cover letter template wonsulting

Crafting the Perfect Cover Letter: How CoverLetterAI Can Help

Cover letter.

Cover Letter Required*

The dreaded cover letter. 

It's like the broccoli of the job application process - you know it's good for you, but it's not exactly the most exciting part of the meal 🥦

But just like how broccoli can be transformed into a delicious and nutritious side dish with the right seasoning and cooking techniques, a cover letter can also become a powerful tool in your job search box 🧰

And with the help of free cover letter builders, such as CoverLetterAI, creating a professional and effective cover letter has never been easier. 

So let's spice up that cover letter and land that dream job, shall we?

3 Tips for Writing a Tastier Cover Letter for Recruiters

A cover letter is essentially a one-page document that gives hiring managers an overview of your skills, experience, and qualifications. It’s usually included with your resume when applying for jobs because it’s a place for you to explain why you’d be a good fit in the role and with the company.

In order to get your cover letter recruiter ready, you’re going to want to add these ingredients:

• Tailor your cover letters to the job posting
• Create a strategy for highlighting relevant skills and experience
• Avoid writing about unrelated experiences

✍️ Tailor your cover letters to the job posting

It’s very important not to send the same cover letter to different roles. Tailoring your cover letter to each job will help hiring managers see exactly why they should hire you. Take into consideration the information from the job description and qualifications to match your experience to the role. You’ll want to include specific examples from your work history that demonstrate your qualifications.

Research the company a bit and find out what their needs are from their mission, values, and goals. You’ll want to explain how you can contribute to their success.

👩‍💻 Create a strategy for highlighting relevant skills and experience

Before writing your cover letter, put together a list of your most relevant skills and experience. Then use the job description to match exactly what the company is looking for. You might even want to use a chart to make it easy to see. 

When you start writing, be sure to use action verbs to describe your skills and experience. For example, instead of saying "I have experience in customer service," say "I have provided exceptional customer service by responding to customer inquiries and resolving issues in a timely and professional manner."

Include numbers to show growth when explaining a project you worked on. For example, instead of saying "I increased sales," say "I increased sales by 20% by implementing a new marketing strategy."

❌ Avoid writing about unrelated experiences

Since space is limited, you’re going to need to stay focused on only including relevant information. It can be easy to go on a tangent and explain how awesome you are but remember, you have a small window of opportunity to impress the hiring manager.

Your cover letter should start with a simple introduction and include the job you are applying for and a brief overview of your relevant skills and experience.

In the body of your cover letter, include specific details of your experience. You should have these all mapped out from your strategy.

Conclude your cover letter by reiterating your interest in the position and enthusiasm for the opportunity. You want to leave a positive impression on the hiring manager. Let them know you look forward to following up a few days later.

With all your ingredients in place, let it simmer while you prepare the secret sauce from our top chef, Jonathan, who will answer your most common questions about cover letters.

1. Should I always include a cover letter with my job application? ‍

👉 If the Cover Letter is optional, you don’t necessarily have to include it; however, if you have a Cover Letter which is tailored towards a job title or have used CoverLetterAI, it’s much easier to attach!

‍ 2. How long should my cover letter be?

👉 A Cover Letter should be no more than 3/4 of an A4 page. Typically, it consists of an Intro (About Your Background), Body (What skills you bring to the table), and Ending (How to Contact You).

3. How do I address my cover letter if I don't know the hiring manager's name?

👉 Simply put “(Company) Hiring Team”!

4. Should I customize my cover letter for each job application?

👉 Similar to a resume, you should tailor your cover letter to each job title. Tailoring a cover letter to each job you apply to would take hours on end, unless you use something like CoverLetterAI.

5. Can I use a template or a cover letter generator to create my cover letter?

👉 Yes! I’d highly recommend using our Cover Letter Template or CoverLetterAI.

6. How do I make my cover letter stand out from the rest?

👉 A way to get your cover letter to stand out is to make sure you include all of the relevant skills and experiences you bring to the table. You can also convert your CoverLetter into a LinkedIn message and identify the recruiter/hiring manager using NetworkAI.

7. Should I include my salary requirements in my cover letter?

👉 Nope! You’ll discuss salary requirements in your interview or this information should be in the job description.

Benefits of Using a Free Cover Letter Builder

If writing your own cover letter sounds like a headache, don’t worry, we’ve got an AI for that. It’s called CoverLetterAI , and it’s part of our suite of AI tools to help you get hired faster.

Using a free cover letter builder like CoverLetterAI can help you:

• Customize your cover with pre-formatted templates
• Professionally write a grammar-free and concise cover letter
• Automate cover letter content from your skills and qualifications

And if it feels like it’s cheating, it’s not! Our AI is not detected on ATS systems, at least we don’t think it is. 

How to Use CoverLetterAI

CoverLetterAI can be found on Wonsulting.ai . You’ll want to log in or create an account to get started.

1. Select CoverLetterAI  

2. Import your resume or make a resume with ResumAI

3. Tell us what you’re using this cover letter for and click generate

4. Ta-Da! Your cover letter is ready to go! Feel free to use our customized templates before you download your cover letter.

In conclusion, crafting a cover letter may not be the most thrilling activity, but it's certainly an important one. 

With the right ingredients (skills and experience) and a well-crafted recipe (a killer cover letter) you'll be serving up some serious job offers in no time. 

And if you're still feeling intimidated, don't fret - when you sign up for CoverLetterAI for the first time, you’ll be able to create 2 free cover letters. 

So go ahead, put on your chef hat, and whip up a cover letter masterpiece that will have employers drooling over your skills and begging to hire you!

Subscribe to our newsletter

Our weekly newsletter is perfect for you if:

• You're looking for a job and value new tips and strategies
• You want to grow within your career
• You value industry insights and job trends

Featured Posts

Wonsultingai, how to autofill job application forms | introducing autoapplyai by wonsulting.

We built a new game-changing job search tool that will autofill job application forms for you. Click to find out how it works!

Success Stories

Wonsulting review: gaurav ramdharne's non-traditional route to success.

Gaurav's Wonsulting Review tells the story of how he used WonsultingAI to land him a job in another country. Find out how he did it!

Wonsulting Review: A Deep Dive into Robert Benedict's Successful Transition into Data Analytics

In this addition of Wonsulting Review, read about how Robert Benedict transitioned into data analytics through self learning.

Ready to make your dream job a reality ?

Get personal attention with each of our services, or join a community of learners in our online courses.

Questions about our services? Check out our FAQs page or contact our team here .

ai job search simplified

Get hired faster with ai.

Be more, earn more, faster than ever with a growing suite of AI powered job search tools for resumes, cover letters, interviews, networking, applying for jobs and more!

Wonsulting and WonsultingAI have been featured on

Let AI write your resume for you

Good news! You don't have to stress out over the perfect resume anymore. ResumAI builds your resume for you with our Wonsulting resume template. It's the template that's landed thousands of jobs for thousands of clients, and it can work for you, too.

Create the best bullet points

Evaluate your resume's strengths and weaknesses in real time

Use the most successful resume strategies available

Networking at the speed of AI

Grow your network faster than ever with NetworkAI. Generate personalized LinkedIn connection messages and get a list of people to connect with!

Generate personalized networking messages.

Connect with recruiters, hiring managers or just expand your professional network.

Save your messages and reuse your favorites.

Coverletterai

Impress recruiters with your flawless ai cover letters.

Don't hate cover letters; automate them with AI! Your job applications just got whole lot easier with CoverLetterAI. You'll be able to send off the perfect cover letter in just a few easy steps.

Use your resume to get a relevant cover letter for the job you want to apply for.

Take advantage of our years of career expertise and AI to impress recruiters.

Customize the cover letter to your liking then, copy or download it.

JobTrackerAI

All your job applications in one place.

Automatically track your applications from start to finish on one simple platform.

Use your gmail account when applying to any jobs.

Track any job, anywhere.

Your data is private.

Master your interview skills with AI

Get more job offers by improving your interview skills with our personalized, virtual mock interviews. Prepare for any interview designed for your target roles.

Time is precious. Job applications steal it from you. We're giving it back. Apply to jobs at the speed of AI. Apply to jobs, track interviews, and monitor your job applications, all in one place.

Unlock Job Search and Career Knowledge

Your gateway to essential skills for job search and career advancement. Curated resources to equip yourself with the tools needed to thrive in today's competitive job market!

Unlock premium job opportunities and apply to jobs faster than ever with a growing suite of AI powered job search tools for resumes, cover letters, networking, auto applying and more!

Our free forever plan!

Get full access to the ultimate AI powered job search platform.

Our users are loving it!

"Your app is truly upstanding and is behind its product 100%. It's the perfect solution to build my resume in no time. It has really helped  me a lot. Thank you!."

" Awesome tool to apply for jobs "

"WonsultingAI has helped me make my resume so much better and more impactful! You read everywhere how to write a resume. Wonsulting AI makes it happen. It's like a virtual mentor helping you make your resume better and more impactful with every sentence..."

"WonsultingAI apps like the ResumAI and NetworkAI helped me a lot in my job search, and made me a better job seeker . The ResumAI too helped me a lot in optimizing my resume bullet points, and I'm hoping to see a lot of positive experience once I start applying."

"WonsultingAI helps to write ATS friendly resume and the cover letter in minutes . Have given us proper guidelines about each section."

"Thanks for the free template. It has helped me and a lot of my friends get into jobs that we applied for! "

"WonsultingAI was outstanding, using it to revamp my resume made me realize I wasn't selling myself more via resume. Thank you to team for creating such a wonderful platform ."

"WonsultingAI is a great resource that gives my jumbled thoughts the proper upgrade it needs !"

"It helps me understand the XYZ concept of resume building while still giving me the creative freedom to alter any information I see fit."

"I need to extend my eternal gratitude to you, your business, and your tools. I signed an offer yesterday, and I'm certain it will be nothing short of life-changing. I was laid off in 2020, and in 2022 TWICE. I got bit by covid layoffs a total of three times. Your resume creator helped me finally crack the ATS systems, which contributed to my resume being seen and securing interviews . I'm a single mom... grateful that I can now say I work at a global company with several billions of dollars in revenue last year. I have a better future outlook. I have a better RRSP (401k), whereas before I had none. I have a future thanks to you."

"Based on initial impressions, it is actually a VERY powerful tool for people who are looking to take their resume to the NEXT level and hopefully get it noticed by the company they are targeting."

"This tool can help people boost confidence in applying in any jobs that they want to pursue."

"Generated bulletpoints are ready to use without any major changes. Bulletpoints are accurately generated according to given data. WonsultingAI saved me a lot of time and efforts. "

" ResumAI helps explain my accomplishments rather than my 'this is my job description' bulletpoints."

"The WonsultingAI suggestions are very unique and frame one's experience well for recruiters to understand . They are short and straight to the point."

"My points were too descriptive. So ResumAI made it more qualitative and to the point. I like it."

"The suggested bullet points by ResumAI provide a significant improvement over the ones I had."

"I only have volunteering experiences, and WonsultingAI is really helping me form a stronger resume by enhancing my volunteer experience."

Why we built WonsultingAI

We created WonsultingAI to further our mission of helping underdogs turn into winners. WonsultingAI accomplishes this by helping anyone from any background create a professional level resume, auto apply to jobs, create an outstanding cover letter or get professional messages they can use for networking. We wanted to use the power of AI to help job seekers worldwide, and we're doing it with WonsultingAI, the new platform that started with ResumAI followed by NetworkAI, CoverLetterAI, AutoApplyAI, InterviewAI and more coming!

Unlock Endless Job Opportunities🔓

Job seekers finally have a growing source of personalized products to help them land great jobs faster than ever!

Consulting cover letter guide (for McKinsey, BCG, Bain, etc.)

Today we’re going to explain everything you need to know about writing consulting cover letters.

We’ll start by reviewing an example cover letter that got interview invitations from ALL the MBB firms (McKinsey, BCG, and Bain). 

And then we’ll explain exactly how you should write your own cover letter to land consulting interviews. Here’s a full list of the topics in this guide:

• Example cover letter

How to write your consulting cover letter

Consulting cover letter tips.

• The skills consulting firms look for

Consulting cover letter screening process

• Get help with your cover letter

Let’s get to it! 

Click here for a consulting letter/resume review with an ex-MBB consultant

Example cover letter (which got interviews at mckinsey, bcg, and bain).

Below is an anonymised cover letter from a candidate who got interviews at McKinsey, BCG and Bain. So you can trust that this template works.

The image here highlights the different sections of the cover letter, but we’ll dive deeper into the text later, and you can also get a downloadable copy below.

Free download of the consulting cover letter example, here. 

In the next section, we’ll go step-by-step through each part of the cover letter and explain how to go about writing it. But before we dive in, please note the following points about the above template:

• A lot of people use this template. Get inspiration from it, but every sentence in your letter should be written from scratch.
• This cover letter might sound impressive. It's one of the best ones we’ve seen. But even if you have not achieved as much as this person, you can still get an interview.

With that said, let’s dig into the cover letter writing process!

As a starting point, this video provides a nice overview of the full writing process for a consulting cover letter. 

Now let’s break things down further.

1. Introduction

Example - Introduction

Mary Taylor - [email protected]

DD / MM / YYYY

Dear Sir / Madam,

I would like to apply for an Associate position at McKinsey in London.

This section is a formality. It should simply state the following information:

• Your name and email address. You can replace your email address with a postal address although those are not commonly used anymore.
• The date on which you are sending your letter
• The position, company, and office to which you are applying

Keep it short and sweet.

2. Why you? 

Example - Why you?

I started working as an Analyst at Big Finance in New York in September 2020 and was quickly promoted to Associate in a year and a half instead of the average four years. While at Big Finance, I advised a broad range of clients who constantly gave me positive feedback and regularly asked to work with me again. Before joining Big Finance, I graduated as the top student of my MEng in Chemical Engineering at Prestigious University in the UK. While studying, I received two competitive scholarships and awards. In addition, I developed my leadership skills as the President of the Prestigious University Consulting Club. High energy was essential to lead a team of 5 managing the club and growing the number of members by 20%.

This is your "GOLD MEDALS" section. It is the first section of your cover letter and therefore the most important one.

It should state the TOP 3 achievements of your life to date that are relevant to consulting. These achievements should be as unique and as memorable as possible. When your reviewer reads them they should think "Wow, that's impressive. I want to know more about this person."

To write this section you need to step back and ask yourself "What are the most impressive things I've done with my life so far?" This is not an easy question to answer. 

In our experience discussing this with a close friend can help. It's sometimes easier for them to quickly point out the impressive things you have done as they are an external observer.

In addition, notice how achievements are QUANTIFIED in the example above. Saying you have been promoted "in a year and a half instead of the average four years" is much more powerful than saying you have been promoted "quickly." You should quantify your achievements whenever possible.

This section is your chance to grab the reader's attention. If there's nothing impressive in it, they will stop reading and just scan the paragraphs. So don't miss your opportunity!

3. Why consulting?

Example - Why consulting?

There are several reasons why I want to pursue a consulting career. To start with, I know I will enjoy being a strategy consultant because I have already worked in a strategy team in the past. This was in summer 2019 when I was a Strategy Intern at Big Grocery Retailer in London. In addition, I think consulting is a unique opportunity to comprehensively learn about business management by working on a variety of company situations. Over the past two years, I have started building my business skills while advising clients on financial matters at Big Finance. I now look forward to learning more about companies’ management at McKinsey. Finally, I want to work in consulting because I truly enjoy interacting with clients. Throughout my work experiences I have built a successful track record of developing and maintaining relationships with clients including, for instance, the senior strategy team at Big Grocery Retailer.

Once you have convinced your reviewer that you have impressive achievements under your belt they'll be thinking: "Ok, this person is impressive. But do they REALLY want to be a consultant? Or are they just applying because they're not sure what to do with their career."

The third section of your letter should therefore answer the  "Why consulting?" question . But here is the thing about this question: There are some reasons to go into consulting that you should tell your reviewer about. And some reasons that you should really keep to yourself.

For instance, one of the mistakes candidates commonly make in their cover letter is to write something along the lines of "I'd like to spend 2 or 3 years in consulting to learn more about business in general and then decide what I want to do." This is a HUGE mistake. 

Consulting firms want to hire FUTURE PARTNERS. Not employees who will stay for a couple of years. You can watch the video below for more details about this.

The best approach for your "Why consulting?" section is to write about past experiences that really show you know what you are getting into. The perfect situation is if you have done an internship in consulting or in corporate strategy and have enjoyed it. If that's the case, this is the perfect section to write about it.

But even if you haven't done related internships, there are plenty of angles you can use to connect your past experiences to what you will do as a consultant. For instance:

• You might have enjoyed working with clients when you were in M&A or in Sales
• You might have enjoyed structuring and solving tough problems as an engineer

You should use these experiences to say that "working with clients" or "solving tough problems" is something you KNOW you enjoy doing; and you look forward to spending more time doing this as a consultant.

When they read this section, your reviewer should think: "Ok, this person is impressive AND they know what they are getting into."

4. Why McKinsey / BCG / Bain / Other?

Example - Why McKinsey?

McKinsey appeals to me for three reasons. To start with, the different people from the company I have met and worked with all told me they had truly enjoyed their time there. For the past two years, I have worked for Michael Smith, a former Engagement Manager from the London office, who now works for Big Finance. Additionally, I regularly read McKinsey’s reports on financial services and think the insights delivered by Sarah James and others in the Finance practice are truly superior to that of other consultancies. By joining McKinsey, I therefore think I would have an opportunity to work with and learn from the best consultants in the industry. Finally, the fact that McKinsey was selected by Finance Supercorp to shape its digital strategy also played an important role in my decision to apply. This was a first-of-its-kind contract in finance and it shows that while at McKinsey I could get the opportunity to work on truly unique projects.

If you have managed to convince your reviewer that you have an impressive background and that you really want to be a consultant, you have a VERY HIGH chance of getting an interview. 

The only question that's left for you to answer is: " Why McKinsey  / Why BCG? / Why Bain? "

Top consulting firms  have a lot in common. In most regions, they cover the same industries and work for similar clients. They also pay similar salaries, and the career path is more or less the same from firm to firm. So what should you write about in this section?

In our experience, the most efficient way to set yourself apart in this section is to write about three specific elements:

When you write "I've met with Michael Smith," or "I've read report X," or "I've heard about project Y," you are making an argument that's SPECIFIC enough for your reviewer to think: "Ok they've done their homework."

If you stay too GENERIC, your argument will be much less credible. For instance, writing something like "While at McKinsey, I'll be exposed to a broad range of industries which I'm excited about" is a weak argument because you could swap McKinsey for BCG or Bain in that sentence.

In fact, this is the ultimate test. If you can swap McKinsey with another name in your "Why McKinsey?" section you are not being specific enough. You need to work on your paragraph again and mention SPECIFIC people, reports, or projects that you find interesting.

5. Conclusion

Example - Conclusion

For all these reasons, I am very enthusiastic about the chance to work at McKinsey. I am available for an interview at any time and look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,

Mary Taylor

The last section of the cover letter is a formality again. It should include the following elements:

• A sentence or two saying that you are enthusiastic and available for interviews at any time
• Your final signature

So how do you make it easy for your reviewer to put your cover letter on the "Accept" pile? We have put together the 10 tips below to make sure you can achieve this and avoid common mistakes.

Tip #1 Don't use a template letter

Writing cover letters is painful. But trust us, reading hundreds of them can be at least as painful. That's why you should make every effort to make your letter interesting and genuine. 

It's ok to get inspiration from templates such as the one we provide in this guide. But every sentence in your letter should be written from scratch.

Tip #2 Keep it to one page

One of the unwritten rules of consulting cover letters is that they should not be longer than one page. The trick to achieve this is to only select the MOST RELEVANT experiences from your  resume  and to summarise them. 

The points you decide to highlight should clearly demonstrate that you would make a great consultant.

Tip #3 Standard format and font

It's tempting to use an eye-catching font and format. But that's actually a bad idea. You only risk your interviewer thinking: "I've never seen this font, it looks really weird. Who is this person?" Your cover letter should stand out because of its content, NOT because of its format.

Tip #4 Not the time to be shy

Your cover letter is not the time to be shy. If you went to Harvard and have three Olympic medals, now is the time to say it! Most of us don't, and that's fine. But the point is that you should really push yourself to bring your most impressive accomplishments forward.

Tip #5 Network, network, network

This might sound surprising, but a big part of the cover letter is  how much networking you have done . Having networked with people from the firm you are applying for pays dividends for multiple reasons. 

First, they might recommend you to the HR team. But most importantly, these people will give you insight into what makes their firm UNIQUE. Then you can quote what you've heard in your cover letter (and name drop the person you heard it from) to show that you really understand the firm you are applying for.

Tip #6 Read, read, read

Unfortunately, networking is not always easy or possible. In these cases, your second best option is to read as much as you can on the firms you are applying for. You should read about the firm's projects, reports, and partners and find pieces of information you are really interested in. 

For instance, if you did your master thesis on electric vehicles, try to find who works in this area at the firm and what they have to say about it. And then mention what you have found in your cover letter.

Tip #7 One letter per firm

One question we often get is: "Should I write one letter per firm?" The answer is YES. But it's not as hard as it might sound. 

Every cover letter needs to answer three questions: Why you? Why consulting? And why this firm? The only paragraph you will need to change in every letter is the one about "Why this firm?" For each firm, you will have to do the networking and reading mentioned above.

Tip #8 Start writing early

Writing an outstanding cover letter is VERY HARD. Most candidates underestimate how much time it takes and start this process too late. You'll need to take a step back and reflect on everything you have done to date to highlight your most relevant experiences. 

This takes multiple iterations. Start early.

Tip #9 Get feedback

In our experience, great candidates all look for feedback and iterate on their cover letter until it's truly as good as it can get. It's a lot of work, but it's worth it.

It’s best to get feedback from peers or consultants. These people will be able to point out which parts of your letter they don't get or don't find impactful enough. If you’d like to have an expert review your cover letter, check out our team of  ex-consultant coaches .

Tip #10 Proofread multiple times

Finally, you should check and double check your letter for typos and grammar mistakes - multiple times. A cover letter is (not so secretly) a writing test and you should really treat it like one.

What consulting firms look for

To get multiple interviews at  top consulting firms , it’s extremely important to understand what those firms are actually looking for. 

The good news is that most of the leading consultancies are looking for basically the same skills. 

To illustrate this point, here’s what  McKinsey  and  Bain  say that they’re looking for in candidates, along with our own translation of what they mean:

There are also a few unofficial items that consulting firms will look for on your resume, and you can read about those in our  consulting resume guide .

Next, let’s talk about the typical cover letter screening process.

Screening process

Now let's talk about HOW your cover letter will be handled once you send it. Here's how it works.

Your application will be sent to a JUNIOR CONSULTANT who recently graduated from your University. They will score your documents based on a grid provided by the HR team. 

Consultants usually have to score 200 to 400 applications in about 2 weeks. And this is sometimes on TOP of their normal project. It's not uncommon for them to leave the job to the last minute and to have to do it on a Friday night just before the deadline.

Why is this important? The point we are trying to make is your application is part of 100 other applications. And the person who will review it will be tired by the time they get to your cover letter. If they don't understand something, they won't Google it. It's your job to make their job easy.

Why consultancies ask for a cover letter

There are two main reasons why consulting firms ask for cover letters.

First, partners bill several thousand dollars per day to their clients. The opportunity cost of interviewing you is HUGE for the firm. Put yourself in the shoes of a consultancy for a second. What are the top 3 questions you want to answer before investing money in interviewing a candidate?

• Have they demonstrated the skills needed to be a consultant?
• Do they know what consulting is and what they are getting into?
• Are they genuinely interested in working for our firm?

If you don't answer these three questions in a structured and impactful way, your chances of getting past the screening process are very low. This is why every cover letter should be structured as follows:

• Why consulting?
• Why this firm?

The second reason consulting firms ask for a cover letter is to test your writing skills. Consultants write all the time: emails, PowerPoints, Word documents, etc. They spend about 50% of their day writing. And a lot of the time their job is to summarise very large quantities of information in a succinct way.

This is exactly what you have to do in your cover letter. You have to a) look back on all your past experiences, b) select the relevant experiences to convince the reviewer that you are the right person for the job and c) summarise all these experiences in a way that's easy to read and digest.

Cover letters are a disguised writing test. Candidates who end up getting invited for interviews recognise this early on. Making a good impression on paper is way harder than making a good impression in person.

Are many candidates ready to invest HOURS in writing the perfect cover letter? No. That's the whole point. That's how you can set yourself apart. If you spend enough time making sure that your letter is as impactful as it can be, you stand very high chances of getting invited for interviews.

Another reason that it can help to have a cover letter is to explain anything on your resume that may look unusual to a reviewer, such as a time gap or a non-traditional background for consulting. 

Whatever your unique situation is, if you’re not confident in how your cover letter looks today, then we can help you. 

Get an Ex-MBB consultant to review your cover letter

The guide above, in addition to our guide on  consulting resumes , should go a long way in helping you craft documents that will get you interviews. 

But if you still feel you need additional help, we have a team of ex-MBB recruiters and interviewers who would be happy to provide feedback on your cover letter.

You’ll get feedback on how to immediately improve your cover letter, including what experience to focus on, how to optimise your phrasing, formatting, etc.

Start by browsing profiles for available coaches.

How to Create a Compelling Cover Letter in Microsoft Word

E very time you apply for a job, it's a good idea to include a cover letter. Deciding how to write each one is hard, but at least you don’t have to start from scratch with their design.

Microsoft Word offers templates and welcomes third-party designs to help you create compelling cover letters. Here’s how to use such options in Word and make the best first impression possible to potential employers.

Use Microsoft Word’s Cover Letter Templates

Formal letters don’t have to be bland. Go to File > More templates on Word, and type “cover letter” in the search box. You’ll find several stylish designs that add structure and color to your document.

What reflects you better, a subtle or sharp color scheme? If you’re considering a bold header for your professional details, learn how to design letterheads on Word , too. You can even add your portrait to your cover letter.

Microsoft Word’s built-in templates also include fields for you to fill in with your information and that of your potential employer. They guide you in these small ways, some even providing a sample for your letter’s main body. It’s a good idea to rephrase that, though, to fit each job application.

If you don’t like any of the options on Word’s desktop app, explore more Microsoft cover letter templates online and download your favorites from there.

Use Third-Party Templates in Microsoft Word

You can create cover letters for your dream job on platforms besides Microsoft. If you’d rather stick with it, you’ll even come across third-party templates specifically designed for you to download and customize on Word. Here are some examples.

1. ResumeLab

Explore over 50 cover letter templates, ranging from minimalist to eye-catching designs. Keep in mind that a few of them are meant to be created on ResumeLab. The rest you can bring onto Word by clicking their Download it free here link.

You’ll be redirected to websites like Good Resume and Resume Genius , which help you quickly download your documents. Then, all you have to do is open them in Microsoft Word.

You’ll also notice that some cover letters on ResumeLab are edited versions of Word’s built-in templates, but this just adds to your selection and gives you more ideas.

2. Template.net

This is a popular site for templates of all kinds, including cover letters. For some designs, you pay a small fee, but Template.net has an impressive range of free options, too. What’s more, the download process is very easy.

Just browse its collection, click on a design you like, and select the Word button under Download Free Template . In the next window, hit Free Download . If you’re not signed in already, you’ll be asked to as the final step.

Follow Best Practices for Cover Letters

Familiarize yourself with the dos and don’ts of writing a cover letter . Remember these guidelines when selecting and customizing a template or crafting a cover letter from scratch. They boil down to the following rules.

1. Research Potential Employers

Do your research before writing or designing your cover letter. Get to know each company and even the recruiter you’re addressing. It’s the same strategy as tailoring your resume for different job types .

2. Tailor Your Cover Letter

When showcasing your skills and interest in a position, use your research to tailor your letter so that it grabs the recruiter’s attention and impresses them. Be smart, enthusiastic, and concise with your words.

3. Use Your Blank Space Wisely

Aim to limit your cover letter to one page. Any more than that, and you risk losing the recruiter’s interest. Think about what you need to say, including important and relevant details not covered in your resume. Express these things as succinctly as possible.

4. Your Visuals Should Complement and Not Overwhelm the Letter

Add a bit of color and texture, going for a subtle effect. You could even use some small icons, as long as they’re tasteful and discreet. Whatever you choose, keep these visuals on the letter’s edges, and don’t let them dominate the text.

5. Master Word’s Features That Benefit Cover Letters

For example, you can create your cover letter more efficiently by setting the text’s boundaries from the get-go. To do this, go to Layout > Margins . From the same toolbar, you can adjust paragraph spacing and indentation.

Through Insert > Pictures , you can import an image of your signature and place it at the end of the letter. Your header and footer can be customized from here, too.

Even the Mailing toolbar might be of interest. It can help streamline the process of writing and sending letters, as well as keeping track of recipients.

Good Planning and Wording Make the Best Cover Letters

Between Microsoft and other providers, you have access to a wide selection of templates for simple but attractive cover letters that you can personalize on Word. The app itself is full of useful writing and editing tools.

With this leg up, designing a cover letter for every occasion is easier. Sound research and planning in terms of how to approach each application can help polish the letter even more.

ALERT: We have been made aware of instances where individuals/businesses are misrepresenting themselves as being associated with Hays U.S. Please note that we do not post job advertisements in local marketplace groups on Facebook, we do not contact applicants or conduct interviews via WhatsApp/SMS currently, and we will never ask for credit card or banking information for equipment purchase, nor do we charge fees to jobseekers.

If you are unsure an advertisement or contact is legitimate, please check Hays.com for job postings and local office contact information.

• Czech Republic
• Hong Kong SAR
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom

Write an effective Cover Letter: Tips and template | Hays US

Mastering the art of cover letters: hays template included.

2 min | Julien Clement | Report | Resumes & cover letters

Submitting a cover letter to complement your resume can boost your chances of standing out to the recruiter.

Remember that a well-crafted cover letter should be concise , engaging , and customized for each application. Take the time to research the company, understand the job requirements, and tailor your letter accordingly. It’s an opportunity to make a positive first impression and increase your chances of landing an interview!

Download your cover letter template  

Here are some tips on drafting one:

1. Research before you start writing

You should have done this when creating your resume , but you’ll have additional opportunities here to make reference to the hiring company’s industry, culture and values.

2. Personalize it

Don’t copy and paste your cover letter for every application with a few minor adjustments. It’s worth taking the time to write one from scratch, since the reader will know when you’ve just edited a few words of the same cover letter that you send to everyone.

3. Start with a strong intro to hook the reader in

The first sentence will either grab the reader’s attention or lose it. Instantly tell your story and communicate how you’re the solution to the hiring manager’s problems, instead of the generic “I’m applying for the role of XXX.”

4. Mention whether you’ve come across this opportunity via a friend or connection within the organization

Maybe it was suggested to you because they thought you were a good fit for the role, or you crossed paths as an intern or an employee at one of the company’s suppliers or competitors?

Are you ready to start? Get your cover letter template here

About this author

Julien Clement VP, Eastern Canada

Julien has a Master in Finance and started his career at EY France. He joined Hays in Lyon, France in 2011 to help develop the Accounting & Finance desk. Then in 2015 he transferred to Canada, opening the Montreal office in Property and Construction. Julien went on to launch the A&F division in 2017, as well as other specialties including Manufacturing and Logistics, HR, etc. The following year Julien managed the permanent desk for Montreal and in 2020 for both Montreal and Ottawa. In August 2021 he got promoted to Regional Director for the Eastern Region and currently manages and leads our Montreal and Ottawa offices. He also has a strong background in Accounting and Finance, Property, Construction, and IT.

Generic Cover Letter

Cover letter maker.

Unearth the potential of a versatile and adaptable cover letter with our collection of Generic Cover Letter Examples . These samples serve as a reliable foundation, regardless of your industry or profession. They’re skillfully crafted to highlight your key skills, experience, and your passion for the job, adaptable to any role you’re pursuing. Use them as a launchpad to create compelling cover letters that make a striking first impression and set you apart from the competition.

What is a Good Generic Cover Letter? & Example

A good generic cover letter is a well-structured document that showcases your most relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications that can be adjusted to fit a variety of job applications. It should also convey your enthusiasm for the job and the company, as well as your ability to deliver the results the employer seeks.

Example of a Good Generic Cover Letter

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP] [Your Email] [Your Phone Number] [Date]

[Employer’s Name] [Company Name] [Company Address] [City, State, ZIP]

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the open position advertised by [Company Name]. With a strong foundation in [mention a relevant field or industry], and a proven track record in [mention a key responsibility or achievement], I am confident that I can contribute to your team’s success.

In my previous role as [Job Title] at [Company Name], I was responsible for [mention a key responsibility or a project you spearheaded]. This experience has honed my skills in [mention a key skill], making me well-equipped to take on the challenges of the role at your esteemed company.

What excites me about this opportunity is not only the chance to contribute to [Company Name] but also the potential for personal growth and advancement that this role promises.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to discuss how my background and skills would be a good fit for your team and look forward to the possibility of working with you.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Size: 27 KB

Generic Cover Letter Examples – Copy & Paste

Discover our selection of Generic Cover Letter Examples. Easily adaptable and versatile, these templates are ideal for various job applications. Simply copy, tailor, paste, and make an impression.

1. Short Generic Cover Letter Example

This short cover letter , though short, still packs a punch. It succinctly communicates your key qualifications and eagerness for the role. Ideal for industries that value brevity, it saves time for both you and the hiring manager.

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I’m interested in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With my experience in [relevant experience], I’m confident I can contribute effectively to your team. I’m eager to bring my [key skill] and [another key skill] to this role.

Thank you for considering my application.

Size: 24 KB

2. Perfect Generic Cover Letter Example

This good cover letter balances professionalism and personality. It highlights your qualifications, showcases your achievements, and conveys your enthusiasm for the job. A versatile choice, it fits many professional scenarios.

[Your Contact Information]

[Employer’s Contact Information]

I am writing to apply for the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name], as advertised [mention where you saw the advertisement]. With my background in [your field] and a proven record of [mention a key accomplishment], I am confident I can make valuable contributions to your team.

During my time at [Previous Company], I was responsible for [mention significant responsibilities]. My efforts resulted in [mention a positive outcome]. This experience not only honed my skills in [mention a key skill] but also taught me the importance of [mention another key skill]. I believe these skills make me a strong candidate for the role at [Company Name].

What excites me most about this opportunity is the chance to [mention something about the job that appeals to you]. I am impressed by [mention something positive about the company] and am eager to contribute to [Company Name’s] ongoing success.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to [Company Name].

Size: 26 KB

3. Generic Cover Letter for Customer Service

This customer service cover letter highlights customer service skills. It is tailored for customer service roles, showcasing your interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to delivering excellent service.

I am applying for the Customer Service Representative position at [Company Name]. With [number of years of experience] in customer service roles and a strong track record in [mention a key achievement or responsibility], I am confident I can bring value to your team.

In my previous role at [Previous Company], I [mention a situation where you provided excellent customer service]. This experience demonstrated my ability to handle difficult situations with professionalism and a commitment to customer satisfaction.

I am excited about the opportunity to provide excellent service to [Company Name’s] customers and contribute to your team’s success. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my application further.

4. Generic Cover Letter Example for Teaching

This teaching cover letter is tailored to the education sector, showcasing your teaching skills, passion for education, and dedication to student success. Ideal for teachers, tutors, or education administrators.

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [School/Institution Name]. As an experienced educator with [number of years of experience], a passion for [mention a specific subject or area of education], and a commitment to [mention a teaching-related value or principle], I believe I can make a positive impact on your students’ success.

At my previous position at [Previous School/Institution], I [mention a significant responsibility or achievement]. This experience not only honed my skills in [mention a key skill] but also reinforced my belief in [mention an educational value or principle]. I am eager to bring this passion and dedication to [School/Institution Name].

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to [School/Institution Name’s] educational mission.

5. Generic Cover Letter Example for Any Job

This job cover letter is a versatile tool for various job applications. It highlights your key qualifications and expresses your interest in the role, making you a potential asset regardless of the job at hand.

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With my background in [mention your field or industry] and a strong track record in [mention a key achievement or responsibility], I am confident I can make valuable contributions to your team.

In my previous role at [Previous Company], I was responsible for [mention significant responsibilities]. My efforts resulted in [mention a positive outcome], demonstrating my skills in [mention a key skill] and [mention another key skill]. I am excited about bringing these skills to [Company Name].

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to contribute to [Company Name’s] ongoing success and look forward to the possibility of working with you.

6. Generic Cover Letter for Job Application

This job application cover letter template guides you to present your qualifications in a clear, concise way. It is perfect for job applications across different fields, showcasing your skills, experiences, and how you can add value to the company.

I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] role at [Company Name]. With my [number of years] of experience in [Your Field], I am confident that I can contribute effectively to your team.

In my previous role at [Past Company], I was responsible for [briefly mention a major responsibility or achievement]. This experience has prepared me well for the [Job Title] role, particularly in the areas of [mention key areas related to the job].

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to demonstrate my potential to contribute to [Company Name’s] continued success.

Size: 25 KB

7. General Cover Letter Example

This basic cover letter focuses on transferrable skills that are valuable in various industries. Ideal for candidates changing industries or applying to multiple roles, it lets you highlight your adaptability and eagerness to learn and grow.

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] role at [Company Name]. My diverse experience in [Your Field] and adaptable skill set make me a valuable asset for your team.

In my previous role at [Past Company], I honed my skills in [mention key skills]. I also learned to adapt quickly to new challenges and environments, making me well-prepared for a role like [Job Title].

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to bring my transferable skills and adaptability to [Company Name].

8. Generic Cover Letter for Employment

This employment cover letter  example focuses on your desire for employment and how your skills and experiences make you a fit for the job. It’s adaptable to various job applications and emphasizes your ability to contribute to the company’s success.

I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] role at [Company Name]. I am confident that my [number of years of experience] in [Your Field] will allow me to contribute significantly to your team.

At [Past Company], I handled [briefly mention a responsibility or achievement]. This experience has equipped me with valuable skills that I am eager to bring to the [Job Title] role at [Company Name].

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name’s] continued success.

9. Generic Cover Letter for Resume

This resume cover letter serves as a complement to your resume, highlighting the key elements that make you a fit for the job. It allows you to further explain your qualifications and express your interest in the role.

I am applying for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. As you will see from my enclosed resume, I have the necessary skills and qualifications to excel in this role.

In my previous role at [Previous Company], I demonstrated [mention key skills] and achieved [mention a major achievement]. I am eager to bring these skills and my dedication to the [Job Title] role at [Company Name].

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your team’s success.

10. Generic Cover Letter High School Student

This cover letter is designed for high school students with limited work experience. It highlights your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and skills that make you a fit for the job.

I am a high school student interested in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. Although my work experience is limited, I have a strong academic background and have been actively involved in [mention extracurricular activities].

Through my experiences in school and extracurricular activities, I have developed [mention key skills] that would be beneficial for the [Job Title] role. I am eager to apply these skills in a professional setting and contribute to [Company Name’s] success.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my skills and enthusiasm make me a fit for this role.

11. Professional Generic Cover Letter

This professional cover letter is perfect for experienced professionals. It allows you to present your qualifications in a polished, professional manner and express your eagerness to contribute to the company.

I am applying for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With [number of years] of experience in [Your Field], I am confident in my ability to contribute significantly to your team.

My professional experience includes [mention major responsibilities or achievements]. I have honed my skills in [mention key skills], making me well-prepared for the [Job Title] role.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to bring my expertise and professionalism to [Company Name] and contribute to your team’s success.

12. First Job Generic Cover Letter

This cover letter is ideal for those applying for their first job. It focuses on your educational background, transferable skills, and eagerness to gain professional experience.

I am writing to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. As a recent graduate with a degree in [Your Field], I am eager to gain practical experience and contribute to your team.

While studying, I [mention a relevant academic achievement or project] and developed skills in [mention key skills]. These experiences have prepared me for the challenges and opportunities of the [Job Title] role.

13. Generic Cover Letter with Greetings

This cover letter begins with a friendly, professional greeting. It allows you to establish rapport with the hiring manager while presenting your qualifications for the job.

Hello [Employer’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With my background in [Your Field], I believe I am well-suited for this role.

During my time at [Previous Company], I [mention a key responsibility or achievement]. I am confident that these experiences make me a strong candidate for the [Job Title] role.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name’s] success.

Best, [Your Name]

14. Entry Level Generic Cover Letter

This cover letter is designed for those seeking entry-level positions. It showcases your relevant coursework, internships, or other experiences that have prepared you for the job.

I am writing to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. As a recent graduate in [Your Field], I am eager to launch my career and believe I have the necessary skills to excel in this role.

During my studies, I completed a [mention a relevant internship, project, or course]. This experience [explain how this experience prepared you for the job].

Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to start my career at [Company Name] and contribute to your team’s success.

15. First Job Generic Cover Letter

Taking your first steps into the professional world can be exciting and a little daunting. This generic cover letter for a first job focuses on transferable skills, enthusiasm, and your future career goals.

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. As a recent graduate in [Your Field], I am eager to apply my academic knowledge to practical use and begin my professional journey.

During my studies, I have gained skills in [mention relevant skills], and my experience in [mention any relevant internships, part-time jobs, or projects] has provided me with a foundation in professional work settings.

I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] because [mention something you admire about the company or how it aligns with your career goals]. I believe this role is a perfect opportunity to further develop my skills and make valuable contributions to your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to [Company Name’s] continued success.

16. Generic Cover Letter for Internship

Internships are a great way to gain practical experience and industry insights. This generic internship cover letter for an internship focuses on your eagerness to learn, your relevant coursework, and why you’re interested in that specific internship.

I am writing to apply for the [Internship Title] at [Company Name]. Currently, I am pursuing my [degree] in [Your Field] and am excited about the opportunity to apply my academic knowledge to real-world situations.

My coursework in [mention relevant courses] has given me a solid foundation in [mention skills relevant to the internship]. In addition, my experience in [mention any relevant extracurricular activities or projects] has honed my abilities in [mention another skill relevant to the internship].

What attracts me to this internship at [Company Name] is [mention what specifically interests you about the internship or the company]. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to learn and contribute to your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how I can contribute to your team during this internship.

How to Use Generic Cover Letters?

The following guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to use generic cover letter examples to create a powerful and unique cover letter for your job applications.

Step 1: Select the Right Example from Above

Identify Your Needs

The first step is to identify your needs based on the job role or stage of your career. Review the available templates and select the one that best suits your needs. Whether you’re a student, a seasoned professional, or making a career change, there’s a template to fit your circumstances.

Step 2: Personalize the Header and Salutation

Insert Your Contact Information

At the top of your letter, replace the placeholders with your contact information, including your full name, address, phone number, and email address.

Customize the Date and Employer’s Contact Information

Update the date and replace the employer’s contact information with the correct details, which can typically be found in the job posting or on the company’s website.

Personalize the Salutation

Change the generic “[Employer’s Name]” in the salutation with the hiring manager’s name, if it’s available. If you can’t find a name, “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear [Company Name] Team” are good alternatives.

Step 3: Tailor the Body of the Letter

Replace the Job Title and Company Name

Throughout the cover letter, replace the placeholders for the job title and company name with the correct information.

Customize the Skills and Experiences

It’s crucial to replace the generalized skills and experiences with your own. Highlight your most relevant skills, qualifications, and accomplishments. Use specific examples and numbers where possible to make your achievements stand out.

Step 4: Write a Compelling Conclusion

Express Gratitude and Enthusiasm

Thank the hiring manager for their consideration and express your enthusiasm about the possibility of contributing to their team. This is your last chance to leave a positive impression, so make it count!

Step 5: Sign Off

Personalize the Sign-off

Replace “[Your Name]” with your full name. If you’re sending a hard copy or PDF, include a handwritten or digital signature above your typed name.

Step 6: Review and Edit Your Cover Letter

Before you send your cover letter, take the time to proofread and edit it. Ensure there are no grammar or spelling errors, and that the flow and tone are professional and coherent. Consider asking a friend, mentor, or career services professional to review your cover letter for a fresh perspective.

Remember, while a generic cover letter can be a useful starting point, it’s important to personalize and tailor each cover letter to the specific job and company to show that you’re a perfect fit for the role.

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Write a cover letter for a college student applying for an internship at an educational technology company

Form a cover letter for a high school student seeking a part-time job at a local bookstore.