introduction cover letter for resume

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• Cover Letter

How to Start a Cover Letter [+ Introduction Examples]

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Starting a cover letter sounds like a nightmare scenario to you? Forget about staring at the blank screen and learn how to start a cover letter in no time.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to begin a cover letter to captivate the hiring manager enough to want to immediately call you in for an interview. We’ll craft a professional cover letter introduction and sort out all the header details while we’re at it.

Want to write your cover letter fast?  Use our cover letter builder. Choose from  20+ professional cover letter templates  that match your resume. See actionable examples and get expert tips along the way.

Create your cover letter now

Sample Cover Letter for a Resume— See more cover letter examples here .

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This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines . We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a Cover Letter

How do you begin a cover letter for a job.

Your cover letter should start with your contact information, the current date, and the recipient’s information placed neatly in a cover letter header . Below this section, include a professional cover letter salutation and an opening paragraph.

To make a strong cover letter opening, try these strategies:

• Express your enthusiasm for the position.
• Show a personal connection to the company.
• Impress the hiring manager with a professional accomplishment .
• Throw in a little-known fact about the company.
• Show your passion for the profession.
• Tell a personal, poignant story.
• Say what you believe in.

What are good starting lines for cover letters?

A good cover letter opening line should help you introduce yourself professionally while immediately catching the reader’s attention. For example: My name is Alice Waxandwane, and I’m an award-winning photographer specializing in nature and wildlife. The type of your cover letter starting line depends on your writing skills and creativity. Try using one of the strategies below:

• State your full name and what job you’re applying for.
• Highlight relevant experience that makes you an excellent fit for this job.
• Express your enthusiasm for the position and the company.
• Be honest and personal about your motivation.
• Present an impressive career achievement.
• Say what you can bring to the table.
• Express your love for the company.
• Show a personal connection to someone from the company.
• Refer to a recent win for the company.

You can read more about the strategies for writing a captivating opening paragraph of a cover letter in the third and fourth chapters of this guide.

How do you start a cover letter without saying I?

There is nothing wrong with starting a cover letter with a personal pronoun such as I . However, if you repeat I too often, try replacing it with my or mine. For example, instead of writing: I’m a software engineer with 8+ years of experience , say: Working in software engineering for 8+ years makes me an experienced candidate .

You can also experiment with your writing style to avoid using I at the beginning of the sentence. Try different sentence constructions, for example, instead of: I’ve decided to move from being a line cook to restaurant manager after 5 years , try saying: After 5 years as a line cook, I’ve decided to move to restaurant management . These simple strategies can make writing more engaging.

How to start a cover letter without knowing the person’s name?

If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name anywhere, you can begin with “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Hiring Team” as a cover letter salutation . It’s the best way to start a cover letter without the name of the recipient. These phrases allow you to avoid the overused Dear Sir or Madam .

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How to Write a Cover Letter (With Tips & Examples)

Our customers have been hired at: * Foot Note

Writing a compelling cover letter is an essential step in the job application process, as it provides an opportunity to make a strong first impression, highlight your qualifications and demonstrate your enthusiasm and fit for the job.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to write a cover letter for a job application. Plus we’ll provide cover letter examples and expert tips on how to write a successful cover letter that lands interviews.

Video: Learn how to write a cover letter in our cover letter builder

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a one-page document that accompanies your resume or CV when you apply for a job. See our guides on how to write a resume and how to make a CV while you craft your job application. 

A well-written cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your enthusiasm and passion for the position. 

It serves as an opportunity for you to showcase your communication and writing skills, as well as your attention to detail and professionalism.

We’ll teach you how to write a good cover letter so that you can craft this job-winning document with ease. Your cover letter should accomplish the following:

• Introduce yourself to the hiring managers.
• Provide details about your qualifications.
• Tell employers why you want to work for them.
• Illustrate why you’re the best match for the job.
• Explain circumstances like job hopping or gaps in employment. 

Make a cover letter with My Perfect Resume

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What to include in a cover letter

All cover letters follow a basic business letter structure and should include the sections detailed below. Explore our guide on what to include in a cover letter for a detailed overview of each section.

Did you know? 41% of job seekers replicate their resumes in their cover letters. This is a huge mistake. Your cover letter should complement your resume, not repeat it.

How to write a cover letter for a job application

Do your research.

Wondering how to write a great cover letter? Preparation is key. Researching the essential information before you start writing will save you time and ensure you put your best foot forward.

First, review the job description to compare it with your professional skills and qualifications. Make a checklist of areas where your skills match the requirements of the job. Make note of the following areas: 

• Notable accomplishments from previous jobs.
• Any volunteer work where you gained skills listed in the job description.
• Skills that match the required skills in the job listing. Include a mix of hard skills and soft skills .
• Educational qualifications, including certificates and licenses.
• Relevant awards and honors.

Next, research the company to get a sense of its culture and values. This will help you create a personalized cover letter that indicates your genuine interest in the company. Take notes on the following areas: 

• Get an idea of the company’s culture, mission and values so that you can tell the hiring manager why you’re a great fit. 
• Research the company’s news and press releases so you can congratulate key players on recent milestones or explain how you will contribute to future goals.
• Learn the hiring manager’s name so that you can address your cover letter to them.

Choose a cover letter template

Want to know how to write a perfect cover letter? Use a cover letter template . Using a professionally designed template ensures that your cover letter format is ATS-friendly and vetted by career advice experts.

We have hundreds of templates to help you get started on the right track. Pick from modern, creative, or simple styles to match your CV or resume template and build a professional cover letter in minutes. Not sure if a template’s right for you? Try one for free!

Did you know? 45% of hiring managers read an applicant’s cover letter before their resume.

Add a professional header

Cover letter headers follow the standard business letter format. A cover letter header typically includes your name, address, phone number and email address. It should be placed at the top of the page and aligned to the left or center.

Include your contact information

Place your name, city, state, ZIP code, phone number and email address in your cover letter heading. Your email address should be professional like “[email protected],” and not personal like “[email protected].” Include links to your LinkedIn profile or professional online portfolio if you have one.

Include the recipient’s contact information

First, write the current date followed by a space. Then include the hiring manager’s name and title, company address and the hiring manager’s email address. It should look like this:

Always follow the instructions in the job listing. If a job description directs you to address your cover letter to a human resources team member or the HR department, use the information the prospective employer provides for the recipient’s address.

Greet the hiring manager

Greet the hiring manager by name whenever possible to establish a personal connection. If you are unsure of their gender, you can use their first and last name. 

For example: “Dear [hiring manager’s full name],” 

If you are certain of the hiring manager’s gender, you can address them using “Mr.” or “Ms.” in your cover letter. Avoid using “Mrs.” or “Miss” as these titles imply that you are assuming the hiring manager’s marital status. 

Don’t use informal language like “Hello,” or “Hi,” or outdated salutations like“Dear Sir or Madam” or “To Whom it May Concern” to greet the person reading your letter. 

If your research doesn’t turn up a name, then use “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Hiring Team.” Take a look at some acceptable and unacceptable salutations below.

• Dear Lucy Garcia,
• Dear Ms. Lowe,
• Dear Hiring Manager,
• Dear Vice President of Marketing,
• Hey Mr. Jones,

Write a compelling introduction

The opening sentences of a cover letter act as your elevator pitch . You should clearly and concisely tell hiring managers why you are the best fit for the job. 

But how do you start a cover letter in a way that intrigues hiring managers and makes them want to read more?

The following examples can help you write a cover letter introduction that grabs the attention of hiring managers.

Assert your interest in the role or company

Want to know how to write a cover letter that stands out? It all starts with a compelling introduction that confidently asserts your interest in the position.

“I was excited to see that Tech Solutions — a company I respect for its innovation — has an opening for an experienced lead producer.”

Emphasize your skills and experience

Start your cover letter off strong with a brief explanation of your top skills and experiences that make you a great fit for the role.

“With seven years of experience in production for leading start-up companies in Silicon Valley, I have in-depth knowledge of cyber security and cloud computing and know my way around artificial intelligence.”

Show you’ve done some research

Mention an interesting fact or statistic from an article, news story or the company’s website.

“When I saw that WILCO Services was touted in Business Magazine for being one of the most inclusive companies in the world, I knew I had to apply for the marketing associate position.”

Highlight measurable accomplishments

Showcase your qualifications by mentioning an impressive award, honor or measurable accomplishment from a past role.

“As director of Visit Mass, I created tourism programs that resulted in a 30% increase in international tourists to Massachusetts in 2019.”

Tell your professional story

Tell a story about why you are applying. Discuss how your passion and motivation have driven your career choices and how they align with the position and company. 

“When I was a child, I spent my days in the city parks around my neighborhood, listening to birds sing and watching squirrels jump through trees. Those days instilled a passion in me for wildlife that has intensified over the years and, combined with admiration for the animal rehabilitation programs at Prospect Park Nature Conservancy, led me to apply for the Wildlife Technician position at the conservancy.”

Mention a shared contact

If applicable, mention a shared contact that you have with the hiring manager. This can help explain who you heard about the role from and establish a personal connection with the hiring manager.

“Jayne Peck told me you had an opening on your graphics team, and I’m thrilled to apply for the role. You and I know Jayne from Volunteers for the Bay, where I volunteered on the cleanup crew in 2017.”

Write the body paragraphs

The body paragraphs of your cover letter should explain why you’re the best candidate for the job. Follow the expert tips below to learn how to write a professional cover letter with engaging body paragraphs.

• If you have work experience in your target role or industry, detail your work accomplishments and use numbers to quantify the results of your actions.
• If you’re applying for your first job , connect the new opportunity with a personal or school project, extracurricular activity or internship.
• Highlight relevant skills from your work experience and explain clearly how you can apply them to the job.
• If you think you’re a shoo-in for the company’s culture, show it! For example, if you enjoy volunteering for social justice causes and you are applying to a nonprofit organization focused on social justice, explain why the company’s mission is meaningful to you.
• If you’re changing careers, emphasize your transferable skills. Career change cover letters that emphasize transferable skills are more effective because they show prospects that you can perform the work with little or no experience.

Did you know? 83% of hiring managers surveyed said they would hire a candidate who sent a strong cover letter, even if their resume wasn’t up to par.

Write a closing paragraph

When you write a cover letter closing statement, make it clear to the employer that you’re excited about the possibility of working with them and that you are confident you have the expertise to be successful at the job.

Remember that you’re writing a cover letter to a specific person, so thank them for their time and consideration. 

You should also encourage the recipient to follow up (e.g., “ I look forward to further discussing my qualifications with you ”). A “call to action” in your cover letter closing paragraph shows hiring managers that you’re serious about the job and confident in your qualifications.

Here are a few examples of how to write a strong cover letter closing paragraph.

I have attached my resume and creative portfolio to my application for further review of my credentials. I am eager to speak with you about this role and greatly appreciate your consideration. Please contact me at your earliest convenience to discuss my background in more detail.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I’m excited about the prospect of working for the Museum of Ancient History. I look forward to discussing what I learned in my year abroad as an English teacher and how I can apply those lessons to the docent role. Feel free to contact me any time during the week.

I’m confident that a review of my resume and portfolio will convince you that I have the technical skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in the lead designer role at Creative Ads, LLC. I’m excited about the opportunity and would be thrilled to meet with you and your team next week to discuss my ideas for your next campaign. Please contact me this week to schedule a convenient date and time.

Are you searching for remote jobs? Our sister company, FlexJobs, updates listings daily with verified remote jobs. Find full-time and part-time remote jobs with FlexJobs.

Signing off a cover letter professionally is crucial as it demonstrates your attention to detail, professionalism and respect for the hiring manager and the company. 

A professional signoff can also show that you are serious about the job and that you have taken the time to craft a well-written and thoughtful cover letter. 

See how to write a proper cover letter signoff below (and what language to avoid).

• Best regards,
• Kind regards,

Proofread your cover letter

Knowing how to write a formal cover letter isn’t all there is to making a cover letter. You’ll also need to proofread your letter at least once before sending it to a potential employer. Typos and cover letter formatting mistakes can reduce your chances of getting hired.

When you’ve finished proofreading, have someone else read it for you too, just to be sure it’s job application ready. You can ask a trusted friend or family member, a former colleague or a professional mentor to read your cover letter. 

Be specific about the feedback you are seeking. For example, you might ask for constructive criticism in the following areas: 

• Relevance: Does your cover letter demonstrate how your skills and experience match the job requirements?
• Clarity: Is your writing clear, concise and easy to understand?
• Tone: Is your tone professional and appropriate for the company and position you are applying for?
• Grammar and spelling: Are there any grammatical errors or spelling mistakes that need to be corrected?
• Formatting: Is your cover letter formatted properly with a clear and organized structure?
• Overall impression: Does your cover letter make a strong impression and effectively communicate your enthusiasm and interest for the position?

Alternatively, you can seek the advice of a career counselor or professional resume writer who can review your cover letter and provide constructive criticism to help you improve your application.

Our Cover Letter Builder features built-in spell check to ensure your document is free of spelling and grammatical errors.

Cover letter writing checklist

Now that you know how to write a compelling cover letter, we recommend running through this cover letter writing checklist to ensure that your document isn’t missing anything.

• Did you choose a cover letter design that matches your resume?
• Are your name, location, phone number and email address up to date and displayed at the top of your cover letter?
• Did you add a link to your professional portfolio or website and your current LinkedIn profile (if you have them)?
• Did you add the current date at the top of your cover letter?
• Did you address your letter to the hiring manager by name and include their title, email address and the correct company address?
• Did you greet the hiring manager, recruiter or HR associate by name or title?
• Did you use a polite but formal greeting?
• Are the first few sentences of your cover letter clear and compelling?
• Do you convey enthusiasm for the job?
• Did you effectively express how you can apply your skills, experience and achievements to the target job to help the company achieve its goals?
• Did you highlight one or two things you like about the company, such as its values or culture and why?
• Did you thank the reader for their time?
• Did you end your cover letter with a call to action?
• Did you use a proper, formal closure to end your letter?

How to write a cover letter that stands out

A professional cover letter template is the best way to craft a cover letter that stands out. Use one of our professionally designed templates with our Cover Letter Builder to make a cover letter in minutes. 

Our cover letter templates frame your qualifications with the correct formatting, and they meet the latest applicant tracking system (ATS) requirements. Our builder makes writing a cover letter a snap with the following features:

• Job-specific phrases and skills: Click to add job-specific content suggestions written by Certified Professional Resume Writers (CPRW).
• Step-by-step guidance: Get expert advice on how to write a good cover letter at every step to help you showcase your top skills and qualifications. 
• Easy customization: Write a cover letter for every job application and save as many versions of it as you need.
• Multiple download formats: Save and export your cover letter as a PDF, DOCX or plain text.

Always match your cover letter template to your resume template for a polished job application. Use our Resume Builder or CV Maker to complete your job application with a matching template.

Cover letter tips from career advice experts

We spoke with David Grimes, director of people and talent operations at Taulia LLC, about the importance of creating a cover letter for your job application.

Grimes told us, “I sincerely appreciate cover letters, as they signal to me an amplification of interest and offer an additional opportunity to convey that [job candidates] have taken the time to truly review the position or organization and see an alignment.”

“When done well, a cover letter can provide a window into the candidate as they picture themselves at our organization.” – David Grimes, Director of People and Talent Operations at Taulia LLC

While you write, keep the following pointers in mind to craft a standout document. Here are our top five tips for how to make a cover letter that hiring managers will love:

• Follow instructions. Don’t send a Word document if the job posting says to send your letter as a PDF. If it tells you to send your cover letter as an email attachment, then do so. If the job posting says to write your cover letter in the body of an email, then do that. If you fail to follow all instructions in a job ad, you will likely not be considered for the position.
• Tailor your cover letter to the job . Hiring managers know a generic cover letter when they see one — and they’ll usually ignore it. That’s why it’s critical to customize your cover letter to show your enthusiasm for the specific job and company you’re applying to. Use resume keywords from the job description to showcase that your skills match the requirements of the role.
• Don’t apologize. Never point out the skills and experience you lack. If you are qualified for the job but don’t have much experience in the field, don’t apologize. Instead, focus on experiences like volunteering, school projects and community service you’ve done that make you a good fit and play up your transferable skills.

Don’t overshare. While writing a cover letter to explain a career change or job gap is a good idea, sharing every detail about your life or career is not. Do not share personal information such as political views, salary expectations or irrelevant hobbies.

Use a professional tone. We stress the importance of conveying enthusiasm when you write a cover letter because it demonstrates your interest in the position. However, use caution when displaying your zeal. Keep your tone professional, genuine and confident without going overboard. 

Professional cover letters

Get inspired by our professionally crafted cover letters for top jobs and industries. You can use them with our builder to make a cover letter that effectively highlights your skills and qualifications.

Cover letters for top jobs

Administrative Assistant

Mechanical Engineer

Personal Trainer

Registered Nurse

Security Officer

Cover letters by situation

Here’s how to write a cover letter with no experience.

Use this professional cover letter as a guide for your career change cover letter.

Here’s what to include in a cover letter if you have employment gaps.

Use this “cold call” cover letter to proactively contact the company you want to work for.

Here’s how to write a cover letter for a job that isn’t advertised.

Here’s how to write a cover letter for a temporary to a permanent position.

Here’s how to write a cover letter for an internal position at the same company.

Cover letter for when you’re seeking a promotion.

Key Takeaways

• A cover letter is a one-page document that introduces you to the hiring manager, expands upon the information in your resume and explains why you’re an excellent fit for the role.
• Address the cover letter to the hiring manager. If you can’t find their name, then address them as “Hiring Manager,” by their title or address the department.
• Write a cover letter introduction that immediately grabs the hiring manager’s attention and compels them to keep reading.
• It’s a good idea to use a professionally designed cover letter template to ensure your cover letter is formatted correctly.
• Tailor your cover letter to your target job and use keywords from the job description that accurately reflect your skills and qualifications.

How long should a cover letter be?

A cover letter should typically be one page long and no more than three to four paragraphs. Aim to concisely express your points in about 250-500 words. 

Read up on how to write a short cover letter to browse professionally made examples and to learn how to write a simple cover letter that effectively showcases your skills and qualifications.

Hiring managers and recruiters often receive many applications, so a short and focused cover letter that quickly communicates your qualifications can help you stand out from other applicants. 

However, it is also important to ensure that your cover letter provides enough detail to showcase your skills and experience and convince the employer to invite you for an interview.

How to address a cover letter without a name?

It’s always best practice to try to find the hiring manager’s name when writing a cover letter because it personalizes your letter and emphasizes your interest in the position by showing you’ve done your homework. 

It also creates a connection with the hiring manager and conveys that you’re willing to go the extra mile, which is a quality most hiring managers want to see in prospective employees. 

If you don’t have a name, it’s acceptable to write “Dear Hiring Manager,” “Dear [Role or Title],” or “Dear [Department Name]” to address your cover letter.

How do you send a cover letter by email?

To send a cover letter by email, first save your cover letter and resume as separate PDF or Word documents, then follow the steps below: 

• Write a clear and professional subject line that includes the job title and your name.
• Compose a brief message in the body of the email, introducing yourself and stating the position you are applying for. 
• Attach your cover letter and resume to the email, making sure they are properly named and labeled.
• Double-check the email address of the recipient and proofread your email and attachments for any errors or typos before sending. 

It’s important to note that some employers may have specific instructions on how to submit your application, so make sure you read the job posting carefully and follow their guidelines. 

Additionally, if the employer requests that you send your application to a specific email address or through an online application system, make sure you follow those instructions.

Is a cover letter necessary?

While writing a cover letter for a job application is not always required, it is highly recommended to include one either way. A well-written cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your interest in the position. 

A cover letter provides an opportunity for you to showcase your communication skills, highlight your qualifications and experience and explain why you are a good fit for the job. 

Even if the job application does not specifically request a cover letter, submitting one can show that you are willing to go above and beyond to make a good impression and can help you differentiate yourself from other candidates.

So while it’s not always necessary, a well-crafted cover letter can definitely improve your chances of getting hired. We recommend trying out an AI cover letter generator to to make a cover letter in minutes.

What do I write in a cover letter?

Wondering what to write in a cover letter? Generally, cover letters should tell employers why you’re the best fit for your target job. Write about your background and how it fits the job, show your personality and explain precisely what you can do for the employer and how. 

It’s also a good idea to explain unique situations like job gaps or frequent career changes in your cover letter. Remember to include the following information in your cover letter: 

• A header with your contact information and the employer’s information if you have it.
• A professional salutation that includes the employer’s name if you have it. 
• A brief introduction explaining why you’re interested in the job. 
• One or two body paragraphs that summarize your qualifications. 
• A conclusion that reiterates your interest in the position. 
• A professional signoff such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name. 

Overall, your cover letter should be concise, well-written and tailored to the job you’re applying for. It should demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position and your ability to make a valuable contribution to the company. 

What does a cover letter look like?

A good cover letter follows the standard business letter format. Your cover letter should be well-formatted, easy to read and professional in appearance. Remember to include the following when using standard business format to structure your cover letter: 

• Your contact details: Include your full name, title, company name, full address, phone number and email address in the letterhead.
• Date: The date should be written below your address.
• Recipient’s contact details: The recipient’s full name, title, company name, full address, phone number and email address should be included below the date.
• Salutation: The salutation should be formal, such as “Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. [Last Name].”
• Body: The body of the letter should be divided into paragraphs, with each paragraph discussing a specific point or topic. The tone of the letter should be professional and courteous.
• Closing: The closing should be formal, such as “Sincerely” or “Respectfully,” and followed by your signature. 

Download a sample cover letter from this page to jump right into writing your cover letter rather than worrying about formatting. Some cover letter templates have splashes of color and stylized headers, but they all follow the same standard cover letter format.

What are the goals of a cover letter?

The goal of a cover letter is to convince the hiring manager that you are the right person for the job and worth considering for further evaluation.

A cover letter allows you to formally introduce yourself, demonstrate your interest in the job and highlight your relevant skills and experience. Some of the specific goals of a cover letter include:

• Providing context for your application.
• Demonstrating your qualifications and fit for the position.
• Showing your enthusiasm and interest in the role.
• Differentiating yourself from other applicants.

A well-written cover letter should grab the employer’s attention and persuade them to take a closer look at your resume and ultimately invite you for an interview.

What do employers look for in a cover letter?

Employers look for a well-written cover letter that demonstrates relevance, enthusiasm, attention to detail, personalization and professionalism. Here are a few key areas to keep in mind while you write your cover letter: 

• Relevance: Demonstrate that you have the relevant qualifications, skills and experience necessary to succeed in the role.
• Enthusiasm: Your cover letter should express your enthusiasm for the opportunity and explain why you are excited about the job.
• Attention to detail: Your letter should be free of errors and show your ability to communicate effectively to demonstrate that you have taken the time to write a thoughtful cover letter. 
• Personalization: Employers want to see that you have tailored your cover letter specifically to the job and the company. Demonstrate that you have done your research and understand the company’s mission, values and culture.
• Professionalism: Your cover letter should demonstrate that you are professional and have a strong work ethic. Use a professional tone and demonstrate your ability to work well with others.

Ultimately, your cover letter should indicate your relevant qualifications and your enthusiasm for the role. Remember to include new information in your cover letter rather than restating the same details from your resume. 

Should I give examples in a cover letter?

Yes, it is often a good idea to give examples in a cover letter to illustrate your skills, experience and accomplishments. 

Providing specific examples of projects, measurable accomplishments, or other work experiences can help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your qualifications for the job. 

You can use examples to show how you have solved problems, worked collaboratively, demonstrated leadership or achieved specific goals in your previous roles. 

Ensure that your examples are concise and to the point and do not take up too much space in your cover letter.

What should the first paragraph of a cover letter include?

The first paragraph of a cover letter should introduce yourself and explain why you are writing the letter. Here are some key elements to include in the first paragraph of a cover letter:

• Your value as a candidate: Begin your letter with a compelling statement about the top skills or qualifications that make you a great fit for the role. 
• How you learned about the position: If you were referred to the position by someone you know or if you saw the job posting on a specific website, mention it in this paragraph.
• A brief statement about your qualifications: In one or two sentences, explain why you are interested in the position and why you are a good fit for the job.

Overall, the first paragraph of your cover letter should be clear, concise and engaging to grab the hiring manager’s attention. 

What is a good opening sentence for a cover letter?

A good opening sentence for a cover letter should be attention-grabbing and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position. Here are a few examples:

• “As a passionate and results-driven marketing professional, I am thrilled to apply for the Marketing Manager position at XYZ Company.”
•  “With a proven track record of success in project management and a genuine passion for driving organizational growth, I am excited to submit my application for the Project Manager role at ABC Corporation.”
• “When I saw the job posting for the Software Engineer position at DEF Tech, I knew I had found an opportunity that perfectly aligns with my expertise and career aspirations.”

Remember to customize the sentence to fit your own experiences and the specific job you are applying for.

How do you write a cover letter with no experience?

Writing a cover letter with no experience can be challenging, but creating a compelling letter showcasing your skills and potential is possible. 

Begin your letter with a statement explaining why you are interested in the position and qualified for it. You might mention your skills, education or relevant coursework.

Even if you don’t have work experience, you can provide examples of demonstrating relevant skills in other settings. For example, you might mention a group project you completed in school that required teamwork and communication.

Your cover letter should be no more than one page long. Use clear, concise language and avoid repeating information that is already in your resume.

How we reviewed this article

Since 2013, we have helped more than 15 million job seekers. We want to make your career journey accessible and manageable through our services and Career Center’s how-to guides and tips. In our commitment to bring you a transparent process, we present our Editorial Process .

• Harvard Business Review. Article. Gallo, Amy. How to Write a Cover Letter
• University of Wisconsin – Madison. The Writing Center. Article. Writing Cover Letters
• Columbia University Center for Career Education. Article. How and Why to Write a Great Cover Letter

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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.

‡ 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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The complete guide to writing an effective cover letter.

Certified Professional Resume Writer

Any of these sound familiar? The simple answer is yes, having an effective cover letter is completely necessary and highly recommended and we’ll tell you  why you need a cover letter as well as a resume!

When you’re applying for a job, whether it be for an  entry-level  position after graduating or for a high-level executive vacancy with a  professional resume , a  cover letter is essential to make your application stand out .

Without this extra introductory letter, a resume alone could easily be discarded by a hiring manager. CareerBuilder  estimates you’re  10% more likely to miss out on an opening  if you don’t include a cover letter.

Writing a good cover letter  it’s not a skill many many people master, but that doesn’t mean it’s an impossible feat!

With our complete  cover letter guide , you’ll learn  how to write a cover letter  that will attract the hiring manager and convince them to read your winning resume.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is an extension to your job application.  It is not obligatory but including a well-written cover letter is  strongly advised by all human resource experts . By definition, a cover letter is an accompanying, explanatory letter.

All  jobseekers need a sales pitch  of sorts, they need to hook the reader and demonstrate to the hiring manager why they are the right person for the vacancy on offer. This style of  self-marketing for a job application  must come in the form of a  winning resume and cover letter combination  that complement one another.

A simple cover letter is an introduction to the candidate  behind the qualifications and experience. The aim is to show a prospective employer how you can take on the role and  what you can offer the company  in question.

Cover letters generally  follow a basic structure  and can be in either hard or digital format, that is to say, either printed and sent via regular mail or as a document scanned and attached to send digitally, or written directly in an  email cover letter .

Why include a cover letter on a job application?

If you want to stand any chance at all of  catching the eye of a potential employer , it is  imperative to include a cover letter  with your job application.

Simple – even if you  create an effective, outstanding resume , using all the right keywords and qualifications etc. it’s possible there are candidates more qualified than you or with more experience so it’s necessary to  add a cover letter to back up your resume  and allow the hiring manager to see more of your personal side that is relevant to the vacancy.

• The cover letter demonstrates your communication skills.
• The cover letter serves as an introduction to the resume.
• The cover letter can be used to emphasize certain skills, or mention skills that you couldn’t fit on the resume (it serves as an addendum).
• The cover letter is what you customize for each position, to show why you are the right person for “That” role, as opposed to the resume which stays pretty much the same for all applications.

A cover letter is the added value  that you need in a job application to ensure the call-back you’ve been waiting for.

To  create a unique, tailor-made job application , each candidate should use a cover letter to highlight their strengths and  elaborate on relevant achievements  that demonstrate their ability to take on the new responsibilities.

Is it practically always sensible and  appropriate to write a cover letter to accompany a resume for a job application  that should be customized for the role you’re applying to including any explanations of information that might be missing from the resume, such as employment gaps, traveling, periods of study etc.

The only time it is acceptable to not include a cover letter in your job application is if the job listing specifically requests that you do not.

Advantages of Writing a Cover Letter

A cover letter directly adds to the likelihood that you are called in for an interview and  gives you a better chance of being hired .

If you’re successful in  writing an effective cover letter , it will offer you the following advantages:

• Hiring managers will see your added effort
• Demonstrates you put in the time to learn about the company
• It will add a personal touch to your application
• It shows your enthusiasm for the opening
• Hiring managers will become acquainted with your best qualities

Knowing exactly what is in a cover letter will ensure that it gives you a  major advantage  over the other applicants.

What are the 3 Types of Cover Letters?

Adding a cover letter is almost always essential, but  choosing the appropriate letter  will also be key. Depending on the job post you are applying for, you will need to select the best type of letter to send along with your resume.

There are  3 types of cover letters  that you can send to a hiring manager. The 3 types are:

• Application cover letters
• Letters of Interest
• Email Cover letters

The letter you write is influenced by  whether you are going to apply for a job directly , citing a referral, or asking about vacancies that are not advertised.

Whatever the case may be, ensure that the cover letter is  specific to the job vacancy . It’s always important to avoid making a generic cover letter for every single job you apply for.

So, what are the 3 types of cover letters you should consider sending to a job recruiter?

Application Cover Letter

This is your  classic cover letter  that you send to a hiring manager when you spot a company advertising a job opening. When you want to directly apply for a position, it is mandatory to send this, unless you are specifically asked not to.

Using this letter, you can mention why you want to work for a specific company and why you are the perfect candidate for the position.

Letter of Interest

Say you notice a company that you would really like to work for. It fits your sector, and you know it offers great benefits and good pay. However, you  can’t find any openings  that match your skill set.

If that’s the case, you don’t need to sit around and wait for the company to have a job vacancy. You can take action with a letter of interest. This type of cover letter  states your interest in being employed  by a company that isn’t currently advertising any vacancies.

This type of letter goes by a couple of other names, such as:

• Letter of intent
• Statement of interest

Of course, since there is no vacancy there is no role you can specifically mention, which is the major difference between a letter of intent and a traditional cover letter. Your objective will be to  advertise yourself well enough  that an employer will just have to interview you.

Email Cover Letters

Over the years, the job application process has shifted to a nearly  100% online hiring process . Due to this, it may be necessary to send your cover letter  in an email  as part of your job application.

While applying, there may not be an option to upload your cover letter. Or maybe you would just like to send it in the  body of your email along with your resume . You can send it in one of two ways, in the body of your email or as an attachment (in PDF).

How to write a cover letter

A cover letter, although  short in length  generally, can take time to elaborate as it is important to get it right. Sometimes, due to the scarce space for writing, candidates find it difficult to know  what to include in a cover letter  and  what to leave out .

However, knowing  how to do a cover letter  can make all the difference to your job application and be the just the thing to capture the attention of a hiring manager.

A  professional cover letter  should be well-formatted, following a structure with a header, an opening paragraph, a second main paragraph, a final closing paragraph and a closing with signature/electronic signature.

To  begin writing a cover letter for a job application , candidates should analyze their skills, qualifications, accomplishments and experience to  decide which are the most fundamental aspects to include  in their personalized cover letter.

Next, each jobseeker will have to  select the most job-relevant  of these elements to include by  comparing them with the required or desired qualifications and experience  in the job description.

Finally, the applicant should choose some  memorable examples which demonstrate evidence  of each element included in their cover letter, aiming to  tell a story  which shows their aptitude concerning each skill or qualification.

Jobseekers should also ensure to explore  how to make a cover letter  for their specific role or industry because, similarly to resumes, each cover letter should be  tailored for the vacancy  and company to which it will be sent.

It is vital for candidates to  consider several factors when it comes to writing their professional cover letter . A jobseeker must review their  resume work history section  as well as any skills and honors included to find the  most pertinent experiences  that can be explored further. Detailing examples of when a candidate demonstrated certain abilities or expertise is how a candidate can convince a hiring.

One way to create a winning cover letter is to use an  online cover letter creator  or take advantage of cover letter templates as a stepping stone as well as checking out cover letter examples that can serve as a great source of inspiration for you to make your own  unique cover letter .

Our  cover letter builder  forms part of our resume builder and allows jobseekers to create a more complete job application. Users can write their cover letter with pro tips and design help thanks to our pre-designed templates. Read our  cover letter writing guide  to get to grips with  cover letter writing techniques  and tips before using our online cover letter builder!

How to Structure a Cover Letter

The  structure and layout of a cover letter  is essential to make sure the letter displays each point that you wish to get across  clearly and concisely . This means it’s necessary, in general, to follow a commonly-accepted format for an effective cover letter.

Similarly to a  resume format , designing and  writing a cover letter has certain rules  which should be adhered to in order to convey the necessary information in a brief and to the point introductory letter.

Check out some of the  cover letter best practices  as advised by human resources experts below:

• It’s imperative to  begin a cover letter with a header , including the candidate’s name and contact information as well as the date. This  primary cover letter section  can also include the job title, website and other relevant personal information.

Following this, the  letter should include the details of the company  and person to whom you are writing, with the full name, job title or team, company name and address.

• The main body of a cover letter should be divided into  three sections : an introduction, a bullet list of accomplishments followed by a paragraph highlighting skills, and a closing paragraph inviting the hiring manager to contact you. By using bullet points when detailing your achievements and capabilities, you can make sure that recruiters will be able to quickly pick out key information. This is especially important as studies have found that recruiters spend very little time reading each individual application.
• Finally, the letter should be electronically or physically signed with your full name in a formal manner.

The universally-accepted  cover letter length  is no longer than one letter page, which in total has about  250-300 words  for the main body of text.

Don’t  repeat information  or be too detailed because hiring managers simply do not have the time to read it all and will simply skip to the next one.  Resumes that run over 600 words  get rejected 43% faster and cover letters can easily fall into this trap too.

Keep your cover letter short and sweet and to the point!

Get more  cover letter formatting advice  in our guide on  how to format a cover letter  with tips and information about all aspects of a good cover letter structure.

Cover letter advice

The  importance of including a cover letter  with your job application is often overlooked by jobseekers of all categories, however this can seriously reduce your possibilities of getting an interview with a prospective employer.

Therefore you need not ask yourself  when to write a cover letter  because the answer is just that simple – it is  always appropriate to include a cover letter in your job application , unless the listing explicitly requests that you do not.

Check out the following  expert cover letter tips  to create a winning cover letter that will convince the hiring manager to give you a call:

• We may be quite repetitive with this one but the sheer quantity of resumes and cover letters that are disregarded simply for forgetting this  vital and basic rule  is incredible:  USE A PROFESSIONAL EMAIL ADDRESS  for your contact details and that does not include your current work email but a personal, suitable email address.
• It is essential to remember to  maintain your focus on the needs of the company  you’re applying to and the requirements and desired abilities of the ideal candidate for the role.  Do not focus on how you can benefit  by becoming a member of their team, but on how the team can make the most of your experience and knowledge.
• Remember to  highlight your transferable skills , especially in cases where you may not meet all the required qualities in the job description such as in student resumes and cover letters.
• Each  cover letter for a job application, cover letters for internships , for further study or even volunteer experience should be  tailored to their specific organization  and position with the pertinent keywords.
• Use specific examples to demonstrate the candidate’s individual capacity to take on the role and  tell a story with your cover letter  to convey more of your personality and passion towards the sector or profession.
• Towards the  end of a cover letter , each candidate should write a convincing finish to entice the hiring manager and in sales terminology “ seal the deal ”.
• Finally when you have completed your polished cover letter, potentially  one of the most important steps  in the process is to  PROOFREAD . Candidates should request that a friend, mentor, teacher or peer takes a look at their cover letter for not only  grammatical and spelling errors  but also any  unwanted repetition or unrelated information .

Some jobseekers doubt  whether a cover letter is necessary or not , but as most human resource professionals agree without a well-written cover letter, candidates lose the  possibility to demonstrate different aspects of their profile  from those included in their resumes which could easily be the deciding factor in your application!

An easy and fast way to write an effective cover letter for a job application is to employ an  online cover letter creator  that will offer advice on  how to complete a cover letter with examples  and HR-approved templates.

Cover Letter FAQs

What do employers look for in a cover letter, can a cover letter be two pages, what is the difference between a cover letter and a resume, should you put a photo on a cover letter.

Trouble getting your Cover Letter started?

Beat the blank page with expert help.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s dive in!

21 Cover Letter Examples 

#1. career change cover letter example .

Here’s what this cover letter does right:

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

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

#2. Recent Graduate Cover Letter Example 

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

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

#3. Middle Management Cover Letter Example

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

#4. Business Manager Cover Letter Example

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

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

#5. Ph.D. Cover Letter Example

Here’s what this cover letter does right: 

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

#6. Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

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

#7. Architect Cover Letter Example 

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

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

#8. Business Analyst Cover Letter Example 

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

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

#9. Consultant Cover Letter Example 

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

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

#10. Digital Marketing Cover Letter Example

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

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

#11. Graphic Designer Cover Letter Example 

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

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

#12. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Example

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

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

#13. Front Desk Cover Letter Example

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

#14. Human Resources Cover Letter Example

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

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

#15. Sales Agent Cover Letter Example 

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

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

#16. Receptionist Cover Letter Example

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

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

#17. Information Technology Cover Letter Example

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

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

#18. Real Estate Cover Letter Example

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

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

#19. Teacher Cover Letter Example

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

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

#20. Project Manager Cover Letter Example

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

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

#21. Paralegal Cover Letter Example

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

Check out this paralegal resume guide to perfect yours.

40+ More Cover Letter Examples and Guides 

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

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

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

What is a Cover Letter? 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s what this looks like in practice:

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

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

#1. Pick the right template

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

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

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

#2. Add your contact details on the header

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

Here’s what you want to include there:

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

Optionally, you can also include the following:

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

#3. Greet the hiring manager the right way

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#4. Create an attention-grabbing introduction

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

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

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

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

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

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

For example:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Google Search

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

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

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

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

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

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

#7. Wrap up with a call to action

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

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

#8. Write a formal closing

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

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

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

#9. Proofread your cover letter

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

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

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

Cover Letter Writing Checklist 

Frequently Asked Questions

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

1. How do I write a simple cover letter? 

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

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

The three parts of a cover letter are: 

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

3. What makes a great cover letter?

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

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

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

4. When is a cover letter necessary?

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

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

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

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

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

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Writing a letter of introduction serves as a tool for individuals and businesses to establish new connections, explore opportunities, or introduce services and products. An effectively written letter of introduction can open doors to job opportunities, business collaborations, and networking.

Whether you’re a freelancer seeking new clients, a business looking to forge new partnerships, or an individual exploring job opportunities, a compelling introduction letter can set the stage for fruitful interactions.

In this article, we explain what a letter of introduction is, explore what to include, and give examples you can use while creating your letter. 

What Is a Letter of Introduction?

A letter of introduction is a document that introduces one party to another. It can serve various purposes in different contexts, including professional, academic, or personal settings. 

This letter can be used to introduce oneself or by someone else to introduce a third party. The key purpose is establishing a connection or a rapport with the recipient, usually with a specific goal, such as exploring job opportunities, proposing business collaborations, or extending networks.

Individuals can use letters of introduction in social settings, like joining a new club or group, where you want to introduce yourself to the members. These letters often introduce a third party, like a colleague or a friend, to your contacts. This can be particularly helpful in professional networking or recommending someone for a job or project .

The Difference Between a Letter of Introduction and a Cover Letter

A letter of introduction and a cover letter are very different. Letters of introduction are generally used when you want to establish a new relationship that may or may not be job-related. It could be an introduction to a potential business partner, a networking contact, or a new community or group. 

On the other hand, a cover letter is job-related. It’s sent alongside a resume when applying for a job. The cover letter focuses on why the applicant is suitable for a specific job, highlighting skills and experiences directly relevant to the job description. It’s more tailored to a particular role or company.

Letter of Introduction Examples

Here are some examples you can take inspiration from:

Job Application Letter of Introduction

This letter aims to introduce yourself to a potential employer, highlight relevant skills and experiences, express interest in the position, and provide a glimpse of your personality.

You can use this example to write a job application introduction letter:

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am writing to express my keen interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With [X years] of experience in [relevant field/industry], I have developed a comprehensive skill set that aligns with your team’s requirements.

My experience at [Previous Company] involved [mention key responsibilities or projects related to the new job]. I am particularly excited about the opportunity at [Company Name] because of [reasons specific to the company or role].

Enclosed is my resume, which further outlines my achievements. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my experience and skills can contribute to the continued success of [Company Name].

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your esteemed team.

[Your Name] [Your Contact Information]

Networking Introduction Letter

A networking introduction letter is a valuable tool for establishing new professional connections . It’s a way of introducing yourself to someone in your industry or field whom you haven’t met but wish to connect with for networking purposes.

Here’s an example:

Dear [Contact’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am [Your Name], currently working as a [Your Job Title] at [Your Company]. I came across your profile on [LinkedIn/Professional Event] and was impressed by your extensive experience in [relevant field/industry].

I am reaching out to expand my professional network in the [specific industry or field] and would value the opportunity to learn from your insights. [Mention any mutual connections or shared interests, if applicable].

If you are open, I would appreciate talking with you briefly. I want to hear about your experiences, particularly regarding [specific topic or question].

Thank you for considering my request. I understand the value of your time and would be flexible to accommodate your schedule.

Best regards,

Cold Outreach Letter of Introduction

A cold outreach letter of introduction is used when contacting someone who does not know you or is not expecting your communication. It’s typically used professionally to introduce yourself, your company, or your products/services to a potential client, partner, or employer.

Here’s an example:  

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I am the [Your Position] at [Your Company]. I am reaching out to introduce our company and the innovative solutions we offer in [specific service or product area].

I believe that [Recipient’s Company] could significantly benefit from our [services/products], especially in [specific area of improvement or opportunity you’ve identified in their business]. We have partnered successfully with companies like yours, such as [mention any relevant clients or case studies], and achieved [mention specific results or improvements].

I would love the opportunity to discuss this further with you. Would you be available for a brief call next week? I am also attaching a brief overview of our services for your reference.

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to working together.

Warm regards,

Letter of Introduction Template

Creating a letter of introduction involves a structured approach to presenting your information effectively.

Here’s a template that you can adapt based on your specific needs:

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, Zip Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number]

[Recipient’s Name] [Recipient’s Title] [Company/Organization Name] [Company Address] [City, State, Zip Code]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

[Introductory Paragraph: Briefly introduce yourself, stating your name and current position or role. Explain how you came across the recipient, their work, or their organization.]

[Second Paragraph: State the purpose of your letter. Are you seeking a job opportunity, looking to network, or proposing a collaboration? Be specific about your intentions and why you are contacting this particular individual or company.]

[Third Paragraph: Concisely overview your relevant background and experience. Focus on key aspects of your career or education that align with the purpose of your letter.]

[Fourth Paragraph: Highlight one or two significant accomplishments or skills. Use specific examples demonstrating your capabilities and how they relate to the recipient’s needs or interests.]

[Fifth Paragraph: Mention any personal qualities or soft skills that set you apart and are relevant to the context of your introduction. Relate these traits to how they can be beneficial in achieving the goals outlined in your letter.]

[Call to Action: Clearly state what you hope to achieve with this letter. Whether it’s a follow-up meeting, a phone call, or further discussions, provide a clear action you’d like the recipient to take.]

Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. I am very interested in [discussing further, learning more about, etc.] and look forward to the possibility of [working together, meeting you, etc.]. Please contact me at [your email address] or [phone number].

[Your Name] [Attachments: Mention attachments such as your resume, portfolio, or other relevant documents.]

What You Need to Include in a Letter of Introduction

Incorporating specific elements in your letter of introduction can significantly enhance its effectiveness.

Here’s a breakdown of what to include following your provided structure:

Begin with a formal greeting. This is the initial greeting and sets the tone for the letter. Use a formal tone like “Dear [Recipient’s Name]”. If the recipient’s name is unknown, “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern” are alternatives. Personalizing the salutation, however, is preferable if you know the recipient’s name.

Introduction

Introduce yourself by stating your name and your current position or role in a professional context. This section should be brief, offering a snapshot of who you are. For instance, “My name is Jane Doe, and I am a Marketing Manager at XYZ Corporation.”

Purpose of the Letter

Clearly articulate why you are writing this letter. This might be to introduce yourself in a job search context, to propose a business collaboration, or to establish a new professional relationship. Be specific about why you’re contacting this particular individual or organization.

Background Information

Provide a concise overview of your professional background relevant to the purpose of your letter. This could include your current job, professional journey, or key areas of expertise. The aim is to give the reader context about your professional standing.

Relevant Accomplishments

Highlight significant achievements that are pertinent to the recipient. These could be successful projects you’ve led, awards you’ve won, or specific contributions you’ve made in previous roles. The objective is to showcase your competence and success in areas relevant to the letter’s purpose.

Personal Qualities

Share personal attributes that make you well-suited for the intended purpose of your letter. For instance, you might emphasize qualities like leadership, innovation, or collaborative skills if you are applying for a job. This part is about showing your personality and fit.

Call to Action

This is a crucial component where you suggest the next steps. It could be a request for a follow-up meeting, a phone call, or an invitation to review your application. Make it clear what you want the recipient to do next.

Conclude your letter with a formal and professional closing. Common closings include “Sincerely”, “Best regards”, or “Kind regards”, followed by your full name. This part signifies the end of your letter respectfully.

Attachments

If you include additional documents, such as a resume or portfolio, mention them here. For example, “Enclosed, please find my resume, which provides further details about my professional experience.”

What Not to Include in a Letter of Introduction

When writing a letter of introduction, it’s important to be aware of certain elements that should be avoided.

Here are what not to include: 

Unsubstantiated Claims

Your letter should avoid making broad statements about your abilities or achievements without providing specific examples or evidence to support them. For instance, rather than simply stating that you’re an excellent communicator, provide a brief example or mention a relevant accomplishment demonstrating this skill. The goal is to be as concrete and specific as possible to build credibility.

Clichés and Overused Phrases

Avoid overused phrases and clichés that don’t add substantive information to your introduction. Phrases like “team player,” “hard worker,” or “go-getter” are commonly used and don’t distinguish you from other candidates. Instead, use unique descriptions specifically tailored to your experiences and qualifications.

Unrealistic Promises

Be cautious about making promises or commitments that you might not be able to fulfill. Overpromising to impress can backfire if you cannot deliver on those promises later. It’s important to be honest and realistic about what you can offer to the potential employer or contact.

Best Practices for Writing Letters of Introduction

When writing a letter of introduction, following these best practices can greatly enhance the effectiveness and professional impact of your letter:

Tailoring the Letter to the Audience

By researching and familiarizing yourself with the recipient’s work and organization, you can ensure that your letter speaks directly to their needs and interests. Personalization in the letter demonstrates that you have taken the time to understand who they are and what they value, which can significantly increase the effectiveness of your message.

Keeping It Concise and Focused

An effective letter conveys your message in a clear, succinct manner. Long letters can dilute the impact of your key points and lose the reader’s interest. 

Structuring your letter with a clear beginning, middle, and end helps maintain this focus. The introduction should grab attention, the body should elaborate on your purpose and relevant qualifications, and the conclusion should reiterate your intent and suggest the next steps.

Showcasing Personality and Authenticity

An impactful letter is about what you say and how you say it. Infusing your letter with genuine personality and authenticity makes your message resonate more with the recipient. It’s about striking the right balance between professional decorum and personal touch.

Sharing your motivations, interests, or perspectives in a way that aligns with the professional context can make your letter memorable and establish a more personal connection with the recipient.

Proofreading for Clarity and Professionalism

The final yet crucial step in drafting your letter is thorough proofreading. This step is imperative for ensuring your letter is free from grammatical errors and typos and communicates your message.

A well-written and professionally presented letter reflects your attention to detail and commitment to quality. Having someone else review your letter is often beneficial, as a fresh pair of eyes can catch errors and provide feedback on your message’s overall clarity and tone.

About the Author

Read more articles by Priya Jain

Write a Cover Letter to Introduce Your Resume (Free Template Downloads)

Attention hiring managers at [Company Name]! Thrilled to discover the [Name of Position] opening. My proven [Years] years of experience in [Relevant Skills] align perfectly with your requirements. My resume showcases achievements like [Quantifiable Achievement] that demonstrate my ability to [Action Verb] and propel your team forward. Let's discuss how I can become a valuable asset. [Phone Number] or [Email Address].

Greetings from [Your Name], a passionate technical writer and editor seeking a position at Doe Electronics. My unique blend of an English degree and a minor in Electrical Engineering equips me to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical audiences. I excel at crafting clear user manuals and captivating marketing copy. Visit my resume for details on how my skills can benefit your team. Let's connect! [Phone Number]

Attention [Hiring Manager Title] at Doe Pharmaceuticals! A highly motivated chemistry graduate with a background in both research and sales, I'm a perfect fit for your team. My lab experience offers valuable insights into drug interaction, while my time at Johnson Pharmaceuticals honed my knowledge of chemical composition. Additionally, my leadership as President of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce showcases my salesmanship and communication skills. My resume details my qualifications further. Let's discuss! Call me at [Phone Number] to chat.

Boost your sales and tap into new millennial opportunities with Doe Corporation's recent partnership! I'm a seasoned sales professional with a proven track record and a deep understanding of the communications and PC markets. My 10+ years of experience encompass telecommunications, wireless, and a strong foundation in sales, marketing, and communication skills. I can effectively lead your sales force to achieve explosive growth. Let's discuss how my expertise can propel Doe to new heights. My resume provides a detailed look at my qualifications. I'm available for relocation and eager to connect! Thank you for your time and consideration.

Highly motivated electrical engineering student graduating from Springfield University in May. Seeking a summer internship at Doe Electronics to leverage my skills and knowledge. My coursework in computer programming equips me to excel in electronic controls for cutting-edge automotive applications. I'm proficient in Motorola HC11 controllers and their embedded systems applications. Eager to contribute my skills and learn from industry experts at Doe Electronics. I'll be attending the Springfield University career fair on March 19th (booth number included in resume). Alternatively, feel free to reach out at [Phone Number] to discuss my qualifications further. My resume is attached for your review.

Are you searching for a dedicated and skilled administrative assistant? Look no further! With a strong educational background and relevant work experience, I possess the capabilities to excel in various administrative roles. I'm a highly motivated individual eager to tackle new challenges and contribute meaningfully to your organization. My resume provides a detailed overview of my qualifications. Let's discuss how I can become a valuable asset to your team. Feel free to contact me at [Phone Number] or [Email Address] to schedule a meeting or discuss potential opportunities.

Enthusiastic recent graduate with strong theoretical and practical skills in [Name of Position]. Seeking a dynamic role in a local [Name of Industry] company. Your commitment to [Company Value] deeply resonates with my aspirations, making [Company Name] my top choice. My resume showcases my unique abilities and potential. I'm eager to discuss how my skills and enthusiasm can contribute to your company's growth. Thank you for your time and consideration. Let's connect to explore this opportunity further (contact information included in resume).

Energized to apply for the marketing position advertised on Doe Medical Supply's website, further encouraged by John Doe from your sales department. My fluency in Spanish and German aligns perfectly with your focus on international clientele, complementing my valuable experience in the medical supply industry gained at City Pharmaceutical over the past three years. I'm eager to leverage my marketing skills and contribute to Doe Medical Supply's continued success. Let's discuss how I can become part of your team. I'll be reaching out next week to schedule an interview.

How to Write this Cover Letter: Expert Tips and Guidelines

This letter should state directly that you are applying for a specific position. After the introduction, the body of the letter should focus on your qualifications that best match the requirements for the position. Use statements noting your accomplishments whenever possible. Use a more engaging and confident tone without compromising professionalism.

• If applicable, tell the reader how you learned about the position and indicate that you are enclosing your resume.
• Comment on any desires, qualifications, or experience that your resume may not adequately communicate.
• Ask for an interview and close with a positive expression.

Write Your cover in Minutes: Easy Step-by-Step Guide with Sample Sentences and Phrases

1 if applicable, tell the reader how you learned about the position and indicate that you are enclosing your resume., sample sentences for step 1.

• I am submitting the attached resume in response to your advertisement in the local paper for a process engineer.
• When we spoke yesterday, you indicated your need for a quality control manager. I am very interested in the position and am enclosing a brief resume.
• Thank you for faxing me the job description for the Lincoln City Recreation Director position. I am enclosing a brief resume including references to my experience in sports programs, both in Springfield and Centerville, Kansas.
• I am sending this resume in response to your announcement in the company employment list about the need for a technical support supervisor.
• I am responding to your advertisement in the newspaper for a photographer to work weekends.
• Thank you for discussing your plans for new software development with me. I would very much like to work on the project. I am enclosing my resume for your consideration.
• I appreciate the time that your secretary spent explaining the employment opportunities with your company. I am very interested in the position of stage manager, and will appreciate your review of my resume.
• I am sending this resume in response to your call for qualified athletic trainers.? I am applying for the 5th grade science teaching position currently available in your school.
• I am applying for the 5th grade science teaching position currently available in your school.
• I am presently seeking a process engineering position in the semiconductor industry.
• I have recently graduated from Doe University with an M.B.A. and am interested in applying for a management position in your firm. I have enclosed my resume for your consideration.
• Please consider my enclosed resume for a position involving software development in your company.
• Please accept the attached resume as my application for the newly opened sales position at your store.

Key Phrases for Step 1

• am applying for the position of
• am submitting the attached resume
• am interested in working for
• am very interested in
• am presently seeking
• appreciate the time you spent
• as my application for
• as referred to in my resume
• enclosing a resume
• for the position
• for your consideration
• have extensive experience in
• in response to
• indicated your need for
• our discussion about
• please accept the attached resume
• position in your company
• to your call for
• will appreciate your review of my
• would very much like to
• your advertisement for

2 Comment on any desires, qualifications, or experience that your resume may not adequately communicate.

Sample sentences for step 2.

• I have had significant experience with youth programs and have considerable knowledge of rules and regulations for several sports. I have good communication skills and work well with the public. My experience shows I can work productively without supervision.
• Because of my experience as a manager at a clothing retail store, I understand the value of an attractive presentation and a devoted, satisfied sales staff.
• While at Doe Incorporated, I sharpened my skills as an accountant.
• My work experience has been solely in software development.
• I believe that my skills would benefit your company's current efforts. During my years at Doe University, I was a member of an international dairy judging team. In 2018, our team placed second overall in a national competition and I placed first in the cheddar cheese category.
• My two years of working in quality control have provided me with opportunities to hold supervisory positions and to inspect a wide variety of commercially-fabricated products.
• In addition to my experience as a fabrication operator at Doe Semiconductors, I have also performed product testing for the past three years.

Key Phrases for Step 2

• a broad knowledge of
• a compelling interest in
• although my education was primarily in
• am most interested in
• because of my experience as
• can work without supervision
• enjoy working with
• feel that I can contribute to
• good communication skills
• have provided me with opportunities
• have always wanted to
• have had extensive experience
• in the field of
• in addition to my experience as
• make a difference to
• specialized knowledge in the field of
• started off as a hobby, but
• understand the value of
• want to work with
• work experience has been in
• would benefit your
• would like to broaden my experience in

3 Ask for an interview and close with a positive expression.

Sample sentences for step 3.

• I would like to meet with you to discuss employment with your firm.
• I would appreciate an opportunity to discuss my qualifications and your needs in greater detail. I will telephone your office early this Friday in the hope of making an appointment.
• I look forward to meeting with you.
• I will call next Monday to see if I can schedule an interview.
• Thank you for your consideration.
• Thank you for considering me for the position.
• I appreciate your review of my application.
• I will appreciate your consideration.

Key Phrases for Step 3

• can be reached by
• in greater detail
• look forward to
• my qualifications and your needs
• thank you for
• the opportunity to
• to your response
• to meeting with you
• to discuss the possibility of
• to meet with you
• will be in Springfield on
• will call you on
• will telephone you
• would greatly appreciate
• would like to
• your consideration of my application
• your reviewing my

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Resume Introduction Examples: How to Write Resume Intros

The first impression is the most important one. Make it count! With a great resume introduction, recruiters won’t forget about your application, even among hundreds of others.

The first impression you make on a hiring manager can make or break your chances of landing a job. That's why it's crucial to have a strong, well-written resume introduction. So, don’t let your resume blend in with the stack. Read on to learn how to make your resume shine in the eyes of hiring managers.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this guide:

• Several professional resume introduction examples.
• What 4 types of resume introductions are there.
• When to use each resume introduction statement.
• How to write a compelling resume introduction that’s right for you.

Save hours of work and get a job-winning resume like this. Try our resume builder with 20+ resume templates and create your resume now.

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What users say about ResumeLab:

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

Need to increase your resume knowledge further? See our other articles:

• American Style Resume Format
• Best Fonts for a Resume
• Hard vs Soft Resume Skills
• How to Write Strong Resume Bullet Points
• Margins on a Resume
• References on a Resume
• Relevant Experience on a Resume
• Resume Header Guide
• Resume in PDF or DOC?
• Resume Mistakes to Avoid

What is a Resume Introduction?

A resume introduction is a short paragraph located on top of your resume. Think of it as a snapshot that quickly shows the hiring manager your key skills, accomplishments at work, and why you're qualified for the job. It's like the catchy start that grabs attention for your resume!

And since it’s the first thing a recruiter will notice, it’s only natural that a resume introduction should be written first, right?

Absolutely not!

Just like you don’t create an abstract for a book or academic thesis first, you shouldn’t write your resume intro when you start writing your resume . Once you have the entire resume right in front of you, it’s going to be so much easier to pick and choose your best achievements to include in your resume introduction.

How to Write a Resume Introduction

The general principles of writing a resume intro look like this:

1. Study the Job Posting

Before writing your resume introduction, read the job posting. Identify key skills, qualifications, and attributes that the employer is seeking. This will help you tailor your introduction to match their expectations, improving your chances of landing an interview.

2. Use a Strong Adjective

Start your introduction with a strong resume action word that encapsulates your professional identity. This could be something like "Dynamic," "Efficient," or "Versatile." This sets the tone for the rest of your summary.

3. Include Your Job Title and Years of Experience

Clearly state your current job title and the number of years of experience you bring to the table (if you have any). This provides context for the reader and helps them understand your level of expertise.

4. Showcase Impressive Achievements

Highlight 1-3 of your most impressive achievements. Use quantifiable metrics whenever possible to demonstrate the impact of your work. This could be percentages of improvement, revenue generated, or successful project outcomes.

5. Proofread and Edit

Before finalizing your introduction, carefully proofread it for any grammatical errors or typos. Ensure that the language is clear and concise. Consider asking a friend or colleague to review it as well for a fresh perspective. You want your first impression to be as clean and professional as possible.

Resume Introduction Types and When to Use Them

When it comes to writing a resume introduction, there are four types to choose from, each with its own unique purpose and format. These types are:

• Resume summary
• Resume objective
• Summary of qualifications
• Resume headline

The first two are often grouped together and referred to as a resume profile , and they are the most common types of resume introductions we recommend you always have on your resume. Meanwhile, the summary of qualifications and the resume headline are rarer and more specialized.

Let’s start with the most common ones first:

Resume Summary

A resume summary is recommended for applicants with at least a couple of years of experience in a specific field. It's a great choice when you want to continue working in the same or similar field of work as you previously did. A resume summary pairs best with a reverse-chronological resume format.

As for what goes into it, a resume summary should showcase the following:

• Your professional title with the number of years worked.
• Key work achievement with a measurable result.
• Top 1–2 resume skills expected by the employer (find them in the job ad).
• One sentence on how you want to improve the company

Let’s see an example, shall we?

Resume Introduction Example—Summary

NCRB Certified architect with 7 years of professional experience designing and managing the construction of city building types. Track record of successfully completing projects on time and within budget, proved by a 20% decrease in project costs on average. Expertise in AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Looking to leverage leadership skills to lead a team of architects at XYZ.

As you can see, this good intro for a resume checks all the aforementioned boxes. A recruiter with such a resume in front of them can instantly recognize the strengths of this applicant and the benefits they could bring the company. This quick decision is crucial in securing the next step in the interview process, as hiring managers only take about 7 seconds on average to scan your application.

Expert Hint: Before you write your resume introduction, take a moment to make a list of some resume power words . Using them in your resume introduction will greatly increase its impact.

Career Objective

Unlike a summary, a resume objective , sometimes called a career objective, is the best friend of inexperienced candidates. It follows a similar structure to a resume summary, as it still highlights different achievements, usually gained through internships and part-time jobs. It also focuses on your skills and presents what you can offer the company. But if you’ve worked for less than a year, make no mention of your years of experience.

A resume objective is also a good resume introduction for reverse chronological resumes, but it’s even better for functional resumes . On top of that, it works fantastic for entry-level resumes , and resumes with zero experience ,

Here’s an example of what it should look like:

Resume Introduction Example—Objective

Efficient journeyman electrician skilled in troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing high and low-voltage electrical systems. Worked on electrical systems in commercial buildings at AB/CD company. Successfully reduced downtime by 12% through the implementation of a preventive maintenance program. Seeking to leverage expertise to provide reliable and safe maintenance services at Strong Current.

Even though this electrician has only entered the market, they can already present a valuable, measurable achievement and a selection of desirable hard skills .

In some situations, you can use a resume objective when making a career change resume . But only if you want to pivot your career into a completely new direction. If you have a lot of transferable skills to show, a resume objective will not be a good resume introduction for you. That’s where the next resume introduction type comes in.

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Summary of Qualifications

A summary of qualifications strongly focuses on highlighting both your skills and professional achievements, even if they come from different work fields. This makes it a perfect resume introduction for career change resumes or resumes with gaps in employment . And it’s important to hide them, as studies say that thirty-six percent of executives say they are very concerned when employment gaps appear on resumes. So you can find a summary of qualifications almost exclusively on combination resume formats .

It follows a different pattern from the previous examples, featuring a bulleted list of skills and accomplishments. But it’s not just these. This resume introduction statement can also include things like certifications for resume , memberships, or list your achievements and awards .

Here’s an example of what this introduction for a resume looks like:

Resume Introduction Example—Summary of Qualifications

Driven senior mobile app developer skilled in application programming. Seeking to lead a team of app developers at XYZ company.

• Developed 20+ mobile apps, which were downloaded over 1 million times in aggregate.
• 10+ years of experience in C#, C++, JavaScript, and Python programming languages. Proficient in game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine.
• C++ Certified Professional Programmer Certified (2015)
• Reduced app development costs at ABC company by 16% by implementing agile development methodologies and tools.

And when you combine this intro with a hybrid resume, you have the perfect tool to hide all your bad-looking gaps in employment.

There is only one resume introduction left to discuss now.

Expert Hint: Because a summary of qualifications captures various resume sections into one succinct place, it’s very important to put a lot of emphasis on it. Resume keywords will help you with that tremendously.

Resume Headline

The final type of resume introductory statement is the resume headline . It’s kind of like a resume summary but boiled down to just a single sentence. It is typically placed underneath your name and contact information at the top of a resume. Since it’s an even shorter resume introduction than a summary or objective, it grabs the recruiters' attention much faster than the other types. And it doesn’t necessarily have to replace other introductions. A headline can be used in conjunction with them to maximize impact.

If you decide to put one on your resume, remember to follow some rules. Make it a short sentence highlighting your biggest achievement, skill, and/or certificate. If you have a couple of years of experience in the field already, also remember to include it. Here's a couple of headline introductions for a resume:

Resume Introduction Examples—Headline for Resume

• Cloud Engineer with expertise in AWS and Azure.
• Data Scientist who increased company revenue by 20%.
• Financial Analyst with a track record of increasing investment returns.
• Certified Project Manager with 10 years of experience.
• Retail Sales professional with experience in visual merchandising.
• Customer Service professional that decreased customer complaints by 30%.

Expert Hint: When writing a resume headline, don’t write down just one. Create several and then opt for one that sounds the best.

Resume Introduction Examples for Various Jobs

Below, you’ll find a selection of resume intros for several fields of work. Use them for inspiration when writing an introduction for your resume.

These are sample resume introductions for the IT field:

• Dynamic software developer with over 5 years of experience creating and implementing innovative solutions. Proficient in full-stack development, with expertise in Java and JavaScript. Successfully reduced application loading time by 20% through optimized code. Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality software on time.
• Efficient full-stack developer with 4+ years of experience specializing in front-end technologies, including React and Angular. Successfully led a team in developing a customer-facing app, achieving a 25% increase in user engagement. Skilled in troubleshooting and resolving complex technical issues, ensuring seamless software functionality.
• Dynamic junior software engineer with a focus on creating scalable and efficient applications. Proficient in Java, Spring Boot, and MongoDB. Led the integration of a microservices architecture, resulting in a 20% improvement in system scalability. Streamlined code, resulting in a 15% improvement in application performance. Looking to launch successful software at ABC company.
• Detail-oriented back-end developer with 4 years of experience and a background in back-end technologies like Node.js and Express. Implemented a code refactoring initiative, reducing system bugs by 40%. Skilled in designing and optimizing databases for improved performance. Looking to optimize back-end code at DFG Inc.

These are sample resume introductions for the marketing field:

• Results-oriented digital marketing specialist with 7+ years of experience in driving online engagement. Executed targeted SEO strategies, leading to a 30% increase in organic website traffic. Managed successful social media campaigns, resulting in a 25% growth in follower base. Looking to drive quality traffic to ABC company’s websites.
• Detail-oriented content marketing manager with 3 years of experience. Adept at developing and implementing content strategies. Led a content team in producing blog posts, increasing monthly website traffic by 40%. Implemented an email marketing campaign, resulting in a 15% boost in lead conversion rates.
• Analytical marketing professional with 5+ years of expertise in data-driven decision-making. Conducted market research and competitor analysis, contributing to a 20% improvement in campaign ROI. Implemented A/B testing for ad creatives, resulting in a 15% increase in click-through rates.
• Strategic brand manager focusing on enhancing brand visibility and loyalty and 10+ years of experience in the field. Oversaw a rebranding campaign, leading to a 30% increase in brand recognition. Collaborated with influencers, resulting in a 20% growth in social media engagement and brand sentiment.

Administrative Jobs

These are sample resume introductions for office jobs:

• Dedicated office manager with 8+ years of experience streamlining administrative processes. Implemented an efficient filing system, reducing document retrieval time by 20%. Successfully coordinated office relocation, minimizing downtime and ensuring a seamless transition. Dedicated to enhancing executive efficiency and providing invaluable support to facilitate smooth business operations.
• Efficient data entry specialist with 3 years of experience, focusing on accuracy and speed. Achieved a 99.5% accuracy rate in data entry, contributing to improved data integrity. Implemented keyboarding techniques, increasing data input speed by 20 words per minute. Looking to maintain high standards of data accuracy and expedite processing for enhanced efficiency.
• Detail-oriented administrative coordinator with 7+ years of experience in project management. Developed and implemented an office workflow system, reducing project completion time by 25%. Coordinated training programs, achieving a 30% improvement in employee skill proficiency. Committed to implementing effective administrative solutions that contribute to the success of XYZ company.
• Customer-focused receptionist with 1+ years of experience, possessing exceptional communication and organizational skills. Implemented a call management system, reducing call waiting times by 30%. Spearheaded the digitization of visitor logs, enhancing security and providing instant access to historical data. Committed to delivering excellent front desk services and ensuring a positive first impression for clients and visitors.

These are sample resume introductions for financial jobs:

• Dynamic financial analyst with 6 years of experience optimizing financial strategies. Conducted in-depth market analysis, leading to a 15% increase in investment returns. Implemented cost-cutting measures, resulting in a 20% reduction in departmental expenses. Committed to leveraging financial expertise to drive profitability and support strategic decision-making.
• Experienced accountant with 3+ years of expertise in financial management. Streamlined accounts payable processes, reducing processing time by 25%. Implemented a rigorous auditing system, identifying and rectifying discrepancies, leading to a 99% accuracy rate. Dedicated to ensuring financial accuracy and regulatory compliance while fostering financial transparency.
• Proactive risk analyst with 5+ years of experience identifying and mitigating financial risks. Implemented a risk assessment model, reducing potential losses by 15%. Streamlined risk reporting processes, enhancing transparency and facilitating quicker decision-making. Committed to proactively managing financial risks and safeguarding ABC organization's financial health.
• Strategic financial planner with 6 years of experience creating robust financial plans. Successfully managed investment portfolios, achieving a 25% growth rate for clients. Conducted retirement planning workshops, resulting in a 40% increase in client participation. Looking to deliver comprehensive financial planning services to optimize wealth accumulation and financial security at DFG Inc.

And now you know all you need to write a good introduction for a resume. When hiring managers pick up your application, they will immediately know why they should hire YOU , not someone else.

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When creating a resume introduction, remember these things:

• Choose the proper introduction for a resume depending on your chosen resume format, whether you’re changing career paths, and how many years of work experience you have.
• Select one of the most impressive and measurable achievements to demonstrate the impact you have had in your previous roles.
• Use keywords and resume action verbs to describe your achievement.
• Tailor it to the specific job. No recruiter wants to see a clearly copy-pasted resume introduction.
• Be concise and specific. An introduction needs to be short and sweet to hook the reader quickly. Avoid using elaborate language.

Do you have any questions about creating introductions for a resume? Still unsure how to start a resume introduction? We’re always happy to hear from you. Reach out to us in the comments below!

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 That Will Get You a Job

I ’ve read thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of cover letters in my career. If you’re thinking that sounds like really boring reading, you’re right. What I can tell you from enduring that experience is that most cover letters are terrible — and not only that, but squandered opportunities. When a cover letter is done well, it can significantly increase your chances of getting an interview, but the vast majority fail that test.

So let’s talk about how to do cover letters right.

First, understand the point of a cover letter.

The whole idea of a cover letter is that it can help the employer see you as more than just your résumé. Managers generally aren’t hiring based solely on your work history; your experience is crucial, yes, but they’re also looking for someone who will be easy to work with, shows good judgment, communicates well, possesses strong critical thinking skills and a drive to get things done, complements their current team, and all the other things you yourself probably want from your co-workers. It’s tough to learn much about those things from job history alone, and that’s where your cover letter comes in.

Because of that …

Whatever you do, don’t just summarize your résumé.

The No. 1 mistake people make with cover letters is that they simply use them to summarize their résumé. This makes no sense — hiring managers don’t need a summary of your résumé! It’s on the very next page! They’re about to see it as soon as they scroll down. And if you think about it, your entire application is only a few pages (in most cases, a one- or two-page résumé and a one-page cover letter) — why would you squander one of those pages by repeating the content of the others? And yet, probably 95 percent of the cover letters I see don’t add anything new beyond the résumé itself (and that’s a conservative estimate).

Instead, your cover letter should go beyond your work history to talk about things that make you especially well-suited for the job. For example, if you’re applying for an assistant job that requires being highly organized and you neurotically track your household finances in a detailed, color-coded spreadsheet, most hiring managers would love to know that because it says something about the kind of attention to detail you’d bring to the job. That’s not something you could put on your résumé, but it can go in your cover letter.

Or maybe your last boss told you that you were the most accurate data processor she’d ever seen, or came to rely on you as her go-to person whenever a lightning-fast rewrite was needed. Maybe your co-workers called you “the client whisperer” because of your skill in calming upset clients. Maybe you’re regularly sought out by more senior staff to help problem-solve, or you find immense satisfaction in bringing order to chaos. Those sorts of details illustrate what you bring to the job in a different way than your résumé does, and they belong in your cover letter.

If you’re still stumped, pretend you’re writing an email to a friend about why you’d be great at the job. You probably wouldn’t do that by stiffly reciting your work history, right? You’d talk about what you’re good at and how you’d approach the work. That’s what you want here.

You don’t need a creative opening line.

If you think you need to open the letter with something creative or catchy, I am here to tell you that you don’t. Just be simple and straightforward:

• “I’m writing to apply for your X position.”

• “I’d love to be considered for your X position.”

• “I’m interested in your X position because …”

• “I’m excited to apply for your X position.”

That’s it! Straightforward is fine — better, even, if the alternative is sounding like an aggressive salesperson.

Show, don’t tell.

A lot of cover letters assert that the person who wrote it would excel at the job or announce that the applicant is a skillful engineer or a great communicator or all sorts of other subjective superlatives. That’s wasted space — the hiring manager has no reason to believe it, and so many candidates claim those things about themselves that most managers ignore that sort of self-assessment entirely. So instead of simply declaring that you’re great at X (whatever X is), your letter should demonstrate that. And the way you do that is by describing accomplishments and experiences that illustrate it.

Here’s a concrete example taken from one extraordinarily effective cover-letter makeover that I saw. The candidate had originally written, “I offer exceptional attention to detail, highly developed communication skills, and a talent for managing complex projects with a demonstrated ability to prioritize and multitask.” That’s pretty boring and not especially convincing, right? (This is also exactly how most people’s cover letters read.)

In her revised version, she wrote this instead:

“In addition to being flexible and responsive, I’m also a fanatic for details — particularly when it comes to presentation. One of my recent projects involved coordinating a 200-page grant proposal: I proofed and edited the narratives provided by the division head, formatted spreadsheets, and generally made sure that every line was letter-perfect and that the entire finished product conformed to the specific guidelines of the RFP. (The result? A five-year, $1.5 million grant award.) I believe in applying this same level of attention to detail to tasks as visible as prepping the materials for a top-level meeting and as mundane as making sure the copier never runs out of paper.”

That second version is so much more compelling and interesting — and makes me believe that she really is great with details.

If there’s anything unusual or confusing about your candidacy, address it in the letter.

Your cover letter is your chance to provide context for things that otherwise might seem confusing or less than ideal to a hiring manager. For example, if you’re overqualified for the position but are excited about it anyway, or if you’re a bit underqualified but have reason to think you could excel at the job, address that up front. Or if your background is in a different field but you’re actively working to move into this one, say so, talk about why, and explain how your experience will translate. Or if you’re applying for a job across the country from where you live because you’re hoping to relocate to be closer to your family, let them know that.

If you don’t provide that kind of context, it’s too easy for a hiring manager to decide you’re the wrong fit or applying to everything you see or don’t understand the job description and put you in the “no” pile. A cover letter gives you a chance to say, “No, wait — here’s why this could be a good match.”

Keep the tone warm and conversational.

While there are some industries that prize formal-sounding cover letters — like law — in most fields, yours will stand out if it’s warm and conversational. Aim for the tone you’d use if you were writing to a co-worker whom you liked a lot but didn’t know especially well. It’s okay to show some personality or even use humor; as long as you don’t go overboard, your letter will be stronger for it.

Don’t use a form letter.

You don’t need to write every cover letter completely from scratch, but if you’re not customizing it to each job, you’re doing it wrong. Form letters tend to read like form letters, and they waste the chance to speak to the specifics of what this employer is looking for and what it will take to thrive in this particular job.

If you’re applying for a lot of similar jobs, of course you’ll end up reusing language from one letter to the next. But you shouldn’t have a single cover letter that you wrote once and then use every time you apply; whatever you send should sound like you wrote it with the nuances of this one job in mind.

A good litmus test is this: Could you imagine other applicants for this job sending in the same letter? If so, that’s a sign that you haven’t made it individualized enough to you and are probably leaning too heavily on reciting your work history.

No, you don’t need to hunt down the hiring manager’s name.

If you read much job-search advice, at some point you’ll come across the idea that you need to do Woodward and Bernstein–level research to hunt down the hiring manager’s name in order to open your letter with “Dear Matilda Jones.” You don’t need to do this; no reasonable hiring manager will care. If the name is easily available, by all means, feel free to use it, but otherwise “Dear Hiring Manager” is absolutely fine. Take the hour you just freed up and do something more enjoyable with it.

Keep it under one page.

If your cover letters are longer than a page, you’re writing too much, and you risk annoying hiring managers who are likely sifting through hundreds of applications and don’t have time to read lengthy tomes. On the other hand, if you only write one paragraph, it’s unlikely that you’re making a compelling case for yourself as a candidate — not impossible, but unlikely. For most people, something close to a page is about right.

Don’t agonize over the small details.

What matters most about your cover letter is its content. You should of course ensure that it’s well-written and thoroughly proofread, but many job seekers agonize over elements of the letter that really don’t matter. I get tons of  questions from job seekers  about whether they should attach their cover letter or put it in the body of the email (answer: No one cares, but attaching it makes it easier to share and will preserve your formatting), or what to name the file (again, no one really cares as long as it’s reasonably professional, but when people are dealing with hundreds of files named “resume,” it’s courteous to name it with your full name).

Approaching your cover letter like this can make a huge difference in your job search. It can be the thing that moves your application from the “maybe” pile (or even the “no” pile) to the “yes” pile. Of course, writing cover letters like this will take more time than sending out the same templated letter summarizing your résumé — but 10 personalized, compelling cover letters are likely to get you more  interview invitations  than 50 generic ones will.

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How to Write an Internship Cover Letter: 9 Tips (+ Examples)

A strong cover letter can get you noticed when applying for an internship. Find out how to craft a standout cover letter today.

You’ve found an internship, and it’s exactly the opportunity you’ve been looking for to put you on the path to your dream job. But, the internship application requires you to send a cover letter .

Cover letters give you space to contextualize how your previous work experience and relevant skills make you a good fit for the position. They expand on your resume meaningfully, grabbing a hiring manager’s attention and demonstrating why you’re undeniably the right person for the internship. 

Use this guide to learn how to put your best foot forward with nine tips for your internship cover letter. You will also find examples alongside each tip and a cover letter template to help you compose your own. Whether you’re a high school student, recent college graduate or career switcher looking to start down a new path, these tips are for you. 

Internship cover letters: Why you need one

Cover letters provide hiring managers insight into applicants' experience, skills, and aspirations. As a result, cover letters can be especially helpful to early-career seekers applying for internships because they provide a more detailed picture of their backgrounds than their resumes might. 

Whether a job description asks for a cover letter or not, it is usually wise to send a unique resume to each internship to which you apply. Adding a cover letter can sometimes be the difference between landing the internship or not. 

Research conducted by ResumeGo between 2019 and 2020 found that cover letters can have a positive impact on how applications are interpreted by hiring managers. Among their many findings, the researchers found that [ 1 ]: 

87 per cent of hiring managers said they read cover letters. 

65 per cent of hiring managers said that cover letters influence their hiring decisions. 

81 per cent of hiring managers valued cover letters tailored to a specific position over generic ones. 

78 per cent of hiring managers said it was easy to tell when a cover letter was generic. 

These statistics suggest a cover letter's impact when applying for an internship and the importance of crafting one that speaks directly to the position. One thing is clear: cover letters matter. 

How to write a cover letter for an internship 

A cover letter is your chance to stand out from the crowded applicant pool. In this section, you’ll learn nine high-impact tips for crafting a cover letter that highlights your professionalism, aspirations, and qualifications. 

1. Properly format your cover letter.

Proper formatting will help hiring managers easily scan your cover letter for key information, such as your contact information and skills, and also convey your professionalism. From top to bottom, your cover letter should have the following elements: 

Keep to one page only : your cover letter should be one page long. This will keep it focused, impactful, and easily scannable for hiring managers.  

Header at the top: Include a header containing your contact information so hiring managers can easily contact you. 

Greetings: Your cover letter should open with a greeting to the hiring manager. This is a formality that makes your letter more personal. 

Intro: Your cover letter should include a brief introduction that describes who you are, what you are applying for, and your key qualifications. 

Body: The body of your cover letter is where you detail your experience, skills, and education. 

Conclusion/Call to action: Your cover letter should conclude with a call to action, encouraging your reader to contact you. 

Salutations: Finally, you want to leave the reader with a good impression by including a formal salutation followed by your full name. This conveys a sense of professionalism and friendliness. 

In the following tips, you will learn more about handling each of these parts of your resume to make them as impactful as possible. 

2. Have a professional email address.

The header of your cover letter is where you include your contact information, including your full name, phone number, and email address. 

While it may seem insignificant, one of the most important things you can do in your header is to include a professional-sounding email address. In this instance, the simpler the email address, the better. Create an email address that is a simple variant of your name with a common free email provider, such as Gmail. 

3. Personalize your greeting. 

While many cover letters are addressed simply “to whom it may concern,” a more impactful way to catch a hiring manager’s attention is by addressing them by name directly. 

In addition to making your cover letter more personal, this tactic highlights that you’ve researched and created a job-specific cover letter rather than sending a generic one. This can positively impact how a hiring manager views your resume and cover letter. 

You can find out who the hiring manager is by doing some straightforward research online. Some job descriptions will instruct you to email a specific person. In other cases, you might need to visit the organization’s website and see if you can identify the person who heads their internship or hiring efforts. 

If this fails, you can also reach out to the organization directly by either email or phone to see if they can provide the name of the hiring manager who will be looking at internship applications. Let them know that you are applying for the specific internship and would like to address the hiring manager directly in your application. 

If you can’t learn the hiring manager's name, don’t sweat it—your application likely won’t be penalized for a common, courteous greeting.

4. Include key information in the intro.

Your cover letter should include a short introduction that immediately identifies the specific internship position you are applying for and the key background information relevant to it. Ideally, your introduction should be limited to a few sentences, not exceeding four. 

Much like a thesis statement in a school paper, the introduction of your cover letter helps the reader understand your purpose for writing and the qualifications that make you ideal for the position. 

Dear Ms. Angelou, 

I am writing to apply for the editorial assistant internship position at Little House publishing. An avid reader since I first played cracked open Grimm’s (macabre) Fairytales as a five-year-old, I have made storytelling my personal and professional calling. As an English major at Toronto University, I have been an editor of our school’s literary magazine for three years, brought two theatre productions to life as a dramaturg, and taught reading and writing to countless children. 

5. Show how you and the internship are a perfect match. 

The key aim of your cover letter is to demonstrate to the hiring manager why you and the internship are a perfect match for one another. 

As a result, you should craft your letter to emphasize how your skill set and experience have prepared you for the position and why it can help you achieve your professional aims. Remember, an internship is as much an educational opportunity as a work experience, so don’t be afraid to note what the internship offers you and what you offer the internship. 

To identify how you and the internship are a good match for one another, do the following: 

1. Read through the job description and identify the skills and experience you possess. 

2. Identify what experience, skills, or understanding you will gain from the internship.

3. Include these points in your cover letter. 

“After studying Python for the last two years, IBM’s data science internship will finally give me the opportunity to see programming at work in the real world. Throughout secondary school, I’ve spent hours combing through data, creating visualizations, and posing questions to data big and small all by myself. At IBM, I will be a part of a community that takes data seriously, contributing to projects but learning even more.” 

6. Emphasise your education and extracurriculars.

While most jobs require applicants to have some relevant work experience, most internships typically expect applicants to have very little or even none. This is particularly true for internships geared toward high school and college students. 

If you’re a student without much (or any) relevant work experience, you should emphasize your education and extracurricular activities. You’ll be able to highlight your skills, interests, and concrete achievements for hiring managers as much as previous work experience would allow you to do. 

“As a computer science student, I have taken advanced courses on machine learning and programming data structures, achieving top grades in both. Later, I used these skills in the AI club when I taught a machine to visually recognize different hand gestures.” 

7. Use active language and note concrete outcomes. 

One key way to create impactful writing is to use active language that shows the reader how you achieved concrete outcomes. This method will help your reader fully comprehend what you have done and what you have ultimately achieved. 

Active language (also known as active voice) is when the subject of a sentence acts upon an object rather than the object being acted upon by an object. For example, consider the chart below: 

Using active language that clearly describes how you accomplished a specific result will keep the attention on you and what you can do.  

“As a writing tutor, I taught middle schoolers how to write in the active voice to help them articulate themselves with impact. To do it, I parsed sentences on the blackboard, edited essays live, and reinforced concepts week to week.  Our results spoke for themselves: test scores improved by 78 per cent in just two months.”

8. Consider using a bulleted list to highlight your technical skills. 

To make your cover letter more scannable, you might consider including a bullet point list of your relevant skills in the body. This technique can help readers identify important skills you possess that could help you stand out from the applicant pool. 

“Throughout my education and extracurriculars, I have honed many skills relevant to the internship, including: 

Collaboration

Problem-solving"

9. Include a call to action and salutation at the end of the letter. 

Your cover letter should leave the hiring manager wanting to reach out to you and a good picture of you. To leave them wanting to hear more from you, end the cover letter with a brief statement about your desire to speak more about the role soon and close with a professional salutation, such as “sincerely.”

“I look forward to talking soon about how I can contribute to the team this summer. Thank you for the opportunity, time, and consideration.

Sincerely, 

Abraham Lincoln”

Landing an internship can help you start your career. To ensure that you’re ready for that first day on the job, you might consider taking an online course or gaining a Professional Certificate in fields such as data science , project management , or social media marketing . 

Article sources

Resume Go. “ Cover Letters: Just How Important Are They? , https://www.resumego.net/research/cover-letters/.” Accessed April 30, 2024. 

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Crafting Effective Resumes for International Students – Stand Out to U.S. Employers

For international students aiming to secure opportunities in the United States, understanding how to write an effective resume that caters to U.S. employers is crucial. It is worth understanding how and when to turn to a skilled and qualified paper writer for help if you know your weak points in advance. In this article, we’ll dissect the anatomy of an American resume, detailing the nuances, sharing actionable tips, and offering a step-by-step approach to ensure your resume stands out.

Understanding the U.S. Resume Format

Unlike CVs prevalent in many other countries, U.S. resumes typically follow a reverse-chronological layout, listing the most recent experience first. They’re concise, direct, and employer-oriented, focusing on the candidate’s skills, accomplishments, and relevant experiences.

Crafting a Compelling Resume Introduction

Begin your resume with a concise introduction or objective statement. This section should summarize your career goals and highlight your unique selling points. It sets the tone for the rest of your resume and provides context for recruiters, making it easier for them to understand your career trajectory and aspirations.

Highlighting Relevant Experience and Achievements

Your work experience is one of the most crucial sections of your resume. Here, highlight your relevant professional experiences, whether paid or unpaid. Describe your roles, responsibilities, and, most importantly, your achievements. Where possible, quantify these achievements with tangible metrics, showing the potential impact you can bring to the employer’s organization. Ensure you use active language and power words, such as “achieved,” “earned,” or “accomplished.”

Streamlining the Education Section

The education section should clearly outline your academic qualifications. List all your degrees, diplomas, and certifications in reverse chronological order. Also, highlight any relevant coursework, academic achievements, or honors. For international students, detailing any U.S. qualifications or certifications can be particularly advantageous.

Including Appropriate Personal Information

While you should include essential personal information, be cautious about sharing excessive details. U.S. recruiters focus on your skills and qualifications rather than personal attributes. Therefore, limit your personal information section to your full name, contact number, professional email address, and LinkedIn profile or personal website (if applicable). For international students, it’s essential to clearly state your work authorization status.

Optimizing for Keywords and ATS Compatibility

With the proliferation of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), it’s vital to optimize your resume with relevant keywords. These keywords should align with the job description and required skills listed in the job posting. Including these keywords increases the chances of your resume passing through ATS filters and catching the recruiter’s attention.

Prioritizing Brevity and Simplicity

Aim for a one to two-page resume that’s easy to read and visually appealing. Use a clean, professional font and well-structured bullet points to ensure readability. Also, maintain reasonable margins and spacing. Remember, your resume should be a summary of your skills and experiences, not an exhaustive autobiography.

Emphasizing Skills and Proficiencies

The “Skills” section is your chance to showcase your abilities. List both hard skills (technical abilities or job-specific skills) and soft skills (interpersonal skills, problem-solving, etc.). Make sure the skills you list align with the job requirements. Highlighting language proficiencies can be a significant advantage for international students.

Crafting a Professional Summary Statement

Replace the old-fashioned “career objective” with a modern “summary statement.” This section should succinctly encapsulate your education, skills, experiences, and achievements. Use it to explain why you’d be an excellent fit for the role. Remember, this section plays a pivotal role in capturing your potential employer’s attention, so make it count.

Ensuring Proper Effective Resume Length and Format

While U.S. employers prefer a particular format for resumes, you should also be mindful of the length. For most roles, a one to two-page resume is acceptable. However, if you’re applying for senior-level roles or positions in academia or research, a longer resume might be necessary.

Including a Cover Letter

While not always explicitly required, it’s a good practice to include a personalized cover letter with your resume. A well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out and provide additional context to your resume. Make sure to tailor each cover letter to the specific job and company you’re applying to.

Proofreading and Review

Before you hit the ‘submit’ button, take the time to meticulously proofread your resume. Look out for any grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, or inconsistencies. Having a second pair of eyes review your resume can also be beneficial.

Remember, writing an effective resume is an art. It requires a strategic approach and a good understanding of U.S. employers’ expectations. By following these tips, you can create a standout resume that not only highlights your qualifications and skills but also showcases your unique perspective as an international student.

Your journey to landing your dream job in the United States begins with a standout resume. Make it count!

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