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How to Write a Cover Letter When You’re Unemployed: Tips and Guides 

• Editorial Team
• June 15, 2023
• Job Search , Resume & Cover Letters , trending

When you’re unemployed and applying for jobs , one of the most common questions you’ll be asked is “What have you been doing lately?” Your cover letter is the perfect place to address this question and explain your employment situation. Here are some tips and guides on how to write a cover letter when you’re unemployed:

• Start by explaining your employment situation in a brief paragraph. For example, “I am currently seeking full-time employment after being laid off from my previous job.”
• Use the remainder of the cover letter to highlight the skills and qualifications that make you the ideal candidate for the job.
• Be sure to proofread your cover letter carefully before sending it off.

following these tips will help you write a Cover Letter that will give you the best chance of getting an interview and, ultimately, the job.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter accompanies your resume and serves as an introduction to your skills and experience. The Cover Letter gives you a chance to highlight the parts of your resume that are most relevant to the job you are applying for, and it also allows you to explain any gaps in employment.

When you are unemployed, sending a Cover Letter along with your resume is still essential. A Cover Letter is an opportunity to sell yourself to the employer and explain why you would be a good fit for the job. Cover Letters should be tailored to each individual job, so it is essential to do your research ahead of time.

Some Cover Letter tips to keep in mind when you are unemployed:

• Keep it positive: focus on what you can bring to the company and how your skills will benefit them.
• Use language from the job posting: This will show that you have read and understand what the company is looking for.
• Highlight your skills and accomplishments: Even if you don’t have paid work experience, you likely have transferable skills from other experiences such as volunteering, internships, or coursework.
• Use specific examples: Don’t just say that you are a “hard worker”, give an example of a time when you went above.

Keep in mind that your Cover Cover Letters should be free of typos and grammatical errors.

How to Write a Cover Letter When You’re Unemployed

Cover letters can be very helpful in getting your foot in the door with a company, even if you don’t have a lot of work experience. Here are some tips and guides on how to write a cover letter when you’re unemployed:

First, don’t mention that you’re unemployed.

First, don’t mention that you’re unemployed in your cover letter. There’s no need to draw attention to this fact and it will only give the employer the impression that you’re not currently actively looking for work. Instead, focus on highlighting your skills and experience and how they match the requirements of the job you’re applying for.

If you’ve been out of work for a while, you can also use your cover letter to briefly explain the circumstances that led to your unemployment. For example, if you left your last job to raise a family or take care of a sick relative, you can mention this in your cover letter.

Finally, don’t forget to highlight any volunteer work or other activities you’ve been involved in during your period of unemployment. This will show that you’ve been using your time constructively and keeping your skills up-to-date.

That way, you sound positive, and confident tone throughout the letter.

Focus on your skills and accomplishments, rather than your employment history.

When you’re unemployed, there are a few ways to approach writing your cover letter. You can focus on your skills and accomplishments, rather than your employment history. This is especially useful if you’re starting your job search after a long break, or if you’ve been unemployed for a while.

You can also use your cover letter to explain your employment situation. If you’ve been laid off, for example, you can mention this in your cover letter and explain why you’re the perfect candidate for the job despite being unemployed.

Whatever approach you take, make sure to focus on your skills and accomplishments, rather than on your employment history. This will help you stand out from other candidates and show employers that you’re the right person for the job.

When you’re unemployed, there are a few ways to approach writing your cover letter. You can focus on your skills and accomplishments, rather than your employment history. This is especially useful if you’re starting your job search after a long break, or if you’ve been unemployed for a while.

Highlight any relevant volunteering or internships you’ve done

If you don’t have any paid work experience, you can still use your Cover Letter to show off your skills and accomplishments.

When you’re unemployed, it’s especially important to tailor your Cover Letter to each job you apply for. This means specifying why you are a good fit for that particular role.

It can be difficult to write a Cover Letter when you’re unemployed, but there are ways to showcase your skills and accomplishments even if you don’t have paid work experience. Highlight any relevant volunteering or internships you’ve done, and be sure to tailor your Cover Letter to each job you apply for. By specifying why you are a good fit for that particular role, you can increase your chances of getting hired.

Make a connection

Research the company and find a way to connect yourself with its mission/values.

When you’re unemployed, one of the most important things you can do in your cover letter is to make a connection with the company. This means doing your research and finding a way to connect yourself with their mission and values. Cover letters are all about selling yourself, and this is especially true when you don’t have a job.

Think about what you can offer the company that no one else can. This might be something like relevant experience, a unique skill set, or a passion for the industry. Whatever it is, make sure to highlight it in your cover letter.

Use Personal Stories and Examples

In your Cover Letter, use personal stories and examples to illustrate your skills and qualifications. This will help the employer see how you would be a good fit for the job.

For example, if you are applying for a job as a salesperson, you could write about a time when you successfully closed a big deal. Or, if you are applying for a job as a customer service representative, you could write about a time when you went above and beyond to help a customer.

Personal stories and examples will make your Cover Letter more relatable and memorable, and they will help the employer see how you would be a good fit for the job.

Emphasize your eagerness to learn and grow in the role

If you’re unemployed and seeking a new job, one of the challenges you face is explaining why you’re not currently employed. In your cover letter, it’s important to address this issue head-on, and explain why you’re looking for work.

One way to do this is to emphasize your eagerness to learn and grow in the role. You can highlight your skills and experience, and explain how you’re ready to take on new challenges. Additionally, you can mention any side projects or volunteer work you’ve been doing to stay busy and keep your skills sharp.

By addressing the issue of unemployment in your cover letter, you can show that you’re honest and upfront about your situation. Additionally, you can demonstrate that you’re a proactive job seeker who is willing to go the extra mile to find work. With this approach, you can set yourself apart from other job seekers and increase your chances of landing an interview.

Keep it short and sweet

A good rule of thumb is to keep your cover letter to one page or less, especially if you’re unemployed. You want to make sure that the hiring manager can quickly read and digest your letter, and that’s tough to do if it’s overly long and drawn out. So get to the point, and don’t worry about adding in extra information or details that could clutter up the letter and make it more difficult to read.

Finally, be sure to proofread your cover letter before sending it off to potential employers! Typos and grammatical errors can create a poor first impression and make it more difficult for you to get your foot in the door.

use industry-specific terms and action verbs

If you’re unemployed, focus on what you were doing prior to becoming unemployed, such as volunteering, part-time work, or online courses.

If you’re a recent graduate, focus on any internships or relevant coursework you’ve completed.

Cover Letter Templates

When you are unemployed, you might feel like your job search is taking forever. One way to speed up the process is to have a great cover letter.

A cover letter template can give you a starting point for creating your own letter, but be sure to tailor the template to fit your own circumstances and personality. Here are some tips for how to write a cover letter when you’re unemployed:

Basic Cover Letter Template for Unemployed Job Seekers

When you are unemployed and looking for a job, it can be tempting to simply submit your resume without a cover letter. However, this is not advisable. Cover letters are still an important part of the job application process, and can help you stand out from the competition.

If you’re not sure how to write a cover letter when you’re unemployed, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Here are some tips and guides to help you get started:

1. Start by introducing yourself

In the opening paragraph of your cover letter, it’s important to briefly introduce yourself and explain your current situation. For example, you might say something like: “I am a recent graduate of XYZ University and I am currently seeking full-time employment.”

2. Highlight your skills and qualifications

Even though you may not have much (or any) job experience, that doesn’t mean you don’t have the skills and qualifications that would make you a good fit for the role you’re applying for. In the second paragraph of your cover letter, focus on highlighting these skills and qualifications.

3. Explain why you’re the perfect candidate for the job

In the third and final paragraph of your cover letter, explain why you believe you are the perfect candidate for the job. This is your opportunity to sell yourself and make a case for why you should be hired.

4. Close with a call to action

End your cover letter with a call to action, such as requesting an interview or asking for further consideration. For example, you might say something like: “I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further with you. Please contact me at XYZ telephone number or email address to arrange a time.”

By following these tips, you can write a strong cover letter that will help you get noticed by employers, even if you’re unemployed.

Samples Cover Letter for an Unemployed Job Seeker

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to express my interest in the XYZ position that you have advertised. I am a recent graduate of XYZ University and I am currently seeking full-time employment.

I believe that I have the skills and qualifications that would make me a perfect fit for this role. In particular, I have experience in XYZ and I am knowledgeable about XYZ. I am confident that I can be a valuable asset to your team and contribute to the success of your organization.

I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further with you. Please contact me at XYZ telephone number or email address to arrange a time.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

123 Main Street

Anytown, CA 12345

555-555-1212

September 1, 2018

Mr. John Doe

Human Resources Manager

Big Company Inc.

123 Business Rd.

Business City, NY 54321

Dear Mr. Doe:

I am writing in response to your advertisement for a XYZ position on the ABC website.

I am a recent college graduate with a degree in XYZ and I believe I have the skills and qualifications you are looking for in a candidate.

I am a hard worker with a go-getter attitude, and I am confident that I would be a valuable asset to your team.

Please find attached my resume for your review.

I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this XYZ position with you further.

Cover Letters Do’s and Don’ts for the Unemployed

When you’re unemployed, there are a few things to keep in mind when writing a cover letter. First, don’t mention that you’re unemployed. It’s not necessary, and it may actually work against you. Second, focus on what you can bring to the table, rather than what you’ve done in the past. Finally, be sure to proofread your letter carefully before sending it off.

Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind when writing a cover letter as an unemployed job seeker:

• Focus on what you can bring to the company, rather than your past experience.
• Highlight any skills or qualifications that are relevant to the position you’re applying for.
• Use positive language, and avoid sounding desperate.
• Focus on your strengths, and be confident in your abilities.
• Take the time to proofread your letter carefully before sending it off.

Don’t:

• Mention that you’re unemployed.
• Focus on your past experience.
• Use negative language, or sound desperate.
• Focus on your weaknesses.
• Send off a letter that’s full of typos and grammatical errors.

While it may seem difficult to write a cover letter when you’re unemployed, there are ways to do it. By using these tips and guides, you can put your best foot forward and increase your chances of getting the job you want. Cover letters are an important tool in the job search process, so take the time to make yours stand out.

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How to Address Unemployment in a Cover Letter

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How to Fill Out an Application When Not Working for 10 Years

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• How to Explain Gaps in Employment When Caregiving
• Do I List Small Gaps in Employment on Applications?

Unemployment can raise red flags with employers if work gaps on your resume are not effectively addressed in a cover letter. A hiring manager with an active imagination might worry that you have trouble finding and keeping a job due to chronic alcoholism, laziness or an attitude problem.

Briefly explaining the reasons for being unemployed in a cover letter brings the focus back to your unique skill set and impressive qualifications. Hiring managers may have experienced periods of unemployment in their own career trajectories, so don’t assume they won’t understand or care about difficult life circumstances.

Provide Context for Unemployment

Millions of Americans have experienced periods of unemployment so that fact alone shouldn’t be a barrier to landing a good job. Economic downturns often result in unforeseen layoffs and hiring freezes followed by a slow recovery. For example, 10 million workers were still jobless one year after the beginning of the pandemic, reported CNBC on May 7, 2021.

When addressing unemployment, a letter of explanation should offer context that helps explains what caused your unemployment. For example, you might mention that you were one of many workers who were let go due to budgetary reasons rather than poor performance. Other understandable reasons for joblessness include quitting to care for a family member or to attend school full time.

Offer Familiar Explanation

Cite the typical reasons that candidates give for being unemployed assuming they pertain to you. Forbes suggests that hiring managers are accustomed to seeing a gap in work history and will likely look past it if the applicant lists familiar reasons for being unemployed in a cover letter. Common explanations include unemployment due to company-wide layoffs, organizational restructuring, declining revenue or budget constraints.

Personal reasons frequently given for being out of work include parenting responsibilities or relocating with a spouse. In most cases, a one- to two-sentence explanation in a cover letter will suffice. Volunteering more information than necessary can be a distraction and raise suspicions.

Emphasize Newly Acquired Skills

You can use periods of unemployment to your advantage by showing how you grew personally and professionally during that time. If you quit a job to travel, you can talk about how the experience deepened your understanding of other cultures, increased your language skills and exposed you to new perspectives that will be helpful in your role as a business leader, educator or social worker, for instance. Indeed Career Guide suggests that personal gaps can be listed separately as a job.

​ Example: ​ Full-time caregiver, 2020 to present | Stepped away from professional position to care for terminally ill family member

If you were out of work or underemployed for several months or years, you should mention what you’ve done in the interim to stay current in your occupational field. Your cover letter might mention contributing to professional organizations, earning industry certificates, refreshing technical skills, launching a startup, writing a blog or completing continuing education courses. The key is to relate recent professional development activities to the skills needed to excel in the job you’re seeking.

Be Honest and Upfront

Omitting a few months of unemployment on a resume is an acceptable practice that doesn’t require explanation in a cover letter if you were only out of work for three months or less. However, longer gaps will likely pique the curiosity of an employer. Career Sidekick cautions that misrepresenting dates of employment or fabricating reasons for being out of work could backfire and disqualify you from further consideration. Dishonesty is likely to be discovered when references are checked.

Candid disclosure is advisable even if you were terminated from your last job. In the case of being fired or resigning, your unemployed cover letter sample might state: “My last position was not the best fit for my skill set. I realized that I’m better suited to working with people in sales and customer service than entering data on spreadsheets day after day even though I had a high accuracy rate.”

• CNBC: 29% of Unemployed Americans Have Been Jobless Over a Year
• Forbes: Five Tips for Explaining Gaps in Your Employment History
• Indeed Career Guide: How to Explain Gaps in Employment
• Career Sidekick: How to Explain Gaps in Employment (With Examples)
• If you were unemployed for a period of time by choice, such as taking a leave of absence, raising a family or changing career focus, describe this in your cover letter. Emphasize your commitment to re-entering the workforce.
• If your unemployment was related to a messy divorce, home foreclosure or some other traumatic event you don’t wish to share with potential employers,
• note the reason for your absence as, “attending to private matters of a personal nature.”
• If you were terminated from a job under less-than-ideal circumstances or were unemployed because of incarceration, consider leaving that explanation for a face-to-face interview. Sensitive issues are best explained in person, and if you have a criminal record, you may be precluded from holding some types of jobs.

Mary Dowd holds a doctorate in educational leadership and a master’s in counseling and student affairs from Minnesota State Mankato. Helping students succeed has been her passion while serving in many areas of student affairs and adjunct teaching. Currently she is a dean of students at a large, public university. Dr. Dpwd’s writing experience includes published research, training materials and hundreds of practical online articles.

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Template: Currently Unemployed Cover Letter

If you’ve been unemployed for a period of time, a cover letter is your prime opportunity to explain any gaps on your CV that a hiring manager might be questioning.

It’s an unfortunate situation to be in, but it happens! It’s important to not let your confidence take a knock - get right back out there and apply for new opportunities. Writing a top-notch cover letter will help your application stand out from the crowd and help you get your career back on track.

Don’t try and hide the fact that you have been unemployed - even if it has only been for a short period of time. Describe the reason why you’re currently unemployed, before moving onto an explanation of why you’re ready to return to work. You can use our article on finding a job after being made redundant as a guide.

Always mention how you’ve been spending your time in this period of unemployment. Any volunteering or upskilling is great to showcase to potential future employers.

If you are looking for more guidance on how to write the best cover letter , we can help!

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You haven’t been made redundant. Your job has. It’s important to understand the semantics here.

You were sufficiently prepared for your interview and it went really well; every answer you gave…

A gap in your resume or an average job tenure of 1.5 years or less would have been a big red flag…

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Unemployed cover letter example 1

Not sure what to say to an employer? Don’t worry you’ve come to the right place. This page is full of tips and examples for jobseekers who have career gaps or have been unemployed for a while.

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Unemployed cover letter example

Christine Graham Hiring Manager Dayjob Ltd 120 Vyse Street Birmingham B18 6NF

16 th July 2021

Dear Ms Graham,

I am writing to express my interest and enthusiasm for your …………… vacancy which was advertised on the Dayjob.com website today.

Although I come to you as candidate who is unemployed, I hope you will consider my application just as much as they would consider someone who’s employed.

I have spent much of my career in the ………….. industry. However, my last employer had to cut back on its staffing levels and I was laid off. Even though I have been unemployed for three years, I am extremely keen to get back to work as soon as possible.

Whilst not working, I have not been idle but have remained active by gaining relevant qualifications, refreshing my skills and keeping up-to-date with the latest industry developments. Based on this and on my previous experience and knowledge of ………………… I believe that I would be a perfect fit to your current position. Furthermore, after reading your job description, I am confident that I have everything you are looking for in an applicant and more.

I would also like to say that I share all of the values and goals you have on your company website.

On a personal level, I am a sociable individual who gets along with people from all social and cultural backgrounds. In addition to this I am ambitious, determined and very loyal to those I work for.

Further details of my past career, skills and academic achievements can be found in the attached copy of my CV. I hope that you will find this cover letter in combination with the attached CV enticing enough to invite me to an interview.

Thank you very much for your time and hopefully forthcoming positive response.

Yours sincerely,

Name Address 1 Address 2 Tel: 0044 123 456 7890 Email: [email protected]

More Unemployed cover letter examples

Unemployed cover letter example 2 Unemployed cover letter example 3

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Why I started using this blunt cover letter after applying to more than 1,200 jobs and rarely hearing back

• Kevin Cash has applied to more than 1,200 jobs since being laid off in November 2022.
• He started using a "no-nonsense" cover letter after getting fed up with not hearing back.
• Cash hopes recruiters will start thinking about applicants as people who need to make a living.

This as-told-to essay is based on an interview with Kevin Cash . Cash, who lives outside Portland, Oregon, has a background in business intelligence and working in semiconductor-manufacturing facilities. Cash, 42, served in the Navy, is a member of the high-IQ society Mensa, and has five degrees, including an MBA. He's been looking for a full-time job since getting laid off in November 2022, and he posted online a cover letter he recently wrote that he describes as "no-nonsense." The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

At my last job, a handful of people got let go after the company was acquired. They came in and said everyone's job was safe. Then, the day after they took the keys to the company, they're like, "You're gone. You're gone. You're gone." I'd been there for six months, and I was one of the higher-up employees, so it was kind of an easy choice for them to cut me loose. Before I got that role, my job hunt lasted two and a half years.

I'm keeping track of my job search in a spreadsheet. The only benefit really has been to my sanity. When you're submitting a résumé online, the standard procedure is to read about the position, read about the company, alter your résumé, rewrite it for each application, and come up with a cover letter.

You put all this time and effort into this application. You get emotionally invested in it, reading about it. This pay is great. And this is the scale. Can you imagine if I was on the upper end? This is what they do, and I'm going to go ahead and research what this is because it touches my job and it's listed on there, but it's not something I have experience in. So I want to make sure I know about it as soon as they call me for the interview. You can get really excited about it, and I did that for a long time. And then, when you inevitably get ghosted or get your boilerplate rejection letter, which, from my data, is 99.51% of the time, it's defeating. It can send you into a depression spiral. And I've been in that several times this job hunt.

I know that every time I submit a résumé, as I said in my cover letter, "there is a 0.49% chance that a human will even see this application, let alone this cover letter." So yeah, for my sanity, the spreadsheet is keeping me from getting too excited about job opportunities. It's really just helping me maintain an emotional balance.

One metric that surprisingly has not come up yet in the 1,200-plus résumés I've submitted is if somebody writes me a personalized email that's like, "Hey, Kevin. We took some time to look at your résumé. And, you know, it looks good, but this is a concern, so we're not going to be moving forward." But 100% of the rejection letters that I've received are boilerplate. I've gotten 336 of those.

Now I just expect the ghosting. I've been ghosted 892 times.

Related stories

I have a ton of experience. I can figure things out. I'm well-educated in several fields. I'm even a member of Mensa. But none of that seems to matter.

I feel like I have a lot to offer. I spent 10 years in college; I have five degrees. Two are associate's. Most people don't count the associate's, but, man, I was working overtime — seven 12-hour shifts at one point doing semiconductor research and development work. I was a new parent. It took me five years to get my associate's degrees. I'd have two or three hours to sleep and then have to go do it again. Before that, I was in the Navy for six years and studied electronics engineering. I had secret clearance and worked on the ship's missile systems.

I stopped pouring my heart and soul into my cover letters

In the past, if there was a cover letter, I put my heart and soul into it every single time. That was really draining. Then, after a while, I was like, "Why am I doing this? It's not even required." And so I quit sending out cover letters unless it was mandated. After the ghosting and the rejection letters, I dropped the amount of effort that I put in. There have been times when I was just fed up. Maybe I had a day where I got 12 rejection letters or more. I'm applying to this thing, and I already see the data coming through. At that point, it was like 67% were black holes and 30-some percent were boilerplate rejection.

There was a time this past summer where when a cover letter was required, I'd be like, "Honestly, you're hiring for this position. And this is a work I do, and I need money." And that's all I put for my cover letter. I never heard back anything from anybody doing that.

With this latest cover letter, it was the first time that I came across a required cover letter in several months. So I was like, I'm going to be honest. "You're hiring for this, and this is what I do. And I'd like to have a job. I'm good at what I do. Give me a chance. But you know, based on my research, you're not going to." I honestly doubted anyone was ever going to ever see that cover letter other than on Reddit.

The reason I posted it was maybe someone would find this funny. I was also thinking maybe some recruiters are going to see this, and maybe it'll change the way they do things. Maybe they'll start thinking about applicants as people who need to make a living instead of, "I posted this on LinkedIn yesterday and I've got 4,000 applicants." That's 4,000 people. We need to be able to eat and stay warm during the winter, and you're just letting the software go through and weed out these people who are qualified. Hopefully, they'll see it. They'll be like, "Wow, there's somebody who has this much education and experience, and he's having this hard time getting through. Maybe we should look at them differently."

I've tried using my network

I had a contact through my girlfriend at one of the major mobile carriers. I would love to work for a company like that — for any of these major mobile carriers — because they have the money to pay me to do what I do at the level that I'm at, and they have tons of work, so they'd keep me busy. So I get in contact with the woman on LinkedIn. She's like, "Oh, I'd be happy to help out. It sounds like you're qualified for a lot of stuff that we need. Go on the company website and find something you want to apply to." So I find something, and I go through the process. And I sent it to her, but she didn't get back to me right away. And I was like, "Well, I don't want to be a late applicant." So I applied to it. Then I heard back from her, and I said, "This is the position. I went ahead and submitted it because I didn't want it to be too late." Her response was, "Oh, that's not a real position. That's one of our generic positions that we post to generate interest about the company."

So how many jobs that are posted aren't even real jobs? And people are applying to them, spending time. This is why I don't put a ton of work into my résumé anymore. I'm applying to jobs that don't even exist.

To make ends meet, I started doing Uber Eats again this past spring. I did that during my prior job search, too. I'm grateful for Uber Eats because I can just sit in my car and listen to podcasts, and you make 20 to 30 bucks an hour doing that. The only thing is it's $75 for a tank of gas, and it puts wear and tear on your car.

I think hiring software has made itself obsolete because so many people can apply for so many jobs so quickly. It's not really a viable resource to get in the door at any company. It was supposed to make it easier, but it's actually made it harder, and now the only way that you can get a job is if you know somebody. It's harder at my age to not have the income to go out to events but I'm still trying.

As I said in my cover letter, "I just need someone to give me a chance."

Do you have something to share about your career journey or something else in your workplace? Business Insider would like to hear from you. Email our workplace team from a nonwork device at [email protected] with your story or to ask for one of our reporter's Signal numbers. Or check out Business Insider's source guide for tips on sharing information securely.

Watch: Goldman Sachs' HR chief explains what she looks for in a cover letter

• Main content

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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Cover Letters

Cover letters, like resumes must be targeted for each position you seek or contact you make. Deciding what to put in the letter remains tricky since you do not want to repeat your entire resume, yet you will want to make a strong case for a company to, in fact, look at your skills and experience to see if they fit any open positions.

Cover letters and emails are employed in a variety of circumstances, ranging from applying for advertised jobs to serving as a "letter of introduction" to companies where you want to work, requesting networking leads or informational interviews. The targeted audience may be different, but the general approach remains the same.

Cover Letter Audiences

Cover letters serve different readers. Typically, cover letters are targeted at specific job openings in a company. These "application" letters match your qualifications to a position's advertised requirements.

Another variation, the "prospecting" letter, is used to contact employers who haven't advertised or published job openings. You may have cold-called a company and gotten the name of someone you want to contact with a letter, resume and follow-up call. These letters call for describing your skills and matching them to the perceived needs of the employer based on your research.

The "networking" letter, in contrast, first refers to the person who gave you the referral before asking for an informational interview or, in the case of an opening, consideration for the position. It's fine to ask in a networking letter for recipients to share more contacts at other companies if they're willing.

Whenever you use any of these letters remember to include a second attachment - your resume.

Tips for Writing Strong Cover Letters

Printed Cover Letters : Use a standard business letter format. Below your name and address - or masthead - will be the date, followed by an empty line, then the recipient's name and title, street address, city, state and ZIP code.

Email Cover Letters : Subject line - use the exact job title and any position reference numbers that are often included in job openings followed by a dash and your first and last name. Make sure that your document name matches the name you put in the subject line. Sign your email with a professional closing.

Address a Person : Always address the letter to a specific person by name and title. Even if responding to a job that states "no phone calls" consider calling to politely ask the name of the hiring authority or search through your LinkedIn network to see if one of your contacts knows the name of the hiring authority. You may not always be able to identify the name of a specific person. In this case, send the letter to the title of the recipient (Production Manager, Maintenance Supervisor, Office Manager, Human Resources or Search Committee).

State Your Intent : In general, your letter should state your interest in the job. In the case of a letter of introduction, simply state you would like to work for the company. Use the first paragraph to express your energy, enthusiasm, skills, education and work experience that could contribute to the company's success. Use the second and third paragraphs, or a list of bullet points, that exhibit your talents, experience and achievements. These can be brief summaries of what you illuminate in greater detail in your attached resume.

The T Formation : Consider the "T" letter format, which first names the specific requirements an employer has asked for in the job posting and your corresponding qualifications. If you have collected a list of likely qualifications for the positions you seek, you can do the same thing. The strategy might look like the following. An advertised position asks for experience managing, writing, marketing and accounting. You could in the middle section match your skill set to those abilities, as in the following example:

Managing : Supervised a department of 10 employees at Marketing Inc. in Minneapolis for five years that won three national awards.

Writing : Crafted more than 150 brochures and print ads, including several that won national awards.

Marketing : Led a total of 12 campaigns integrating social media, print, Web, and radio for three different clients over the past three years.

Accounting : Completed several financial classes toward an MBA and understand major accounting software systems.

The Final Paragraph : Use the final paragraph to mention you will make a follow-up call within a week, perhaps within a few days, to confirm the document has been received and to ask for an interview. Thank the person for taking the time to read your letter. Use a formal, professional closing.

One More Look : Be sure to proofread your letter to check content, grammar and spelling, and ask someone else to have a look, too. Sign printed cover letters in blue or black ink. In writing the letters, avoid appearing too familiar, overbearing, humorous or cute. Avoid starting too many sentences or bullet points with "I" if possible. Keep sentences short and to the point. The entire letter should be one page composed of three to five paragraphs. Remember, your resume will fill in details.

Mail First Class : Skip business class envelopes and use 8 1/2" x 11" mailers so you don't have to bother folding your letter and resume. A larger envelope keeps the documents flat and crisp and will be worth the extra cost.

Templates/Samples

• Cold-Contact Cover Letter
• Cover Letter - General Outline
• Email Cover Letter
• Email Cover Letter Tips
• Invited Cover Letter
• Invited Cover Letter - No Paid-Work Experience
• Job Match Cover Letter 1
• Job Match Cover Letter 2
• Referral Cover Letter
• T Cover Letter Format

Writing Cover Letters, Thank You Notes, Emails and Letters Quick Guide

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‘It Feels Like I Am Screaming Into the Void With Each Application’

By Peter Coy

Opinion Writer

When I asked new college graduates last month to tell me about their job searches, I got back a ton of heartache. Unanswered applications. Lowered expectations. For some, a sense that college was a waste of time and money.

John York wrote that he was about to earn a master’s degree in mathematics from New York University. “I have submitted close to 400 applications. I have heard back from less than 40, all rejections,” he wrote. “I essentially cannot get any job, because there are no entry-level positions anywhere at all.” He has a patent, he passed the first-level exam for Chartered Financial Analysts and he’s getting his Series 3 license, another financial credential. Nevertheless, he wrote, “It is just so silent, it feels like I am screaming into the void with each application I am filling out.”

Mauricio Naranjo, who is seeking work as a graphic designer, wrote, “Over the past year, I have submitted more than 400 applications and consistently receive a response that appears to be A.I.-generated, stating that unfortunately, they have moved forward with another candidate who better fits their expectations. This is the exact phrasing every time. Very few respond, as most do not reply at all.”

“Exhausting. Utterly demoralizing,” wrote Beth Donnelly, who is graduating this month with a major in linguistics and minors in German and teaching English as a second language. “I’ve been searching since early August for full-time, part-time or internship positions after I graduate. I’ve started putting my ‘desired salary’ at $35,000 in hope that just one person will think, ‘Oh, I won’t have to pay this person a large wage, so they get a leg up in the hiring process.’”

I got some positive responses, too. Lucinda Warnke, who landed a job in journalism as a general assignment reporter, wrote: “I am optimistic and excited! I feel confident in my career trajectory and my ability to build a stable, satisfying career. The job I got out of school comes with a livable wage and benefits, so I can build savings in the event that I am laid off or have some other financially demanding emergency. I feel like I made a good investment in my education because I went to a school that was affordable and studied subjects that balanced my interests with my professional needs.”

A majority of responses were grim, though. That’s not too surprising, given that half of college graduates are underemployed a year after graduation, meaning that they are working in jobs that don’t require the degrees they earned, as I wrote in my April 29 newsletter.

There’s clearly something wrong when young graduates can’t find jobs at the same time that employers complain of not being able to find qualified workers. As of March, there were still fewer unemployed people than job openings, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In April the unemployment rate remained below average at 3.9 percent.

The responses I got aren’t a representative sample of all college graduates. It’s possible that unhappy people were more likely to write in. (I had to leave out some of the angriest and most dejected people because they didn’t want their names to appear.) Separately, my informal impression is that the people who wrote — happy or sad — were more likely to have attended a highly ranked school and to have graduated without student loans than the general student population.

Many students wrote that the jobs they were seeking or secured didn’t draw on what they learned in the classroom. “I will be using the skills I picked up in my data science minor, but nothing from my major (international relations),” Rain Orsi, a 2024 graduate, wrote. “A lot of the educational stuff could’ve been condensed to a 20-page PDF and I probably would be at the same knowledge level,” another student wrote. Jackeline Arcara wrote that if she had it to do over again, “I wouldn’t go to a four-year, fancy-pants school. I would take classes at a local college part-time and see where that takes me.”

Some students said that classroom learning was only part of what made college worthwhile to them. “College gives you four years to grow up — I have the maturity now to handle a full-time job. Before college, not so much,” wrote Caroline Lidz, who got a job in public relations after graduating in December with a degree in media studies and communications and a minor in art history.

Several said internships matter, a lot. “I wish I interned for a company outside of the school instead of being a research/lab assistant,” wrote Roger Vitek, who is graduating in June with a degree in product design and is still job hunting.

Economists have found that what you study in college is at least as important as where you study. As I wrote in my April 29 piece, there’s relatively strong demand for computer science, engineering, mathematics and math-intensive business fields such as finance and accounting.

But as I found out from the people who wrote in, that’s not always the case. Robert Vermeulen, a computer science major, wrote, “Out of the ~155 applications I haven’t had a reference on, I have gotten zero interviews.” Morgan Steckler wrote that he is looking for a software engineering or I.T. administration role paying at least $70,000 a year, but has had no luck so far. He said he’s thinking of bartending while continuing to send out applications. On the positive side, there are people like Warnke, who got a job as a reporter — not exactly a fast-growing profession.

As I read students’ responses, I had to remind myself that this is actually a relatively good year for finding a job. To a lot of members of the class of ’24, it doesn’t feel that way. Julia Brukx, who is graduating with a degree in history and art history, wrote, “I think I hit a new low just this morning when asked to write a cover letter for a retail position.”

Donnelly, the woman who described her job search as demoralizing, wrote: “I was told that if I was involved, active, kind, ready to learn, driven and intelligent, I would end up with a job out of college. This is evidently not true, and few older people seem to understand this.” She added, “I don’t have a backup plan besides working in the service industry.”

Elsewhere: Caps, Not Bans, for Short-Term Rentals

New York City’s Local Law 18, which was passed with the support of the hotel industry, tightens the rules on renting out rooms for less than 30 days. Supporters say renting rooms to tourists raises rents for New Yorkers. But an article published in Harvard Business Review by three scholars — one of whom used to work for Airbnb — calculates that Airbnb caused only about 1 percent of the aggregate increase in rents over the past decade or so. Hosts, guests and the businesses that serve them benefit. To keep certain neighborhoods from being overwhelmed by tourists, the authors recommend caps on how many nights per year a place may be rented out.

Quote of the Day

“The hedonistic conception of man is that of a lightning calculator of pleasures and pains who oscillates like a homogeneous globule of desire of happiness under the impulse of stimuli that shift him about the area, but leave him intact. He has neither antecedent nor consequent.”

— Thorstein Veblen, “Why Is Economics Not an Evolutionary Science?” (1898)

Peter Coy is a writer for the Opinion section of The Times, covering economics and business. Email him at [email protected] . @ petercoy