how to write resume cover letter

How to Write a Cover Letter: Your Full Guide (With Tips and Examples)

It’s a familiar cycle: You sit down to write a cover letter, open a blank document, check your email, browse cover letter examples , do some chores, watch that cursor blink a few more times, and finally Google something like “how to write a cover letter”—which hopefully brought you here. But you still might be thinking, does anyone really read cover letters? Why do they even exist?

First: Yes, we can assure you that cover letters do, in fact, get read. To some hiring managers, they’re the most important part of your job application. And regardless, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to tell prospective employers who you are, showcase why they should hire you, and stand out above all the other candidates.

To ensure your letter is in amazing shape (and crafting it is as painless as possible), we’ve got easy-to-follow steps plus examples, a few bonus tips, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Get that cover letter out there! Browse open jobs on The Muse and find your dream job »

What is a cover letter and why is it important?

A cover letter is a brief (one page or less) note that you write to a hiring manager or recruiter to go along with your resume and other application materials.

Done well, a cover letter gives you the chance to speak directly to how your skills and experience line up with the specific job you’re pursuing. It also affords you an opportunity to hint to the reviewer that you’re likable, original, and likely to be a great addition to the team.

Instead of using cover letters to their strategic advantage, most job applicants blabber on and on about what they want, toss out bland, cliché-filled paragraphs that essentially just regurgitate their resume, or go off on some strange tangent in an effort to be unique. Given this reality, imagine the leg up you’ll have once you learn how to do cover letters right.

How long should a cover letter be?

An ideal cover letter typically ranges from a half page to one full page. Aim to structure it into four paragraphs, totaling around 250 to 400 words, unless the job posting states otherwise. Some employers may have specific guidelines like word or character limits, writing prompt, or questions to address. In such cases, be sure to follow these instructions from the job posting.

How to write a cover letter hiring managers will love

Now that you’re sold on how important cover letters are, here are eight steps to writing one that screams, “I’m a great hire!”

Step 1: Write a fresh cover letter for each job (but yes, you can use a template)

Sure, it’s way faster and easier to take the cover letter you wrote for your last application, change the name of the company, and send it off. But most employers want to see that you’re truly excited about the specific position and organization—which means creating a custom letter for each position.

While it’s OK to recycle a few strong sentences and phrases from one cover letter to the next, don’t even think about sending out a 100% generic letter. “Dear Hiring Manager, I am excited to apply to the open position at your company” is an immediate signal to recruiters and hiring managers that you’re mass-applying to every job listing that pops up on LinkedIn.

At the same time, there’s nothing that says you can’t get a little help: Try out one of our free cover letter templates to make the process a bit easier.

Step 2: Add your contact info

At the top of your cover letter, you should list out your basic info. You can even copy the same heading from your resume if you’d like. Some contact info you might include (and the order to include it in):

• Your pronouns (optional)
• Your location (optional)
• Your email address
• Your phone number (optional)
• Your Linkedin, portfolio, or personal website URL (optional)

Note that only name and email are mandatory, and you don’t need to put a full address on a cover letter or resume anymore. A city and state (or metro area) are more than enough. So your header might look like this:

Inigo Montoya he/him Florin Metropolitan Area [email protected] 555-999-2222

If the job posting tells you to submit your cover letter in the body of an email, you can add your contact info at the end, after your name (and if you’d like to forgo the email address here, you can—they have it already). So your sign off could look like this:

Violet Baudelaire she/her [email protected] 123-123-1234

https://www.linkedin.com/in/violet-baudelaire/

Step 3: Address your cover letter to the hiring manager—preferably by name

The most traditional way to address a cover letter is to use the person’s first and last name, including “Mr.” or “Ms.” (for example, “Dear Ms. Jane Smith” or just “Dear Ms. Smith”). But to avoid accidentally using the wrong title—or worse, inadvertently misgendering someone—first and last name also work just fine.

If “Dear” feels a bit too stiff, try “Hello.” But never use generic salutations like “ To Whom it May Concern ” or “Dear Sir or Madam.”

For more help, read these rules for addressing your cover letter and a few tips for how to find the hiring manager .

Step 4: Craft an opening paragraph that’ll hook your reader

Your opening sets the stage for the whole cover letter. So you want it to be memorable, friendly, conversational, and hyper-relevant to the job you’re pursuing.

No need to lead with your name—the hiring manager can see it already. But it’s good to mention the job you’re applying for (they may be combing through candidates for half a dozen different jobs).

You could go with something simple like, “I am excited to apply for [job] with [Company].” But consider introducing yourself with a snappy first paragraph that highlights your excitement about the company you’re applying to, your passion for the work you do, and/or your past accomplishments.

This is a prime spot to include the “why” for your application. Make it very clear why you want this job at this company. Are you a longtime user of their products? Do you have experience solving a problem they’re working on? Do you love their brand voice or approach to product development? Do your research on the company (and check out their Muse profile if they have one) to find out.

Read this next: 30 Genius Cover Letter Openers Recruiters Will LOVE

Step 5: Convey why you’d be a great hire for this job

A common cover letter mistake is only talking about how great the position would be for you. Frankly, hiring managers are aware of that—what they really want to know is what you’re going to bring to the position and company.

So once you’ve got the opening under wraps, you should pull out a few key ideas that will make up the backbone of your cover letter. They should show that you understand what the organization is looking for and spell out how your background lines up with the position.

Study the job description for hints . What problems is the company looking to solve with this hire? What skills or experiences are mentioned high up, or more than once? These will likely be the most important qualifications.

If you tend to have a hard time singing your own praises and can’t nail down your strengths , here’s a quick trick: What would your favorite boss, your best friend, or your mentor say about you? How would they sing your praises? Use the answers to inform how you write about yourself. You can even weave in feedback you’ve received to strengthen your case (occasionally, don’t overuse this!). For example:

“When I oversaw our last office move, my color-coded spreadsheets covering every minute detail of the logistics were legendary; my manager said I was so organized, she’d trust me to plan an expedition to Mars.”

Step 6: Back up your qualifications with examples and numbers

Look at your list of qualifications from the previous step, and think of examples from your past that prove you have them. Go beyond your resume. Don’t just regurgitate what the hiring manager can read elsewhere.

Simply put, you want to paint a fuller picture of what experiences and accomplishments make you a great hire and show off what you can sashay through their doors with and deliver once you land the job.

For example, what tells a hiring manager more about your ability to win back former clients? This: “I was in charge of identifying and re-engaging former clients.” Or this: “By analyzing past client surveys, NPS scores, and KPIs, as well as simply picking up the phone, I was able to bring both a data-driven approach and a human touch to the task of re-engaging former clients.”

If you're having trouble figuring out how to do this, try asking yourself these questions and finding answers that line up with the qualifications you’ve chosen to focus on:

• What approach did you take to tackling one of the responsibilities you’ve mentioned on your resume?
• What details would you include if you were telling someone a (very short!) story about how you accomplished one of your resume bullet points?
• What about your personality, passion, or work ethic made you especially good at getting the job done?

Come up with your examples, then throw in a few numbers. Hiring managers love to see stats—they show you’ve had a measurable impact on an organization you’ve worked for. Did you bring in more clients than any of your peers? Put together an impressive number of events? Make a process at work 30% more efficient? Work it into your cover letter!

This might help: How to Quantify Your Resume Bullets (When You Don't Work With Numbers)

Step 7: Finish with a strong conclusion

It’s tempting to treat the final lines of your cover letter as a throwaway: “I look forward to hearing from you.” But your closing paragraph is your last chance to emphasize your enthusiasm for the company or how you’d be a great fit for the position. You can also use the end of your letter to add important details—like, say, the fact that you’re willing to relocate for the job.

Try something like this:

“I believe my energy, desire to innovate, and experience as a sales leader will serve OrangePurple Co. very well. I would love to meet to discuss the value I could add as your next West Coast Sales Director. I appreciate your consideration and hope to meet with you soon.”

Then be sure to sign off professionally , with an appropriate closing and your first and last name. (Need help? Here are three cover letter closing lines that make hiring managers grimace, plus some better options .)

Step 8: Reread and revise

We shouldn’t have to tell you to run your cover letter through spell-check, but remember that having your computer scan for typos isn’t the same as editing . Set your letter aside for a day or even just a few hours, and then read through it again with fresh eyes—you’ll probably notice some changes you want to make.

You might even want to ask a friend or family member to give it a look. In addition to asking them if they spot any errors, you should ask them two questions:

• Does this sell me as the best person for the job?
• Does it get you excited?

If the answer to either is “no,” or even slight hesitation, go back for another pass.

Cover letter examples

Here are four example cover letters that follow the advice given above. Keep in mind that different situations may require adjustments in your approach. For instance, experienced job seekers can emphasize accomplishments from previous roles, while those with less experience might highlight volunteer work, personal projects, or skills gained through education.

Example #1: Cover letter for a job application

Alia Farhat San Francisco Bay Area [email protected] 444-000-1111

Hello Danny Tanaka,

If I’m being honest, I still haven’t fully gotten over the death of my first Tamagotchi pet when I was six years old. (His name was Tommy, and I’ve gotten far more creative since then, I promise.) When I was older, I discovered NeoPets and I was hooked for years—not just on the site, but on the community that surrounded it. So when I heard about FantasyPets last year, I immediately started following news about your development process, and that’s how I saw your post looking for a marketing strategist. Not only do I have eight years of experience in digital marketing, but as a lifelong gamer with a passion for pet-focused titles who’s spent years in online communities with like-minded people, I also know exactly what kind of messaging resonates with your target audience.

You’re looking for someone to help you craft a social media marketing campaign to go along with your game launch, and I’ve been a part of three launch-day marketing campaigns for mobile and web-based games. In my current role as social media manager at Phun Inc., I proposed a campaign across Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok based on competitor research and analysis of our social campaigns for similar games to go along with the launch of the mobile game FarmWorld. Using my strategy of featuring both kids and adults in ads, we ended up driving over one million impressions and 80k downloads in the first three months.

I’ve always believed that the best way to find the right messaging for a game is to understand the audience and immerse myself in it as much as possible. I spend some of my research time on gaming forums and watching Twitch streams and Let’s Plays to see what really matters to the audience and how they talk about it. Of course, I always back my strategies up with data—I’m even responsible for training new members of the marketing team at Phun Inc. in Google AdWords and data visualization.

I believe that my passion for games exactly like yours, my digital marketing and market research experience, and my flair for turning data into actionable insights will help put FantasyPets on the map. I see so much promise in this game, and as a future player, I want to see its user base grow as much as you do. I appreciate your consideration for the marketing strategist role and hope to speak with you soon.

Alia Farhat

Example #2: Cover letter for an internship

Mariah Johnson

New York, NY [email protected] 555-000-1234

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am excited to submit my application for the software development internship at Big Tech. As a student at New York University majoring in computer science with a keen interest in social studies, I believe I would be a good fit for the role. Big Tech's mission to promote equality and a more sustainable world is deeply inspiring, and I would be thrilled to contribute to this mission.

In a recent hackathon, I demonstrated my ability to lead a team in designing and developing an app that directs members of a small community to nearby electronics recycling centers. My team successfully developed a working prototype and presented it to a panel of industry experts who awarded us second place.

I’ve also been an active volunteer at my local library for over four years. During this time, I organized book donation drives, led book fairs, and conducted reading sessions with children. This experience strengthened my presentation and communication skills and confirmed my motivation stems from supporting a good cause. I would be more than happy to bring my passion and dedication to an organization whose mission resonates with me..

Through these experiences, along with my coursework in software engineering, I am confident I am able to navigate the challenges of the Big Tech internship program. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you about my qualifications. Thank you for your consideration.

Example #3: Cover letter with no experience

Sarah Bergman

Philadelphia, PA [email protected] 1234-555-6789

Dear Chloe West,

I’m excited to apply for the entry-level copywriting position at Idea Agency. As a recent graduate from State University with a major in mass communications, I’m eager to delve deeper into copywriting for brands, marketing strategies, and their roles in the business world.

Over the past two years, I’ve completed courses in creative writing, copywriting, and essentials of digital marketing. I’ve also been actively involved in extracurricular activities, creating content and promoting student events across multiple online platforms. These experiences expanded my creativity, enhanced my teamwork skills, and strengthened my communication abilities.

As an admirer of your visionary marketing campaigns and Idea Agency’s commitment to sustainability, I’m enthusiastic about the prospect of joining your team. I'm confident that I can contribute to your future projects with inventive thinking and creative energy.

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

Best regards,

Example #4: Career change cover letter

Leslie Smith

Chicago, IL [email protected] 111-222-3344

Dear Paul Jones,

Over the past year, I’ve volunteered to represent my company at a local fair and there I discovered how much fun working face to face with clients would be. Everytime I sold a product for The Solar Company, I often wished it was my full-time job. Now, I'm excited to submit my application for the sales coordinator position with Bloom Sales.

After completing a degree in business administration, I decided to put my outgoing personality and strong communication skills to work as a sales specialist at The Solar Company. I’ve sharpened my presentation and critical thinking skills in client meetings and sourced more than $20,000 in new partnerships. This experience has given me an invaluable foundation, and now I’m confident it's the time to move business administration to sales coordination.

I’m comfortable seeking out new business opportunities, making cold calls, and selling potential clients on the advantages of Bloom Sales products. I attend an average of 10 in-person meetings a week, and interacting with a lot of different personalities is what excites me the most. As a detail-oriented, tech-savvy professional, I have advanced knowledge of Excel and data analysis.

I would love to learn more about your sales strategy for the second semester and discuss how my experience in business administration and client-facing sales exposure would help Bloom Sales achieve its goals. Thank you for your consideration.

Extra cover letter examples

• Pain point cover letter example
• Recent graduate cover letter example
• Stay-at-home parent returning to work cover letter example
• Sales cover letter example
• Email marketing manager cover letter example
• No job description or position cover letter example (a.k.a., a letter of intent or interest)
• Buzzfeed-style cover letter example
• Creative cover letter example (from the point-of-view of a dog)

Bonus cover letter tips to give you an edge over the competition

As you write your cover letter, here are a few more tips to consider to help you stand out from the stack of applicants:

• Keep it short and sweet: There are always exceptions to the rule, but in general, for resumes and cover letters alike, don’t go over a page. (Check out these tips for cutting down your cover letter .)
• Never apologize for your missing experience: When you don’t meet all of the job requirements, it’s tempting to use lines like, “Despite my limited experience as a manager…” or “While I may not have direct experience in marketing…” But why apologize ? Instead of drawing attention to your weaknesses, emphasize the strengths and transferable skills you do have.
• Strike the right tone: You want to find a balance between being excessively formal in your writing—which can make you come off as stiff or insincere—and being too conversational. Let your personality shine through, for sure, but also keep in mind that a cover letter shouldn’t sound like a text to an old friend.
• Consider writing in the company’s “voice:” Cover letters are a great way to show that you understand the environment and culture of the company and industry. Spending some time reading over the company website or stalking their social media before you get started can be a great way to get in the right mindset—you’ll get a sense for the company’s tone, language, and culture, which are all things you’ll want to mirror—especially if writing skills are a core part of the job.
• Go easy on the enthusiasm: We can’t tell you how many cover letters we’ve seen from people who are “absolutely thrilled for the opportunity” or “very excitedly applying!” Yes, you want to show personality, creativity, and excitement. But downplay the adverbs a bit, and keep the level of enthusiasm for the opportunity genuine and believable.

The bottom line with cover letters is this: They matter, much more than the naysayers will have you believe. If you nail yours, you could easily go from the “maybe” pile straight to “Oh, hell yes.”

Cover letter FAQs (a.k.a., everything else you need to know about cover letters)

• Are cover letters still necessary?
• Do I have to write a cover letter if it’s optional?
• Can I skip the cover letter for a tech job?
• What does it mean to write a cover letter for a resume?
• How can I write a simple cover letter in 30 minutes?
• How can I show personality in my cover letter?
• What should I name my cover letter file?
• Is a letter of intent different from a cover letter?
• Is a letter of interest different from a cover letter?

Regina Borsellino , Jenny Foss , and Amanda Cardoso contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.

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The Ultimate Cover Letter Writing Guide

The complete guide to writing an effective cover letter.

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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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.

1. 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 …

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.”

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

Find even more career advice from Alison Green on her website,  Ask a Manager . Got a question for her? Email  [email protected] .

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How to write a cover letter: expert guide & examples (2024)

Step #1: The cover letter header

Step #2: the greeting/salutation, step #3: the cover letter intro, step #4: the middle paragraphs (body of the letter), step #5: the ending paragraph of your cover letter (conclusion and call-to-action), step #6: the sign-off, tailor your cover letter to the job description , use chatgpt to outline your cover letter , do you really need a cover letter, how do i start off a cover letter, what is a good sentence for a cover letter, what a cover letter should not include, how to write a cover letter that stands out, how to write a short and simple cover letter.

Landing your next job rests on getting the hiring manager’s attention in seconds.

Think of this as your opportunity to speak directly to them and make a case for you being the perfect candidate. You only get one chance to make the right first impression.

A well-positioned cover letter can turn the hiring manager’s head and make you a memorable applicant. So, how do you get it right? We explore how to write a cover letter, what to include in each section, and what you can learn from our prime examples. 

Let’s get down to it and find out how to write a cover letter that lands you an interview. 

What is a cover letter?

Also known as an application letter , a cover letter is a short message you send directly to the hiring manager . This letter accompanies your resume, offering supplementary evidence about why you’re the right candidate for this vacancy. 

A typical cover letter is only three to four paragraphs long. For that reason, you need to be selective about what you include in this document. Every sentence must add real value to your overall application.

Before we take a look at how to get started, check out our cover letter example: 

A great administrative assistant cover letter is your key to making a personal connection with the employer and landing a new job. This guide and complete cover letter example will walk you through the steps needed for success.

Pick a cover letter template

Ready to get started? The decision you need to make is which cover letter template to use. We offer a wide selection of simple , modern , creative , and professional templates you can edit.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what each template style offers: 

Perfectly balancing a functional yet attractive design, our simple resume templates suit a wide range of professions. If you’re looking for a clean and crisp style cover letter, look no further.

Use this Accounting cover letter example to finish your application and get hired fast – no frustration, no guesswork. This cover letter example is specifically designed for Accounting positions in 2024. Take advantage of our sample sentences + expert guides to download the perfect cover letter in just minutes.

If you want to showcase your unique personality, opting for a creative cover letter template may be the answer. Featuring creative flourishes and plenty of color, you can't go wrong here.

Creativity is your bread and butter, but an artist cover letter needs to rein it in a bit to get to the heart of the matter: What can you do for your future employer? The writing guide below will help you find just the right balance between business and artistry.

Professional 

Aiming for that top job? You need a cover letter that conveys your professionalism and experience level. Using a field-tested professional cover letter template is the way to go. 

You want to have a cover letter you can be proud of and that will attract the attention of hiring managers. This guide teaches you how to create a general cover letter that will do just that!

Cover letter structure (what to include)

The first step in perfecting this art is understanding what elements to include . While each cover letter is different, they all have the same structure as follows: 

• Cover letter header . Start by including your full name, phone number, address , email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable) at the top of the page.
• Greeting . Find out who the cover letter should be addressed to and use their name. Alternatively, you can address your cover letter to the team or department.
• Introduction . Kick things off with an introductory paragraph that packs a real punch. Include your unique selling proposition (USP), if possible.
• Middle paragraphs (body) . Within the next two or three paragraphs, highlight your accomplishments, skills, and personality. Try to add as much context as you can.
• Conclusion . Add a Call to Action (CTA) at the end of your cover letter. You should also reaffirm your enthusiasm for the job opening.
• Signature . Finally, end your cover letter with a professional sign-off, such as ‘Sincerely’ or ‘Kind regards’ and your full name. Never add a P.S. at the end of this letter.

Always do your research first! 

Before writing your cover letter, research the company, the position, and the hiring manager. Use any information you gain to guide the body content of this letter. This approach will give you a competitive edge and show the reader you’re serious about the vacancy. 

Now that you’ve chosen your cover letter template, it’s time to work on the content. The first section you need to tackle is your cover letter header . 

Here’s how the section should look: 

The header includes your personal details—your full name, the job title you’re aiming for, your address (i.e. location), your email address, and your phone number. 

It doesn’t end there. You should also include the name of the company you’re applying to work at and the name of the hiring manager, or whoever you’re addressing the letter to.

[Your Full Name]

[Your Location] | [Your Phone Number] | [Your Email Address]

[LinkedIn Profile] (optional)

[Company Name]

[Hiring Manager's Name]

[Company Address]

When using our simple cover letter builder , you will see the above fields. 

Simply fill them out, and the tool will create the header for you. 

Next up, it’s time to say hello to the reader . Before you get started, you should research the hiring manager. Often enough, the job advert will include the name of this person. However, if that is not the case, you may have to do some detective work and look on LinkedIn. 

Keep things simple and professional by using “Dear” and the hiring manager’s title and last name. For example, you might write “Dear Mr. Jones.” Avoid using the hiring manager’s first name, as this can sound too casual. Check out the below to see how to get it right: 

Dear Mr. Smith

If—after you’ve done your research—you can’t figure out who the hiring manager is, don’t panic. You can use the department name or team name instead. For example, you could write 

“Dear marketing department” or even “Dear marketing manager”. 

Never use “ To Whom It May Concern ”

Back in school, you were taught to use “To Whom It May Concern” when writing formal letters. However, this rule is outdated now and makes you look out of touch. 

When you’re writing your cover letter, avoid using this tired phrase and opt for one of the suggestions we’ve made.

Next up, it’s time to get the reader’s attention. It’s important to start strong so that the hiring manager reads on. For that reason, you need a powerful ‘hook’ at the start of this letter. 

Consider what your most high-value attribute is, and go with that. This cover letter section is all about standing out from the crowd and making an impact. You might want to lead with your greatest accomplishment, a hefty statistic, or an anecdote that makes you unique. 

The approach you choose depends on your career history, experience level, and the impression you want to make. Below, we’ve outlined a selection of copyable examples for inspiration. 

Example 1: lead with a statistic 

Dear Mr. Garmin, 

As a driven professional in the top 3% of salespeople at Peter Matthews, I have consistently exceeded the expectations of the senior leadership team. I am now looking to take the next step in my career and would relish the opportunity to join the ranks at Vintage Motors.

Example 2: start with an anecdote

Dear Mr. Smith, 

When I was just 12 years old, my mother took me to the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. The two of us marveled at the majesty of the artwork on display and talked for hours afterward about a particular piece that stood out. I knew then that I wanted to work in the creative field facilitating that formative experience for generations to come. It was for that reason that I first decided to pursue the competitive role of curator.  

Example 3: add a personal touch

Dear Mrs. Wiser,

First of all, it was a pleasure to meet you recently at the annual Women in Marketing Conference. I was inspired by your talk on the power of clear leadership in modern marketing and wanted to commend you on delivering a unique perspective on this issue. I was, therefore, thrilled to see that you’re advertising a new vacancy at Pink Cat Co. and would love the chance to be considered.

Example 4: include your goals

Dear Mrs. Samson,

As a recent social research graduate with experience in the health sector, it’s my goal to work on innovative projects that have an impact and reimagine modern healthcare services. Over the years, I’ve been immensely impressed by the work of Jenkins Ltd. and would relish the opportunity to hone my skills and develop under your steady leadership.

Your intro piques the reader’s interest. Now that you’ve got them hooked, it’s time to elaborate on your skills , experience, and what makes you right for this job. 

The middle paragraphs of your cover letter need to follow a clear narrative. Each section should build on the last, creating a clear picture of why you’re the perfect candidate for the position. 

There are plenty of angles you can use to position yourself well here. Let’s take a look at some of the core elements that you may choose to include in this part of your cover letter: 

• Education . If you’ve not already done so in your introduction, include a mention of your education. Elaborate on why this experience prepared you for the industry at hand.
• Skills and experience . Add contextual references to the skills and experience you have under your belt. Emphasize how you’ve used these within a workplace setting.
• Sector knowledge . What special knowledge do you have in this sector, and how do you stay up-to-date? Make it clear that you have your finger on the pulse.
• Work ethic and approach . Don’t merely focus on what you do, but how you do it. What is your work ethic like and how do you approach the tasks of your job?
• Additional experience . Do you have any experience outside the workplace that has prepared you for this role? Add in any anecdotal experiences that add value here.
• Goals and aspirations . Where do you see yourself in the future, and how does this position fit into that image? Show the hiring manager you’re in it for the long haul.
• Company alignment . Why are you applying for this specific job? Research the business and show how your expertise aligns with the demands of the company.

You don’t have to include all of the above. Think of this as a menu—you can select any parts that suit your application. Let’s take a look at a copyable example below: 

Over the last seven years at Irwin Finance, I’ve consistently over-delivered, exceeding my KPIs. I have a track record of 98% customer retention and pride myself on building lasting relationships with clients. I’ve previously been commended on my approachable and persuasive sales approach, which allows me to deeply understand customer needs and provide them with packages that suit their long-term financial goals. 

Two years ago, my manager recommended a learning and development scheme to further my leadership skills. Having recognized my innate ability to share knowledge with the team, he was eager for me to formalize this skill set. Upon completing the 180-hour course, I was promoted to the position of sales supervisor and have since flourished in this role. 

While my experience at Irwin Finance has proved both educational and inspiring, I have reached the highest position in this company. As such, I am now looking for a role in which I can continue to develop my talents and climb the career ladder. I understand that Taylor and Taylor is an international finance business under which I would have the chance to thrive. 

Try to make a compelling case as to why you’re ideal for this position. Avoid including any ‘fluff’ or sentences that don’t add to your application overall. 

End on a high with a closing paragraph that reaffirms your suitability for the position. The aim of the game is to stand out and increase your chances of landing that interview. 

Writing a persuasive conclusion is challenging. You need to leave the right impression on the hiring manager. Consider how you can elevate yourself above the competition. Here are three of the approaches you might choose to take when writing your closing paragraph. 

• Make a connection : Explain why it is that you want to work at this specific company and align your long-term goals with the position you’re applying for.
• Focus on the employer : Put yourself in the employer’s shoes and speak to what they need in order to fill this position. Tell them what you have to offer quickly and concisely.
• Start a story : Lastly, you might use the less traditional approach. That is to tell a story illustrating your achievements that you can continue to tell at an interview.

Include a Call to Action (CTA)!

When you have completed your closing paragraph, add a Call to Action (CTA) into the mix. This sentence encourages the hiring manager to reach out to you immediately. You can even include your phone number at this point. 

Ensure the tone is clear and optimistic, but not overly confident or presumptuous. You don’t want to come across as if you believe you have a right to the job. Be mindful of this. 

To help inspire you when you’re writing your cover letter conclusion, take a look at our example: 

Should we have the opportunity to speak further at an interview, I would love to elaborate on my tried and tested sales technique. I believe that this unique approach has helped me to exceed quarterly targets by at least 14% year on year. The strategy proved so popular that I was advised to teach the rest of the sales team how to implement it for themselves. 

When you’re happy with the content of your cover letter, there’s only one thing left: the sign-off. 

Your cover letter signature can be straightforward. Start by choosing a formal approach, such as “ Kind regards,” “Regards,” and “Best regards .” These sign-offs sound professional. As a general rule, you want to avoid anything too casual, such as “Thanks” or “Yours” here. 

You should then add your full name below. Make sure that this is exactly the same as it’s listed on your resume. 

For example, you might write “Maria Smith” or “Maria E. Smith,” depending on what it says on your other documents. Don’t make the mistake of using nicknames.

Best regards, 

Micheal Simons

How to make a cover letter with no experience

Writing an entry-level cover letter is not a tricky as you might think. There is plenty that you can include. Read our step-by-step guide here.

When you lack experience in the industry you’re applying to, your cover letter plays an important role. Use this letter to assure the hiring manager that your inexperience won’t be a problem. 

Of course, you can’t talk about your experience in your cover letter, since you don’t have any. With that in mind, you need to think of other ways to impress the hiring manager. 

Here are some examples of what you may include in your no-experience cover letter: 

• Enthusiasm for the industry . Whether you’re a recent graduate or a career-changer , take the chance to explain why you want to enter this industry. Explain what your driving force is, what you hope to achieve, and how this position fits into this plan.
• Your career plans . Since you are new to the field, chances are you have some pretty epic plans in mind. Why not share them with the hiring manager? Show that you have ambition and that there’s a clear reason for you applying to this position.
• Voluntary experience . Do you have any voluntary experience that aligns with the industry? For example, if you’re applying for a teaching position, you might have experience of working at a summer camp for children. Outline the experiences you have and, where possible, draw direct comparisons to the job you’re applying for.
• Projects and assignments . This one is particularly important if you’re a recent graduate . Did you complete any projects during your studies that have equipped you with the skills you’ll need for this role? For example, if you’re applying for a marketing role , you might have completed a business module on branding a startup company. Elaborate on this project and explain how you went about completing it.
• Clubs, activities, and extracurriculars . Finally, are you a member of any clubs or societies? If so, you might want to draw upon this experience to showcase certain skills that the role will demand. For instance, if you were captain of your college football team, you could use this to illustrate your leadership abilities . That will work when you’re applying for a position in which you will be responsible for other team members.

Lacking experience can feel intimidating—especially when you’re up against a whole host of qualified candidates. Take the time to write a cover letter that shows your talents and skills. 

Remember that everyone has to start somewhere, and you’re no different! 

Use AI or ChatGPT to write your cover letter

AI is taking over the world. But can it help you to write your cover letter? The short answer is yes . However, you need to be careful when using ChatGPT or other AI systems. 

The truth is that ChatGPT can make mistakes. It lacks context and can only work with the information that you give it. For that reason, you need to take the lead. Rather than allowing the software to do all of the work, think of AI as an assistant, helping you along the way. 

Here are some of the ways you can use it to supercharge your letter with AI. 

The perfect cover letter is tailored to the demands of the job description. Our cover letter builder boasts a powerful AI feature to help you write the perfect cover letter and land that interview. Write the content of your cover letter first, and then use the feature to optimize it in seconds. 

• Create or upload your resume : Start by either creating a new resume or uploading an existing one within the builder.
• Provide the job description : Share the job description by pasting the text or providing the URL.
• Generate your cover letter : Go to the resume section and click “Generate.” This will create a tailored cover letter for you, incorporating relevant references and keywords from the job description.

View an example of how it works:

Be sure to check the cover letter after you’ve used this feature. You should tweak the generated content to make sure that it’s 100% accurate and aligns with the experience you have.

While our cover letter generator should provide the best and most detailed output, you can also use ChatGPT to help you get started. 

First up, you need to give it information to work with. You can upload your resume and the job description for the position. Next, you need to prompt the AI software to create a cover letter outline . 

Use a prompt such as: “ Using the resume and job description provided, write a 400-word cover letter for a real estate job. Include keywords from the job description throughout and use the information from the resume as a basis. Include bullet points that highlight the career accomplishments on the resume and align them with the needs of the job description.”

Chances are that ChatGPT will deliver a well-written cover letter that you can use as an outline. However, don’t simply copy and paste the AI-generated letter (as seen below). 

Doing so is a dangerous game to play. Instead, go through the letter and edit it to make it sound more human. You should also look out for any inaccurate or irrelevant information. There’s power in knowing what to delete.

AI-generated content often contains tell-tale signs, such as overly polished or excessively detailed cover letters, and HR professionals now have access to sophisticated tools that easily identify such content.

Optimize your cover letter for the ATS software

The vast majority of employers now use applicant tracking software (ATS) to review incoming applications. The programs rank applicants by how well they meet the criteria of the role—which is most often outlined clearly in the original job description. Only the applications that score the highest within the program will pass the test and get seen by the hiring manager. 

If you want to make sure that your cover letter beats the bots, you need to optimize it for the ATS. You can do this by using keywords and phrases found in the original job advert. 

Go back to the ad to see which words are used. Peppering your cover letter (not to mention your resume!) with these keywords could increase your chance of landing an interview. 

For example, the original job description may include the following keywords:

• “Marketing manager”
• “SEO and PPC knowledge”
• “Copywriting skills”
• “10 years of experience”

In that case, you can mention these words in your cover letter. Note: You need to use the exact same phrases (not synonyms) to help your letter get past the ATS. 

Using the above keywords, an optimized cover letter may include the following sentences: 

“As a senior marketing manager with more than 10 years of experience, I am excited at the prospect of joining Yellow Cat Agency. Over the years, I’ve honed my excellent copywriting skills, collaborating on big name advertising campaigns. Additionally, I boast a selection of digital marketing skills, such as in-depth SEO and PPC knowledge.”

Make sure you're hitting every keyword that you’ve highlighted from the job description. This approach may help your cover letter to breeze past the bots while also impressing the reader.

Classic cover letter mistakes

We’ve detailed how to write a cover letter and served up some adaptable examples. But what about what you shouldn’t be doing? 

Before you finalize your cover letter, there are some common mistakes that you may have made. Here are the ones you want to avoid: 

• Spelling and grammar mistakes . You might have dazzled the hiring manager with your cover letter, but one spelling or grammar error can change everything. While this may sound like a minor problem, leaving these in your cover letter shows you lack attention to detail. Always proofread your cover letter and use software, such as Grammarly , too.
• Formatting problems . Whether the header and body are too close together or the font size varies, these formatting issues stick out like a sore thumb. Everything about your cover letter format should scream professionalism. That leaves no margin for error. By using our field-tested cover letter templates , you don’t have to worry about this problem.
• Generic copy and paste . Generic cover letters will get you nowhere fast. If you’re using the same cover letter for every application, you could be ruining your chances of landing an interview. Instead, tailor your cover letter to align with the vacancy and the company. Edit your cover letter so that it is unique to the position that you are applying for.
• Too much personal information . You’re writing a cover letter, not a dating profile. The hiring manager does not need to know that you have a good sense of humor or what your first pet was called. If you’re getting too personal in this letter, it can be off-putting. Stick to your professional attributes, achievements, and goals, wherever possible.
• Too many words . The hiring manager doesn’t have time to read a memoir. As a general rule, your cover letter should be no longer than 400 words and needs to fit on one A4 page. If you have a tendency to over-write, don’t panic. You can always edit your content. When you’re finished, go back and take out anything that doesn’t add value.

Cover letter writing checklist

Think you’ve mastered how to write a cover letter? We all forget things from time to time. Make sure that you’ve remembered the following things ahead of submitting your letter: 

• Kick things off with a “hook” . You need to give the hiring manager a reason to care about your application. Starting strong with a “hook” is a great way to do that.
• Use powerful language . The words you use matter. When writing your cover letter, make sure that you’ve included dynamic, powerful words throughout. Including specific keywords in your cover letter could increase your chances of getting an interview.
• Tailor your cover letter to the role . Always tailor your cover letter to the company and role. Do your research by Googling the business and looking on its LinkedIn. The more information you can find out about the company, the better you can adapt your letter.
• Include results-based points . When a lawyer makes their case, they provide evidence to back up their claims. You need to do the same. Whenever you make a statement, try to use a results-based point to back it up. That means adding in a statistic or fact that proves how your professional actions resulted in positive outcomes.
• Elaborate on your successes . You’ve already outlined your accomplishments in your resume. However, you can use your cover letter to elaborate and contextualize these feats. Illustrate how you achieved these things and the talents you employed to do so.
• End on a high . Toward the end of your cover letter, keep the energy high and stay positive. Include a Call to Action (CTA) here to encourage the reader to contact you.

While your cover letter is short and sweet, it has a serious job to do when you’re applying for roles. Make sure it ticks all of the boxes before you send it out into the world. 

Name the file correctly! 

Your cover letter file name should match your resume file name. Use a simple format, such as your name, an underscore, and the words “cover letter”. For example, you might write “dansmith_coverletter” when saving the file. 

Cover letters are a critical part of the job application process, and yet many struggle with how to write them. The cover letter writing tips in this guide will help you move beyond amateur errors and into the realm of a job-winning professional.

Cover letter examples

Don’t sit around waiting for inspiration to strike. Take a look at our wide selection of field-tested cover letter examples . 

Here are our top picks: 

Nurse cover letter example 

If you're empathetic, practical, and caring, the world of nursing is calling your name. Here's how to write a nurse cover letter that will turn the hiring manager's head.

Nurses play a vital role in keeping patients safe and aiding their recovery. Show off your compassionate side by writing a heartfelt cover letter. 

If you have a specialism, illustrate it clearly in this letter and add evidence of your expertise. 

Dear Dr. Rowntree,

I write to express an interest in your accelerated nurse midwifery programme for recently-qualified CNMs. During my seven-year nursing career, I have always sought to learn from the best, and there is no better place than at Mount Bisai.

After graduating with a BSN from NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing I worked as a licensed RN for four years and then decided to take my Masters in Nurse Midwifery. I passed my CNM two years ago, and as a relatively recent Certified Nurse Midwife, I am conscious that the learning process has now firmly moved into the delivery room.

A broad range of experience from prenatal to delivery and postpartum care ensures that I can make a difference in terms of caring for my patients’ needs. I have worked with obstetricians on 150+ complicated cases and while I have a firm grounding in high-risk conditions, I am keen to take on more theory and practice at Mount Sinai. I was commended for lowest rates of C-sections amongst my graduating cohort and I believe that my empathetic interpersonal skills have been vital in offering the highest level of care.

Education is an important aspect of the birthing journey and I strive to take every opportunity to advise around nutrition, exercise, rest and general wellness. Every day matters.

I have 90 letters of recommendation from new parents – many of which focus on how my prenatal efforts have contributed to a sense of calm preparedness when it is time for baby to arrive.

I would welcome a chance to get to know your maternity team and glimpse what I might be like to work with you. I love the job and I want to be the best midwife that I can be.

Yours sincerely,

Jackie Elise

Internship cover letter example 

Use this Internship cover letter example to finish your application and get hired fast – no frustration, no guesswork. This cover letter example is specifically designed for Internship positions in 2024. Take advantage of our sample sentences + expert guides to download the perfect cover letter in just minutes.

Whether you’ve recently graduated or you’re still in school, an internship provides you with real-world experience. 

Be sure to highlight how your education aligns with the role and what you hope to gain from the experience. 

Dear Mr. Vince,

I am applying for the internship role in Business Administration at your esteemed organisation.

I am currently in year 2 of a Masters in Business Administration and I'm eager  to gain experience, which hopefully would help me to garner a full time position in your company in the future.

The skills I possess would make me an ideal fit for the role, as I'm meticulous with detail, have a can-do positive attitude, and fit in well in different environments.

I enjoy working as part of a team, but I am equally comfortable working on my own initiative.

London Bridge Support Services is a company that I'm excited at the prospect of working for, as you have an outstanding reputation for delivering a quality service to customers. This is shown by the awards you have claimed over the years and your reviews on Glassdoor etc.

My long-term career goals are to work with a company that offers challenges and develops employees, and this internship would help give me the knowledge and experience I need to achieve this.

It would welcome the opportunity to discuss my experience in more detail and, of course, hear more about your organisation.

Felicity Kendwell

Admin assistant cover letter example

Successful admin assistants need to juggle multiple tasks and make it look easy. Use your cover letter to share your experience so far and contextualize the skills you already have. 

Dear Ms. Woods,

Since my childhood, I have experienced a deep pleasure in keeping every plate spinning.

When a Spike employee requests administrative assistance, they need to know that you will not only complete what they ask, but also do it to the very highest standard. This requires practiced organizational skills, mental agility and a singular focus on tasks. In my five years of admin experience, I have never missed a deadline and always received the best appraisals for quality of work. Admin assistants need to get things done and do them well.

You expect your administrative assistants to be familiar with the latest technology, utilize the most cutting-edge communication methods and organize their time so that they can be of the most use to the most people. My weekly productivity blog has 5,500 subscribers, so the latest thinking and practice is not foreign to me.

Five years of administration experience make me the perfect candidate:

• Exclusive experience in consumer fashion. I know the demands of the industry.
• Work ethic – complete 80-100 individual tasks a day – I just love ticking them off.
• Ambitions to grow. Am about to complete a distance learning business degree.

Busy days put a smile on my face. When tasks are coming at me thick and fast, I don’t let anything drop off the table unless I know that I have done my best. In my role as an administrative assistant, adopting a service-first attitude with all those I work with helps me to make their working days more successful by filling in the gaps.

If I have the skills to do a great job, there is no task that I would not take on. If I don’t possess the skills, I will learn them or ask someone else to help me.

If it sounds like I might be able to make a difference to your Spike family, I would be grateful if you would consider my application. I hope to be a value-added and reliable addition to your administrative team.

Daniel Murray

Teaching cover letter example  

You know how to introduce yourself on parent-teacher nights, but how best to introduce yourself to the principal when you want a new job? The guide below will show you how to write an A+ teacher cover letter that makes the grade.

The teaching field is highly competitive. In your cover letter, focus on your teaching practices, career accomplishments, and anecdotes that set you apart from the crowd. 

Dear Principal Wilson,

Newton’s first law of motion states that an object will stay at rest until a force acts upon it.

Two decades of seeing 500+ science students graduate from Ivy League universities tells me that my “force” is indeed helping to develop the scientific minds of tomorrow. I hope to bring this experience to the advertised science position at Jefferson High School.

As the subject lead for a district of 18 schools, I facilitated the creation of learning materials and oversaw an improvement of graduation rates by 10% across the district over a four-year period. In my school, the graduation rate averaged 99%. I believe in the power of learning through experiment rather than theory – showing beats telling every time. Innovative approaches often bring new discoveries.

I have been active in creating online lessons for my students and believe that blended learning is the future of education. We might not be with our students as they are doing their homework, but we can send them a recorded online video to explain things. Being able to rewind a video is an amazing way to check understanding.

Jefferson HS values are close to my heart, and it was actually one of your current faculty who suggested that I apply for the role. I look forward to the opportunity of learning more about your staff and students and hope that I might be able to contribute to their success. In the school experiment, every curious young mind matters.

Grace McKenna

Sales cover letter example

Even expert salespeople need a little help selling themselves. This sales cover letter guide and corresponding example will walk through the exact steps to create a winning cover letter that will land you the sales job of your dreams.

Sales is all about clear, open communication. Get straight in there—sharing your top achievements and backing up your claims with results-based points. 

Show the hiring manager the value that you bring to the table. 

Dear Mr. Hunter,

Delighting a freight customer is about far more than availability and pricing. When competing with my sales manager rivals to sell empty space on a container ship, the basic variables of service and cost are not enough to give me an edge. I need to convince customers that working with them is worth paying for. I sell my colleagues rather than my containers. 

As Crano Worldwide is expanding its routes in the Far East, I hope that my B2B sales experience in the region may prove useful. I have networked here for the past decade, speaking at transport conferences, building relationships with 250+ importers and exporters, and doubling market share from 4% to 8% over a six-year period. As a student of the intricacies of the Chinese tender process, I understand how to influence effectively.

Crano encourages a winning mentality at work, and I would fit in well. To demonstrate that I understand the subtleties of selling freight forwarding, consider my track record:

• Increased the ocean freight customer base by an average of 25% over the past five years.
• Averaging 92% annual client retention.
• Increasing annual profit growth per customer by 16%.
• Exceeded annual sales quota by an average of 45% over the last six years.
• 150+ Far Eastern clients — more than half of which could potentially move to Crano.
• Generated $2.3m revenue last fiscal quarter.
• Consistently top in global sales list.

Seeking to understand the precise requirements of each customer is the key to finding those critical negotiation levers and squeezing the potential out of every opportunity. I enjoy the role most when I am managing a fluid sales process rather than simply reacting to leads.

I was referred to this career opportunity by one of your current sales managers, David Grey. I hope for the opportunity of an interview to see why he loves working for you so much.

Christine Foster

Graduate cover letter example  

You’re a newly minted college graduate. After years of hard work, you have your diploma in hand and are ready to leap into the workforce. Congratulations! It’s time to get your job applications in order, but it can be a daunting task. Relax! Our graduate cover letter example and writing guide will make it easier to apply for your 2024 dream job.

As you enter the working world, convincing a hiring manager you have what it takes can be tough. Focus on the unique skill set you have and how you plan to use it. 

You may also want to include references to your future goals.

Dear Mrs. Lastwell,

As a recently graduated biotechnology major at the University of California, I am excited for the opportunity to work with you at PreGen. My university biotech assignments centered around the food production industry and I firmly believe that technology will help to feed the world of the future.

After leaving with a GPA of 3.8 from Jefferson College, I immersed myself in the academic side of college life. We enjoyed close research links with the local agritech community, and I undertook five separate work placements. I was fascinated by molecular diagnostics and even worked part-time on a project to improve crop yields in Kenya. Your international focus is exactly where the world needs to be focusing its efforts right now.

A junior research associate role with you would provide an ideal starting point. Your track record of developing the brightest of young scientific minds is unmatched in the industry and I yearn to follow in the footsteps of your award-winning agritech magicians.

My education and work experience have combined to give me a solid understanding of laboratory procedures and industry best practice including greenhouse operations and the maintenance of research and chemical application equipment. I saved one work experience employer over $240k by creating a unified operational manual for all employees.

I have spent years immersing myself in the theory of genomics and I look forward to putting my knowledge to use. I enclose a portfolio of my academic research work and have over 20 letters of recommendation from the scientists that I have assisted.

I can’t wait to hear about the potential projects where my contribution may make a difference – an interview to explore the possibilities would be a dream.

Simon Trenton

Software developer cover letter example

An application letter is more than a common courtesy, it can make or break your job application. How do you create a software developer cover letter that’s personable yet highlights your qualifications? The guide below offers ideas and tips on how to do just that.

Cracking the code and winning over the hiring manager needn’t be hard. 

Make sure you’re specific about the projects you’ve completed and the role you played. 

Dear Ms. Barnes,

Having worked as a Software Developer for DoIt on the Farm Crossing franchise for the past six years on Old Deaf, Mally Camp, and Flu Horizons, I would relish the challenge of collaborating with your tight-knit team on Blackburst Valley.

I have deep experience in both mobile and console gaming and have played a part in creating the software for some of the most popular mechanics in the game. Working remotely alongside a Japanese software team, I focused on coding the character movement and “reactions” – winning universal plaudits for bringing 400+ villagers to hyper-realistic life.

After receiving my MS in Computer Science from UCLA, I gained software experience in UE4 and Visual Studio as well as fluency in Java, C++, Perl, Python PHP, and ActionScript 3.0. In terms of Blackburst Valley programming, I have done projects in C# and used Visual Studio on a couple of consultancy projects, so although the aesthetics of the two games differ, I possess the programming experience to do the best job.

The following experience would make me a great addition to your Blackburst Valley team:

• Participated in character storyboarding at every stage of game development.
• Developed unique ORM frameworks to dictate how characters interact with tools.
• Created award-winning architecture for dialogue between villagers and character.

I am seeking a move to work with a smaller team as I feel that a flatter hierarchy and simpler decision-making processes would be more rewarding. Great solutions can get buried if they are discussed and amended by too many wise men and women.

I enclose a portfolio of work that I have done over the past five years and would be fascinated to hear how I might fit into your amazing team at a potential interview.

Dale Woodward

Cover letter writing FAQs

Yes, you need a cover letter ! This document is your one and only chance to speak directly to the hiring manager. While your resume outlines your skills and experience, your cover letter gives you the space to outline why they matter and add some much-needed context.

Start your cover letter with a strong ‘hook’. This could be your most notable accomplishment, a hard-hitting statistic, or an anecdote. It’s all about getting the hiring manager’s attention. 

To create good sentences for your cover letter, use powerful language. Including a selection of action verbs will make your writing more impressive to the hiring manager. 

Don’t include too many personal details in a cover letter. For instance, you don’t need to include your marital status, whether you have kids, or what your pets are called here. 

To make sure your cover letter stands out, tailor it to the job advert. By doing your research and adapting this letter, you can easily give yourself a competitive edge. 

Avoid including “fluff” or unnecessary statements in your cover letter. Whenever you’re considering adding something, question why it matters. 

By taking this selective approach, you should have no problem crafting a short and sweet cover letter.

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How to Write a Cover Letter: A Step-by-Step Guide

Writing a cover letter can be one of the most important steps in your job application process. It provides you with the opportunity to introduce yourself, showcase your skills and experiences, and explain why you’re a perfect fit for the role. A well-crafted cover letter can make a strong first impression and set you apart from other candidates. But how do you write one that stands out? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a compelling cover letter.

1. Start with a Professional Heading and Greeting

The first thing a hiring manager will see is your heading and greeting, so it’s important to make a good impression from the start. Your heading should include:

• Your address (optional if applying online)
• Phone number
• Email address

Then, address the letter directly to the hiring manager. If the job posting includes the name of the person handling the recruitment, use it—this adds a personal touch. If the name isn’t listed, try to find out by looking at the company’s website or LinkedIn. If all else fails, use a neutral greeting like "Dear Hiring Manager."

123 Example Street

Sydney, NSW 2000

[email protected]

14th October 2024

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

2. Introduce Yourself and the Position You’re Applying For

In your opening paragraph, mention the position you’re applying for and how you found out about the job. Be clear and concise. This is also where you want to express enthusiasm for the role or the company.

I am writing to express my interest in the Customer Service Representative role at XYZ Company, as advertised on your website. With a passion for helping people and over three years of experience in customer-facing roles, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team and provide excellent service to your clients.

3. Explain Why You’re a Good Fit

The second paragraph is your chance to highlight your relevant skills, experience, and achievements. This section should connect your qualifications to the job requirements listed in the advertisement. Use this space to show how your experience aligns with what the company is looking for, but keep it concise and focused.

Rather than repeating your resume, choose one or two specific examples that demonstrate your ability to succeed in the role. Quantify your achievements if possible, as this adds more impact.

In my previous role as a Customer Support Specialist at ABC Services, I handled over 50 customer queries per day, consistently maintaining a satisfaction rating of 95%. My ability to communicate effectively, resolve issues efficiently, and anticipate customer needs allowed me to exceed performance targets and build strong relationships with clients. I am confident that these skills will enable me to contribute positively to the customer service team at XYZ Company.

4. Show Your Interest in the Company

Employers want to hire people who are not only qualified but also genuinely interested in their company. Use the next paragraph to explain why you want to work for this particular organisation. Do some research beforehand to understand the company’s mission, values, or recent accomplishments and relate them to your own professional goals or personal values.

I have long admired XYZ Company for its commitment to sustainability and innovation in the industry. Your company’s focus on eco-friendly products aligns with my passion for environmental stewardship, and I am excited about the prospect of working for an organisation that shares my values.

5. End with a Strong Closing Statement

In your final paragraph, thank the reader for their time and consideration. Reiterate your interest in the role and express your eagerness to discuss how you can contribute to the company. Be polite but assertive, and indicate that you would welcome the opportunity for an interview.

Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my customer service skills to XYZ Company and contribute to its continued success. I would welcome the chance to discuss my application further and am available for an interview at your convenience. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

6. Sign Off Professionally

Close your cover letter with a professional sign-off. “Sincerely” or “Kind regards” are appropriate, followed by your full name. If you’re submitting a hard copy, leave space for your handwritten signature above your typed name.

Kind regards,

Tips for Writing a Strong Cover Letter

• Keep it concise: A cover letter should be no longer than one page. Avoid unnecessary details and focus on what makes you the best candidate.
• Customise it for each role: Tailor your cover letter to each position you apply for. Generic cover letters are less effective than ones that directly address the company and role.
• Use professional language: Keep your tone professional, avoiding slang or overly casual language. Proofread your letter to ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors.
• Highlight your most relevant skills: Instead of listing everything you’ve ever done, focus on the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job.
• Be confident: Showcase your strengths and explain why you’re the best candidate for the role without sounding arrogant.

A well-written cover letter is your opportunity to introduce yourself, showcase your skills, and explain why you’re the right fit for the job. By following this guide and tailoring your cover letter to each role, you can significantly improve your chances of standing out to hiring managers. Remember to keep it concise, professional, and focused on what you can bring to the company. With the right approach, your cover letter can make a great first impression and help you land that all-important interview.

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• Do your research on the company/job you’re applying for, and direct your letter to a specific person. 
• Describe how your skills match what the job entails, and provide concrete examples of your accomplishments. 
• Tailor cover letters to the requirements of each position.

Writing a cover letter can feel like an annoying formality when you’re applying for a job or internship, but in many cases, it’s the first thing a potential employer sees from you, according to Dr. Quentin Schultze, author of Résumé 101: A Student and Recent-Grad Guide to Crafting Résumés and Cover Letters That Land Jobs . “It’s not a repeat of your résumé in paragraph form; it’s an opportunity to showcase items like a project you excelled in, expertise in a field, soft skills, past accomplishments in roles, and/or your motivation for applying for a position,” adds Robyn Williams, associate director of career services at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. 

The golden rule of writing a cover letter is to tailor it to the job you’re applying for—it should not feel like you’ve copied and pasted it onto all of your applications. “Leave the generic letter at home,” says Williams. 

This can be an opportunity to demonstrate some creativity in the style or formatting of your cover letter—if that makes sense for the job you’re applying for.  For example, “I wouldn’t suggest my accounting majors applying for a position with an accounting firm use a creative cover letter,” Williams says. “On the other hand, if that accounting major is applying for an accountant position with a graphic design company, then a more creative-style cover letter would make sense.”  

Use this step-by-step guide to write a cover letter that will help get you hired. 

“You should be able to write a short paper” about any company to which you’re applying, says Ken Heinzel, author of Private Notes of a Headhunter: Proven Job Search and Interviewing Techniques for College Students and Recent Grads . Heinzel spent years as a recruiter for high-level employees and taught at Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, California.

Before you start your cover letter, do some research about the company’s mission and values—what specifically makes you feel excited to work there (besides the paycheck)? Check out the company’s website or LinkedIn to learn about their current goals and initiatives, and think about how you can help them reach those goals. 

Also, read up on any recent news about the company, either via an internet search for a larger corporation or through the company’s website or social media pages for a smaller operation. You can even check to see if that company has been active in your own community. “I had a student who had an interview coming up with Wal-Mart Corporate, and I told her to research ways that Wal-Mart had been active around our area,” says Williams. “She was able to use this as a talking point in cover letter and then eventually in her interview.”

Forget “To Whom It May Concern.” Your cover letter should be addressed to a specific team or the hiring manager, says Williams. “Seek to find who this is, which may call for some small research,” she says. “If you can’t figure it out, you can call human resources (HR). Unless you have absolutely no idea who the hiring manager is, you should always address the letter to a specific person or team.” (Also ask if the person goes by Mr., Ms., or another prefix.) 

If you have a connection at the company already—via networking or a previous conversation with a recruiter—include that. This demonstrates attention to detail, and the person may put in a good word for you.

Put your purpose in your opening paragraph. Reference the job title that was posted and your objective. Explain why you want the job and why you want to work at this company in particular. “Identify key words the employer has used in the job description and apply those to the cover letter,” says Heather S., a fourth-year undergraduate at Texas Woman’s University in Denton. 

This is where your research from Step 1 comes in. State why the company’s mission or culture resonates with you. Heinzel also suggests mentioning a recent piece of news about the company and how that relates to your goals. 

This is the real meat of the letter. Explain why you’re right for the position that’s available (or for the company as a whole). “Think of it as a literal window into who you are as an employee (in relation to the role) and why you are a great fit for an organization,” Williams says. 

Use specific examples from previous jobs or internships, leadership positions you’ve held, or experiences you’ve had in class. “Be authentic to yourself and your abilities,” says Carrie B., a third-year graduate student at Antioch University Seattle in Washington. Don’t be shy about highlighting your successes; it’s important to talk about your skills, talents, and achievements—particularly as they relate to the job’s responsibilities. For example, saying you were an amazing club president is vague. Instead, explain that as president of the club, you organized record-breaking fundraisers or increased attendance at events. This can be a great place to quantify your experiences by getting specific about exactly how much money you raised or by what percentage your efforts increased attendance, says Williams. 

Remember, this is not a repeat of your résumé. “Your cover letter should match the positions held in your résumé, not introduce new roles that are not listed there—take those roles a step further and ultimately sell yourself,” says Williams. 

Always use spell-check and confirm that names of people and the company are correct. Reading the letter aloud can be a good way to detect awkward sentences. Find a second pair of eyes, too. Your school’s career services center is a good place to ask for help.

More pro tips for a standout cover letter

• Keep it succinct. Your cover letter shouldn’t be more than a page. 
• “Make sure to show some personality without being informal.”—Joshua P., third-year student, The College of New Jersey, Ewing  
• Save it as a pdf. This way, formatting and information won’t change when the file is transmitted.
• Use color wisely. If you add any color to your cover letter, make sure it isn’t distracting and that the page will print clearly in black and white. 
• Don’t include a photo—it can open you up to unwanted biases and discrimination and can distract from your experience and skills.

How to write a cover letter: Harvard Business Review

Online cover letter builder: Lettersmith

Effective cover letter examples: UCLA

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Kenneth A. Heinzel, author of Private Notes of a Headhunter: Proven Job Search and Interviewing Techniques for College Students and Recent Grads , Rohnert Park, California.

Quentin Schultze, PhD, author of Résumé 101: A Student and Recent-Grad Guide to Crafting Résumés and Cover Letters That Land Jobs .

Robyn Williams, MBA, associate director of career services, University of Central Arkansas, Conway.

CampusWell survey, January 2021.

Heinzel, K. A. (2013). Private notes of a headhunter: Proven job search and interviewing techniques for college students and recent grads (1st ed.). Pythian House Publishing.

Schultze, Q. (2012). Résumé 101: A student and recent-grad guide to crafting résumés and cover letters that land jobs . Ten Speed Publishing.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, best cover letter tips for scholarship applications.

I'm working on my cover letter for a scholarship application and I want it to be perfect. Does anyone have tips or examples of what makes a great scholarship cover letter stand out? Looking for structure, content, and personal tone advice.

Scholarship cover letters, like cover letters for job applications, often serve as a first impression, and therefore, they are indeed essential to getting noticed in a sea of applicants. Here are some tips to make your cover letter stand out:

1. Clearly Understand the Scholarship Requirements:

Before you start writing, thoroughly understand the scholarship's requirements, deadlines, and the values or attributes they esteem. You might find clues about what the scholarship committee values in the language used in the program description or from profiles of past recipients.

2. Build a Structure:

An effective cover letter generally follows a three-paragraph structure.

- Introduction: Introduce yourself and make it clear what scholarship you're applying for. Highlight your academic and extracurricular achievements succinctly.

- Body: The bulk of your letter should detail your qualifications, experiences, and achievements that align with the scholarship's goals and values. Discuss why you believe you're the best candidate for the scholarship, using concrete examples to support your points.

- Conclusion: In the final paragraph, restate your interest in the scholarship and appreciation for considering your application. Summarize what this opportunity would mean for you and emphasize your commitment to making the most of it.

3. Personalize Your Tone and Content:

Ensure the tone of your cover letter matches your personality. Don't feel the need to get overly formal or use jargon. Instead, use your tone to showcase your passion and dedication. Include unique examples that showcase who you are beyond your grades and test scores, like leadership in extracurricular activities or an interesting personal story related to your academic path.

4. Pay Attention to Detail:

Your cover letter must be free of grammatical errors and typos – this displays professionalism and attention to detail. Planning ahead and leaving time for reviews and edits is key.

5. Keep It Succinct:

Most scholarship cover letters should be no longer than one page. Thus, you don't have to include every single accomplishment. Choose the ones that align best with the scholarship's values.

6. Closing:

End your letter professionally, with a polite "sincerely" or "kind regards" and your name.

In essence, cover letters for scholarship applications, like all cover letters, are an opportunity for you to sell yourself to the decision-makers. They offer you a chance to depict your abilities and achievements creatively, far beyond what's possible on a resume or checklist. Best of luck with your application!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

Esthetician Cover Letter with No Experience (Free Sample)

When you’re stepping into a new career as an esthetician without prior experience, crafting the perfect cover letter can feel overwhelming. I’ve personally written many successful esthetician cover letters for friends and clients who were just starting out in the beauty industry. 

From my experience, you can still create a compelling and persuasive cover letter even if your resume lacks professional experience. In this guide, I will share insights, tips, and templates that I’ve used to help others successfully land interviews and jobs, even as beginners in the field.

Cover Letter Generator

Key takeaways.

• Purpose of the Cover Letter : To emphasize your passion for skincare, dedication to learning, and any relevant transferable skills.
• Tone : Maintain a confident but humble tone that shows your willingness to grow and learn.
• Key Components : Mention soft skills like communication and customer service, highlight relevant training, and show enthusiasm for the beauty industry.
• Real-Life Examples : Including personal stories or previous volunteer experiences can enhance your credibility.
• Templates : Use these to guide your own letter, but be sure to personalize it for each job application.

Why Writing a Strong Cover Letter Matters

Even with no direct esthetician experience, your cover letter is a powerful tool to introduce yourself to potential employers. This is where you showcase your enthusiasm, commitment to the craft, and any transferable skills from previous roles. 

For example, a client I helped had no prior beauty industry experience but worked in customer service. By highlighting her communication skills and attention to detail, we crafted a letter that won her an interview at a spa.

Personal Experience with Entry-Level Estheticians

From my work writing cover letters for those entering the esthetics field, I’ve learned that confidence paired with a clear desire to learn is key. One of the best approaches is emphasizing training, passion for skincare, and soft skills. 

Trending Now: Find Out Why!

If you’ve taken any courses, even those that aren’t certified, mention them. Employers value commitment to self-improvement, which can make up for a lack of formal experience.

Sample List of Uncommon Entities to Mention in Your Cover Letter:

• Online Beauty Courses : Mention relevant certifications, even if they’re online or informal.
• Volunteer Work : If you’ve helped friends or family with beauty treatments, mention this as it shows your hands-on experience.
• Customer Interaction : Whether it’s from retail, hospitality, or any service industry, highlight this as transferable to esthetician roles.
• Passion for Skincare : Include specific details about your interest, like skincare routines you follow or beauty trends you’re passionate about.

How to Write Your Esthetician Cover Letter

1. start with a strong opening.

Your opening paragraph should catch the employer’s attention. I often suggest starting with something personal yet professional, like:

“As someone who has always been passionate about skincare, I am thrilled to apply for the esthetician role at [Company Name]. Though I am new to the industry, my dedication to learning and providing exceptional service has always driven my success in customer-facing roles.”

This introduction shows excitement, acknowledges your lack of experience, but still paints you as an eager learner.

2. Highlight Transferable Skills

Even if you haven’t worked as an esthetician, you likely have skills that apply. Communication, customer service, attention to detail—these are all valuable in the beauty industry. Here’s a real example from a cover letter I helped write:

“In my previous role as a receptionist at a spa, I worked closely with the esthetician team to ensure clients had a seamless experience. My ability to communicate with clients and ensure their comfort will translate well to your esthetician role.”

3. Discuss Training or Self-Taught Knowledge

If you’ve completed any beauty-related training, formal or informal, this is the place to mention it:

“I have completed online skincare courses through [Platform Name], where I learned about the basics of skin anatomy and treatment methods. I am eager to expand on this foundation through hands-on experience at your spa.”

Table: Key Elements to Include in Your Cover Letter

Tips from My Personal Experience

• Tailor Each Letter : Customize your cover letter for each job. Mention the company’s name and relate your skills to their specific needs.
• Keep it Short and Engaging : Employers want to see a clear, concise letter that gets straight to the point.
• Show Willingness to Learn : Demonstrating your eagerness to learn and adapt can sometimes be more powerful than experience. A client I helped received multiple offers by emphasizing her commitment to learning about new trends in the beauty industry.

Real-Life Example

I once worked with a client who had no formal experience in esthetics but had a deep passion for skincare. She was consistently experimenting with different beauty regimens and sharing her findings with her friends and family. 

We wrote a cover letter where she shared this passion, connected it to her natural inclination for customer service, and highlighted her completion of a short online course on skincare. Her personalized and passionate approach landed her an interview with a top local salon.

3 Unique Esthetician Cover Letter Templates

Template 1: entry-level passionate learner.

Dear [Hiring Manager], I am writing to express my interest in the esthetician role at [Company Name]. Though I am new to the field of esthetics, my passion for skincare and dedication to learning make me a strong candidate for this position. I have completed several online beauty courses that have deepened my understanding of skincare treatments and client care. I am eager to bring my strong communication skills, developed through customer service roles, to [Company Name] and contribute to your team’s success. Sincerely, [Your Name]

Template 2: Transferable Skills from a Different Industry

Dear [Hiring Manager], As someone transitioning into esthetics from a background in retail, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my customer service skills to the beauty industry. In my previous role, I developed strong interpersonal skills and the ability to ensure client satisfaction, which I believe will be an asset in your spa. I have also completed a short skincare course online and have a deep personal interest in skincare. I look forward to the opportunity to grow with your team. Sincerely, [Your Name]

Template 3: Self-Taught Skincare Enthusiast

Dear [Hiring Manager], I have always been fascinated by the beauty and skincare industry, and I am excited to apply for the esthetician position at [Company Name]. Although I do not have formal experience, I have been educating myself on skincare treatments and routines through various online platforms and books. I believe that my passion, paired with my ability to connect with people and provide excellent customer service, will make me a valuable addition to your team. Sincerely, [Your Name]

Final Thoughts

Writing an esthetician cover letter with no experience may seem daunting, but by emphasizing your passion, transferable skills, and willingness to learn, you can create a compelling case for why you’re the right fit. Remember to tailor each cover letter to the job, and don’t be afraid to let your enthusiasm shine through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What should I include in an esthetician cover letter with no experience?

Answer: Highlight your passion for skincare and mention any relevant training or certifications. Focus on transferable skills like communication and customer service from past roles.

Q: How can I stand out with no esthetician experience?

Answer: Emphasize your willingness to learn and dedication to the beauty industry. Share any personal or informal experiences in skincare that show your enthusiasm.

Q: Should I address my lack of experience in the cover letter?

Answer: Yes, acknowledge your lack of formal experience while emphasizing your passion and eagerness to grow. This shows honesty and a strong desire to learn.

Q: How long should my esthetician cover letter be?

Answer: Keep your cover letter between 250-350 words, focusing on key points like passion, relevant skills, and your readiness to learn. A concise letter is more likely to hold the reader’s attention.

Q: Can I include personal skincare experience in my cover letter?

Answer: Absolutely! If you’ve been experimenting with skincare routines or products, mention this as a sign of your dedication and growing knowledge in the field.

Q: How do I express enthusiasm in an esthetician cover letter?

Answer: Use positive and confident language to show excitement for the role. Mention why you’re passionate about skincare and how you’re eager to begin your career in this field.

Q: What transferable skills can I highlight in my esthetician cover letter?

Answer: Skills like customer service, communication, attention to detail, and the ability to make clients feel comfortable are highly transferable. These are essential for working with clients in a spa setting.

Q: Should I mention any skincare courses in my cover letter?

Answer: Yes, even if they’re informal or online courses, mentioning them shows initiative and a commitment to learning. It demonstrates that you’re already taking steps to prepare for the industry.

Q: How do I close my esthetician cover letter effectively?

Answer: End with a confident call-to-action, expressing your excitement for the opportunity and the desire to contribute to their team. Invite them to review your resume or schedule an interview.

Q: How can I format my esthetician cover letter for easy reading?

Answer: Use short paragraphs, clear headings, and bullet points if needed to make your letter visually appealing. A well-formatted letter is more likely to be read thoroughly.

Q: What tone should I use in my esthetician cover letter with no experience?

Answer: Adopt a professional yet approachable tone. Show humility by acknowledging your lack of experience, but also confidence in your ability to contribute and learn.

Q: Can I apply for an esthetician job if I’m still in training?

Answer: Yes, many employers appreciate proactive applicants. Mention your ongoing training and how you’re excited to apply your knowledge once certified.

Q: Should I send my cover letter as a PDF or Word document?

Answer: PDF is usually the best option as it ensures the formatting remains intact when viewed on different devices. It also gives a more polished, professional impression.

Q: Can I mention beauty influencers or trends in my cover letter?

Answer: Yes, if relevant to the job or if it shows your awareness of the latest beauty trends. This can demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the industry.

Q: What mistakes should I avoid in my esthetician cover letter?

Answer: Avoid generic statements and not tailoring the letter to the specific company. Focusing solely on your lack of experience without highlighting strengths can also hurt your chances.

Q: Is it important to personalize each esthetician cover letter?

Answer: Yes, personalizing your cover letter to each job application shows genuine interest. Mention the spa’s values or services to demonstrate you’ve researched the company.

Q: How do I highlight customer service experience in an esthetician cover letter?

Answer: Discuss how your previous customer service roles have prepared you to interact with clients, understand their needs, and provide personalized experiences, all crucial skills for estheticians.

Q: Should I mention beauty products I’ve worked with in my cover letter?

Answer: If relevant, yes. Mentioning specific products or brands you’re familiar with shows that you have some hands-on knowledge of the industry, even if informal.

Q: How important is passion when writing an esthetician cover letter with no experience?

Answer: Passion is crucial! It compensates for lack of experience and helps you connect with employers. Make sure your love for skincare shines through in every paragraph.

Q: Can I include volunteer or personal projects in my cover letter?

Answer: Absolutely! If you’ve done skincare treatments for friends or family, mention this as volunteer work to show hands-on experience and your growing knowledge.

Q: Should I follow up after submitting my esthetician cover letter?

Answer: Yes, following up with a polite email shows initiative and interest in the position. It can also keep you top of mind as the employer reviews candidates.

Q: Can I use a creative design for my esthetician cover letter?

Answer: You can add subtle creative elements if they reflect the beauty industry, but keep it professional. Simple touches like color or a stylish font can make your letter stand out.

Q: How can I demonstrate my soft skills in an esthetician cover letter?

Answer: Provide examples of when you’ve successfully used soft skills like communication or empathy in past roles, even if they weren’t in the beauty industry. These are essential for client-facing roles.

Q: Should I mention that I’m applying to other esthetician jobs?

Answer: It’s best not to. Focus your letter on why you want to work for that specific employer and how you can contribute to their spa or salon.

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