressed with what your team at MindPal has achieved, creating AI tools that make HR management more efficient. I’d be excited to use my Javascript skills as your next Node.js developer to help you continue innovating HR management technology.

In my previous role at CCI Systems, I used Node.js to scale Javascript code for machine learning software to increase user accessibility by 75%.

I’ve also utilized MongoDB to make data management 58% more efficient in my role at Chelsoft Solutions.

With my experience in Node.js and passion for your mission to innovate HR technology, I’m confident I’ll fit in well with your team at MindPal. Thank you for your consideration, and I hope to discuss further how I can make an impact as your next Node.js developer.

Sincerely, Randy Hendrickson

Healthcare Position Short Cover Letter Example

Jessica Alexander 2001 Spruce Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19103 215-987-6543 [email protected]

Olivia Peterson Connected Healthcare 333 Market St. Philadelphia, PA 19103

Dear Ms. Peterson,

I’m impressed by your commitment to compassionate service at Connected Healthcare, which is why I wanted to apply to your ER nurse role.

At Aurora Healthcare, I applied basic life support principles in emergency and trauma response situations to treat patient needs 55% more effectively.

I’m also skilled in patient care, providing friendly and helpful service to every patient I work with. As a CNA at the Woodland Nursing Home, I helped maintain a patient satisfaction rate of 98%.

Motivated by your mission of compassionate and effective treatment at Connected Healthcare, I’d be excited to join your ER nursing team. Thank you, and I’m eager to discuss the role with you in more detail.

Sincerely, Jessica Alexander

Creative Industry Job Short Cover Letter Example

Martin Richardson 3118 Walnut St. Los Angeles, CA 90017 213-321-9876 [email protected]

Daniel Kendricks Humana 400 Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90017

Dear Mr. Kendricks,

I deeply appreciate what you’re doing at Humana, trying to make the insurance selection process easier for your customers. Having been a website copywriter in the healthcare industry for the last six years, I’d be excited to help you bring your brand to life and provide effective content that makes insurance information easier to understand.

In my previous role at the Greenville Recovery Center, I worked on copy for a step-by-step sales funnel that made selecting the right treatment package easier for prospective clients. It boosted conversion rates by 78%.

I also applied on-page SEO best practices to landing pages I wrote for the Houston Health Center to boost traffic by 49%.

With my experience writing evidence-based health content and passion for increasing insurance accessibility, I’m excited to discuss this opportunity further.

Sincerely, Martin Richardson

Customer Service Role Short Cover Letter Example

Natasha Tyson 4809 Cherry Dr. Las Vegas, NV 89101 702-555-1234 [email protected]

Elizabeth Smith Graybar Electric Company 312 Sunset Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89101

Dear Ms. Smith,

During my job search, Graybar Electric Company stood out because of its commitment to the safe and efficient shipping of electrical products. As your next customer service representative, I’d be excited to do my part to help you achieve your mission and provide effective client service.

In my last job at Kohler Manufacturing, I used my skills in email systems management to monitor service requests and send an initial response in one hour or less during normal business hours.

I’m also proficient in Zendesk. When I worked at Verizon Wireless, I was part of a team that helped deploy it to make service management 59% more efficient.

With my commitment to excellent service and passion for the mission of safe and efficient shipping you’re taking on at Graybar Electric, I’m eager to discuss this position with you further.

Thank you, Natasha Tyson

Management Position Short Cover Letter Example

Alex Thompson 6572 Rose Ave. Miami, FL 33101 305-776-9874 [email protected]

Jane Mayville MyKind Organics 840 Ocean Dr. Miami, FL 33101

Dear Ms. Mayville,

As someone who’s passionate about natural products, trying to eat clean, and taking supplements to improve my health, I have an immense appreciation for the supplements you develop at MyKind Organics. I’d be excited to keep your company thriving as your next finance department manager.

In my previous role at Nestle, I performed extensive expense analysis in manufacturing processes to help reduce costs by 23%.

I also strive to be an effective leader. At Grand Appliance, I managed and delegated tasks to an eight-person team while preparing to submit tax reports. We ended up finishing the project five days ahead of schedule.

With my passion for the natural products you’re producing at MyKind Organics, coupled with my financial analysis and leadership skills, I’m confident I’m the right fit for your finance department manager role. I’m excited to discuss this opportunity in more detail.

Thank you, Alex Thompson

Sales & Marketing Position Short Cover Letter Example

Ronda Erickson 2910 Sycamore Rd. New York, NY 10001 212-987-6543 [email protected]

Carl Alexander Webfitters 775 Broadway St. New York, NY 10001

Dear Mr. Alexander,

After coming across your digital marketing strategist position at Webfitters, I was impressed by the innovative solutions you’ve provided to solve business problems. I’m excited about the opportunity to join your forward-thinking marketing team.

When I worked at the Westside Gardens, I harnessed user-generated content strategies on social media, which increased engagement rates by 55% and repeat visits to the gardens by 34%.

During my time at Durham’s Clothing, I also used HubSpot to analyze data and identify five sticking points in the online shopping experience, boosting conversions by 45%.

I’m confident with my problem-solving abilities and passion for your innovative approach, I’ll fit in well as a digital marketing strategist with Webfitters. Thank you, and I look forward to discussing the opportunity further with you.

Sincerely, Ronda Erickson

A short cover letter should be between 100 and 150 words. You want to keep it concise to avoid losing the hiring manager’s attention during quick initial reviews. Try to focus on two or three top skills, a couple of examples of relevant achievements, and your connection to the company’s mission.

While you want to remain concise, a short cover letter can be too short. If it’s under 80 words, you’ll probably want to add more details to show you’re the ideal fit for the role. If you’re struggling, consider adding transferable skills or how your education has equipped you for the role.

The best way to personalize your short cover letter is to connect with the company’s mission and show relevant skills that fit their needs. For example, while applying to be a sales rep at an ecologically friendly company, you could mention how you’re eager to use your lead generation skills to help promote greener business solutions.

The best way to highlight your strengths will be by providing brief examples of achievements from your career. For example, if you’re a forklift driver and wanted to highlight OSHA safety knowledge, you could detail how you used OSHA practices during a companywide effort that reduced accidents by 43%.

There are industries and positions where a longer cover letter may be a better fit. Highly technical industries like software development or engineering may be better suited to longer cover letters to detail enough abilities that show you’re the ideal fit. The same applies to positions with many responsibilities, such as project managers.

The ideal length for cover letters depends on how you’re sending them. If the cover letter is in an online form or in the body of an email message, keep it to 100-150 words. But if you send it as a formal attachment, go for a longer version, between 250-400 words.

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60+ Cover Letter Examples in 2024 [For All Professions]

No matter where you are in your career, or what job you’re applying for, submitting a cover letter with your resume is a must . 

Done right, a cover letter will effectively complement your resume and explain to the hiring manager in more detail why you’re the right person for the job.

Writing a cover letter, however, is easier said than done. 

You have to effectively demonstrate that you’ll be able to perform the responsibilities listed in the job description and that you’d be a better fit for the company compared to other candidates. 

And unless you’re a professional writer, this can be a very hard task.

Fortunately, we created these cover letter examples to inspire you and help you get started with your own cover letter!

Let’s dive in!

21 Cover Letter Examples 

#1. career change cover letter example .

Here’s what this cover letter does right:

• Has an ideal length. This cover letter includes all the relevant information for the hiring manager without getting into too much detail.
• Relevant introduction. The candidate explains that they’re changing careers and why they want to work in this new field from the get-go.
• Explains their related experience. The candidate explains how their previous experience in retail sales can help them succeed in PR.

Check out our guide video guide to learn how to write a Cover Letter that gets you HIRED!

#2. Recent Graduate Cover Letter Example 

• Personally greets the hiring manager. The candidate has taken the time to find the hiring manager’s name and address them by it, which makes the opening of the cover letter much more personal.
• Wraps up with a call to action. The candidate wraps up the cover letter by suggesting a meeting with the hiring manager, which makes them more memorable.
• Explains why the candidate is the right person for the internship. In this cover letter for an internship , the candidate explains how they’ve previously interned in a different firm, which gives them the experience to succeed in this role.

Have you just graduated from college? Make sure to check out our guide on writing an entry-level cover letter from start to finish! 

#3. Middle Management Cover Letter Example

• Use of bullet points. The candidate presents the information in a concise and reader-friendly way, making it easy for the hiring manager to find their key achievements. 
• Formal closing. The candidate has used a formal and polite tone to conclude their cover letter, which combined with a call to action makes them look professional and passionate about getting the job. 
• Explains how the company would benefit from hiring them. The candidate outlines exactly what they could do for the company, which not only highlights their skills but also shows they’ve done their research on the company’s needs. 

#4. Business Manager Cover Letter Example

• Detailed header. In addition to the must-have contact details, this candidate has also included their professional Twitter and LinkedIn profiles, making it easy for the hiring manager to look more closely into their career. 
• Concise and to the point. This candidate has used short paragraphs and bullet points to make the cover letter easy to skim through. 
• Wraps up with a call to action. By letting the hiring manager know they’ll be contacting them soon, they’re more likely to make an impression.

Check out this article for a complete writing guide and an inspiring business manager resume sample. 

#5. Ph.D. Cover Letter Example

Here’s what this cover letter does right: 

• Attention-grabbing introduction. In the opening paragraph, this candidate explains why they’re passionate about pursuing a Ph.D. in great detail. 
• Explains the candidate’s qualifications in detail. The candidate builds on their passion by explaining how they’re also qualified for the degree because of their education history and academic achievements. 

#6. Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

• Professional and minimalistic template. This senior executive has used a professional but minimalistic template that lets their work experience do the talking. 
• Achievement-oriented opening paragraph. Right from the get-go, this candidate explains what makes them so good at their job, effectively grabbing the hiring manager’s attention.  
• Wraps up with a call to action. By suggesting to have a meeting and discussing how they can help the company meet its goals, the candidate stands more chance to make a positive lasting impression. 

#7. Architect Cover Letter Example 

• Modern resume template. This architect has picked a template that perfectly matches his industry, as it is professional and modern at the same time. 
• A personal greeting to the HR. They address the hiring manager by their first name, which helps make a better first impression. 
• Measurable achievements. By quantifying their achievements, the candidate proves their achievements instead of just claiming them.

Struggling with your architect resume ? Check out our full guide!

#8. Business Analyst Cover Letter Example 

• Detailed contact information. The candidate has listed both their LinkedIn and Twitter profiles, providing the HR manager an opportunity to learn more about the candidate.  
• Mentions what the candidate can do for the company. This cover letter doesn’t just explain why the job would be great for the candidate, but also how the candidate would benefit the company. Win-win, right? 
• Error-free and reader-friendly. It’s super important for the cover letter to have no spelling or grammatical errors and be reader-friendly. This candidate made sure they did both.

Need a resume alongside your cover letter? Check out our guide on how to write a business analyst resume . 

#9. Consultant Cover Letter Example 

• Professional cover letter template. Being an experienced consultant, this candidate has picked a professional template that doesn’t steal the spotlight from their achievements. 
• Experience and achievement-oriented. The candidate has effectively elaborated on their top achievements relevant to the job. 
• Highlights the candidate’s passion. To show they want the job, this candidate has also explained how passionate they are about their profession.

For more advice on landing a job as a consultant, check out our guide to writing a consultant resume .

#10. Digital Marketing Cover Letter Example

• Creative cover letter template. This digital marketer highlights their originality by picking a creative cover letter template. 
• Lists the candidate’s awards. The candidate has taken advantage of the cover letter to list their most noteworthy awards in the industry. 
• Concludes with a call to action. As they used a call to action to conclude their cover letter, the HR manager will be more likely to remember them.

Want to take your digital marketing resume to the next level? Check out our guide!

#11. Graphic Designer Cover Letter Example 

• Detailed contact information. The candidate has included additional contact information such as their website link, as well as their LinkedIn and Twitter profiles.  
• Ideal length. This cover letter is concise, which means that the HR manager is more likely to read it from start to finish.  
• Draws attention to the candidate’s strong points. Although this candidate is a recent college graduate, they’ve managed to effectively show that they have enough knowledge and experience to do the job right.

Read this guide to write a graphic designer resume that’s just as good as your cover letter!

#12. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Example

• Minimalistic cover letter template. The candidate picked a well-designed but minimalistic template for their cover letter. 
• Focused on skills and achievements. This cover letter is packed with the candidate’s skills and achievements, proving he can be an excellent employee. 
• Formal closing. Politeness can go a long way and the candidate has used this to their advantage to make an impression. 

Our article on how to write an administrative assistant resume can help you take your job application to the next level.

#13. Front Desk Cover Letter Example

• Modern cover letter template. This template incorporates memorable colors and clear lines, which make the cover letter very visually appealing. 
• Attention-grabbing introduction. Using an attention-grabbing intro, the candidate is more likely to make an impression. 
• Calls the HR to action. By including a call to action, the candidate is reminding the HR of their immediate availability. 

#14. Human Resources Cover Letter Example

• It is concise and to the point. The candidate doesn’t dwell on unimportant details the HR won’t be interested in. 
• Uses a traditional cover letter template. The cover letter design is more on the conventional side, which fits the industry better. 
• Highlights the candidate’s strong points. The candidate has rich work experience and they use the cover letter to elaborate on it. 

This HR resume guide can help you get your resume just right.

#15. Sales Agent Cover Letter Example 

• Attention-grabbing cover letter template. As a salesperson, this candidate knows how important first impressions are, so they’ve picked a catchy cover letter template. 
• Has an ideal length. At the same time, they’ve also made sure to keep their cover letter at just the right length. 
• Lists the candidate’s career highlights. The candidate has made perfect use of the space by mentioning their most impressive professional achievements. 

Check out this sales agent resume guide to create an attention-grabbing sales resume .

#16. Receptionist Cover Letter Example

• Modern but minimalistic cover letter template. The template’s design hints the candidate is creative but professional at the same time. 
• Uses a catchy introduction. The candidate has used an attention-grabbing opening paragraph to catch HR’s attention. 
• Concludes the cover letter formally. The candidate proves that they’re polite and well-spoken, a quality very much important for the role they’re applying for. 

Take your receptionist resume to the next level with this receptionist resume guide .

#17. Information Technology Cover Letter Example

• Mentions measurable achievements. Numbers make an impact, which is why this candidate has included measurable achievements. 
• Lists both soft and hard skills. The candidate has mentioned a great mix of soft and hard skills, showing how well-rounded they are. 
• Contains relevant contact information. The candidate’s GitHub, website name, LinkedIn, and Twitter profiles are all great additions to the resume. 

Looking for tips to help you write a great IT resume ? Check out our guide!

#18. Real Estate Cover Letter Example

• Ideal length. Short and to the point, this cover letter is bound to get noticed by the HR manager. 
• Wraps up with a call to action. This candidate reinforces the HR to call them back through a final call to action. 
• Mentions the right skills. On top of their sales accomplishments, the candidate touch upon important soft skills such as customer service and communication . 

This real estate resume guide will help you take your resume from good to great.

#19. Teacher Cover Letter Example

• Mentions relevant contact information details. This candidate has included optional (but relevant) contact information details, such as their LinkedIn, Quora, and Medium profiles. 
• Achievement-oriented. The candidate has elaborated on their achievements in more detail throughout their cover letter. 
• Highlights the candidate’s passion. For some jobs, being passionate is much more important than for others. Teaching is one of these jobs, which is why this candidate explains their passion for the job. 

Our guide on how to write a teacher resume has all the tips you need to land the job.

#20. Project Manager Cover Letter Example

• Leverages a catchy introduction. Through a catchy introductory paragraph, this candidate is sure to grab the HR’s attention and get them to read the rest of their cover letter.
• Lists measurable accomplishments. This candidate explains exactly what they’ve achieved using numbers and hard data. 
• Personally greets the HR. A personal greeting sounds much better than “Dear Sir/Madam,” and the candidate knows this. 

This guide on how to write a project manager resume can help you perfect your appication.

#21. Paralegal Cover Letter Example

• Minimalistic cover letter template. This cover letter design looks good but doesn’t steal the show from the candidate’s abilities.
• Mentions the candidate’s academic achievements and extracurricular activities. Although the candidate is a recent graduate, they’ve used the cover letter to explain they have enough skills and achievements to do the job.
• Lists measurable achievements. The candidate proves they did well in their internship by mentioning quantifiable achievements.

Check out this paralegal resume guide to perfect yours.

40+ More Cover Letter Examples and Guides 

Couldn’t find a cover letter example for your field? Do not worry.

Below you can find a number of other cover letter examples for different fields and industries:

• Acting Cover Letter Examples
• Accounting Cover Letter Examples
• Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Architecture Cover Letter Examples
• Attorney Cover Letter Examples
• Barista Cover Letter Examples
• Bartender Cover Letter Examples
• Business Cover Letter Examples
• Business Analyst Cover Letter Examples
• College Student Cover Letter Examples
• Computer Science Cover Letter Examples
• Construction Cover Letter Examples
• Consultant Cover Letter Examples
• Customer Service Cover Letter Examples
• Data Analyst Cover Letter Examples
• Data Entry Cover Letter Examples
• Dental Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Digital Marketing Cover Letter Examples
• Elementary Teacher Cover Letter Examples
• Engineering Cover Letter Examples
• Executive Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Finance Cover Letter Examples
• Graphic Design Cover Letter Examples
• Healthcare Cover Letter Examples
• Human Resources Cover Letter Examples
• IT Cover Letter Examples
• Law Cover Letter Examples
• Management Cover Letter Examples
• Marketing Cover Letter Examples
• Mechanical Engineering Cover Letter Examples
• Medical Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Nurse Practitioner Cover Letter Examples
• Physician Cover Letter Examples
• Project Manager Cover Letter Examples
• Receptionist Cover Letter Examples
• Retail Cover Letter Examples
• Sales Cover Letter Examples
• Social Work Cover Letter Examples
• Software Engineer Cover Letter Examples
• Substitute Teacher Cover Letter Examples
• Teacher Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Team Leader Cover Letter Example

What is a Cover Letter? 

A cover letter is a one-page document that you submit as part of your job application, alongside your resume . 

Its purpose is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, your cover letter should be from 250 to 400 words long .

A good cover letter can give the hiring manager more insight into what makes you a good candidate and help them make up their mind about whether they should invite you for an interview. A bad cover letter, though, will get ignored (at best) and lose you the job (at worst).

So, to make sure this doesn’t happen, it’s essential to know how to write a convincing cover letter.

The first thing to remember is that a cover letter is a supplement to your resume, not a replacement. Meaning, you shouldn’t just repeat whatever is mentioned in your resume and call it a day. 

Optimally, you should use your cover letter to shed more light on your skills and qualifications, as well as explain anything you didn’t have space for in your resume (e.g. a career gap or why you’re changing careers).

If you’re writing a cover letter for the first time, though, putting all this together might seem pretty tough. 

Fortunately, you can follow our tried-and-tested format to make the experience much easier:

• Header - Input your contact information.
• Greeting the hiring manager - Open the cover letter with a “Dear Sir or Madam,” or use the hiring manager’s name if you know what that is.
• Opening paragraph - Grab the hiring manager’s attention by getting straight to the point. Mention what your professional experiences are, and what role you’re applying for.
• The second paragraph - Explain why you’re the perfect candidate for the job. Mention your top 2-3 achievements, your top skills, why you want to work in that specific industry, and whatever else is relevant.
• The third paragraph - End your cover letter with a call to action. E.g. “I would love to meet personally and discuss how I can help Company X.”
• Formal closing - Something like this: “Thank you for your consideration. Best, John Doe.”

Here’s what this looks like in practice:

9 Tips to Write a Cover Letter (the Right Way)

Now that we've covered the basics, let's talk about cover letter tips . Below, we'll give you all the knowledge you need to take your cover letter from "OK" to "great."

#1. Pick the right template

A good cover letter is all about leaving the right first impression.

And what’s a better way to leave a good impression than through a professional, well-formatted, and visual template?

You can simply pick one of our tried-and-tested cover letter templates and you’ll be all set!

#2. Add your contact details on the header

The best way to start your cover letter is through a header. 

Here’s what you want to include there:

• Phone Number
• Name of the hiring manager / their professional title
• Name of the company you’re applying to

Optionally, you can also include the following:

• Social Media Profiles - Any type of profile that’s relevant to your field. Social Profiles on websites like LinkedIn, GitHub (for developers), Medium (for writers), etc.
• Personal Website - If you have a personal website that somehow adds value to your application, you can mention it. Let’s say you’re a professional writer. In that case, you’d want to link to your content portfolio site or blog.

#3. Greet the hiring manager the right way

Once you’ve listed all your relevant contact information, it’s time to address the hiring manager reading your cover letter. 

A good practice here is to find the hiring manager’s name and address them directly instead of using the traditional “dear sir or madam.” This shows that you’re really invested in the company and that you took your time to do some research about the job.

So, how can you find out the hiring manager’s name?

One way to do this is by looking up the head of the company’s relevant department on LinkedIn. Let’s say you’re applying for the position of Communication Specialist at Novoresume. The hiring manager is probably the Head of Communications or the Chief Communications Office.

Or let’s say you’re applying for the position of server at a restaurant. In that case, you’d be looking to find out who the restaurant manager is.

If this doesn’t work, you can also check out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.

If you still can’t find out the hiring manager’s name, here are several other greetings you can use:

• Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
• Dear Hiring Manager
• To whom it may concern
• Dear [Department] Team

#4. Create an attention-grabbing introduction

Recruiters get hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of applications. Chances are, they’re not going to be reading every single cover letter end-to-end.

So, it’s essential to catch their attention from the very first paragraph.

The problem with most cover letter opening paragraphs, though, is that they’re usually extremely generic, often looking something like this: 

Hey, my name is Jonathan and I’d like to work as a Sales Manager at XYZ Inc. I’ve worked as a sales manager at MadeUpCompany Inc. for 5+ years, so I believe that I’d be a good fit for the position.

As you can probably tell, this opening paragraph doesn’t tell the hiring manager anything other than that you’ve worked the job before - and that’s not really helpful in setting you apart from other candidates. 

What you want to do, instead, is start off with 2-3 of your top achievements to really grab the reader’s attention. Preferably, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position. 

For example:

My name’s Michael and I’d like to help XYZ Inc. hit and exceed its sales goals as a Sales Manager. I’ve worked with Company X, a fin-tech company, for 3+ years. As a Sales Representative, I generated an average of $30,000+ in sales per month (beating the KPIs by around 40%). I believe that my previous industry experience, as well as my excellence in sales, makes me the right candidate for the role of X at Company Y.

The second example shows how the candidate is a top performer. The first just shows that they’ve worked a sales job before.

Which one are YOU more likely to invite for an interview?

#5. Show you’re the perfect person for the job

One great thing about cover letters is that they allow you to expand more on the top achievements from your resume and really show the hiring manager that you’re the right person for the job. 

A good way to do that is to first read the job ad and really understand what skills/experiences are required, and then to ensure that your cover letter touches upon the said skills or experiences.

In my previous role as a Facebook Marketing Expert at XYZ Inc. I handled customer acquisition through ads, managing a monthly Facebook ad budget of $20,000+. As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation and management process end-to-end. This means I created the ad copy and images, as well as picked the targeting, ran optimization trials, and so on.

Other than Facebook advertising, I’ve also delved into other online PPC channels, including:

• Google Search

#6. Explain why you’re a great company fit

The HR manager doesn’t only look at whether you’ll be good at the job or not. They’re looking for someone that’s also a good fit for the company culture.

After all, employees that don’t fit in are bound to quit, sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary . 

To convince the hiring manager that you’re a great company fit, do some research on the company and find out what it is you like about them, or about working there. You want to know things like:

• What’s the company’s business model?
• What’s the company's product or service? Have you used it?
• What’s the culture like? Will someone micro-manage your work, or will you have autonomy on how you get things done?

Then, turn your top reasons for liking to work there into text and add them to your cover letter! 

#7. Wrap up with a call to action

To make the end of your cover letter as memorable as possible, you want to:

• Wrap up any points you couldn't in the previous paragraphs. Mention anything you’ve left out that you think could help the hiring manager make up your mind.
• Thank the hiring manager for their time. After all, it never hurts to be polite. 
• Finish the cover letter with a call to action. A call to action is a great way to make your cover letter ending as memorable as possible. 

#8. Write a formal closing

Once you’re done with the final paragraph, all you have to do is write down a formal “goodbye” and you’re good to go.

Feel free to use one of the most popular conclusions in a cover letter:

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

#9. Proofread your cover letter

Last but not least, make sure to always proofread each and every document that you’ll be including in your job application - cover letter included. 

The last thing you want is to be claiming you’re a great candidate for the job with a cover letter full of typos! 

For an even more comprehensive guide on how to write an impactful cover letter , check out our article ! 

Cover Letter Writing Checklist 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have some questions about cover letters? Check out the answers below:

1. How do I write a simple cover letter? 

To write a cover letter that’s simple but also professional, make sure to include a header with your personal information, a formal greeting to the hiring manager, an attention-grabbing opening paragraph, a second paragraph explaining why you’re a good candidate for the job, and a formal closing (preferably with a call to action). 

2. What are the 3 parts of a cover letter? 

The three parts of a cover letter are: 

• The introduction , namely the header, the greeting to the hiring manager, and the opening paragraph. 
• The sales pitch is usually the body of the cover letter. 
• The conclusion involves a formal closing and a signature line.

3. What makes a great cover letter?

A great cover letter should be personalized for each job you’re applying for, instead of being overly generic. It’s also preferable to address the hiring manager by their name and not use the overly-used “Dear Sir/Madam.”

To make a great first impression, you should mention 1-2 of your top achievements in your opening paragraph - the more job-specific they are, the better. Also, don’t stop at showing the hiring manager why you’re a great candidate for the job. Make sure to also talk about how you’re a good culture fit for the company.

Last but not least, wrap up your closing paragraph with a call to action to give the hiring manager a little extra something to remember you by. 

4. When is a cover letter necessary?

Unless the job ad specifically states otherwise, you should always include a cover letter with your job application .

Even if the hiring manager doesn’t read it, you will look more professional simply by including one.

And that’s a wrap! We hope our cover letter examples and writing tips will inspire you to write a cover letter that will land you your next job.

If you’re looking for more invaluable career advice and articles, make sure to check out our career blog , or any of these related articles: 

• How to Write a Resume
• Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
• Cover Letter Format (w/ Examples & Free Templates)

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How to Write a Cover Letter

W hen you submit a resume, do you always include a cover letter? In almost all cases, it is appropriate and wise. The letter allows you to introduce yourself, show your interest in the company, address points that do not belong on a resume, and make yourself stand out.

If you need a little assistance, here's how to write a cover letter, along with tips and templates to help get you started.

1. Customize Your Cover Letter

One of the first things to remember about writing a cover letter is that you should tailor it to the specific position. While using a template does help, you should always customize it for the job and company.

The template should be your starting point, not the end result, with only minor tweaks.

According to Glassdoor :

"When starting to write any cover letter, it is always best to plan the content of your letter based on the requirements of the job you're applying for."

If you plan to use a template, you also want to choose the correct one for the letter. For example, some include salary requirements, while others work better in the creative field.

2. Have a Solid Opening

Some sources say that if you start a cover letter by saying that you are applying for X job that you saw in X advertisement, it is a waste of text. Of course, you must state the position you are applying for.

The opening should cover why you are writing and provide a brief idea of who you are. But be sure to stand out to employers when you say why you want the job and why you are the right fit for it.

As Money.com writer Kristen Bahler writes:

"To grab a recruiter’s attention, a good narrative—with a killer opening line—is everything."

You should think through your opening carefully and show your personality, but avoid corny humor. Be clear, concise, and confident.

3. Know the Company

Take the time to research the company you are applying to so that you can express how your experience can help. Plus, having knowledge of the company is ideal for when you land a job interview .

As Harvard Business Review puts it:

"Hiring managers are looking for people who can help them solve problems. Drawing on the research you did earlier, show that you know what the company does and some of the challenges it faces."

When you have information about the company and its needs, you can then highlight your relevant skills and achievements to show why you are the person for the job.

4. End With Enthusiasm

In your final paragraph, include your contact information, express your enthusiasm, and state if you plan to follow up. Monster.com offers this advice for the closing:

"In your closing paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the position and an interview and include a plan of action. State what the next steps will be. If you will wait for the company’s reply, tell them that. If you will be following up, tell them when they can expect to hear from you."

If you are including additional material with your cover letter and resume, such as a portfolio or sample of your work, be sure to mention this as well. And of course, thank the reader for their consideration.

While your opening should grab their attention, your closing should also be strong and clear.

Helpful Tips to Write a Cover Letter

Here are additional tips to keep in mind when crafting your cover letter:

• Always try to address the letter to a person, don't use "Sir" or "Madam" in your greeting. If necessary, do your research for the proper contact.
• Try to limit the letter to one page. Be succinct and get to the point.
• Do not repeat your resume. Your cover letter should enhance it, not duplicate it.
• Do not point out the skills that you lack. Emphasize and highlight those you have that apply to the position.
• Check and double-check your spelling and grammar.
• Mention your expertise in the software tools the company uses.
• Express how you think the company's values align with yours.
• Point out if someone from the company referred you for the role.

How to Write a Cover Letter With a Template

Along with knowing how to write a cover letter that targets the job you want, is the appearance of it. This is another important part of creating your letter so that it has a clean and professional appearance.

1. Keep It Simple

Microsoft has one of the nicest selections of cover letter templates for you to choose from. Just swap out the text on the template with your own.

2. Add Some Color

You might also want to consider adding a little splash of color to your cover letter to make it visually appealing. Remember, a small amount of color is fine as long as you do not overdo it.

3. Include Salary Requirements

You can also find cover letter templates that include salary requirements, but you can and should adjust it based on your needs and preferences, of course.

However, note that some employers do not appreciate this, so it's wise to include salary requirements in your cover letter only if you're specifically asked for it.

4. Be Creative

If you are applying for a position that involves design or another creative field, you may prefer a cover letter to match, especially if you believe the hiring manager expects it. But, again, remember not to go overboard here.

5. Use a Style

Maybe you are looking for a particular style of cover letter. For instance, an entry-level cover letter is for those lacking experience while a professional one is suitable for those with management experience. Each has different formatting to accompany the highlights of the style.

You can check out different cover letter examples at Resume Genuis . You can download an entire pack from each design with various color options that include helpful prompts.

6. Find Your Industry

When what you really need is a template plus a sample with helpful text for that specific position, review these options on Template . You can download cover letter templates for jobs in nursing, education, retail, technology, business development, and other fields.

The sample text is provided to help you, but remember that you can change it easily to suit your skills and experience.

How Not to Write a Cover Letter

Knowing how to write a cover letter for a job is essential. But just as important is how not to write a cover letter. Here are a handful of things you should leave out when composing your letter:

• Overused phrases like self-starter, detail-oriented, and team player.
• Unnecessary details such as activities you enjoy, personal history, and information unrelated to the job.
• Negative comments about current or previous employers and companies.
• Untruths about your skills, qualifications, and experience.
• Salary requirements or expectations unless specifically requested.

Ready, Set, Write

Now that you know how to write a cover letter, the additional tips and templates will help you on your way to a great letter that leads to an interview. Just remember to use the cover letter to tell your story, briefly but with confidence.