example of a good application letter for a job

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How to write a great cover letter in 2024: tips and structure

A cover letter is a personalized letter that introduces you to a potential employer, highlights your qualifications, and explains why you're a strong fit for a specific job.

Hate or love them, these brief documents allow job seekers to make an impression and stand out from the pile of other applications. Penning a thoughtful cover letter shows the hiring team you care about earning the position.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to write a cover letter — and a great one, at that.

What is a cover letter and why does it matter?

A professional cover letter is a one-page document you submit alongside your CV or resume as part of a job application. Typically, they’re about half a page or around 150–300 words.

An effective cover letter doesn’t just rehash your CV; it’s your chance to highlight your proudest moments, explain why you want the job, and state plainly what you bring to the table.

Show the reviewer you’re likable, talented, and will add to the company’s culture . You can refer to previous jobs and other information from your CV, but only if it helps tell a story about you and your career choices .

What 3 things should you include in a cover letter?

A well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out to potential employers. To make your cover letter shine, here are three key elements to include:

1. Personalization

Address the hiring manager or recruiter by name whenever possible. If the job posting doesn't include a name, research to find out who will be reviewing applications. Personalizing your cover letter shows that you've taken the time to tailor your application to the specific company and role.

2. Highlight relevant achievements and skills

Emphasize your most relevant skills , experiences, and accomplishments that directly relate to the job you're applying for. Provide specific examples of how your skills have benefited previous employers and how they can contribute to the prospective employer's success. Use quantifiable achievements , such as improved efficiency, cost savings, or project success, to demonstrate your impact.

3. Show enthusiasm and fit

Express your enthusiasm for the company and the position you're applying for. Explain why you are interested in this role and believe you are a good fit for the organization. Mention how your values, goals, and skills align with the company's mission and culture. Demonstrating that you've done your research can make a significant impression.

What do hiring managers look for in a cover letter?

Employers look for several key elements in a cover letter. These include:

Employers want to see that your cover letter is specifically tailored to the position you are applying for. It should demonstrate how your skills, experiences, and qualifications align with the job requirements.

Clear and concise writing

A well-written cover letter is concise, easy to read, and error-free. Employers appreciate clear and effective communication skills , so make sure your cover letter showcases your ability to express yourself effectively.

Demonstrated knowledge of the company

Employers want to see that you are genuinely interested in their organization. Mention specific details about the company, such as recent achievements or projects, to show that you are enthusiastic about joining their team.

Achievements and accomplishments

Highlight your relevant achievements and accomplishments that demonstrate your qualifications for the position. Use specific examples to showcase your skills and show how they can benefit the employer.

Enthusiasm and motivation

Employers want to hire candidates who are excited about the opportunity and motivated to contribute to the company's success. Express your enthusiasm and passion for the role and explain why you are interested in working for the company.

Professionalism

A cover letter should be professional in tone and presentation. Use formal language, address the hiring manager appropriately, and follow standard business letter formatting.

How do you structure a cover letter?

A well-structured cover letter follows a specific format that makes it easy for the reader to understand your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position. Here's a typical structure for a cover letter:

Contact information

Include your name, address, phone number, and email address at the top of the letter. Place your contact information at the beginning so that it's easy for the employer to reach you.

Employer's contact information

Opening paragraph, middle paragraph(s), closing paragraph, complimentary close, additional contact information.

Repeat your contact information (name, phone number, and email) at the end of the letter, just in case the employer needs it for quick reference.

Remember to keep your cover letter concise and focused. It should typically be no more than one page in length. Proofread your letter carefully to ensure it is free from spelling and grammatical errors. Tailor each cover letter to the specific job application to make it as relevant and impactful as possible.

How to write a good cover letter (with examples)

The best letters are unique, tailored to the job description, and written in your voice — but that doesn’t mean you can’t use a job cover letter template.

Great cover letters contain the same basic elements and flow a certain way. Take a look at this cover letter structure for ref erence while you construct your own.

1. Add a header and contact information

While reading your cover letter, the recruiter shouldn’t have to look far to find who wrote it. Your document should include a basic heading with the following information:

• Pronouns (optional)
• Location (optional)
• Email address
• Phone number (optional)
• Relevant links, such as your LinkedIn profile , portfolio, or personal website (optional)

You can pull this information directly from your CV. Put it together, and it will look something like this:

Christopher Pike

San Francisco, California

[email protected]

Alternatively, if the posting asks you to submit your cover letter in the body of an email, you can include this information in your signature. For example:

Warm regards,

Catherine Janeway

Bloomington, Indiana

[email protected]

(555) 999 - 2222

2. Include a personal greeting

Always begin your cover letter by addressing the hiring manager — preferably by name. You can use the person’s first and last name. Make sure to include a relevant title, like Dr., Mr., or Ms. For example, “Dear Mr. John Doe.”

Avoid generic openings like “To whom it may concern,” “Dear sir or madam,” or “Dear hiring manager.” These introductions sound impersonal — like you’re copy-pasting cover letters — and can work against you in the hiring process.

Be careful, though. When using someone’s name, you don’t want to use the wrong title or accidentally misgender someone. If in doubt, using only their name is enough. You could also opt for a gender-neutral title, like Mx.

Make sure you’re addressing the right person in your letter — ideally, the person who’s making the final hiring decision. This isn’t always specified in the job posting, so you may have to do some research to learn the name of the hiring manager.

3. Draw them in with an opening story

The opening paragraph of your cover letter should hook the reader. You want it to be memorable, conversational, and extremely relevant to the job you’re pursuing. 

There’s no need for a personal introduction — you’ve already included your name in the heading. But you should make reference to the job you’re applying for. A simple “Thank you for considering my application for the role of [job title] at [company],” will suffice.

Then you can get into the “Why” of your job application. Drive home what makes this specific job and this company so appealing to you. Perhaps you’re a fan of their products, you’re passionate about their mission, or you love their brand voice. Whatever the case, this section is where you share your enthusiasm for the role.

Here’s an example opening paragraph. In this scenario, you’re applying for a digital marketing role at a bicycle company:

“Dear Mr. John Doe,

Thank you for considering my application for the role of Marketing Coordinator at Bits n’ Bikes.

My parents bought my first bike at one of your stores. I’ll never forget the freedom I felt when I learned to ride it. My father removed my training wheels, and my mom sent me barrelling down the street. You provide joy to families across the country — and I want to be part of that.”

4. Emphasize why you’re best for the job

Your next paragraphs should be focused on the role you’re applying to. Highlight your skill set and why you’re a good fit for the needs and expectations associated with the position. Hiring managers want to know what you’ll bring to the job, not just any role.

Start by studying the job description for hints. What problem are they trying to solve with this hire? What skills and qualifications do they mention first or more than once? These are indicators of what’s important to the hiring manager.

Search for details that match your experience and interests. For example, if you’re excited about a fast-paced job in public relations, you might look for these elements in a posting:

• They want someone who can write social media posts and blog content on tight deadlines
• They value collaboration and input from every team member
• They need a planner who can come up with strong PR strategies

Highlight how you fulfill these requirements:

“I’ve always been a strong writer. From blog posts to social media, my content pulls in readers and drives traffic to product pages. For example, when I worked at Bits n’ Bikes, I developed a strategic blog series about bike maintenance that increased our sales of spare parts and tools by 50% — we could see it in our web metrics.

Thanks to the input of all of our team members, including our bike mechanics, my content delivered results.”

5. End with a strong closing paragraph and sign off gracefully

Your closing paragraph is your final chance to hammer home your enthusiasm about the role and your unique ability to fill it. Reiterate the main points you explained in the body paragraphs and remind the reader of what you bring to the table.

You can also use the end of your letter to relay other important details, like whether you’re willing to relocate for the job.

When choosing a sign-off, opt for a phrase that sounds professional and genuine. Reliable options include “Sincerely” and “Kind regards.”

Here’s a strong closing statement for you to consider:

“I believe my enthusiasm, skills, and work experience as a PR professional will serve Bits n’ Bikes very well. I would love to meet to further discuss my value-add as your next Director of Public Relations. Thank you for your consideration. I hope we speak soon.

Tips to write a great cover letter that compliments your resume

When writing your own letter, try not to copy the example excerpts word-for-word. Instead, use this cover letter structure as a baseline to organize your ideas. Then, as you’re writing, use these extra cover letter tips to add your personal touch:

• Keep your cover letter different from your resume : Your cover letter should not duplicate the information on your resume. Instead, it should provide context and explanations for key points in your resume, emphasizing how your qualifications match the specific job you're applying for.
• Customize your cover letter . Tailor your cover letter for each job application. Address the specific needs of the company and the job posting, demonstrating that you've done your homework and understand their requirements.
• Show enthusiasm and fit . Express your enthusiasm for the company and position in the cover letter. Explain why you are interested in working for this company and how your values, goals, and skills align with their mission and culture.
• Use keywords . Incorporate keywords from the job description and industry terms in your cover letter. This can help your application pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and demonstrate that you're well-versed in the field.
• Keep it concise . Your cover letter should be succinct and to the point, typically no more than one page. Focus on the most compelling qualifications and experiences that directly support your application.
• Be professional . Maintain a professional tone and structure in your cover letter. Proofread it carefully to ensure there are no errors.
• Address any gaps or concerns . If there are gaps or concerns in your resume, such as employment gaps or a change in career direction, briefly address them in your cover letter. Explain any relevant circumstances and how they have shaped your qualifications and determination.
• Provide a call to action . Conclude your cover letter with a call to action, inviting the employer to contact you for further discussion. Mention that you've attached your resume for their reference.
• Follow the correct format . Use a standard cover letter format like the one above, including your contact information, a formal salutation, introductory and closing paragraphs, and your signature. Ensure that it complements your resume without redundancy.
• Pick the right voice and tone . Try to write like yourself, but adapt to the tone and voice of the company. Look at the job listing, company website, and social media posts. Do they sound fun and quirky, stoic and professional, or somewhere in-between? This guides your writing style.
• Tell your story . You’re an individual with unique expertise, motivators, and years of experience. Tie the pieces together with a great story. Introduce how you arrived at this point in your career, where you hope to go , and how this prospective company fits in your journey. You can also explain any career changes in your resume.
• Show, don’t tell . Anyone can say they’re a problem solver. Why should a recruiter take their word for it if they don’t back it up with examples? Instead of naming your skills, show them in action. Describe situations where you rose to the task, and quantify your success when you can.
• Be honest . Avoid highlighting skills you don’t have. This will backfire if they ask you about them in an interview. Instead, shift focus to the ways in which you stand out.
• Avoid clichés and bullet points . These are signs of lazy writing. Do your best to be original from the first paragraph to the final one. This highlights your individuality and demonstrates the care you put into the letter.
• Proofread . Always spellcheck your cover letter. Look for typos, grammatical errors, and proper flow. We suggest reading it out loud. If it sounds natural rolling off the tongue, it will read naturally as well.

Common cover letter writing FAQs

How long should a cover letter be.

A cover letter should generally be concise and to the point. It is recommended to keep it to one page or less, focusing on the most relevant information that highlights your qualifications and fits the job requirements.

Should I include personal information in a cover letter?

While it's important to introduce yourself and provide your contact information, avoid including personal details such as your age, marital status, or unrelated hobbies. Instead, focus on presenting your professional qualifications and aligning them with the job requirements.

Can I use the same cover letter for multiple job applications?

While it may be tempting to reuse a cover letter, it is best to tailor each cover letter to the specific job you are applying for. This allows you to highlight why you are a good fit for that particular role and show genuine interest in the company.

Do I need to address my cover letter to a specific person?

Whenever possible, it is advisable to address your cover letter to a specific person, such as the hiring manager or recruiter. If the job posting does not provide this information, try to research and find the appropriate contact. If all else fails, you can use a generic salutation such as "Dear Hiring Manager."

Should I include references in my cover letter?

It is generally not necessary to include references in your cover letter. Save this information for when the employer explicitly requests it. Instead, focus on showcasing your qualifications and achievements that make you a strong candidate for the position.

It’s time to start writing your stand-out cover letter

The hardest part of writing is getting started. 

Hopefully, our tips gave you some jumping-off points and confidence . But if you’re really stuck, looking at cover letter examples and resume templates will help you decide where to get started. 

There are numerous sample cover letters available online. Just remember that you’re a unique, well-rounded person, and your cover letter should reflect that. Using our structure, you can tell your story while highlighting your passion for the role. 

Doing your research, including strong examples of your skills, and being courteous is how to write a strong cover letter. Take a breath , flex your fingers, and get typing. Before you know it, your job search will lead to a job interview.

If you want more personalized guidance, a specialized career coach can help review, edit, and guide you through creating a great cover letter that sticks.

Ace your job search

Explore effective job search techniques, interview strategies, and ways to overcome job-related challenges. Our coaches specialize in helping you land your dream job.

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

3 cover letter examples to help you catch a hiring manager’s attention

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• Cover Letter

How to Write an Application Letter—Examples & Guide

Embarking on the job-hunting journey? A great letter of application can be your golden ticket to stand out in the competitive job market. Learn how to write one with our guide.

Here we go again… Another job posting, another letter. This time it’s a letter of application.

But don’t worry. You’ve probably written dozens of application letter already, you just don’t know it yet. After you read this article, you’ll never sigh at the sight of another letter of application.

This guide will show you:

• An application letter sample for any position that’s better than most others out there.
• Step-by-step guide on how to write an application letter for a job.
• Tips on setting the proper letter of application format.

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I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your cover letter.” Patrick I love the variety of templates. Good job guys, keep up the good work! Dylan  My previous cover letter was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful! George

Want to learn more about job application documents? Read our other cover letter guides:

• Cover Letter for a Career Change
• Cover Letter for Non-Profits
• Cover Letter for Retail Jobs
• Cover Letter Guide for IT Positions
• Entry-Level Cover Letter Example
• General Cover Letter Guide
• Internship Cover Letter
• Marketing Cover Letter Guide
• Recent Graduate Cover Letter Sample
• What Does a Cover Letter Look Like?

What Is a Letter of Application?

A letter of application is intended to introduce yourself and explain why you're interested in the position. Also known as a cover letter, it is sent with your resume when applying for a job. An application letter allows you to showcase your qualifications and skills alongside your enthusiasm.

Now let’s look at what a professional letter of application looks like:

Letter of Application Example

Vinícius Cunha Pinto

UX Researcher

2496 Bassell Avenue

Little Rock, AR 72201

501-626-5744

viní[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/viní-cunha-pinto

Sherwood, 1/10/2021

Mr. Antonio Strife

Hewlett-Packard Company

232 Pumice Dr

Sherwood, AR 72120

Dear Mr. Strife

I am excited to apply for the UX researcher position at Hewlett-Packard. As a UX researcher with over six years of experience in the field, I am confident that my expertise and passion for user-centered design make me an excellent candidate for this role. In my previous position at AG Group, I increased user engagement with our app by 45%.

Another one of my biggest accomplishments was leading a research project identifying several usability issues in our company's mobile app. I worked with the design team to create solutions to these issues, resulting in a 30% increase in user satisfaction. I was also responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and developing marketing pages for our company’s website and directly contributed to over 60% increase in revenue. Furthermore, I am skilled in conducting user interviews, usability tests, surveys, and data analysis and proficient in various research tools, such as Optimal Workshop, UserTesting.com, and Qualtrics.

I am particularly drawn to Hewlett-Packard because of its reputation for innovation and commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology. Your company's dedication to delivering cutting-edge solutions aligns perfectly with my passion for staying at the forefront of UX research and design. I am eager to bring my skills and insights to a dynamic organization like Hewlett-Packard, where I can contribute to pioneering advancements in user experiences. The collaborative and forward-thinking culture at Hewlett-Packard resonates with my professional values, and I am enthusiastic about the prospect of contributing to your team's success.

Working for Hewlett-Packard would be a wonderful opportunity for me. I would love to join your team and contribute to creating exceptional user experiences for your customers. Can we schedule a meeting, so I can tell you more about the UX solutions I can bring to your company?

P.S.— I’d also love to tell you about how I worked with the development team to implement design changes that reduced user errors by 75%.

Using this example, let’s now go through the entire process of writing a letter of application.

How to Write a Letter of Application

Follow the instructions below to create a professional yet simple job application letter:

1. Use the Right Format of an Application Letter for a Job

Before your job application reaches the recruiter, it’ll most likely need to go through an automated ATS scan . And to ensure everything is read correctly, your application letter requires clear and clean formatting.

To format your letter of application correctly, follow these guidelines:

• Use the same font you chose for your resume .
• Left-align all content.
• Keep your application letter length to only one page.
• Just like with your resume margins , set them to 1-inch on your job application letter as well.
• Leave ample white space by using double-spacing between paragraphs and setting line spacing to 1.15.

Also, save your letter of application for a job in a PDF format unless instructed otherwise. This will keep your formatting and the general layout of the document intact.

Expert Hint : You may think that sending just your resume is enough. But in truth, that’s a very wrong way to think. Letters of application are essential in the job market, so don’t risk losing to other candidates just because you didn’t write one.

2. Address Your Letter of Application Properly

Addressing an application letter is simple. Firstly, include your contact information in the header of the application letter : 

• Full address
• Telephone number
• LinkedIn profile (optional)
• Current date

Then, put your hiring manager’s and their company’s info underneath it. Use:

• Recruiter’s full name
• Recruiter’s job title
• Company’s name
• Company’s address

And lastly, greet your hiring manager by using an honorific (Mr. Ms.) and their full name. Take a look at the example below to visualize:

Letter of Application Example—Address

Mr. James Stipe

There is one challenge waiting for you in this first part. Finding out the name of your recruiter. If the company put it out in the job ad, you’re golden. If it didn’t, there are a couple of ways to try and discover it on your own. You can check the company’s website or LinkedIn profile for starters. If you still drew a blank, reach out to an employee of the company and ask them. LinkedIn makes it super easy.

If everything fails, you’ll have to resort to a generalized salutation. “Dear Hiring Manager” is a great solution.

Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.

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Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here .

3. Open Up With an Enticing First Paragraph

Next up, you need to capture the recruiter’s attention. So put your best foot forward in the first paragraph.

This is how the letter of application should start :

• Show you’re enthusiastic about applying for the position.
• Present your most impressive professional work achievement .
• Identify the company and the position you’re applying for by name.

Here’s what it looks like:

Sample Application Letter for a Job—First Paragraph

I am writing to apply for the UX Researcher/Developer position advertised on your website. I have over 6 years of experience and am skilled in various UX research methods. Furthermore, I have a proven track of increasing user engagement.

In theory, both of these examples present the same candidate. But the difference in said presentation makes the second sample bite the dust.

Candidate #2 doesn’t check any of the aforementioned boxes, and it shows. He has no enthusiasm, no measurable achievement to catch the eye, and he doesn’t even mention the company by name, meaning he probably sent the same letter of application to hundreds of other jobs.

But not everyone can show a work achievement straight away. If you’re applying for your first job, focus on the two other aspects of your application letter’s first paragraph. Like so:

Example of an Application Letter with No Experience—First Paragraph

As a recent graduate in Human-Computer Interaction, I am excited to apply for the Junior UX Researcher position at Hewlett-Packard. I have been following your company's work for some time now, and I am impressed with your commitment to improving the user experience through extensive research and testing. As a passionate and detail-oriented researcher, I am confident that my skills and knowledge will make me an excellent fit for your team.

And that’s a great way to introduce yourself when writing a letter of application with no experience .

Expert Hint: Job application letters build a connection with the employer by introducing yourself in a good light. One very effective tactic is to research the company’s mission and values and refer to them in your letter of application.

4. Prove Your Expertise in the Main Body

Now that you’ve hooked the recruiter, it’s time to reel them in. Metaphorically, of course.

There are a lot of different things you can include in a letter of application . But all of them must share a certain similarity. They have to be relevant to the position you’re applying for. And that’s especially true in the main body section of the job application letter. Why? Because here, you’ll list some enticing work achievements and work skills you possess.

You can see this in the following example:

How to Write an Application Letter—Main Body Section Example

I have experience working in UX research and am confident in learning and adapting quickly to new technologies and methodologies. I can use many tools, including MS Excel. Outside my many UX accomplishments, I have also worked as a sales representative, furthering my vast skills portfolio.

See what lack of relevance and quantified achievements do to a letter of application? The second candidate could best fit the position, but he will not get picked with that paragraph.

On the other hand, in the first example, relevance guides our candidate. He doesn’t bother talking about their previous job in a different field. Instead, he presents UX skills and accomplishment statements and, most of all, quantifies them for maximum impact.

Also, it’s a letter of application . So tell the recruiter why you want to apply to this specific company. Show a cultural fit, mention your values, and talk about what you can bring to the company.

But then again… How does someone without experience tackle the second paragraph of a job application letter? They should show their drive towards the specific position and the steps they have already undertaken towards their goal. Just like that:

Sample Letter of Application for a Job With No Experience—Main Body

During my studies, I worked on several UX research projects, including conducting usability testing, creating personas, and analyzing user feedback. In addition, I have completed a certification in UX Research and Design, where I learned how to conduct user interviews, design research studies, and analyze data. I am proficient in various research methodologies and tools such as surveys, A/B testing, heat maps, and user flow analysis.

And despite the lack of measured achievements, this candidate is dedicated to becoming a UX specialist. No employer is going to have any doubts about whether he will be a driven employee at their company.

Expert Hint: As tempting as it may be, never copy your resume into the letter of application. Of course, you can show one or two of the same things but focus more on presenting other achievements and skills.

5. Finish Your Application Letter With a Clear CTA

Do you know the saying, “It’s not important how you start, it’s important how you finish?” Well, in letters of application, that’s not really a good saying, as you do need a strong start, but a strong finish is just as crucial.

So don’t screw up by including a non-ending “looking forward to hearing from you” or “thank you for considering my application.” Way too many candidates finish their letters of job application this way, and it just doesn’t work.

It’s uninspiring and boring.

Instead, do it like this: 

Ending a Job Application Letter—Sample

If you have time, we could maybe schedule a meeting or something? I want to know more about the benefits your company offers

See? The first one sounds way better than one of those overused cliché lines. At the same time, example number 2 makes the candidate look like an entitled worker with no drive.

Pay special attention to the call to action. You should always nudge the recruiter into scheduling an interview with you. It may sound silly, but it’s an effective tactic. Additionally, when signing off, write “Sincerely” before your name. It’s the best way to close off a letter of application formally.

And as you’ve probably noticed, the candidate added a postscript. What’s the deal with that? It’s a completely optional thing, so don’t stress over it. If you want to add a P.S., remember to do so with a completely unique achievement you have not presented in your resume or application letter. If you don’t have anything jaw-dropping, you’re better off not adding a postscript to the end of your letter of job application .

With ResumeLab’s resume builder you’ll write your resume in a flash. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Improve your resume in our resume builder now .

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Nail it all with a splash of color, choose a clean font, highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You’re the perfect candidate and we’ll prove it. Just pick one of 21 resume templates and get started now .

Here’s a summary of what’s important when writing a letter of application for a job:

• Format your application letter correctly to make it easily readable.
• Refer to the hiring manager and the company by name . Personalization earns you a lot of points in the recruiting process.
• Put information relevant to the position throughout all sections of the application letter.
• Always refer to the keywords found in the job ad and the company’s values.
• Finish off with a call to action , and add a postscript if you have more to show.

Did you enjoy reading about how to write a letter of application? Do you have any questions about job application letters? Or maybe additional tips to make one stand out even more? Leave a comment. We’ll be happy to engage in a conversation!

Mariusz is a career expert with a background in quality control & economics. With work experience in FinTech and a passion for self-development, Mariusz brings a unique perspective to his role. He’s dedicated to providing the most effective advice on resume and cover letter writing techniques to help his readers secure the jobs of their dreams.

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How to Write a Cover Letter [Full Guide & Examples for 2024]

After weeks of heavy job searching, you’re almost there!

You’ve perfected your resume.

You’ve short-listed the coolest jobs you want to apply for.

You’ve even had a friend train you for every single interview question out there.

But then, before you can send in your application and call it a day, you remember that you need to write a cover letter too.

So now, you’re stuck staring at a blank page, wondering where to start...

Don’t panic! We’ve got you covered. Writing a cover letter is a lot simpler than you might think. 

In this guide, we’re going to teach you how to write a cover letter that gets you the job you deserve.

We're going to cover:

What Is a Cover Letter?

• How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter, Step by Step
• 15+ Job-Winning Cover Letter Examples

Let’s get started.

A cover letter is a document that you submit as part of your job application, alongside your resume or CV.

The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, it should be around 250 to 400 words long .

A good cover letter is supposed to impress the hiring manager and convince them you’re worth interviewing as a candidate.

So, how can your cover letter achieve this?

First of all, it should complement your resume, not copy it. Your cover letter is your chance to elaborate on important achievements, skills, or anything else that your resume doesn’t give you the space to cover. 

For example, if you have an employment gap on your resume, the cover letter is a great place to explain why it happened and how it helped you grow as a person. 

If this is your first time writing a cover letter, writing about yourself might seem complicated. But don’t worry—you don’t need to be super creative or even a good writer .

All you have to do is follow this tried and tested cover letter structure:

• Header. Add all the necessary contact information at the top of your cover letter.
• Formal greeting. Choose an appropriate way to greet your target audience.
• Introduction. Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph and explain your interest in the role.
• Body. Elaborate on why you’re the best candidate for the job and a good match for the company. Focus on “selling” your skills, achievements, and relevant professional experiences.
• Conclusion. Summarize your key points and wrap it up professionally.

Now, let’s take a look at an example of a cover letter that follows our structure perfectly:

New to cover letter writing? Give our cover letter video a watch before diving into the article!

When Should You Write a Cover Letter?

You should always include a cover letter in your job application, even if the hiring manager never reads it. Submitting a cover letter is as important as submitting a resume if you want to look like a serious candidate.

If the employer requests a cover letter as part of the screening process, not sending one is a huge red flag and will probably get your application tossed into the “no” pile immediately.

On the other hand, if the job advertisement doesn’t require a cover letter from the candidates, adding one shows you went the extra mile.

Putting in the effort to write a cover letter can set you apart from other candidates with similar professional experience and skills, and it could even sway the hiring manager to call you for an interview if you do it right.

Need to write a letter to help get you into a good school or volunteer program? Check out our guide to learn how to write a motivation letter !

How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter

Now that you know what a cover letter is, it’s time to learn how to write one!

We’ll go through the process in detail, step by step.

#1. Choose the Right Cover Letter Template

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

So, what’s a better way to leave a good impression than a well-formatted, stylish template?

Just choose one of our hand-picked cover letter templates , and you’ll be all set in no time!

As a bonus, our intuitive AI will even give you suggestions on how to improve your cover letter as you write it. You’ll have the perfect cover letter done in minutes!

#2. Put Contact Information in the Header

As with a resume, it’s important to 

start your cover letter

 with your contact details at the top. These should be in your cover letter’s header, separated neatly from the bulk of your text.

Here, you want to include all the essential contact information , including:

• Full Name. Your first and last name should stand out at the top.
• Job Title. Match the professional title underneath your name to the exact job title of the position you’re applying for. Hiring managers often hire for several roles at once, so giving them this cue about what role you’re after helps things go smoother.
• Email Address. Always use a professional and easy-to-spell email address. Ideally, it should combine your first and last names.
• Phone Number. Add a number where the hiring manager can easily reach you.
• Location. Add your city and state/country, no need for more details.
• Relevant Links (optional). You can add links to websites or social media profiles that are relevant to your field. Examples include a LinkedIn profile , Github, or an online portfolio.

Then it’s time to add the recipient’s contact details, such as:

• Hiring Manager's Name. If you can find the name of the hiring manager, add it.
• Hiring Manager's Title. While there’s no harm in writing “hiring manager,” if they’re the head of the department, we recommend you use that title accordingly.
• Company Name. Make sure to write the name of the company you're applying to.
• Location. The city and state/country are usually enough information here, too.
• Date of Writing (Optional). You can include the date you wrote your cover letter for an extra professional touch.

#3. Address the Hiring Manager

Once you’ve properly listed all the contact information, it’s time to start writing the content of the cover letter.

The first thing you need to do here is to address your cover letter directly to the hiring manager.

In fact, you want to address the hiring manager personally .

Forget the old “Dear Sir or Madam” or the impersonal “To Whom It May Concern.” You want to give your future boss a good impression and show them that you did your research before sending in your application.

No one wants to hire a job seeker who just spams 20+ companies and hopes something sticks with their generic approach

So, how do you find out who’s the hiring manager?

First, check the job ad. The hiring manager’s name might be listed somewhere in it.

If that doesn’t work, check the company’s LinkedIn page. You just need to look up the head of the relevant department you’re applying to, and you’re all set.

For example, if you’re applying for the position of Communication Specialist at Novorésumé. The hiring manager is probably the Head of Communications or the Chief Communications Officer.

Here’s what you should look for on LinkedIn:

And there you go! You have your hiring manager.

But let’s say you’re applying for a position as a server . In that case, you’d be looking for the “restaurant manager” or “food and beverage manager.”

If the results don’t come up with anything, try checking out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.

Make sure to address them as Mr. or Ms., followed by their last name. If you’re not sure about their gender or marital status, you can just stick to their full name, like so:

• Dear Mr. Kurtuy,
• Dear Andrei Kurtuy,

But what if you still can’t find the hiring manager’s name, no matter where you look?

No worries. You can direct your cover letter to the company, department, or team as a whole, or just skip the hiring manager’s name.

• Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
• Dear Hiring Manager
• Dear [Department] Team
• Dear [Company Name]

Are you applying for a research position? Learn how to write an academic personal statement .

#4. Write an Eye-Catching Introduction

First impressions matter, especially when it comes to your job search.

Hiring managers 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 biggest problem with most opening paragraphs is that they’re usually extremely generic. Here’s an example:

• 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.

See the issue here? This opening paragraph doesn’t say anything except the fact that you’ve worked the job before.

And do you know who else has similar work experience? All the other applicants you’re competing with.

Instead, you want to start with some of your top achievements to grab the reader’s attention. And to get the point across, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position.

Your opening paragraph should also show the hiring manager a bit about why you want this specific job. For example, mention how the job relates to your plans for the future or how it can help you grow professionally. This will show the hiring manager that you’re not just applying left and right—you’re actually enthusiastic about getting this particular role.

Now, let’s make our previous example shine:

Dear Mr. Smith,

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 as a Sales Representative with Company X, another fin-tech company , for 3+ years, where I generated an average of $30,000+ in sales per month and beat the KPIs by around 40%. I believe that my previous industry experience, passion for finance , and excellence in sales make me the right candidate for the job.

The second candidate starts with what they can do for the company in the future and immediately lists an impressive and relevant achievement. Since they’re experienced in the same industry and interested in finance, the hiring manager can see they’re not just a random applicant.

From this introduction, it’s safe to say that the hiring manager would read the rest of this candidate’s cover letter.

#5. Use the Cover Letter Body for Details

The next part of your cover letter is where you can go into detail about what sets you apart as a qualified candidate for the job.

The main thing you need to remember here is that you shouldn’t make it all about yourself . Your cover letter is supposed to show the hiring manager how you relate to the job and the company you’re applying to.

No matter how cool you make yourself sound in your cover letter, if you don’t tailor it to match what the hiring manager is looking for, you’re not getting an interview.

To get this right, use the job ad as a reference when writing your cover letter. Make sure to highlight skills and achievements that match the job requirements, and you’re good to go.

Since this part of your cover letter is by far the longest, you should split it into at least two paragraphs.

Here’s what each paragraph should cover:

Explain Why You’re the Perfect Candidate for the Role

Before you can show the hiring manager that you’re exactly what they’ve been looking for, you need to know what it is they’re looking for.

Start by doing a bit of research. Learn what the most important skills and responsibilities of the role are according to the job ad, and focus on any relevant experience you have that matches them.

For example, if you’re applying for the position of a Facebook Advertiser. The top requirements on the job ad are:

• Experience managing a Facebook ad budget of $10,000+ / month
• Some skills in advertising on other platforms (Google Search + Twitter)
• Excellent copywriting skills

So, in the body of your cover letter, you need to show how you meet these requirements. Here’s an example of what that can look like:

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 $40,000+ . As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation and management process end-to-end. I created the ad copy and images, 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

Our example addresses all the necessary requirements and shows off the candidate’s relevant skills.

Are you a student applying for your first internship? Learn how to write an internship cover letter with our dedicated guide.

Explain Why You’re a Good Fit for the Company

As skilled and experienced as you may be, that’s not all the hiring manager is looking for.

They also want someone who’s a good fit for their company and who actually wants to work there.

Employees who don’t fit in with the company culture are likely to quit sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary , so hiring managers vet candidates very carefully to avoid this scenario.

So, you have to convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about working with them.

Start by doing some research about the company. 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 company’s culture like?

Chances are, you’ll find all the information you need either on the company website or on job-search websites like Jobscan or Glassdoor.

Then, pick your favorite thing about the company and talk about it in your cover letter.

But don’t just describe the company in its own words just to flatter them. Be super specific—the hiring manager can see through any fluff.

For example, if you’re passionate about their product and you like the company’s culture of innovation and independent work model, you can write something like:

I’ve personally used the XYZ Smartphone, and I believe that it’s the most innovative tech I’ve used in years. The features, such as Made-Up-Feature #1 and Made-Up-Feature #2, were real game changers for the device.

I really admire how Company XYZ strives for excellence in all its product lines, creating market-leading tech. As someone who thrives in a self-driven environment, I truly believe that I’ll be a great match for your Product Design team.

So, make sure to do your fair share of research and come up with good reasons why you're applying to that specific company.

Is the company you want to work for not hiring at the moment? Check out our guide to writing a letter of interest .

#6. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Finally, it’s time to conclude your cover letter.

In the final paragraph, you want to:

• Wrap up any points you couldn't make in the previous paragraphs. Do you have anything left to say? If there’s any other information that could help the hiring manager make their decision, mention it here. If not, just recap your key selling points so far, such as key skills and expertise.
• Express gratitude. Politely thanking the hiring manager for their time is always a good idea.
• Finish the cover letter with a call to action. The very last sentence in your cover letter should be a call to action. This means you should ask the hiring manager to do something, like call you and discuss your application or arrange an interview.
• Remember to sign your cover letter. Just add a formal closing line and sign your name at the bottom.

Here’s an example of how to end your cover letter :

I hope to help Company X make the most of their Facebook marketing initiatives. I'd love to further discuss how my previous success at XYZ Inc. can help you achieve your Facebook marketing goals. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at the provided email address or phone number so that we may arrange an interview.

Thank you for your consideration,

Alice Richards

Feel free to use one of these other popular closing lines for your cover letter:

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

Cover Letter Writing Checklist

Once you’re done with your cover letter, it’s time to check if it meets all industry requirements. 

Give our handy cover letter writing checklist a look to make sure:

Does your cover letter heading include all essential information?

• Professional Email
• Phone Number
• Relevant Links

Do you address the right person? 

• The hiring manager in the company
• Your future direct supervisor
• The company/department in general

Does your introductory paragraph grab the reader's attention?

• Did you mention some of your top achievements?
• Did you use numbers and facts to back up your experience?
• Did you convey enthusiasm for the specific role?

Do you show that you’re the right candidate for the job?

• Did you identify the core requirements for the role?
• Did you show how your experiences helped you fit the requirements perfectly?

Do you convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about the company you’re applying to?

• Did you identify the top 3 things that you like about the company?
• Did you avoid generic reasons for explaining your interest in the company?

Did you conclude your cover letter properly?

• Did you recap your key selling points in the conclusion?
• Did you end your cover letter with a call to action?
• Did you use the right formal closing line and sign your name?

15 Cover Letter Tips

Now you’re all set to write your cover letter! 

Before you start typing, here are some cover letter tips to help take your cover letter to the next level:

• Customize Your Cover Letter for Each Job. Make sure your cover letter is tailored to the job you're applying for. This shows you're not just sending generic applications left and right, and it tells the hiring manager you’re the right person for the job.
• Showcase Your Skills. Talk about how your skills meet the company’s needs. And while your hard skills should be front and center, you shouldn’t underestimate your soft skills in your cover letter either.
• Avoid Fluff. Don’t make any generic statements you can’t back up. The hiring manager can tell when you’re just throwing words around, and it doesn’t make your cover letter look good.
• Use Specific Examples. Instead of saying you're great at something, give an actual example to back up your claim. Any data you can provide makes you sound more credible, so quantify your achievements. For example, give numbers such as percentages related to your performance and the timeframe it took to accomplish certain achievements.
• Research the Company. Always take time to learn about the company you're applying to. Make sure to mention something about them in your cover letter to show the hiring manager that you're interested.
• Follow the Application Instructions. If the job posting asks for something specific in your cover letter or requires a certain format, make sure you include it. Not following instructions can come off as unattentive or signal to the hiring manager that you’re not taking the job seriously.
• Use the Right Template and Format. Choose the right cover letter format and adapt your cover letter’s look to the industry you’re applying for. For example, if you’re aiming for a job in Law or Finance, you should go for a cleaner, more professional look. But if you’re applying for a field that values innovation, like IT or Design, you have more room for creativity.
• Express Your Enthusiasm. Let the hiring manager know why you're excited about the job. Your passion for the specific role or the field in general can be a big selling point, and show them that you’re genuinely interested, not just applying left and right.
• Address Any Gaps. If there are any employment gaps in your resume , your cover letter is a great place to mention why. Your resume doesn’t give you enough space to elaborate on an employment gap, so addressing it here can set hiring managers at ease—life happens, and employers understand.
• Avoid Quirky Emails. Your email address should be presentable. It’s hard for a hiring manager to take you seriously if your email address is “[email protected].” Just use a [email protected] format.
• Check Your Contact Information. Typos in your email address or phone number can mean a missed opportunity. Double-check these before sending your application.
• Mention if You Want to Relocate. If you’re looking for a job that lets you move somewhere else, specify this in your cover letter.
• Keep It Brief. You want to keep your cover letter short and sweet. Hiring managers don’t have time to read a novel, so if you go over one page, they simply won’t read it at all.
• Use a Professional Tone. Even though a conversational tone isn’t a bad thing, remember that it's still a formal document. Show professionalism in your cover letter by keeping slang, jargon, and emojis out of it.
• Proofread Carefully. Typos and grammar mistakes are a huge deal-breaker. Use a tool like Grammarly or QuillBot to double-check your spelling and grammar, or even get a friend to check it for you.

15+ Cover Letter Examples

Need some inspiration? Check out some perfect cover letter examples for different experience levels and various professions.

5+ Cover Letter Examples by Experience

#1. college student cover letter example.

Check out our full guide to writing a college student cover letter here.

#2. Middle Management Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a project manager cover letter here.

#3. Team Leader Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a team leader cover letter here.

#4. Career Change Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to a career change resume and cover letter here.

#5. Management Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a management cover letter here.

#6. Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing an executive resume here.

9+ Cover Letter Examples by Profession

#1. it cover letter example.

Check out our full guide to writing an IT cover letter here.

#2. Consultant Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a consultant cover letter here.

#3. Human Resources Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a human resources cover letter here.

#4. Business Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a business cover letter here.

#5. Sales Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a sales cover letter here.

#6. Social Worker Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a social worker cover letter here.

#7. Lawyer Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a lawyer cover letter here.

#8. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing an administrative assistant cover letter here.

#9. Engineering Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing an engineer cover letter here.

#10. Receptionist Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a receptionist cover letter here.

Need more inspiration? Check out these cover letter examples to learn what makes them stand out.

Plug & Play Cover Letter Template

Not sure how to start your cover letter? Don’t worry!

Just copy and paste our free cover letter template into the cover letter builder, and swap out the blanks for your details.

[Your Full Name]

[Your Profession]

[Your Phone Number]

[Your Email Address]

[Your Location]

[Your LinkedIn Profile URL (optional)]

[Your Personal Website URL (optional)]

[Recipient's Name, e.g., Jane Doe],

[Recipient's Position, e.g., Hiring Manager]

[Company Name, e.g., ABC Corporation]

[Company Address]

[City, State/Country]

Dear [Recipient's Name],

As a seasoned [Your Profession] with [Number of Years of Experience] years of industry experience, I am eager to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With my experience in [Your Industry/Sector] and the successes I've achieved throughout my education and career, I believe I can bring unique value and creativity to your team.

In my current role as [Your Current Job Title], I've taken the lead on more than [Number of Projects/Assignments] projects, some valued up to $[Highest Project Value]. I pride myself on consistently exceeding client expectations and have successfully [Mention a Key Achievement] in just a [Amount of Time] through [Skill] and [Skill].

I've collaborated with various professionals, such as [List Roles], ensuring that all [projects/tasks] meet [relevant standards or objectives]. This hands-on experience, coupled with my dedication to understanding each [client's/customer's] vision, has equipped me to navigate and deliver on complex projects.

My key strengths include:

• Improving [Achievement] by [%] over [Amount of Time] which resulted in [Quantified Result].
• Optimizing [Work Process/Responsibility] which saved [Previous Employer] [Amount of Time/Budget/Other Metric] over [Weeks/Months/Years]
• Spearheading team of [Number of People] to [Task] and achieving [Quantified Result].

Alongside this letter, I've attached my resume. My educational background, a [Your Degree] with a concentration in [Your Specialization], complements the practical skills that I'm particularly eager to share with [Company Name].

I'm excited about the possibility of contributing to [Something Notable About the Company or Its Mission]. I'd be grateful for the chance to delve deeper into how my expertise aligns with your needs.

Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

The Heart of Your Job Search - Creating a Killer Resume

Your cover letter is only as good as your resume. If either one is weak, your entire application falls through.

After all, your cover letter is meant to complement your resume. Imagine going through all this effort to leave an amazing first impression in your cover letter, only for the hiring manager to never read it because your resume was mediocre.

But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered here, too.

Check out our dedicated guide on how to make a resume and learn everything you need to know to land your dream job!

Just pick one of our resume templates and start writing your own job-winning resume.

Key Takeaways

Now that we’ve walked you through all the steps of writing a cover letter, let’s summarize everything we’ve learned:

• A cover letter is a 250 - 400 word document that’s meant to convince the hiring manager that you’re the best candidate for the job.
• Your job application should always include a cover letter alongside your resume.
• To grab the hiring manager’s attention, write a strong opening paragraph. Mention who you are, why you’re applying, and a standout achievement to pique their interest.
• Your cover letter should focus on why you’re the perfect candidate for the job and why you’re passionate about working in this specific company.
• Use the body of your cover letter to provide details on your skills, achievements, and qualifications, as well as make sure to convey your enthusiasm throughout your whole cover letter.
• Recap your key selling points towards the end of your cover letter, and end it with a formal closing line and your full name signed underneath.

At Novorésumé, we’re committed to helping you get the job you deserve every step of the way! 

Follow our career blog for more valuable advice, or check out some of our top guides, such as:

• How to Make a Resume in 2024 | Beginner's Guide
• How to Write a CV (Curriculum Vitae) in 2024 [31+ Examples]
• 35+ Job Interview Questions and Answers [Full List]

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• Finding a Job
• Cover Letters

Sample Cover Letter for a Job Application

What Is an Application Letter?

What to include in your application letter, tips for writing a cover letter, cover letter sample and template, email cover letter sample.

• How to Send an Email Application

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Alex Dos Diaz / The Balance

What's the best way to write a letter to apply for a job? Your letter should detail your specific qualifications for the position and the skills you would bring to the employer. What’s most important is to show the employer that you’re a perfect match for the job.

Your job application letter is an opportunity to highlight your most relevant qualifications and experience. An effective cover letter will enhance your application, showcase your achievements, and increase your chances of landing an interview.

Review what to include in a job application letter, tips for writing that will get your application noticed, and examples of cover letters and email messages to send when applying for a job.

Key Takeaways

• An application letter accompanies a resume and may be uploaded to a job portal, sent via email, or even sent by postal mail, depending on the employer’s requirements.
• Application letters are an ideal way to show your interest in a job and highlight your most relevant skills.
• It’s important to match your letter to the job description and show the employer you have the qualifications they are seeking.

A   letter of application, also known as a  cover letter , is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information about your skills and experience to an employer. Your letter of application is intended to provide detailed information on why you are an ideal candidate for the job.

Your application letter should let the employer know what position you are applying for, what makes you a strong candidate, why they should select you for an interview, and how you will follow up.

Effective application letters explain the reasons for your interest in the specific organization and identify the most relevant skills that qualify you for the job.

Unless an employer specifically requests a job application letter sent by postal mail, most cover letters today are sent by email or attached as a file in an online application tracking system.

As with all cover letters, a job application letter is divided into sections:

• The heading includes your name and contact information.
• A  greeting  addressed to a specific person, if possible.
• The introduction includes why the applicant is writing.
• The body discusses your relevant qualifications and what you have to offer the employer.
• The close thanks the reader and provides contact information and follow-up details.
• Your  signature to end the letter .

Here’s how to ensure your application supports your resume, highlights your most relevant qualifications, and impresses the hiring manager.

Get off to a direct start.  In your first paragraph, explain why you are writing. Mention the job title, company name, and where you found the job listing. While you can also briefly mention why you are a strong candidate, this section should be short and to the point.

Offer something different than what's in your resume. You can make your language a bit more personal than in your resume bullet points, and you can tell a narrative about your work experience and career.

Application letters typically accompany resumes, so your letter should showcase information that your resume doesn't.

Make a good case.  Your first goal with this letter is to progress to the next step: an interview. Your overarching goal, of course, is to get a job offer. Use your application letter to further both causes. Offer details about your experience and background that show why you are a good candidate. How have other jobs prepared you for the position? What would you bring to the role and the company? Use this space to  emphasize your strengths .

Close with all the important details.  Include a thank you at the end of your letter. You can also share your contact information and mention how you will follow up.

This is a sample cover letter.  Download the cover letter template  (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for an email sample.

The Balance

John Donaldson 8 Sue Circle Smithtown, CA 08067 909-555-5555 john.donaldson@email.com

September 6, 2023

George Gilhooley LTC Company 87 Delaware Road Hatfield, CA 08065

Dear Mr. Gilhooley,

I am writing to apply for the programmer position advertised in the Times Union. As requested, I enclose my certification, resume, and references.

The role is very appealing to me, and I believe that my strong technical experience and education make me a highly competitive candidate for this position. My key strengths that would support my success in this position include:

• I have successfully designed, developed, and supported live-use applications.
• I strive continually for excellence.
• I provide exceptional contributions to customer service for all customers.

With a BS degree in computer programming, I have a comprehensive understanding of the full lifecycle of software development projects. I also have experience in learning and applying new technologies as appropriate. Please see my resume for additional information on my experience.

I can be reached anytime via email at john.donaldson@email.com or by phone at 909-555-5555.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this employment opportunity.

Signature  (only if a hard copy letter)

John Donaldson

The following is a sample email cover letter to send as part of a job application.

Email Application Letter Example

Subject: Colleen Warren - Web Content Manager Position

Dear Hiring Manager,

I'm writing to express my interest in the Web Content Manager position listed on Monster.com. I have experience building large, consumer-focused, health-based content sites. While much of my experience has been in the business world, I understand the social value of this sector, and I am confident that my business experience will be an asset to your organization.

My responsibilities have included the development and management of website editorial voice and style, editorial calendars, and the daily content programming and production for various websites.

I have worked closely with health care professionals and medical editors to provide the best possible information to a consumer audience of patients. I have also helped physicians use their medical content to write user-friendly and easily comprehensible text.

Experience has taught me how to build strong relationships with all departments in an organization. I have the ability to work within a team, as well as cross-team. I can work with web engineers to resolve technical issues and implement technical enhancements. 

I am confident working with development departments to implement design and functional enhancements, monitor site statistics, and conduct search engine optimization.

Thank you for your consideration.

Colleen Warren colleen.warren@email.com 555-123-1234 www.linked.com/colleenwarren

How to Send an Email Application Letter

If sending your cover letter via email, list your name and the job title you are applying for in the  subject line  of the email:

Colleen Warren - Web Content Manager Position

Include your contact information in your email signature but don't list the employer's contact information.

Do you have to write a cover letter when you apply for a job?

Some employers require cover letters. If they do, it will be mentioned in the job posting. Otherwise, it’s optional but it can help your chances of securing an interview. A cover letter gives you a chance to sell yourself to the employer, showcase your qualifications, and explain why you are a perfect candidate for the job.

How can you use a cover letter to show you’re a qualified candidate?

One of the easiest ways to show an employer how you’re qualified for a job is to make a list of the requirements listed in the job posting and match them to your resume . Mention your most relevant qualifications in your cover letter, so the hiring manager can see, at a glance, that you have the credentials they are looking for.

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

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Writing a Winning Job Application Letter: Tips and Examples

A job application letter, also known as a cover letter, is a formal letter that accompanies your resume and introduces you to a potential employer. The purpose of a job application letter is to highlight your qualifications, experience, and skills that make you the perfect candidate for the job. It also helps employers understand your personality, work ethic, and how you plan to contribute to their organization.

Importance of Customization

One of the key factors that can make or break your job application letter is how well you customize it to the specific job you are applying for. Employers want to see that you have taken the time to research their company and understand what they are looking for in a candidate. Customizing your letter also shows that you are genuinely interested in the job and that you are willing to put in the extra effort to stand out from other applicants.

Brief Overview of Key Sections

While job application letters can vary slightly depending on the job and industry, they typically contain four key sections:

Introduction: This section should include a brief introduction, the job you are applying for, and how you found out about it.

Qualifications: In this section, you should discuss your qualifications and experience that make you a good fit for the job. Be sure to tailor this section to the specific job requirements to show that you have the skills they are looking for.

Skills: Here, you should highlight your relevant skills and how they apply to the job. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your proficiency in each skill.

Closing: The closing paragraph should thank the employer for considering your application and provide contact information for them to reach you.

In this article, we will dive into each of these sections in more detail and provide tips and examples to help you write a winning job application letter.

Understand the Job Requirements

To write a winning job application letter, it is important to thoroughly understand the job requirements. This involves analyzing the job description and understanding the needs of the employer, as well as tailoring your letter to attract the specific employer.

A. Analyzing the Job Description

The job description provides you with valuable information about the position you are applying for. It outlines the required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities of the job. By analyzing the job description, you can determine if the role is a good fit for your experience and qualifications.

When analyzing the job description, it is important to pay attention to key phrases and requirements mentioned. These can give you insight into the priorities of the employer and allow you to tailor your application to meet those priorities.

B. Understanding the Needs of the Employer

To write a winning job application letter, it is also essential to understand the needs of the employer. This means researching the company and the industry to get a better understanding of the company culture, mission, and values. It also means understanding the desired outcome of the position and how you can address the employer’s needs.

One way to convey your understanding of the employer’s needs is to highlight relevant accomplishments in your application letter. By showing how you have successfully addressed similar challenges in the past, you can demonstrate your potential value to the employer.

C. Tailoring the Letter to Attract Specific Employer

Finally, to write a winning job application letter, it is important to tailor your letter to attract the specific employer. This means using language and examples that relate to the specific company and its values. It also means customizing your application letter to the specific job and its requirements.

To tailor your letter, take the time to research the company and its values. This can involve reviewing their website, social media, and other online resources. By addressing the specific needs and values of the employer, you can show that you are invested in the position and the company.

To write a winning job application letter, it is important to understand the job requirements, analyze the job description, understand the needs of the employer, and tailor the letter to attract the specific employer. By doing so, you can craft an application that stands out from the competition and showcases your value as a candidate.

Research the Company and Industry

Before writing your job application letter, it’s important to research the company and industry thoroughly to increase your chances of writing a winning letter. Here are three key areas to focus on:

A. Understanding the Mission, Vision, and Values of the Company

Make sure you take the time to research the company’s mission, vision, and values. This will help you understand the company’s goals and the qualities they look for in employees. You can find this information on the company’s website, social media pages or company annual report.

Incorporate the values and mission statement of the company into your job application letter. This highlights your alignment with the company culture, and how your beliefs and goals match that of the organization’s.

B. Identifying the Company’s Competition

Once you have an understanding of the company, you need to identify the company’s competition. Knowing who the competitors are can help you understand the industry as well as the company’s market share position.

List the company’s competitors in your job application letter and briefly explain how you see the company’s strengths overcoming the competitors’ weaknesses.

C. Industry Trends and How to Address Them

The final area to focus on when researching the company and industry is identifying current industry trends and how these trends may impact the company’s future. Use reputable sources to gather trends and predictions about the industry. This will also show the recruiter that you are not only familiar with their industry, but are engaging in informed discussion and contributing to innovative solutions.

Incorporate industry trends into your job application letter and showcase the ideas and innovations you bring, how leveraging them can enhance the company’s position and how you can contribute to any current and future challenges, for which the potential employer has yet to find a solution.

By researching and incorporating the above areas into your job application letter, you demonstrate a genuine interest in the organization and showcase clear understanding, innovative thought and how your expertise can improve the company’s performance.

Know Your Strengths and Skills

When writing a job application letter, it’s crucial to understand your unique selling proposition, relevant experience, and transferrable skills. This information will help you stand out from the other applicants and potentially land the job of your dreams.

A. Identifying Your Unique Selling Proposition

Your unique selling proposition (USP) is what sets you apart from the other candidates. It could be a specific skill, experience or personality trait that aligns with the company’s values and job requirements. Start by analyzing the job description and researching the company culture to identify what makes you an ideal candidate for the role.

Once you have identified your USP, use it as the main selling point in your job application letter. Highlight your strengths and skills and explain how they align with the job requirements and the company’s values. This will show the hiring manager that you are not just another candidate, but someone who has something valuable to offer.

B. Highlighting Your Relevant Experience and Accomplishments

Your work experience and achievements are essential in demonstrating your abilities and suitability for the job. When crafting your job application letter, focus on highlighting your relevant experience and accomplishments. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you have contributed in previous roles and how those skills could be applied to the new role you are applying for.

Be sure to use metrics whenever possible as numbers are a great way to showcase your achievements. For example, if you were able to increase sales revenue by 20% in your previous role, mention it in your letter. This will give the hiring manager a clear understanding of your capabilities and how they align with the job requirements.

C. Understanding How to Leverage Transferrable Skills

Transferrable skills are those abilities that you have gained from your previous experiences that are not necessarily related to the job you are applying for. They can be valuable in demonstrating your adaptability and ability to learn quickly.

When discussing your transferrable skills in your job application letter, highlight how they could be applied to the new role you are applying for. For example, if you have strong communication skills, explain how you could use that to effectively collaborate with team members and clients.

By understanding and leveraging your unique selling proposition, relevant experience and accomplishments, and transferrable skills, you can write a job application letter that stands out from the crowd. Remember to tailor your letter to the job requirements and company culture to increase your chances of success.

Address Gaps in Your Resume or Experience

When applying for a job, it’s important to consider any gaps in your resume or experience that might be a red flag for hiring managers. Addressing these gaps upfront can demonstrate your accountability and willingness to take ownership of your shortcomings.

A. Taking ownership of failings

If you have gaps in your work history or experience, don’t try to hide or make excuses for them. Instead, take ownership of any failings and show that you’re actively working to improve yourself. This could involve taking courses, pursuing certifications, or volunteering in relevant areas to gain hands-on experience.

B. Finding a workaround for unfilled requirements

Sometimes a job posting requires specific qualifications or experience that you don’t have. In these cases, it’s important to find a workaround that demonstrates your ability to still meet the employer’s needs. This could involve highlighting related experience or transferable skills that could compensate for the missing requirement. Alternatively, it might involve offering to take on additional training or work with a mentor to acquire the missing knowledge.

C. Highlighting transferable skills to counter an irrelevant job background

When applying for a job in a new industry or field, it’s common to have a background that might not seem directly relevant. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you’re unqualified for the role. By highlighting transferable skills, such as leadership, problem-solving, or communication, you can demonstrate your ability to adapt to new situations and learn quickly.

Addressing gaps in your resume or experience is an important aspect of writing a winning job application letter. By taking ownership of your failings, finding workarounds for unfilled requirements, and highlighting transferable skills, you can position yourself as a strong candidate and increase your chances of landing the job you want.

Crafting an Attention-grabbing Opening Paragraph

In the competitive job market, first impressions matter. The opening paragraph of your job application letter is your opportunity to make a positive and lasting impression on potential employers. In this section, we’ll explore the importance of crafting an attention-grabbing opening paragraph and provide tips and examples on how to do so.

A. Importance of First Impressions

Studies show that it takes less than 30 seconds for a recruiter or hiring manager to form an initial impression of a job candidate. This means that your opening paragraph is a critical component of your job application letter. Your goal is to capture the employer’s interest and convince them to continue reading.

B. Creative and Engaging Opening Lines

One effective way to capture the employer’s attention is by starting your letter with a creative and engaging opening line. This can be a quote, a personal story, a relevant statistic, or a bold statement. The key is to be authentic and genuine while still standing out from other applicants.

C. Strategies for Catching the Employer’s Attention

Beyond the opening line, there are several strategies you can use to further capture the employer’s attention. These include highlighting relevant skills and experience, demonstrating enthusiasm for the position and company, and connecting your qualifications to the job requirements.

By following these tips and examples, you can craft an attention-grabbing opening paragraph that sets you apart from the competition and piques the employer’s interest.

Highlighting Your Accomplishments

When it comes to writing a winning job application letter, highlighting your accomplishments is crucial. This allows potential employers to see the proven results that you can bring to their organization. Here are a few tips on how to effectively highlight your accomplishments:

A. Demonstrating Achievements in Previous Roles

One of the most effective ways to demonstrate your achievements is by highlighting your accomplishments in your previous roles. This shows that you have a track record of success and can bring that success to your next job. When highlighting your achievements, make sure to focus on results, not just responsibilities. Instead of stating that you managed a team, highlight the specific results that you achieved as a team leader.

For example, instead of saying, “Managed a team of 10 employees,” you could say, “Led a team of 10 employees to achieve a 25% increase in sales within the first quarter.” This shows the impact you had in your previous role and gives potential employers an idea of what you can achieve in their organization.

B. Using Data to Support Accomplishments

Using data to support your accomplishments is a powerful way to illustrate the impact you had in your previous roles. This could include data such as sales figures, customer satisfaction ratings, or employee retention rates. When using data, make sure to include specific numbers and percentages.

For example, instead of saying, “Improved customer satisfaction,” you could say, “Increased customer satisfaction ratings by 15% through implementing a new customer service training program.” This demonstrates the impact you had on the organization and the value you can bring to a potential employer.

C. Highlighting Relevant Certifications and Awards

Another way to highlight your accomplishments is by showcasing any relevant certifications or awards you have received. This shows that you have taken the time to invest in your professional development and have been recognized for your achievements.

When highlighting certifications and awards, make sure to explain why they are relevant to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a marketing position, highlighting your Google Analytics certification would be relevant as it demonstrates your analytics skills.

Highlighting your accomplishments is a crucial part of writing a winning job application letter. By demonstrating your achievements in previous roles, using data to support your accomplishments, and highlighting relevant certifications and awards, you can show potential employers the value you can bring to their organization.

Showcasing Your Writing Skills

When it comes to writing a winning job application letter, showcasing your exceptional writing skills is crucial to increase your chances of getting hired. Employers often look for applicants who have a way with words, can express themselves clearly, and can craft compelling content that leaves a lasting impression. Here are several ways to showcase your writing skills:

A. Highlighting experience in writing

One of the most effective ways to showcase your writing skills is to highlight your experience as a writer. This can include previous work experience in writing-related fields such as journalism, marketing, or content creation. If you have a writing degree, mention it. You can also share published articles or blog posts that you have written to demonstrate your skills in action. Highlighting relevant experience shows that you have the skills needed to excel in the role you are applying for.

B. Incorporating keywords

Incorporating keywords relevant to the job posting can also help showcase your writing skills. Employers often use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes and cover letters for specific keywords related to the position. By including these keywords, you can increase your chances of getting past the initial screening process and showcase your understanding of industry-specific language.

C. Proper grammar, spelling, and tone

Finally, it’s essential to ensure that your writing exhibits proper grammar, spelling, and tone. Errors in these areas can undercut the impact of your application letter and send the wrong message to your potential employer. Take the time to proofread your cover letter and resume carefully, and have someone else review them too. Double-check for proper punctuation, spelling errors, and that your tone fits the professional context.

Showcasing your writing skills is critical when applying for jobs, particularly those that require excellent communication skills. Highlighting relevant experience, incorporating keywords, and ensuring proper grammar, spelling, and tone are strategies that can help set you apart from other applicants and make a lasting impression on potential employers.

Using Power Words and Phrases

When writing a job application letter, it is essential to use powerful words and phrases that can help you stand out from the crowd. Here are some tips to help you select the right words:

A. Selecting Strong Action Words

Action words can help demonstrate your skills and experience effectively. Use verbs that showcase your achievements and contributions to your previous roles. For instance, rather than saying you “assisted” your team, use words such as “led,” “managed,” or “initiated” to emphasize your role in driving projects and initiatives forward.

B. Avoiding Common Clichés and Buzzwords

Although buzzwords and clichés may seem tempting, they could potentially undermine the impact of your letter. Instead of using cookie-cutter phrases like “I am a team player,” try to use specific examples to illustrate your ability to work collaboratively. Also, avoid jargon that may not be familiar to the reader and opt for straightforward language that can be easily understood.

C. Crafting Impactful and Persuasive Sentences

To make your letter more impactful and persuasive, use language that emphasizes your strengths and accomplishments. Start sentences with action words and focus on the results you have achieved. Also, be specific and illustrate your points with concrete examples that demonstrate your value to the prospective employer.

When writing your job application letter, make sure to choose powerful words that demonstrate your expertise and experience effectively. Avoid using clichés and buzzwords and instead focus on crafting persuasive and impactful sentences that showcase your strengths and contributions. By following these principles, you can create a compelling letter that increases your chances of landing the job you want.

Formatting and Presentation of Your Job Application Letter

When it comes to writing a winning job application letter, the presentation and formatting of the letter are just as important as the content. Here are some tips to ensure your letter looks professional and polished:

A. Ensure consistency in formatting

Make sure your letter has a consistent format throughout. This means using the same font and font size for the entire letter. Also, ensure that the margins and spacing are consistent from beginning to end.

B. Proper use of fonts, margins, and spacing

Use a standard font like Times New Roman or Arial, in a legible size (such as 11pt or 12pt). Be sure to use proper spacing between paragraphs and section headers. It’s important to have enough white space to make the letter easy to read, but not so much that it takes up unnecessary space.

C. Guidelines on length of the letter

Longer letters can seem rambling and may deter the hiring manager from reading the whole thing. Focus on the most important points and make them clear and succinct. Remember, your goal is to make a strong case for yourself as a candidate, not overwhelm the reader with information.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your job application letter looks professional, polished, and focused on what matters most – your qualifications for the job.

Sample Job Application Letter

Writing a winning job application letter is important if you’re looking to impress the hiring manager and land your dream job. In this section of the article, we’ll walk through a sample job application letter, analyze its strong points, and provide strategies to improve it.

A. Walk Through a Sample Job Application Letter

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the position of Marketing Manager at ABC Company, as advertised on [job board]. With over [number] years of experience in the marketing industry, I believe I have the skills and knowledge to succeed in this role and make a significant contribution to your team.

During my time at XYZ Company, I was responsible for developing and executing successful marketing campaigns that exceeded client expectations and resulted in increased ROI. My experience in digital marketing, social media management, and content creation have prepared me well for this role. I am highly adaptable, and I have a proven track record of implementing innovative strategies to achieve business objectives.

In addition, I am a strong communicator and collaborator, and I work well in cross-functional teams. I am confident that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate for the role of Marketing Manager at ABC Company.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

B. Analyzing the Strong Points in the Letter

The sample job application letter has several strong points:

• The candidate clearly expresses their interest in the position and summarizes their skills and experience in the marketing industry.
• The letter highlights the candidate’s successful track record in executing marketing campaigns and achieving business objectives.
• The candidate demonstrates their adaptability and ability to implement innovative strategies.
• The letter emphasizes the candidate’s communication and collaboration skills.

C. Strategies to Improve the Letter

To improve the sample job application letter, consider the following strategies:

• Start with a strong opening sentence that grabs the hiring manager’s attention, such as a personal anecdote or a statement about the company’s mission.
• Use specific examples of your achievements and accomplishments to demonstrate your value to the company.
• Customize your letter to the specific job and company by conducting research and referencing relevant company initiatives or values.
• Show enthusiasm and a willingness to learn by expressing interest in the company’s future projects or goals.

By implementing these strategies, you can enhance your job application letter and increase your chances of landing an interview with your dream company.

Writing a winning job application letter requires attention to detail, strong communication skills, and a clear understanding of the hiring company’s needs and values. By following these tips and analyzing examples such as the one above, you can take your job application letter to the next level and stand out from the competition.

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Cover Letter Examples & Samples for All Jobs

Get inspired by cover letter examples written by our certified professionals and discover what makes each one stand out. We have samples for any job, industry or situation to help you craft a winning cover letter.

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A well-crafted cover letter is the key to a winning job application. Your cover letter expands upon your resume, showcasing how your personality, experience and enthusiasm for the role make you the ideal candidate.

We’ve compiled a library of professional cover letter examples for different positions, industries and circumstances to help you get started. Easily search by job title or filter by industry to find a sample that suits your needs.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned professional, our comprehensive guide will equip you with the expert insights and actionable tips you need to craft a cover letter that stands out from the competition.

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Administrative assistant cover letter example

Rachel Sanford is an administrative assistant. She has had an extensive, successful career and is looking to stand out from other candidates. Rachel needs a cover letter that brings attention to her professional accomplishments and skills.

This is a good administrative assistant cover letter example because:

• It shows how bullet points help her highlight her extensive experience. 
• The template is clean and professional, guiding the reader’s eye through the important information. 
• It is easily tailored to a different audience while keeping the most important information relevant to the role.

Sales executive cover letter example /career gap

Steven Massey is an experienced sales executive with a forward-thinking approach. He recently took a career break to address a family matter, during which he also worked independently, acquiring new skills. Steven’s cover letter should highlight the valuable skills and perspectives he offers, rather than focusing on the reasons for his employment gap.

This sales executive cover letter example is good because:

• The percentages highlight Steven’s achievements
• It addresses the gap on his resume and quickly shifts the focus to the skills gained during that time. 
• The template is modern with a pop of color, a subtle way to show he has kept up with industry trends.

Data entry cover letter example

Livia Sanders is poised to begin her career in programming. With a background in data entry and the necessary skills for a career transition, Livia requires a cover letter that showcases how her past experiences will be beneficial in her new role.

This data entry cover lette r example is good because:

• Livia explains how programming has been used in her data entry jobs and how her data entry skills transfer to this new role.
• It includes quantifiable achievements that highlight her interpersonal skills and her database skills.
• The template is simple and professional keeping all the attention on the content.

Accountant cover letter example

Maggie Sanders, a proficient accountant known for her expertise in financial analysis and payroll management, attributes her success to her strong interpersonal skills. Her cover letter should emphasize how these soft skills enhance her financial competencies.

This accountant cover letter example is good because:

• It combines Maggie’s quantifiable achievements with skills like communication, problem-solving and relationship-building.
• It uses a professional, amenable tone that is easy to read and tailored to what the employer is seeking. 
• It uses a contemporary template, that is ATS-friendly.

Teacher assistant cover letter example

April Hawkins, a dedicated teacher in search of the ideal career position, has experienced several brief roles in her journey. Her cover letter should frame these short tenures as enriching her skills and dedication to education.

This teacher assistant cover letter example is good because:

• It first focuses on April’s skills, experiences and professional accomplishments.
• It honestly addresses her short tenures, explaining the reason behind them and opening the door to future questions.
• The template shows her personality and style while keeping a professional tone.

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Use one of our customer service employment cover letter examples as a guide to highlight your commitment to assisting people, your ability to work as part of a team and display your personality to impress potential employers.

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Our Cover Letter Builder is the best way to craft an effective cover letter. We offer: 

• Expert tools and guidance every step of the way. 
• Industry and job-specific content suggestions for each section of your letter.
• The ability to download and save your document in all major file formats.

Best cover letter examples for law (5)

A good cover letter provides a rundown of your experiences handling legal affairs, performing research or handling documentation and administration at a law firm. Our legal cover letter samples will help you plead your case that there’s no one better for the job.

• Legal Assistant
• Legal Receptionist
• Legal Secretary

Our cover letter builder can help you build a compelling cover letter with:

• All the tools and advice to craft a professional cover letter quickly. 
• Professional content suggestions for each section of your letter. 
• Multiple file formats for downloading and saving your document.

Marketing cover letter samples (6)

These examples of cover letters show your creativity, leadership and strategic thinking abilities while highlighting areas of focus like social media or email marketing.  

• Brand Ambassador
• Marketing Executive
• Marketing Intern
• Marketing Manager
• Product Manager

Our Cover Letter Builder is the best way to craft an effective cover letter. It provides:

• Expert guidance every step of the way. 
• Professional content suggestions and tools for optimizing each section of your letter.
• All standard file formats to download and save your letter. 

Medical cover letter examples (9)

Go beyond standard credentials and training. Let our sample cover letters help you highlight your ability to empathize with patients, and display your medical knowledge and industry achievements.

• Clinic Administrator
• Medical Direct Support Professional
• Medical Technologist
• Radiologic Technologist
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Surgical Technologist

Our Cover Letter Builder is the best way to craft a perfect medical cover letter. We offer:

• Professional advice every step of the way. 
• Expert tips and content suggestions.
• All standard file formats to download and save your letter.

Nursing cover letter examples (14)

Our nursing cover letter samples will help you express your compassion for others, display your ability to multitask and showcase your attention to detail. Hiring managers won’t want to look away.

• Experienced CNA
• Certified Nurse Assistant
• Charge Nurse
• Director Of Nursing
• Experienced Intensive Care Nurse
• Nursing Assistant
• Operating Room Nurse
• Patient Care Technician
• Perioperative Nurse
• Student Nurse

Use our Cover Letter Builder to create a cover letter quickly and easily. We offer: 

• Expert advice. 
• Industry-standard keywords and tools to optimize your cover letter.
• Multiple file formats to download and save your letter.  

Production cover letter samples (6)

A cover letter for a job application in production must showcase your ability to work with others, your heavy machinery knowledge, and your time management and safety skills.

• Assembly Line
• Forklift Operator
• Petroleum Operator
• Production Assistant
• Production Operator
• Production Supervisor

Our Cover Letter Builder is the best way to craft an effective letter. We offer:

• Professional advice for each step.
• Expert tools and content suggestions for each section of your letter.  
• All standard file formats to download and save your letter.  

Retail application letter examples (10)

Follow our retail cover letter examples on how to provide details about job-related skills such as maintaining merchandise and interpersonal skills . Use a retail cover letter example to create an effective cover letter.

• Assistant Store Manager
• Department Supervisor
• District Manager
• Parking Lot Associate
• Part Time Cashiers
• Regional Manager
• Retail Assistant
• Sales Supervisor
• Shop Assistant
• Store Manager

Use our Cover Letter Builder to craft a compelling cover letter quickly and easily. We provide:

• Tools and industry-specific content suggestions for each section.
• Multiple file formats for saving your letter.

Great cover letter examples for sales jobs (10)

Use these sales sample cover letters for inspiration. Write a cover letter to highlight your interpersonal skills , important deals you’ve achieved and sell your best product: yourself!

• Senior Consultant
• Director Of Sales
• Inside Sales
• Lead Sales Associate
• Outside Sales Representative
• Regional Sales Manager
• Sales Associate
• Sales Executive
• Sales Specialist
• Salesperson

Social services cover letter examples (3)

Choose an example cover letter and learn how to emphasize your ability to communicate with others, highlight important projects and showcase your commitment to public serving.

• Case Manager
• Drug And Alcohol Counselor
• Group Leader

Social services

Use our Cover Letter Builder to craft a cover letter that gets noticed. We provide: 

• Professional guidance along the way.
• Expert content suggestions for each area of your cover letter. 
• Multiple file formats to download and save your document.

Teaching cover letter examples (15)

Let potential employers know you have specialized knowledge, and explain how you enrich children in the classroom. Our sample cover letters for teaching positions can help!

• Adjunct Professor
• Assistant Teacher
• Elementary Teacher
• Graduate Assistant
• Kindergarten Teacher
• Master Teacher
• Preschool Teacher
• Student Assistant
• Student Teacher
• Summer Teacher
• Teacher’s Aide
• Teaching Assistant

Use our Cover Letter Builder to craft a compelling teacher cover letter with ease. Our builder provides:

More popular industries

Find a cover letter example for your industry and career level. Learn how to connect with an employer, present the human side of your skills and show why you’re a candidate to consider

My Perfect Resume is loved by job seekers and recruiter-approved

Cover letter samples for unique situations, entry-level cover letter.

A simple cover letter should focus on your skills, education and willingness to learn in a new position. 

Use our Cover Letter Builder to create a cover letter that will help jump-start your career with: 

• Expert advice throughout.
• Multiple file formats for saving your document.

Entry-level cover letter example

A simple cover letter should focus on your skills, education and willingness to learn in a new position. In this cover letter example, you can see how it emphasizes the candidate’s training, skills and career ambition while showing how they can help the employer’s needs.

Career change cover letter

This modern cover letter example can help showcase the changes you’ve made to move forward in your career. It will also help highlight your transferable skills and career accomplishments.

Make this sample cover letter your own in our Cover Letter Builder, which includes:

• Guidance on every step.
• Expert phrases, skills and bullet points.
• All major file formats to download and save your cover letter.

Career change cover letter for a job application

When changing careers, you must make a connection between jobs. Follow the lead of this cover letter for a career change example by highlighting skills you’ve developed in previous jobs that match the new one.

Employment gap cover letter

A cover letter is the best tool to explain a time period without employment. This employment gap cover letter example shows you how to approach the subject while keeping the attention on your skills and qualifications.  

You can edit this cover letter sample in our Cover Letter Builder, which provides:

• Advice on every step.
• The ability to save your document in all major formats.

Employment gap cover letter example

A cover letter is the best tool to explain a time period without employment. This employment gap cover letter example shows you how to approach the subject while focusing on your skills and qualifications.

“Cold call” cover letter

Take a confident approach with this cold call cover letter example. Let your skills and qualifications speak for themselves while you make a connection with an employer. 

Edit this sample cover letter with ease in our Cover Letter Builder, which provides you with:

• Step-by-step guidance.

“Cold call” cover letter sample

Approaching a company without an open position requires a cold-call cover letter. With this example, learn how to positively and confidently approach an employer by showcasing your company knowledge, and what you bring to the table and connect with the human side.

Professional connection cover letter

Use our Cover Letter Builder and customize this cover letter sample to expand on the skills you’ve learned on the job and what you can offer the employer now. 

Use this sample to create your own in our Cover Letter Builder, which offers: 

• Expert-approved content suggestions.

Professional connection cover letter example

Knowing the right people can help you find the next steps for your career. Write a cover letter that centers around your professional connection, as shown in this example of a professional connection cover letter for a resume.

Temporary-to-permanent employee cover letter

Make it official. Use a modern resume template to transition into a permanent position. Bring your achievements to the table,  explain what you’ve learned so far and how your skills have helped the success of your temporary employer. 

Use our Cover Letter Builder to create an effective cover letter for a promotion that takes you from a temp to a permanent employee with: 

• Expert guidance on every step.
• Professional content suggestions for each section of your letter.
• A variety of file formats to download and save your document.

Temporary-to-permanent employee sample cover letter

The goal of these types of cover letters is to show hiring managers why they should hire you as a full-time employee. Our sample cover letter for a resume focuses on specific contributions and explains what you’ve learned so far and how you can add more value as a full-time employee.

Seeking promotion cover letter

You’ve impressed your employer with your skills and achievements, and now you want more. Use this contemporary cover letter sample to state your case, bring attention to your accomplishments and expand on what you could do in a higher position. 

Seeking promotion cover letter example

You’ve impressed your employer with your skills and achievements, and now you want more. Use this contemporary cover letter sample to state your case, bring attention to your accomplishments, and expand on what you could do in a higher position.

Unadvertised position cover letter

No need to wait until a job posting is available to apply. Write a cover letter for networking and reach out to a potential employer to share your enthusiasm and what you could bring to the company. 

Our Cover Letter Builder and cover letter sample can help you expand on the skills you can bring to the table and why you should be considered as a candidate. You will also get: 

• Professional advice for every step.
• Multiple file formats to download and save your cover letter. 

Sample cover letter for an unadvertised position

No posted job description to refer to? Use this cover letter example for a job that isn’t advertised to help you explain how you heard about the role and to share your enthusiasm about joining the team. Mention your top skills and accomplishments.

New position with current employer cover letter

A modern cover letter includes your career progress, goals reached while at the company and the knowledge acquired through experience. Find new footing in your career by adding a cover letter to your application. 

Create an effective cover letter with our Cover Letter Builder, which will help with:

• Expert guidance along the way.
• A variety of formats to download and save your cover letter.

Job application letter for a new position with current employer

Put your best foot forward with a compelling cover letter for a resume. Use this letter of interest sample for a job with the same employer to point out your accomplishments and explain how you will benefit your employer on future projects.

Referral cover letter

You’ve made an impression on your previous employers, and they’re willing to back you up. With this classic cover letter sample, you can expand on your skills and what you can bring to a new employer. 

Our Cover Letter Builder will help you craft a great cover letter with the referrals to back it up and offers:

Referral cover letter sample

When done correctly, telling an employer that someone in the company referred you lets them know you’re someone they can trust. Use our referral cover letter sample to do this correctly and catch their attention the right way.

What to include in a cover letter

Contact information:.

List your phone number and professional email address.

Employer’s information:

Include name, title, company address and email.

Salutation:

Address the letter to a specific person, such as the hiring manager.

Start with a relevant accomplishment like our professional cover letter sample.

 Elaborate on your accomplishments and skills to show your value. Remember to include numbers and use keywords from the job description.

The best cover letter examples close by inviting employers to get in touch.

Want more examples of cover letters for resumes, plus tips for organizing and formatting a cover letter? Check out our guide to cover letter formats .

Other cover letter resources

The following articles are a great source of information to make our cover letter examples your own:

• How to Position a Past Cannabis Industry Job in Your Cover Letter
• 5 Qualities That are Part of Every Successful Cover Letter
• 9 Best Cover Letter Tips for Extroverts

Get noticed with a polished cover letter

Use our cover letter examples as inspiration to write a perfect cover letter. Our Cover Letter Builder will guide you through each section of your cover letter and provide expert phrases you can include in just a few clicks.

Cover Letter Checklist

• Does the cover letter match your resume?
• Do you have the name and title of the person you’re addressing?
• Does your cover letter heading include your current contact information?
• Include your years of experience?
• Include job-relevant accomplishments?
• Include information to show you’ve researched the company?
• Explain why you’re interested in the position?
• Does your body paragraph explain why you’re the best candidate for the role?
• Does your body paragraph state the value you bring to the company?
• Summarize what you bring to the company?
• Explain why you’re interested in the potential employer?
• Include a strong call to action?
• Does your letter expand on the information on your resume and not repeat it?
• Is your cover letter for a job application grammatically correct?
• Did you include keywords from the job description?

How to write a cover letter for a job that gets noticed?

Here are some tips for writing great cover letters: 

• Don’t repeat your resume. Use your cover letter to elaborate on it.
• Research the position and memorize the job requirements. 
• Pick a professional cover letter template from our extensive library. It’s best practice to match it to your resume template. 
• Use an AI cover letter generator to make a targeted cover letter in minutes.  
• Find an example of an application letter for a job in your field for inspiration; we have more than 200 cover letter samples to choose from.
• Add your contact information to the header.
• Write the date.
• Add the recipient’s address.
• Address the hiring manager by name.
• Write a short but powerful opening paragraph to introduce yourself.
• Give details about your skills and experience in the body of your application letter.
• Write a closing paragraph encouraging them to contact you for an interview.
• Sign off professionally.
• Proofread your cover letter content at least twice.

Use our guide How to Write a Cover Letter , with step-by-step instructions.

Why should I use your cover letter examples?

My Perfect Resume has 200+ cover letter examples that work for job seekers from all industries and job titles. We offer the following features:

• They’re professionally designed to look their best: Our cover letter samples and cover letter templates are built to display your content neatly and effectively.
• Provide guidance and tips for every job and industry: We have an example cover letter for every job. Select any example on this page and go to our Cover Letter Builder , which supplies expert suggestions and tips for every section.
• Customize your letter for different jobs: It’s easy to update these application cover letter examples so they fit different jobs — and if you use our builder, you can save and download as many versions of your letter as you need.
• Match your perfect letter with a perfect resume: Use our Resume Builder to create resumes that complement your letter in look and layout.

Are cover letters necessary?

Yes! According to the Society of Human Resources Management , a cover letter demonstrates your genuine interest in the job and company. It’s also an opportunity to discuss your accomplishments, introduce yourself more personally, and make a more detailed case for why the employer should be interested in you. This is why we have 200+ cover letter examples for jobs in dozens of industries — you can find the inspiration you need to write a letter that makes an impact for your industry and career level.

Should you write a different cover letter for each job application?

Absolutely! Every company and application is different. Tailoring your cover letter allows you to show if you have what they’re seeking. Plus, you want to ensure that what you write in your application cover letter and your tone align with the company culture, values and, most importantly, the job application.

What should not be included in a cover letter?

Here’s what not to include in a cover letter:

• Spelling or grammatical errors
• Information not relevant to the job
• Personal information, such as your religious beliefs and political affiliations
• Negative comments about your current or former employer
• Overly flattering language
• Your salary or work benefits requirements

For guidance on what should be in your cover letter, check out our guide on what to include in a cover letter for a job .

You can also browse our library of 200+ cover letter examples for jobs in various industries to get a good idea of what to write in your cover letter.

Should you address employment gaps in a cover letter?

You do not have to discuss the details of employment gaps due to personal reasons (such as an illness or a family matter that needed attending) in your cover letter for a job application. Neither do you need to explain gaps caused by your former employer firing or laying you off.

Instead, follow our employment gap cover letter example on this page, and write about your skills, qualifications and relevant experiences and how excited you are about this new opportunity. Just be prepared to discuss employment gaps during the job interview phase . If you can show you were busy with other important pursuits or trained on new skills during your time off, mention them in your letter.

What's the best approach to crafting an impactful cover letter?

Crafting an effective cover letter is a breeze with our guidance, and it only takes 15 minutes to create one for your resume.

• A well-written cover letter is both visually appealing for effortless readability and contains content that captures the attention of recruiters.
• To ensure a proper layout, use a sample cover letter template as a reference, keeping your letter concise and restricted to one page.

Your cover letter must address a fundamental query: What draws you to the role and the organization? Articulate why you’re the ideal candidate for the position and how you align with the company’s needs.

A well-researched and thoughtfully written cover letter can impress employers.

Rate this article

Cover Letter Examples

4.2/5 stars with 271 reviews

Kellie Hanna, CPRW

Career advice expert.

Kellie is a Certified Professional Resume Writer with 20+ years of experience in digital media and is passionate about helping job seekers navigate their careers. She earned a B.A. in English and writing from Temple University.

More cover letter advice

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‡ Results derived from a study responded by 1000 participants of which 287 created a resume online.

*The names and logos of the companies referred to above are all trademarks of their respective holders. Unless specifically stated otherwise, such references are not intended to imply any affiliation or association with MyPerfectResume.

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Cover Letter Examples and How-to Guides for 2024

Explore our professionally crafted cover letter samples for any job or industry. Get inspired and boost your chances of landing your dream job.

Want to write your cover letter fast? Use our cover letter builder. Choose from 18 professional cover letter templates that match your resume. See actionable examples and get expert tips along the way.

Sample cover letter for a resume made with our builder—See more templates and create your cover letter here .

One of our users, Nikos, had this to say:

[I used] a nice template I found on Zety. My resume is now one page long, not three . With the same stuff.

Categories:

• Accounting & Finance
• Construction
• Creative & Cultural Fields
• Education & Learning
• Engineering & Scientific
• Food Service
• Government and NGOs
• Hospitality Travel & Transportation
• Information Technology (IT)
• Legal Services
• Law Enforcement & Emergency
• Management & Leadership
• Media and Entertainment
• Medicine Healthcare & Wellbeing
• Office & Administrative
• Retail & Customer Service
• Sales & Marketing

Professional Cover Letter Builder

Zety’s cover letter builder makes writing easy for you and less time-consuming, Use our beautiful, customizable templates recommended by HR pros to wow every recruiter.

Accounting & Finance Cover Letter Examples

Have a gig in finance or accounting? Want to move up the ladder? See our sample cover letters to get you there.

• Accounting Intern
• Accounting Manager
• Accounts Payable
• Bank Teller
• Business Analyst
• Financial Analyst
• Investment Banking

Creative & Cultural Fields Cover Letter Examples

A cover letter can often speak volumes, sometimes even more than your portfolio. Dive into our collection of creative cover letter examples and ignite your inspiration.

• Art Teacher
• Editorial Assistant
• Event Manager
• Event Planner
• Graphic Design
• Interior Design
• Photographer
• Production Assistant
• Public Relations (PR)
• Social Media Manager
• Technical Writer

Construction Cover Letter Examples

You need the right blueprint to craft your own cover letter. With our sample cover letters, you'll have the building block to finish yours quickly.

• Architecture
• Architecture Intern

Education & Learning Cover Letter Examples

Think of our cover letter examples as an open-book take-home test—just fill in the blanks with the right answers.

• Academic Advisor
• Adjunct Professor
• Admissions Counselor
• Assistant Principal
• Assistant Professor
• Cover Letter for College Student
• Cover Letter for Scholarship Application
• Elementary Teacher
• ESL Teacher
• for Graduate School
• Graduate Assistantship
• High School
• Library Assistant
• New Teacher
• Paraeducator
• Paraprofessional
• Personal Trainer
• Preschool Teacher
• Recent Graduate
• Research Assistant
• Research Associate
• School Counselor
• Substitute Teacher
• Teaching Assistant

Engineering & Scientific Cover Letter Examples

Engineers too, require a compelling cover letter. Discover top-notch cover letter samples tailored for engineering and science professions, and fuel your career trajectory.

• Computer Science
• Data Scientist
• Electrical Engineering
• Engineering
• Engineering Internship
• Environmental Scientist
• IT Technician
• Lab Technician
• Mechanical Engineer

Food Service Cover Letter Examples

To have the crème de la crème of cover letters for the food service industry, use our cover letter examples as the perfect recipe to get you there.

• Restaurant Manager

Government and NGOs Cover Letter Examples

Elevate your cover letter to presidential standards with our cover letter examples tailored specifically for governmental or NGO job applications.

Hospitality Travel & Transportation Cover Letter Examples

Don’t take the hard road when crafting your cover letter—use our transportation and hospitality industry sample cover letters to get your profile revved up.

• Flight Attendant
• Hospitality

Information Technology (IT) Cover Letter Examples

You code Java in your sleep but come up on the zero binary end when writing a cover letter. Use a perfect cover letter sample for your job, and you'll be done in no time.

• Cyber Security
• Data Analyst
• Front End Developer
• Network Engineer
• Software Developer
• Software Engineer
• System Administrator
• UX Designer
• Web Designer
• Web Developer

Legal Cover Letter Examples

You need a legal cover letter that won’t result in a hung (recruiter) jury. Use our sample cover letters to get a unanimous victory.

• Judicial Clerkship
• Legal Assistant

Law Enforcement & Emergency Services Cover Letter Examples

Give the Chief probable cause to read your resume. These professional law enforcement and emergency services cover letter examples will show them why you're the best choice

• Firefighter
• Law Enforcement
• Police Officer
• Security Guard
• Security Officer

Management & Leadership Cover Letter Examples

You're a natural leader, adept at leveraging expert advice. Amplify your potential with our top-notch cover letter examples for management and leadership positions, designed to guarantee your success.

• Executive Director
• Management Consulting
• Operations Manager
• Product Manager
• Program Manager
• Project Coordinator
• Project Manager

Media and Entertainment Cover Letter Examples

Whether you craft compelling copy, take two on television, or report rumors and revelations, you know how to send a message. Show you're the best fit for the job with inspiration from our media examples of a cover letter.

Medicine Healthcare & Wellbeing Cover Letter Examples

In healthcare, details matter - this includes your cover letter. Use our cover letter examples to help make yours better.

• Cosmetology
• Dental Assistant
• Dental Hygiene
• Esthetician
• Lab Assistant
• Massage Therapist
• Medical Assistant
• Medical Receptionist
• Medical Scribe
• New Grad Registered Nurse (RN)
• Nurse Practitioner
• Nursing Student
• Occupational Therapy
• Pharmacy Technician
• Phlebotomist
• Physical Therapy
• Physician Assistant
• Public Health
• School Nurse
• Speech Language Pathologist (SLP)
• Veterinary Assistant

Manufacturing & Warehousing Cover Letter Examples

Prove you've got the right skills in stock using our expedited cover letter examples for warehousing and manufacturing.

• Apprenticeship

Office & Administrative Cover Letter Examples

Any organization without you is like a car with no engine. These example cover letters will help you make it clear to employers you are that missing part.—show them how with a great office & administrative cover letter.

• Administrative
• Administrative Assistant
• Call Center
• Case Manager
• Executive Assistant
• HR Generalist
• Human Resources
• Office Assistant
• Office Manager
• Personal Assistant
• Receptionist
• Social Work
• Virtual Assistant

Retail & Customer Service Cover Letter Examples

We believe in delivering on our promises, just like you do for your customers. That's why our meticulously crafted customer service cover letter examples are designed to help you land that coveted job.

• Customer Service
• Customer Success Manager
• Retail Management
• Technical Support

Sales & Marketing Cover Letter Examples

You know sales isn't about manipulating—it's about offering a solution to a problem. Our sample cover letter for sales jobs do just that.

• Account Manager
• Business Development
• Digital Marketing
• Marketing Coordinator
• Marketing Intern
• Marketing Manager
• Sales Associate
• Sales Manager
• Sales Representative
• Store Manager

Other Cover Letter Examples

Need a cover letter sample for different scenarios you find yourself in at this stage of your career? Check out the relevant cover letter templates you need here.

• Career Change
• Cold Call / Unsolicited Cover Letter
• Electrician
• Entry-Level
• for Internal Position
• Killer Cover Letter
• Maintenance
• No Experience
• Pain Letter
• Perfect Cover Letter
• Real Estate
• Short Cover Letter Examples

Examples of Cover Letter Templates

Dear Mr. Portis,

When I found the opening for the Account position with Kaiser Permanente, I felt as if it was addressed to me. In my current position as Junior Accountant at the Pasadena Unified School District, I’ve managed a monthly bank reconciliation of over $400,000. I’m sure I can use my expertise at Kaiser Permanente.

In my current position as a Junior Accountant with the Pasadena Unified School District, my key challenge has been planning an annual budget and updating monthly forecasts. Here are some of my recent results:

• SAP implementation including creation of general ledger chart of accounts and data testing.
• Streamlined analysis and reporting processes to support company directives.
• Ensured all departmental invoices were correctly coded and documented for payment within the period. Worked with vendors to ensure all invoices were paid on a timely basis.

I know that Kaiser Permanente’s current plans involve moving to in-house accounting. It would be an exciting opportunity for me to use my skills to develop this project.

Can we schedule a meeting to discuss my solutions for helping Kaiser Permanente have proper in-house accounting?

Dieter Bender

General Cover Letter

A good cover letter is a personalized cover letter. Getting everything right takes time…and you need to submit your application right this second . Use this cover letter sample to create unique cover letters fast and easy—no matter if you need two or 20 versions.

Dear Mr. Scotten,

I'm so excited to apply for the IT Project Manager position at Weniger Aerospace.

At A/G Systems, I saved 10 meeting hours a week for 20 engineers. I did it by automating our program requirements management with Oracle Primavera. At $90 an hour, that’s $864,000 saved per year. I'm proud of that—not least because my title wasn't "IT PMP" but "Program Administrator." Transitioning to 100% IT PMP at Weniger would use my IT skills and passion to the full.

I know you're looking for an IT PMP with 5+ years of experience. I've spent 6 years creating robust IT systems with these achievements in the skill areas in your ad:

• Customer Relationship Management. Worked directly with 200+ customers to integrate our software into daily workflows. Slashed complaints by 25%.
• Trained, mentored, and on-boarded 15 new IT hires. Handled all new user training, cutting customer issues 30%. Gave software training to 12 business units nationwide.
• Led project to develop custom ERP software, automating requirements-tracking from 20,000 customers and 150+ programs.
• Wrote test scripts and coordinated testing through cross-functional teams. Expanded custom software to integrate with ERP. Slashed daily disruptions 50%.

I'm very interested in sharing how I can deliver IT PMP excellence at Weniger Aerospace. Can we schedule a call?

Best Regards,

Samantha Sunstein

PS—I'm also happy to explain how I used Oracle Primavera to automate project tracking, eliminating 120+ work-hours per year.

Career Change Cover Letter

Most people don’t do the same job for years, but career changers get the double-take. This sample letter will show you how to prove you have what it takes to start a new career. Convince the employer you’re the perfect candidate with help from this example.

Dear Larissa,

I was so excited when my protein shake packaging design was shortlisted for an Adobe Design Achievement Award.

It was no accident. Design has been a passion of mine since I was ten. I treated the coursework for my B.A. in Design at UMass Boston as a jumping-off point. My classes lit the way, but I dug in deeper with:

• Extensive extra-curricular reading of over 200 books on design, art, and business.
• Conducting a weekly podcast with interviews of 100+ top designers (and 1500+ subscribers).
• Freelance work on nights, weekends, and in the summers designing products for small money but with great return in terms of lesson learned.

When Dr. Stanhope suggested I apply for this internship, his reasoning was flawless. Paralith’s commitment to developing its interns far beyond mere clock-punching speaks directly to my voracious appetite for continued growth.

I would love to put my passion and skill to work for you. Can we schedule a call to discuss winning awards and accolades for Paralith?

Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,

Giovanna Darcy

Internship Cover Letter

Landing an internship is tough. Landing a placement that opens you up to great opportunities is even harder. This cover letter example will show you how to make the most of you skills, education, and attitude to win top companies over.

Dear Mr. Bartz,

My name is Jean West, a junior at Greenville High Academy interested in becoming a public administrator in local government. I was thrilled to come across an opening for a Front Desk Clerk with the Greenville City Council. As the High School President and Model UN participant, I am a highly driven high school student who would help Greenville City Council’s administrative challenges.

I know the main duties for this position will be to maintain a professional relationship with visitors and answering multi-line phones and transferring calls to staff members. As the Student Body President, I’ve had to maintain a professional relationship with both students and staff, while being a representative for certain student body issues. We were able to introduce several new amendments to the student handbook and showed care and compassion to all students attending Greenville High Academy.

I am applying to the Greenville City Council specifically as a way to become more involved in local politics and further my professional growth in the field. This is why I’m so excited about this opening. I’d love the opportunity to be involved in local politics in a more fundamental way.

Can we schedule a call next week to discuss this position further?

Student Cover Letter

Your job search is a catch-22: you want to work, but haven’t done enough work to get hired. These cover letter examples will help you escape this vicious circle. Be yourself, we’ll just help you bring out the best in you and give the employers the best candidate: you .

Dear Ms Danz,

It would realize a long-term dream of mine to fill the open digital marketing specialist position here at XYZ Foods. When I first got my job in customer service here, it was because your team member Arnold Dickey advised me to take any job at the company, exceed expectations, build marketing skills, then apply for a transfer to marketing. After just two months I was promoted to senior customer service agent for quick thinking and a strong work ethic. (I saved the company $2,000 a month with one suggestion.)

I read the job posting carefully and spoke with several of your team members. I know the position calls for product knowledge, written and verbal communication, and a strong sense of who our customers are. I believe I’m the perfect fit. I’ve passed quarterly product knowledge quizzes with the highest scores in my department. I’ve used strong communication skills to achieve 95% positive customer survey scores and write up daily error-free reports. My department record of 75+ calls handled per day gives me an excellent understanding of our target demographic.

The most compelling part of this position to me is that it’s the perfect fit. I’ve dreamed of working as a digital marketing specialist at XYZ for the past seven years, taking fifteen online classes from Wharton and doing 20 freelance projects on nights and weekends.

My supervisor here at XYZ customer service is happy to let me meet with you any weekday. Can we set up a time to chat about how I can exceed your expectations as I’ve exceeded hers?

Sincerely, Susan Morris

Internal Position Cover Letter

A new position opened up in your company. You know you’re the best match, but you’re worried you’ll get overlooked. There’s competition, it’s not clear who gets promoted or transitioned. These cover letter samples will show you how to get the credit you’re due.

Dear Frances,

Presently, I’m the retail operations assistant manager for Reston Raiment, but I just today saw your advertisement for a manager at Willis Wearables and I’m excited to put forth my application. I’ve been a semi-frequent customer of WW over the years, and I’ve always adored the quality of your products and the helpfulness of the staff.

During my managerial career, I’ve acquired many skills and much supervisory knowledge. These abilities, coupled with my 5+ years of management experience, make me a strong contender for this position, I believe. On top of those mentioned things, I’m also honored to have achieved some important small successes, including:

• Reduced employee turnover rates by 50% by creating a healthier, more family-like work environment.
• Cut overhead costs by around $3,000 per month by implementing sustainable electronics and devices throughout the store.
• Increased sales by 30% (2018 vs. 2017) in the holiday season by spearheading a new sales and marketing campaign.

These are but a few examples, but I hope they help to show you my management experience, a love for the job, passion, and dedication. I’m eager for the opportunity to bring these characteristics over to a store I’ve always admired.

If you’d give me the chance, I’d love to show you how I can build upon your current success and take Willis Wearables to the next level.

Karen D. Valenzuela

P.S.—What would you say to having a coffee together? I know a great cafe near your store, and I’d be happy for the chance to discuss how I can bring an increase in sales (30%) to WW this upcoming holiday season.

Manager Cover Letter

What makes this sample cover letter great? Quantifies and shows a good fit:

• Uses numbers to prove she’s the best candidate.
• Adds value to her profile by listing key deliverables.

Dear Jacqueline,

As a longtime fan of Acme’s company culture and products, I was excited to see the opening for an administrative assistant. With my lengthy experience as an administrative assistant with Fancy Malls, I know I can use my skill set and knowledge to become a valuable member of the Acme team.

In my current position with Fancy Malls, I’ve had many responsibilities and achievements that would serve me well in a role at Acme. Fancy Malls has a similar business structure and product lineup to those at Acme, so I believe I would make a smooth and quick transition. On top of that, my invoice management and directory maintenance were leading performance boosters for the company, and I’m sure that I could achieve similar results at Acme, such as:

• I saved $3,000 a year in office supplies after negotiating a new deal with the current supplier.
• I increased sales by 7% after implementing an automatic follow-up approach using a CRM program.

Obtaining the administrative assistant position at Acme would be my dream come true. I’ve long been a fan and personal user of several of your products. In fact, Acme’s unique company culture is what prompted me to seek more challenging work. Though I love being in charge of a company’s multifaceted office support, there is no other office that would make me as happy to work for. I know, should I be honored with the position, that I’d be the envy of my circle of friends!

I would eagerly welcome the opportunity to discuss your current administrative objectives and show you how my successes at Fancy Malls can translate into growth for Acme.

P.S. - I’d love the opportunity to sit down with you and go over how I can bring similar results to the 10% cost savings I achieved at Fancy Malls to the Acme office, as well.

Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

What makes this sample cover letter stand out? Shows skills like a Swiss Army knife:

• Shows adaptability and eager to meet any challenge.
• Mirrors the requirements of the job ad with her best abilities.

Perfect Cover Letter Sample

• Make it easy for recruiters to contact you .
• Address a specific person with the right salutation.
• Show your worth and fit with the company .
• Sign off to make recruiters take action .
• Highlight your unique value in the PS.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cover Letter Examples

What is a cover letter.

A cover letter is a document attached to a resume in your application that demonstrates your qualifications, relevant achievements , useful skills , and motivation to join your potential employer. It complements your resume by providing more details about your professional background so far.

Remember that your cover letter design should match your resume. See our professional cover letter templates and resume templates that work together perfectly. If you opted for a CV instead, do not hesitate to check out our professional CV templates that go well with our cover letters. Interested in the topic? Read more about the differences between a CV and a resume .

How to write a cover letter in 2024

A good cover letter should include the following parts:

• cover letter salutation
• cover letter heading
• cover letter greeting
• first paragraph with a catchy cover letter opening
• second paragraph explaining why you are the perfect fit for the company
• third paragraph with a call to action to make the recruiter realize that they do want to get in touch with you
• cover letter closing
• cover letter enclosure
• a professional sign-off

After you’ve written a cover letter example for a job you’re after, make sure to give it the right name . You can use a few more tricks in your cover letter to garner additional attention for your candidacy. To find out more, read: what to include in a cover letter .

How to format a cover letter?

When you write a cover letter, remember the following formatting rules:

• Set one-inch margins on all sides.
• Left-align all contents. Don’t use justification, it’s against the standard rules of business letter formatting.
• Use business cover letter spacing : 1 or 1.15.
• Put double spaces between paragraphs.
• Use easy-to-read cover letter fonts , such as Arial, Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Cambria, or Times New Roman. Keep the font size between 11 and 12 pt.

You can easily format a Word cover letter , a Google Docs cover letter , or even a LaTeX cover letter . However, remember that a good cover letter builder will help you even more by delivering pre-written phrases and ready-to-use templates. We advise you to look deeper into how to format your cover letter .

Should you use a cover letter example?

Using the right cover letter example (or letter of application ) might help you better understand what the necessary parts of the cover letter are . Seeing the right cover letter sample relevant to the position you’re after will also help you realize what a cover letter should look like . You will also witness the proper cover letter outline . And that can be enough to write a perfect cover letter .

Can a cover letter example help me prepare my job application?

Having the right cover letter example will help you prepare your job application. You can use it as inspiration, personalize some parts, and realize how quickly (with the right builder) you can write a piece that will impress the recruiter. If you’d like to learn more about creating a perfect document, read our cover letter tips .

Are Zety cover letter examples available for free?

Yes, you can access cover letter examples for 200+ professions grouped by industry on Zety for free. Now all you have to do is tailor the content proposed by Zety to your own needs and use our cover letter builder to create a job-winning sample cover letter accompanying your perfect resume .

Do you have cover letter samples for inexperienced candidates?

Selling yourself in a cover letter when you have little job experience and hard skills is doable, even if you’re writing one of these cover letters:

• Career change cover letter
• Entry-level cover letter
• Apprenticeship cover letter
• Internship cover letter
• Recent graduate cover letter

Since there are no past jobs you could discuss in your document, highlight the best of your soft skills and show your passion for learning. List all experiences gathered in extracurricular activities, additional courses, or through volunteering.

Are cover letters really necessary?

Even though it is widely believed that recruiters don’t read cover letters, you do need a cover letter in most cases. A well-written cover letter sets the tone for your resume, allowing you to point out your professional experience and special skills in more detail. It also shows your motivation to take the job.

Never hesitate to write a cover letter. Do it even if the job ad does not require it. It’s better to have a good cover letter example written than to miss an opportunity to get hired by not having it.

How long should a cover letter be?

Your cover letter length should ideally include 3–4 short paragraphs and no more than 400 words. Remember that recruiters prefer brief and easy-to-read content, so do not overwhelm them with irrelevant details.

If you feel like writing a short cover letter , you can always choose to send it not as a separately attached document, but as an e-mail message . Some recruiters might appreciate a shorter form.

Should you write a different cover letter for each job application?

You should always customize your cover letter for each company you’re applying to , as it significantly increases your chances of landing a job interview. To make your cover letter job-specific, review the job ad carefully, identify the most important things the company is looking for in the perfect candidate, and use that information to draft a compelling cover letter.

Read more on what a cover letter should say , and remember that with our cover letter builder your perfect cover letter is just a few clicks away!

Does Zety offer any resume examples that I could look at?

If you don’t know where to start with writing your resume, we suggest that you look at our resume examples . Find a sample matching your profession, tailor the proposed content to your needs, and add it to one of Zety’s resume templates . If you want more information about this, read our guide on how to write a resume .

Don’t know if you should write a resume or a CV? Read about the differences between a CV and a resume .

How can I edit Zety's cover letter examples?

You can easily copy and paste cover letter samples into any text editor or use our builder. It’s a simple step-by-step flow that lets you quickly and effortlessly edit an already-existing cover letter or create one from scratch. By providing you with pre-written phrases and suggestions, your cover letter will be ready in just a few minutes.

Try Zety's professional cover letter builder now

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Three excellent cover letter examples

Cover letters are the first chance you have to impress an employer – they’re not just a protective jacket for your CV. Here’s our guide on what to include and how to format them

• More CV and cover letter templates
• Looking for a job? Explore the range of vacancies on Guardian Jobs and find the perfect role for you

The first thing a potential employer sees in your job application is the cover letter. This doesn’t just support your CV – it’s an opportunity for you to stand out from the crowd and persuade the recruiter to put you through to the next round.

Be wary of spending hours on perfecting your CV at the expense of your cover letter. If you need some inspiration on what to include and what format to use, here are our helpful guides – just remember not to copy them as exact templates.

1. Standard, conservative style

This is ideal for sectors such as business, law, accountancy and retail. For more creative sectors, a letter like this might be less appealing, and could work against you.

Dear Mr Black, Please find enclosed my CV in application for the post advertised in the Guardian on 30 November. The nature of my degree course has prepared me for this position. It involved a great deal of independent research, requiring initiative, self-motivation and a wide range of skills. For one course, [insert course], an understanding of the [insert sector] industry was essential. I found this subject very stimulating. I am a fast and accurate writer, with a keen eye for detail and I should be very grateful for the opportunity to progress to market reporting. I am able to take on the responsibility of this position immediately, and have the enthusiasm and determination to ensure that I make a success of it. Thank you for taking the time to consider this application and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future. Yours sincerely

2. Standard speculative letter

This may vary according to the nature of the organisation and the industry you’re applying to.

Dear Mr Brown, I am writing to enquire if you have any vacancies in your company. I enclose my CV for your information. As you can see, I have had extensive vacation work experience in office environments, the retail sector and service industries, giving me varied skills and the ability to work with many different types of people. I believe I could fit easily into your team. I am a conscientious person who works hard and pays attention to detail. I’m flexible, quick to pick up new skills and eager to learn from others. I also have lots of ideas and enthusiasm. I’m keen to work for a company with a great reputation and high profile like [insert company name]. I have excellent references and would be delighted to discuss any possible vacancy with you at your convenience. In case you do not have any suitable openings at the moment, I would be grateful if you would keep my CV on file for any future possibilities. Yours sincerely

3. Letter for creative jobs

We’ve used the example of a copywriter but you can adapt it for your profession. The aim of a creative letter is to be original and show you have imagination, but understand what the job entails. Balance is essential: don’t be too wacky, or it will turn off the reader.

Dear Ms Green, · Confused by commas? · Puzzled by parenthesis? · Stumped by spelling? · Perturbed by punctuation? · Annoyed at the apostrophe? (And alliteration?) Well, you’re not alone. It seems that fewer and fewer people can write. Unfortunately, there are still a lot of people who can read. So they’ll spot a gaffe from a mile off. And that means it’s a false economy, unless you’re 100% sure of yourself, to write your own materials. (Or to let clients do it for themselves.) To have materials properly copywritten is, when one considers the whole process of publishing materials and the impact that the client wishes to make, a minor expense. Sloppiness loses clients, loses customers. There is an answer. Me. Firm quotes are free. You can see some of what I do on my multilingual website at [insert web address]. If you’d like, I can get some samples out to you within 24 hours. And, if you use me, you’ll have some sort of guarantee that you can sleep soundly as those tens of thousands of copies are rolling off the presses. Luck shouldn’t come into it! With kindest regards

Other helpful resources

How to write a perfect CV and cover letter

Applying for jobs without experience? How to build and sell your skills

Five steps to the perfect graduate CV

School-leavers and graduates: how to write your first CV

How to write a personal statement for your CV

CV templates to fit every stage of your career

Looking for a job? Browse Guardian Jobs for your next career step.

• Guardian Careers
• CV and cover letter examples
• Covering letters

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9 Tips to Improve Your Job Application

Table of contents

Yona Schnitzer

54% of recruiters say that finding high-quality candidates is their top goal. 

This means job-seekers need to prove they have the desired skills and experience to excel in a given role. And the best way to do this is through a stellar job application. 

Only, assembling an impressive application is often easier said than done. 

As a professional writer, I’ve applied for many roles across journalism and publishing — and in that time, I’ve discovered how to take a so-so application and turn it into one that shines.

In this article, I break down common job application elements, share tips on how to improve a job application, and provide a handy cover letter template. 

Parts of a job application

Before we dive in, let’s cover the main elements of a job application. Generally, it consists of an application form, a request for a resume and cover letter, and fields where you can explain your experience and other details that demonstrate your suitability for a role. 

You’ll typically find the following sections in a job application: 

• Personal information
• Work experience 
• Company-related and competency questions

How to improve a job application: 9 effective tips 

Next, I’ll share nine tips to improve your job application so you wow hiring managers and stand apart from other candidates. 

1. Carefully read the job description 

Before applying for a job, review the job description. This ensures you understand what the role entails and helps you determine whether you meet the requirements . 

Let’s say you're thinking about applying for a media strategist position. You see that the role requires you to have a “proven record of achieving sales goals across media channels” and “extensive knowledge of customer relationship management software.”

If you lack these qualifications, you should consider applying to another position that better fits your work history. That way, you can highlight relevant skills and experience, increasing your chances of advancing in the hiring process. 

2. Research the company 

By researching the company you’re applying to, you can better explain in your application how your skills, qualities, and achievements align with its mission and goals. 

During your research, focus on five key areas : 

• Mission statement 
• Company values
• Products and services 
• Current initiatives and projects
• Company leadership 

You can find this information on the organization’s website. However, to get a full picture of a company, you should also explore its social media platforms, newsletters, customer and employee reviews, and recent news coverage.

3. Follow directions

In the early hiring stages, recruiters and hiring managers often reject candidates who don’t follow application instructions. This is because attention to detail and the ability to follow directions are important qualities for everyone to have.

So, if you want to make it to the next round, carefully follow all instructions around submission materials, naming conventions, and other items in the job application.

For example, lifestyle media brand The Everygirl specifies what applicants should include in their job application for a social media editor position: a resume, social media handles, ideas for content, and more.

The brand also instructs candidates on how to label their applications and the email address they should send it to.

4. Tailor your resume to the position

Your resume should align your skills and experience with those outlined in the job description.

You can show this overlap by using specific keywords. This is important, as many employers use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to eliminate applications that lack key information. 

Consider the following job description for a content creator position. If you were applying for this role, you’d include keywords like the ones in bold: 

• Create video and image content for Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. 
• Write clear and compelling social media copy. 
• Optimize content for SEO to improve search engine rankings. 
• Design attention-grabbing infographics using Canva .

For example, you might add to your resume a line such as, “Wrote SEO-optimized social media copy.”

5. Use numbers to illustrate your impact

Recruiters want to know more than what you did at your last job. They want to see how your actions impacted the company. 

Numbers give them this information. When you use figures and percentages in your resume, you show recruiters that you can achieve measurable results for their organization. 

Ariella Despins , former career support director at career advice site Work It Daily, suggests answering four questions to effectively incorporate numbers into your resume: 

• How often? 

For example, a project coordinator might craft their resume points as follows: 

• How much : “Implemented a new project tracking system, increasing workflow efficiency by 20% .”
• How many : “Trained 10 group members on project management best practices.” 
• How often : “Generated progress reports for senior management twice a month .” 
• How long : “Led a project team for six months , meeting key project milestones on time.”

6. Create a custom cover letter

Your cover letter should explain why you’re a good fit for the position and what attracts you to the company. 

This is where the research you conducted earlier comes in handy. Connect what you learned about the organization and its culture to your qualifications and achievements. 

As an example, let’s say the company you’re interested in values innovation and initiative. 

In your cover letter, you could show that you embody these values by explaining how you introduced your previous employer to a cutting-edge productivity tool and helped the company integrate the software into its workflow.

7. Use proper formatting

Improperly formatting your resume and cover letter can indicate a lack of professionalism. So, make sure you check these key elements while formatting:

• Length. Keep your resume to one page and your cover letter to two to four paragraphs. 
• Margins. Set your margins to one inch on all sides for both documents. 
• Spacing. Use 1 to 1.15 line spacing for both documents. Also, leave a blank space between each job position on a resume and in between cover letter paragraphs to break up text. 
• Structure. Your resume should feature sections for your work experience and bullet points for job duties. Meanwhile, your cover letter should tell a story about your qualifications and achievements using full paragraphs. 
• Font and font size. For both documents, choose popular, easy-to-read fonts like Times New Roman or Arial in sizes 10 to 12.  ‍
• File format and name. Submit your resume and cover letter as PDFs to ensure consistent layout and formatting across devices. (But be sure to check that the company accepts PDF uploads!) Unless the company notes otherwise, include your first and last name and either “resume” or “cover letter” in the file name.

8. Provide thoughtful answers

Many job applications will ask you to answer specific questions — similar to ones you might encounter in a job interview.

Hiring managers assess your application answers for insight into your skills, experience, personality, and decision-making process. Therefore, you should craft thoughtful responses that allow recruiters to evaluate your character and how you’d respond to a given situation. 

One approach is to use the “STAR” method . When using this method, you describe the “Situation” you faced, the “Task” you needed to achieve, the “Action” you took to address the situation and accomplish the task, and the “Result” of your actions, as well as lessons learned.  

For example, here’s how a journalist might use the STAR method to answer the question, “Tell me about a time you failed.” 

As an education writer at a newspaper, I was assigned a story about a new academic department at a local college. 

As part of my reporting process, I interviewed faculty within the new department but couldn’t get in touch with key decision-makers. I realized I needed more time to secure interviews to tell a complete story. 

I explained the issue to my editor, requested an extension, and apologized for the inconvenience. He kindly granted the extension. 

I conducted the necessary interviews and completed the story within the extension window. This experience taught me to create a plan for handling interview scheduling challenges. That way, I can always submit future stories on time.

9. Proofread

After completing your application, carefully review it for errors. As you proofread , pay close attention to:

• Facts and figures: Incorrect dates, names, or job titles.
• Spelling and punctuation: Typos, misspelled words, and missing/misused commas or periods.
• Clarity and concision: Wordy sentences, redundancies, and vague job responsibilities.
• Layout: Dense text, inconsistent spelling, or not enough white space.

AI tip: Wordtune’s AI-powered Editor can help make your application content more concise. Simply paste your text into the Editor to get suggestions on how to shorten it.

Get Wordtune for free > Get Wordtune for free >

Job application cover letter template

To help you get started with your job application, I've created a cover letter template you can use. 

Simply fill in your personal information, and be sure to tailor the letter to the company and the position.

[Your Name]

[Email Address] | [Phone Number]

[Hiring Manager Name]

[Company Name]

[Company Street Address]

[Company City, State, Zip Code] 

Dear [Hiring Manager Name], 

My name is [Your Name], and I am a [Type of Professional] with [Number] years of experience. I recently discovered your [Job Title] position on [Where You Found It] and am confident that I can excel in this role to achieve [Stated Goal of Role]. 

In my previous position as [Your Previous Position] at [Your Previous Company], I [Describe 2-3 Responsibilities That Demonstrate Your Qualifications for the Job]. This experience helped me to achieve [Describe 2-3 Achievements That Demonstrate Your Qualifications for the Job]. 

I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] because [Specific Reason Why You Admire the Company]. My [Specific Experience, Skills, or Achievements] also prove that I can help the company accomplish its [Mission Statement]. 

Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume and would appreciate the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications in an interview. 

Best, 

If you want to craft a great job application, you need to master the basics — and then go the extra mile. 

Recruiters expect you to format your materials correctly and follow application instructions, so prioritize nailing these. Then, impress recruiters further by tailoring your resume to the company and position, customizing your cover letter, and providing thoughtful application answers.

To take your job application even further, check out our article on creating an effective personal statement . 

How do I fill out a job application with no experience?

If you lack experience in a particular field, highlight transferable skills you gained in school, as an intern, or through experience in other industries. For instance, someone applying for an entry-level web designer role could emphasize the graphic design skills they developed as the social media manager for a college club. 

How can I increase my chances of getting hired?

You can increase your chances of getting hired by tailoring your job application to the position, using numbers on your resume to demonstrate your impact in previous roles, and properly preparing for the job interview (e.g., practicing your responses to interview questions).

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How to Write a Letter of Recommendation (Examples & Templates)

3 key takeaways

• A letter of recommendation is a formal part of many job applications.
• Effective letters of recommendation follow a structured format (steps below).
• Teal's AI Resume Builder helps you write a keyword-rich resume and cover letter to complement your recommendation letter.

Whether you’re applying to a job, graduate school, or a degree program, there will come a time when you need a letter of recommendation. At such a time, the recommender may ask for your help drafting the letter. 

Or you may be on the other side of the equation. You may need to write a letter of recommendation on someone’s behalf, such as a former employee, a coworker, or a friend.

No matter your situation, this guide helps you understand how to write a letter of recommendation for many different scenarios, plus detailed examples to use as references .

The purpose of a letter of recommendation

A letter of recommendation is a formal written document that discusses a candidate's professional performance, specifically their abilities, character, work ethic, or achievements. It is written by someone who can vouch for you, such as a professional contact. 

It's commonly requested when applying for jobs, educational programs, scholarships, or similar opportunities. It’s intended to help the recipient of the letter evaluate your qualifications.

They are more common in some situations than in others. College applications, on the other hand, typically require one to three letters of recommendation. Job applications typically require a list of references that the hiring manager may call or email, rather than request letters of recommendations.

They are particularly valuable for those who do not have robust resumes or credentials. That said, if you’re just entering the job market—why not consider compiling a recommendation letter straight away? Even if the job application doesn’t specifically ask for one, requesting recommendations can help strengthen your application. 

But here’s the thing: because they’re not as common as other job application documents, not everyone knows how to write an impressive letter of recommendation. In this article you’ll learn how to write an effective letter of recommendation, tailored to your target job. 

Who can write a letter of recommendation

A recommendation letter should be written by someone who can verify your qualifications. Ideally, it comes from a superior rather than a coworker or friend. While you may be tempted to ask a buddy, be aware that the hiring manager may ask you to specify your relationship with the recommender. 

In the workforce, you may want to ask a former manager or supervisor. In an academic setting, you may want to ask a former instructor, teacher, or mentor. In either case, the recommendation should come from someone who knows you in a professional setting and can attest to your work ethic.

For applicants

If you are deciding who to ask for a recommendation letter, consider these factors:

• Is the person relevant to the opportunity you're applying for? For example, if you’re applying to a software engineering internship, can you ask a previous employer who can speak to your performance or a mentor who has guided you through coding challenges?
• How well does the person know you? Someone who can mention real-world examples is better than someone who would provide vague or general feedback. 
• Do you have a positive relationship with this person? Sometimes a letter of recommendation is given in private to the person reviewing the application and you may not get a chance to review it before it's sent. That’s why it’s vital to only ask someone you are confident will provide a positive reference .

Letter of recommendation etiquette

No matter who you choose, always make it as easy as possible for your recommender to write the letter. Be sure to give them ample time to write the letter, such as two week’s notice. 

In addition, you can provide the materials they may need to write a tailored letter for you. For example, you could send them the job post or the organization’s website. Don’t be surprised if the person asks you to create a draft or provide bullet points for the letter. This will help save the recommender the time of researching what to say—then they can simply make edits and give the final send-off.

Want help matching your letter of recommendation to the job post? Teal’s AI-powered Resume Builder Matching Mode pulls key skills from job descriptions to help you easily tailor your letter to the job you’re applying for and an AI achievement generator to summarize your results. 

For the letter writer

If you have been asked to write a letter of recommendation, consider these factors: 

• Has the applicant directly worked with you or for you?
• Is your experience with the application relevant to the opportunity they are applying for? 
• Can you provide an honest and ethical assessment of the individual?
• Can you provide a letter within the stated deadline?

If you can’t provide a positive reference based on experience with the applicant, quickly let them know you can’t fulfill their request so they have time to find someone else. If you can, here's how to do it right:

How to write a letter of recommendation (with specific examples)

While they may vary in type, such as academic, professional, and personal, the structure is standard and straightforward—very similar to a business letter format.

Greeting: A formal salutation. Example: To Whom It May Concern

Introduction: Your name, expertise, and your relationship to the applicant.

Overview: A general summary of the applicant's strengths as you've experienced them.

Example: A story or example that elaborates on one to two traits the applicant possesses.

Close: A summary of why you recommend the applicant.

Signature: Your name, title, signature or e-signature, and contact details 

1. A greeting

Begin the letter with a formal salutation, addressing the recipient if possible. 

Example: Intro

• Dear [Recipient's Name]
• To Whom It May Concern
• Dear Hiring Committee

2. A brief introduction 

Introduce yourself and your relationship to the individual. The first paragraph states why you’re qualified to speak about the person.

Example: Job applicant applying to an associate attorney position

I am writing to offer my enthusiastic endorsement for Breanna Johnson for the position of Associate Attorney at Thompson & Sons Associates Law Firm. During her time as an associate attorney at our firm, I had the privilege of mentoring Breanna and witnessing her growth and dedication firsthand.

3. An overview

The next paragraph provides an overview of the applicant's strengths as you've experienced them. The context will differ depending on whether the letter of recommendation is written for a job, academic, or other opportunity. Take a look at the specific examples below. 

Based on the candidate's skills

If the applicant is applying to a job, you’ll most likely want to discuss their skills and achievements. 

Example: Job applicant applying to a marketing position

During his time at Bright Ideas Inc., Mark consistently demonstrated a rare blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills that set him apart. His one-of-a-kind marketing campaigns drove considerable results for our clients and garnered praise from our team and stakeholders. 

Want help creating a list of achievements to highlight on your letter of recommendation? Teal’s AI-powered Resume Builder Matching Mode pulls key skills from job descriptions to quickly create metric-rich achievements tailored to the job application, so you stand out from the crowd.

Based on the applicant’s character

Wondering how to write a letter of recommendation for a friend or coworker? In the case that you can’t speak on their skills, you can tailor this section toward the applicant’s personality. This may be considered a character reference letter.

Example: College applicant, written by a friend from school

Throughout our academic journey, Rachel consistently prioritized her studies, earning valedictorian and a spot as the school treasurer. Beyond her academic pursuits, Rachel has always been deeply involved in community service. Whether it was volunteering at the local soup kitchen, participating in school plays, or leading student organizations, Rachel's commitment to making a positive difference in the world has been inspiring.

4. A personal story

This section is intended for the recommender to elaborate on one to two traits of the applicant. This can help hiring managers have a more colorful understanding of your expertise.

It’s important to tailor those traits to the skills needed to land the opportunity. The context will differ depending on whether a recommendation letter is written for a job, academic, or other opportunity. Take a look at the examples below. 

Based on the applicant’s skills

As the writer, you can share an example about a time when the applicant's skills helped the company achieve something or solve a problem.

Example: Job applicant, applying to a recruitment role

Last year, we faced a demanding task: filling a critical position for one of our top clients under tight deadlines. Emily approached this challenge with precision. She conducted extensive research using LinkedIn Recruiter and her networking resources to identify potential candidates. Despite initial hesitations from the hiring manager, Emily confidently advocated for a standout candidate, who was later hired.

Based on the applicant’s academic abilities

Wondering how to write a letter of recommendation for grad school or for college? Use this section to talk about their academic performance.

5. A closing statement 

Conclude with a one- to two-sentence summary on why the person you're recommending would be a good fit for the opportunity.

Example: closing statement

"I am certain she would be a valuable asset for your project."

6. A signature 

As with any letter, you must sign off. Optionally, include contact information for the hiring manager to follow up with you.

Example: Signature

Sincerely, [Your Name, Company, and Title]

Recommendation letter dos and don'ts

Letter of recommendation templates

Below, you’ll find some letter of recommendation examples. Use these letters of recommendation templates as samples to expand upon. Add specific examples, make it your own, and voila!

How to write a letter of recommendation for a student

You may want to write a letter of recommendation for college, grad school, or a student entering an organization. Here’s a letter of recommendation template for that.

Dear Admissions Committee, I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for [Student's Name], who has applied for admission to your esteemed university. As a [Job Title] at [University Name], I have had the privilege of working closely with [Student's Name] and have been consistently impressed by [his/her/their] dedication, leadership skills, and academic achievements. During [his/her/their] time at [University Name], [Student's Name] pursued a degree in business while actively contributing to campus life through [his/her/their] involvement in [list of extracurricular activities]. Like many students, [Student's Name] faced the daunting task of navigating [his/her/their] academic and career paths. Yet, instead of focusing solely on [his/her/their] own journey, [he/she/they] selflessly volunteered [his/her/their] time to support [his/her/their] peers in doing the same as my career adviser assistant. With [his/her/their] empathetic nature and natural leadership abilities, [he/she/they] became a trusted mentor, helping students discover their strengths, set goals, and develop strategies to achieve them. Whether it was reviewing resumes, conducting mock interviews, or offering advice on internship opportunities, [Student's Name] approached every interaction with enthusiasm and genuine care. I have no doubt that [Student's Name] will continue to excel academically, athletically, and personally at [University Name], and I enthusiastically recommend [him/her/them] for admission to your institution. Please feel free to contact me at [Your Contact Information] if you require any further information or would like to discuss [Student's Name]'s qualifications in more detail. Thank you for considering [Student's Name]'s application. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Position] [University Name]

How to write a letter of recommendation for an employee

Dear [Recipient's Name], I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend [Employee's Name] for any future opportunities [he/she/they] may pursue. As [his/her/their] supervisor in the Marketing Department at [Company Name], I have had the privilege of witnessing [his/her/their] exceptional contributions and dedication to our team's success. During [his/her/their] tenure with us, [Employee's Name] played a pivotal role in driving significant improvements in our marketing initiatives. One notable achievement was [specific project or task], which led to an increase in [specific metric, e.g., website traffic, conversion rates, sales revenue] by [percentage or numerical value]. In addition to [his/her/their] remarkable performance in driving results, [Employee's Name] has also been a valued team player, always willing to collaborate and share insights with colleagues. [His/Her/Their] positive attitude, creativity, and willingness to go the extra mile have made [him/her/them] an integral part of our marketing team. I have every confidence that [Employee's Name] will continue to excel in [his/her/their] future endeavors and bring the same level of dedication and expertise to any organization [he/she/they] joins. [He/She/They] has my highest recommendation without reservation. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Position] [Company Name]

How to write a letter of recommendation for a teacher

Writing for someone you know a bit more personally? Perhaps it’s a teacher, a coworker, a mentor, or someone you volunteered with? Here’s a letter of recommendation template.

Dear [Recipient's Name], I am writing to wholeheartedly endorse [Teacher's Name] for the prestigious volunteer opportunity to teach abroad with [Organization Name]. As a former student of [his/her/theirs] at [School Name], I owe much of my success to [his/her/their] exceptional teaching and mentorship, which played a pivotal role in shaping my career path and ultimately led me to my current role at the United Nations. Throughout my time in [his/her/their] class, [Teacher's Name] demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence in teaching and a genuine passion for empowering [his/her/their] students. [He/She/They] not only imparted knowledge but also instilled in us a sense of curiosity, critical thinking, and a desire to make a positive impact on the world. [Teacher's Name] went above and beyond to nurture my potential and encouraged me to pursue my ambitions, including my desire to work at the United Nations. [His/Her/Their] guidance, support, and encouragement were instrumental in helping me navigate the challenges of pursuing a career in international affairs. I firmly believe that [Teacher's Name] possesses the qualities and expertise necessary to excel as a volunteer teacher abroad with [Organization Name]. [His/Her/Their] passion for education, coupled with [his/her/their] dedication to empowering students and creating positive change, make [him/her/them] an exceptional candidate for this opportunity. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Position or Relationship to Teacher]

Dear candidate, you got this 

A good letter of recommendation can make or break a person’s success during their search for the next golden opportunity. Whether you’re drafting one for yourself or writing one on someone’s behalf, following the six steps above will ensure you’ve got a well-structured letter for the application. More importantly, tailor this professional letter to the opportunity at hand, so the receiver of the letter can envision the applicant in the new role. 

To get support writing a tailored recommendation letter that helps you stand out from the crowd, try Teal's AI-powered Resume Builder. Using its AI achievement generator, you can write metric-rich achievements and its Matching Mode helps you target keywords from the job description. It’s exactly what you need to supercharge your resume and letter of recommendation.  Sign up for Teal for free.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a strong letter of recommendation.

A strong letter of recommendation is characterized by specific and detailed examples that illustrate the candidate's strengths and abilities. It should be written by someone who knows the applicant well and can provide genuine and enthusiastic praise. A compelling letter also highlights the context of the relationship between the recommender and the candidate, adding credibility to the endorsement. A strong letter of recommendation is well-organized and effectively communicates why the candidate is exceptional and deserving of the opportunity they are seeking.

What should you not include in a letter of recommendation?

When writing a letter of recommendation, it's important to avoid vague or generic statements that do not directly support the candidate's qualifications. Additionally, refrain from making comparisons to other applicants or individuals, as this can detract from the focus on the candidate's unique qualities. Avoid exaggerations that could undermine the credibility of the letter. Lastly, do not include any negative remarks or criticisms that could harm the candidate's prospects.

How do you make a letter of recommendation stand out?

To make a letter of recommendation stand out, focus on highlighting specific achievements and qualities that demonstrate the candidate's  abilities. Use concrete and detailed examples to illustrate the impact of their work or character. Personalize the letter by showcasing your unique perspective and deep understanding of the candidate's strengths. Incorporate specific details about the candidate's skills, accomplishments, and contributions that set them apart from others.

Kaleena Stroud

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