marketing cover letter structure

Marketing Cover Letter: 10 Examples & Writing Tips

When applying for a marketing position, submitting a cover letter alongside your resume is essential to stand out to hiring managers. A marketing cover letter serves as an opportunity to explain your relevant experience, skills, and passion for the industry.

The purpose of a marketing cover letter is to highlight your unique selling proposition (USP) and showcase how your skills and experience align with the job requirements. It is also an opportunity to demonstrate your communication skills and attention to detail.

Importance of writing a customized Marketing Cover Letter

A customized marketing cover letter can increase your chances of landing an interview as it shows you have put in the effort to tailor your application to the specific role and company. This demonstrates your enthusiasm for the position and your ability to market yourself effectively.

Best practices for writing a marketing cover letter

When writing a marketing cover letter, it is important to keep it concise, highlighting only the most relevant experiences and skills. It should also be personalized, addressing the specific needs of the job and the company. Finally, it should showcase your creativity and writing abilities.

A well-written marketing cover letter serves as an important tool for job seekers to showcase their qualifications and demonstrate their fit for the role. In the following sections, we will explore 10 examples and writing tips to help you craft a compelling marketing cover letter.

Research the Company and Job Position

In today’s competitive job market, having a polished and effective cover letter can be the difference between landing an interview and getting passed over. One key element of this process is conducting thorough research on the company and job position.

A. Importance of researching the company and job description

Before you start writing your cover letter, it’s crucial to have a deep understanding of the company and its values, brand, and culture. Your goal is to show how your skills and experience align with the company’s goals and mission. Additionally, researching the job description will allow you to customize your application to the specific position you’re applying for, highlighting your relevant experience and qualifications.

B. Tips for conducting research on the company and job position

To begin your research, start with the company’s website, social media accounts, and any recent press coverage. Look for information about the company’s history, mission statement, values, and how they’re making a positive impact in their industry. Pay attention to any recent news related to the company, such as new product launches, partnerships, or any awards or recognitions.

Next, review the job description carefully and consider how your skills and experience match with the specific requirements and qualifications outlined. Do your best to speak to the specific skills and qualities that the company is looking for in a candidate.

Another way to gather insights on the company is to talk to current or former employees, industry professionals, or business contacts who have knowledge or experience in the company’s field.

C. The benefits of tailoring your cover letter to the job description and company culture

By customizing your cover letter to the company’s values and the job position, you’re showing the employer that you’re invested in their vision and eager to work for their organization. Hiring managers are always looking for candidates who are a good fit for the company culture, and tailoring your cover letter to match their values can set you apart from other candidates.

When writing your cover letter, be sure to use specific examples of your achievements, skills, and experience that relate to the job description and the company’s mission. By demonstrating your understanding of the company’s goals and showing how you can contribute to their success, you’re more likely to catch the employer’s attention and get an interview.

Conducting thorough research on the company and job position shows the employer that you’re serious and invested in the opportunity. By tailoring your cover letter to match the company’s culture and the job’s requirements, you can make a strong case for why you’re the right fit for the job.

Tips for Formatting your Cover Letter

A strong marketing cover letter can make a huge difference in your job application process. As you craft your cover letter, keep in mind that presentation and formatting are just as important as the content you include. Here are some tips for formatting your marketing cover letter:

A. Basic format of a marketing cover letter

A marketing cover letter should follow the standard format of a business letter. This means including your contact information at the top, followed by the date and the recipient’s contact information. Use a professional font and keep your letter to one page.

B. Essential elements to include in the cover letter

In addition to the basic format, there are certain elements that should be included in a marketing cover letter. First, make sure you address the hiring manager by name – this shows that you’ve done your research and are invested in the position. Next, introduce yourself and briefly explain why you’re interested in the job. Be sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills, and explain how they would make you a strong fit for the position. Finally, close your letter by expressing your enthusiasm for the job and thanking the hiring manager for their time.

C. Best practices for formatting your marketing cover letter

Here are a few additional best practices to keep in mind as you format your marketing cover letter:

• Use bullet points to break up dense text and draw attention to important information.
• Avoid using long paragraphs and blocks of text – keep it visually appealing and easy to read.
• Bold or italicize keywords to make them stand out and emphasize your skills.
• Use white space to your advantage – don’t cram too much content onto the page.
• Use a professional tone and avoid using slang or overly casual language.

Formatting your marketing cover letter correctly can help ensure that your application stands out in a competitive job market. Remember to follow the basic format of a business letter, include all essential elements, and use best practices to make your content visually appealing and easy to read. With these tips in mind, your marketing cover letter can help you land your dream job in the field of marketing.

Opening lines for Marketing Cover Letters

Crafting a compelling introduction is critical in marketing cover letters. It sets the tone for the entire document and leaves a lasting impression on the hiring manager. In this section, we will discuss some effective introductions to use, tips for crafting a strong introduction, and common mistakes to avoid.

A. Effective introductions to use in your marketing cover letters

The following are some examples of effective introductions for your marketing cover letter:

“As a seasoned marketer with over 5 years of experience in driving brand awareness and revenue growth, I am excited to apply for the Marketing Manager position at XYZ company.”

“Having honed my skills in digital marketing through working with top e-commerce businesses, I am confident that I can help ABC company achieve its marketing goals.”

“I have a passion for marketing and a proven track record of developing innovative marketing strategies. I would love the opportunity to apply my skills to the Marketing Coordinator position at LMN company.”

B. Tips for crafting a strong introduction that grabs attention

Follow these tips to craft a strong introduction that grabs the hiring manager’s attention:

Personalize the introduction by using the hiring manager’s name.

Start with an attention-grabbing statement that highlights your skills and experience.

Mention the company and position you are applying for in the introduction.

Tailor your introduction to the company and position you are applying for by researching the company’s values and mission.

End your introduction with a clear statement of your interest in the position and how you can help the company achieve its goals.

C. Common mistakes to avoid in the opening statement

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when crafting your opening statement:

Using cliches or generic phrases that do not differentiate you from other applicants.

Focusing too much on your experience without mentioning your interest in the company or position.

Writing a lengthy introduction that loses the reader’s attention.

Using informal language or slang.

Starting with a weak or irrelevant statement that does not grab the reader’s attention.

By following the above tips and avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a strong introduction that sets you apart from other applicants and impresses the hiring manager.

Showcase Your Skills and Experience

When it comes to crafting a winning marketing cover letter, it is crucial to showcase your skills and experience effectively. Here are some tips to help you highlight your marketing skills and craft a convincing narrative of your achievements:

A. Tips for Highlighting Your Marketing Skills

• Focus on the skills that are most relevant to the position you are applying for. Take a close look at the job description and tailor your skills to match the requirements of the position.
• Use specific examples to showcase your skills, such as successful campaigns you have worked on or specific marketing techniques you have used.
• Highlight any awards or accolades you have received for your marketing work, as this can add credibility to your skills.

B. Crafting a Convincing and Relevant Narrative of Your Achievements

• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your achievements. This will help you tell a compelling story of how you contributed to the success of a marketing campaign or project.
• Use quantitative data whenever possible to demonstrate the impact of your achievements. For example, instead of saying you increased website traffic, state exactly by how much.
• Tie your achievements back to the requirements of the job you are applying for. This shows the recruiter that you have the skills and experience they are looking for.

C. Understanding What the Recruiter is Looking For

To make sure your cover letter stands out, it is crucial to understand what the recruiter is looking for. Here are some tips to help you do this:

• Research the company and the position thoroughly. Look for information on the company’s values, goals, and marketing strategies, as well as the requirements of the position.
• Use the job description as a guide. Look for keywords and phrases that match your skills and experience, and make sure to include them in your cover letter.
• Show that you understand the challenges and opportunities the company is facing. This demonstrates your knowledge of the industry and your ability to contribute to the company’s success.

Showcasing your marketing skills and experience effectively in your cover letter can make all the difference in landing your dream job. By following these tips, you can craft a compelling narrative of your achievements and demonstrate your understanding of what the recruiter is looking for.

Give Specific Examples

One of the most effective ways to make your marketing cover letter stand out is by giving specific examples of your past achievements. Not only does this demonstrate your experience, but it also shows that you have a concrete understanding of the industry and a proven track record of success.

A. The Value of Giving Specific Examples

Recruiters and hiring managers want to see evidence that you can deliver results. Simply stating that you are a “results-driven marketer” will not be enough to catch their attention. By providing specific examples of how you have contributed to successful marketing campaigns in the past, you can clearly demonstrate your abilities and differentiate yourself from other candidates.

Moreover, specific examples can help you to paint a clearer picture of your skills and expertise. Rather than making broad, sweeping statements about your experience, which can be easily dismissed as generic buzzwords, specific examples add specificity and credibility to your claims.

B. Recent Accomplishments and How to Present Them

When selecting examples to include in your marketing cover letter, it is generally best to focus on recent accomplishments. This is because recent achievements are generally more relevant and indicative of your current abilities than those from several years ago.

When presenting your accomplishments, make sure to describe the results you achieved in a clear and concise manner. Use metrics and numbers whenever possible to quantitatively show your impact. For example, instead of saying “I managed a successful marketing campaign,” you might say, “I managed a marketing campaign that generated a 30% increase in website traffic and a 20% increase in sales.”

C. Tailoring Your Examples to the Recruiter’s Needs and the Company Culture

Finally, it is important to remember that every marketing role is different, and recruiters will be looking for specific skills and attributes based on the needs of their company. To make sure your examples resonate with recruiters, tailor them to the specific needs of the company and the role you are applying for.

Research the company’s culture and values, and try to identify examples that demonstrate how you align with their mission. Additionally, study the job description and identify the key skills and attributes the company is looking for. Then, select examples that showcase your abilities in those specific areas.

Giving specific examples in your marketing cover letter can be a powerful way to differentiate yourself from other candidates and demonstrate your expertise. By focusing on recent accomplishments, describing them clearly and concisely, and tailoring them to the needs of the company, you can increase your chances of landing your dream marketing job.

Benefits and Value Proposition

As a candidate for a marketing position, it’s crucial to showcase the value you can bring to the company. Your value proposition is a statement that explains what sets you apart from other applicants and how you can benefit the organization.

A. The importance of showcasing the value you bring to the company

Employers are always on the lookout for candidates with a unique skill set and experience that can add value to their company. By emphasizing your value proposition, you can demonstrate how you can contribute to the organization’s overall success. This can increase your chances of getting hired and getting the compensation you deserve.

B. How to emphasize the benefits of hiring you

To emphasize the benefits of hiring you, you should first understand the organization’s objectives and expectations. This can help you tailor your value proposition to align with their needs. You should also highlight your accomplishments and successes in previous jobs that are relevant to the position you’re applying for.

Another way to emphasize your value is to demonstrate your industry knowledge and expertise. Highlight your certifications, training, or relevant publications. You can also showcase your soft skills, such as critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork, which can help you stand out as a well-rounded candidate.

C. Best practices for positioning your value proposition

To effectively position your value proposition, you should keep the following best practices in mind:

Be specific: Avoid vague or general statements. Instead, provide concrete evidence and examples of how you have added value to previous companies.

Focus on the employer’s needs: Tailor your value proposition to address the employer’s needs, objectives, and expectations.

Be concise: Keep your value proposition succinct and to the point. Avoid rambling or going off-topic.

Use persuasive language: Use persuasive language to engage the employer and convince them of your value.

Highlight your unique selling proposition: Identify what makes you unique and valuable compared to other candidates. Also, don’t hesitate to mention your passion and enthusiasm for the position and the industry.

Showcasing your value proposition can significantly increase your chances of landing your dream marketing job. By being specific, focusing on the employer’s needs, and highlighting your unique selling proposition, you can position yourself as an invaluable and irreplaceable asset to the organization.

Professionalism and Tone

Professionalism and tone are essential elements of any effective marketing cover letter. A well-written and professional cover letter can not only make a good first impression but also set the tone for a successful job application process. Here are some essential guidelines for maintaining a professional tone in your marketing cover letter:

A. Essential Guidelines for Maintaining a Professional Tone

Use a formal tone: Your marketing cover letter should convey professionalism and expertise, so it’s essential that you use a formal tone throughout. Avoid using colloquial language, abbreviations, or slang terms.

Address the recipient appropriately: Address the recipient by their name, instead of using generic salutations like “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam.” This conveys attention to detail and shows that you have taken the time to research the recipient.

Keep it concise and to the point: Your cover letter should be concise and to the point, generally not exceeding one page. Use short, clear sentences without unnecessary elaboration or repetition.

Use active voice: Writing in the active voice imparts a sense of action and can make your cover letter more engaging. Avoid passive voice constructions that can make your writing appear lackluster.

B. Best Practices for Language and Tone

Apart from the essential guidelines outlined above, here are some best practices for language and tone in your marketing cover letter:

Show confidence: A confident tone shows that you believe in your abilities and are capable of delivering what the company needs. However, avoid overstatements or unrealistic claims.

Customize your language: Use language that resonates with the company or the job requirements. Use keywords, phrases, and terminology that the company or industry uses in their communications.

Use appropriate tone: The tone of your cover letter should match the company culture and values. If the company culture is informal, you may adopt a slightly informal tone. However, maintaining a professional tone is always recommended.

C. Avoiding Overused Phrases and Verbs

Using generic phrases and verbs can make your cover letter seem unimaginative and unoriginal. Here are some overused phrases and verbs to avoid:

“I’m a results-driven individual.”

“I’m a team player.”

“I have excellent communication skills.”

“I’m a problem solver.”

“I’m passionate about what I do.”

Instead, use specific examples that highlight your skills and experience. Use action verbs that convey power and describe a specific contribution you have made. For example, “Managed a successful campaign that increased sales by 20%,” or “Developed and executed a comprehensive social media strategy that increased engagement by 30%.” This approach not only makes your cover letter more compelling but also gives the employer a clear idea of your skills and accomplishments.

Call to Action and Follow-Up

One of the most important aspects of a marketing cover letter is the call to action (CTA) and follow-up. A well-crafted CTA can help differentiate you from other applicants and increase your chances of landing an interview. In this section, we will discuss the importance of CTAs, how to craft an effective one, and the best practices for following up with recruiters.

A. Importance of Call to Actions in Cover Letters

CTAs are crucial because they provide a clear and concise invitation for the recruiter to take action. Without a CTA, your cover letter may be considered incomplete or lack direction, leading the recruiter to move on to the next applicant. On the other hand, a well-placed CTA can guide the recruiter to take the desired action, whether that means scheduling an interview or reviewing your portfolio.

B. Crafting an Effective Call to Action

A good CTA should be brief, compelling, and aligned with your objective. The language used in the CTA should also be action-oriented, so the recruiter feels compelled to take the desired action. For example, a great CTA for a marketing cover letter might be:

“Let’s connect! I would love to discuss how my digital marketing expertise can help your company grow. Please feel free to reach me at [insert phone number or email] to schedule an interview.”

This CTA is both inviting and clear, indicating that the applicant is interested in the company’s growth and ready to discuss their qualifications during an interview.

C. Following up with the Recruiter after Submitting Your Cover Letter

The follow-up process is just as crucial as crafting a winning CTA. After submitting your cover letter, it is essential to follow up with the recruiter to express your continued interest in the position. Keep in mind that most recruiters receive numerous applications, and a follow-up can help you stand out from the competition.

A few tips for following up with the recruiter include:

• Wait a few days after submitting your application before following up.
• Keep your message clear and concise, reminding the recruiter why you are interested in the position and highlighting your qualifications.
• Be professional and polite in your approach, keeping the recruiter’s schedule and workload in mind.
• Use a call-to-action in your follow-up, such as asking for a phone call or in-person interview.

By following these tips, you can build strong relationships with recruiters and increase your chances of landing an interview. Remember, crafting an effective call to action and following up are both key components of a successful marketing cover letter.

Review and Editing Tips

As with any important document, your marketing cover letter requires thorough proofreading and copyediting. Even a small mistake can significantly reduce your chances of being considered for the position. Here are some tips to ensure your cover letter is error-free:

A. Proofreading and copyediting your marketing cover letter

• Start by taking a break after writing your cover letter, then come back later with fresh eyes to review it.
• Read your cover letter out loud to catch any awkward phrasing or spelling mistakes.
• Use grammar and spelling tools such as Grammarly or Hemingway to help you identify any issues.
• Have a friend or colleague review your cover letter as a second set of eyes.

B. Common mistakes to avoid

There are some common mistakes that applicants make with their marketing cover letters. To avoid these mistakes, keep the following in mind:

• Do not simply repeat your resume – your cover letter should expand on your experience and skills.
• Keep the tone professional, avoiding overly casual or slang language.
• Avoid cliches and generic statements – instead, use specific examples to showcase your achievements and skills.
• Make sure to address the hiring manager or recruiter by their name (if available) instead of using a generic greeting such as “To whom it may concern.”

C. Tips for submitting your marketing cover letter

When submitting your marketing cover letter, make sure to follow these tips:

• Proofread your cover letter one last time before submitting it.
• Save your cover letter as a PDF before submitting to ensure formatting remains intact.
• Customize your cover letter for each position by highlighting how your skills and experience align with the job description.
• Follow any specific instructions provided by the employer regarding submission or formatting.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your marketing cover letter effectively showcases your skills and experience while avoiding common mistakes. Remember, a well-crafted cover letter can make all the difference in landing your dream job.

Sample Marketing Cover Letters

When it comes to searching for a job in the marketing industry, drafting an effective marketing cover letter is vital. The cover letter serves as a chance for you to showcase your skills, experiences, and qualities relevant to the position you’re applying for. In this section, we’ll discuss examples of effective marketing cover letters, tips for leveraging these cover letters, and analyzing the structure, style, and content of sample marketing cover letters.

A. Examples of Effective Marketing Cover Letters

There are countless ways you can write your marketing cover letter, but the key is to create a compelling and impressive one. Here are some examples of effective marketing cover letters that you can use as a guide.

The “Storytelling” Cover Letter – In this type of cover letter, the writer tells a compelling story about their past experiences and how it led them to apply for the position they’re seeking. This way, the hiring manager can get to know the candidate, their achievements, and what drives them to succeed.

The “Data-Driven” Cover Letter – This type of cover letter emphasizes the candidate’s analytical and data-driven background. The writer should highlight their expertise in research, analysis, and data interpretation, and how these skills can add value to the company.

The “Creative” Cover Letter – This type of cover letter is perfect for those in the creative marketing field. The writer can showcase their creativity by adding visuals such as graphs or charts, or by presenting their information in an unconventional way.

B. Tips for Leveraging These Marketing Cover Letters

While these cover letter examples can serve as excellent templates, it’s crucial to customize and personalize it to fit your particular situation. Here are some tips for leveraging these marketing cover letters:

Analyze the job description – It’s essential to understand the requirements and responsibilities of the position you’re applying for so you can tailor your cover letter to address them. Make sure you showcase how your skills and experiences align with the job requirements.

Highlight your unique value proposition – What makes you stand out from other candidates? Make sure to showcase your unique qualifications and how they can add value to the position you’re applying for.

Be concise and to the point – Keep your marketing cover letter brief and to the point. The hiring manager shouldn’t have to read more than one page.

C. Analyzing the Structure, Style, and Content of Sample Marketing Cover Letters

The structure, style, and content of your marketing cover letter can make or break your chances of getting hired. Here’s how you can analyze them:

Structure – Your marketing cover letter should start with a captivating introduction, followed by your qualifications, experiences, and how they align with the job requirements. Lastly, end your cover letter with a compelling call to action.

Style – Use a professional and conversational tone in your cover letter.

Tips for Writing a Successful Marketing Cover Letter

Crafting a marketing cover letter that stands out from the rest can be a challenging task. However, with the right approach and a bit of creativity, you can write a compelling cover letter that will grab the attention of potential employers. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Highlight your achievements and skills

The goal of your cover letter is to demonstrate to the employer how you can add value to their organization. Therefore, it’s important to highlight your achievements and skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you’ve successfully executed a marketing campaign that resulted in increased sales or engagement, mention it in your cover letter.

2. Research the company

It’s essential to research the company you’re applying to before writing your cover letter. This will give you a better understanding of their values, mission, and products/services. Use this information to tailor your cover letter to show the employer how you can contribute to their organization.

3. Be concise

Keep your cover letter brief and to the point. Employers receive dozens of applications, so you want to make sure that your cover letter stands out without being too lengthy. Ideally, your cover letter should be no longer than one page.

4. Use a professional tone

Your cover letter should be written in a professional tone. Avoid using casual language or slang. Instead, use formal language and proper grammar.

5. Show your passion for marketing

Employers want to hire someone who is passionate about their work. Use your cover letter to demonstrate your enthusiasm for marketing and the industry as a whole.

6. Include a strong call-to-action

End your cover letter with a strong call-to-action. This shows the employer that you’re serious about the job and that you’re eager to hear back from them. For example, you could express your interest in scheduling an interview or ask to discuss your qualifications further.

Writing a successful marketing cover letter requires a combination of research, skill, and creativity. By highlighting your achievements, tailoring your letter to the company, being concise and professional, demonstrating your passion for marketing, and including a strong call-to-action, you’re sure to impress potential employers and increase your chances of landing an interview.

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More from ResumeHead

15 Cover Letter Templates to Perfect Your Next Job Application

Published: August 10, 2022

Are cover letters necessary? I'm not in HR, but I've been approached by applicants who wondered whether their cover letter would actually be read. My answer is one not many of them wanted to hear: "sometimes." Sometimes it will be read. Other times, you can get away with just sending in your resume — like when you network your way into applying for a position.

The truth is, you can't really predict on a case-by-case basis — and you're better safe than sorry. For the most part, having a cover letter will give you an upper hand in ways your resume doesn't. It allows you to show off your writing skills, provide details that you couldn't fit on your resume, demonstrate your passion, and show your willingness to put in as much time and effort as possible.

If you’ve ever rolled your eyes or balked at an application that required a cover letter, this guide is for you. We’ll go over how to write a cover letter and provide cover letter templates to help you perfect your own.

Application Letter

An application letter is a written document addressed to an employer by a job applicant, explaining why they're interested in and qualified for an open position. More commonly known as a cover letter, this document can come in the form of an email, MS Word document, or similar application template offered by the employer.

Seems fairly basic, right? Cover letters can hold different levels of importance to an employer depending on the industry you're in and the job you're applying for. According to a CareerBuilder survey, 49% of recruiters say sendign a cover letter along with your resume boosts your chance of landing the role.

If you do plan to write a cover letter, keep in mind there are certain qualities it should have that are not included in the definition above.

5 Free Cover Letter Templates

Five fill-in-the-blank cover letter templates to help you impress recruiters.

• Standard Cover Letter Template
• Entry-Level Cover Letter Template
• Data-Driven Cover Letter Template

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

What to Include in a Cover Letter

So, what should you include? We'll let the 11 templates below this list do most of the talking. No matter which one you download, pay attention to the following elements — all of which should shine through in the letter you send to your future manager.

Fill out this form to access your templates.

1. contact information.

Cover letters shouldn't just carry your contact information, but also that of the company to which you're applying. Contact info includes your phone number, email address, and any social media accounts you're willing to share and receive connections to.

Home addresses aren't required, but they can be a helpful reassurance to the employer that you already live nearby and would have no trouble coming into the office.

Avoid offering phone numbers, email addresses, or actual addresses that belong to your current employer. Using your personal Gmail address over your work email, for example, ensures your correspondence with recruiters remains separate from all of your current work communication.

2. A Personal Address Line

For as often as you see "to whom it may concern" at the top of cover letters today, do your best to avoid writing this exhausted line.

Address lines that specify a person or company grab your reader's attention much more quickly, and show the employer that you've taken the time to tailor your application letter to them. Don't have the name of the hiring manager? "Employers at [company name]" will do just fine.

A "hook" is a clever introduction that "hooks" your reader into wanting to learn more. Think about yourself as a job candidate — what makes you unique? What about your career might a recruiter be intrigued by that you can package into an interesting first sentence?

4. Why You're Qualified

It's a no-brainer that you should summarize your professional experience in your cover letter. However, today's best applications describe why this experience qualifies the applicant for the job they're applying for. For example, don't just state that you spent three years writing for a company blog. Explain that this type of work lends itself to managing your new potential employer's content calendar every week.

5. General Knowledge of the Business

Grammatical errors could mean your application is thrown in the trash, but that's not the only thing that could get your letter tossed aside. Using a generic "one-size-fits-all" cover letter — especially if you forget to change the name of the company — will also hurt your chances of landing an interview.

So, if you take the time to write a cover letter, take the time to comment on the business itself. Why are you applying to this company? What about their business stuck out to you as a professional?

Now, let's take a look at an example cover letter , what makes it effective, along with 11 templates you can download or draw inspiration from.

Cover Letter Example

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The example above illustrates how to write a marketing cover letter using the elements we listed.

Besides the contact information and the address line, the first few paragraphs explain why the candidate is qualified for the position. This example uses specific data to show why they would be a good fit.

Additionally, in the second to last paragraph, the candidate discusses why they're interested in the specific company, demonstrating general knowledge of the business.

By combining all the elements to a cover letter, this is a great example to use for inspiration.

Featured Resource: 5 Professional Cover Letter Templates

14 Free Cover Letter Templates for Your Next Job Application

Template 1: basic.

The example above is a basic (but great) cover letter. The numbered sections are explained in more detail below.

The level of formality your header has will depend on the company to which you apply. If you're applying to a formal business, it's important to use a formal header to open your cover letter, like in the sample above. Put your address, the date, and the company's address. But if you're applying to a company that isn't as formal, you don't need to include yours and the company's addresses. You can still include the date, though.

2. Greeting

Using "To Whom It May Concern" is okay, but you may want to take the time to research the name of the recruiter or hiring manager online. If you do your research and aren't confident you found the right name, then you should definitely use the generic greeting — but if you are sure, then it shows you put in the effort to find their name and it will catch the recruiter's eye.

If you have the recruiter's name, do you greet them by their full name, or by their courtesy title (i.e. Mr., Ms., or Mrs.)? Similar to the header, it depends on the company's level of formality. If you're applying to a corporate business, you may want to consider using "Mr. Snaper" instead of "Jon Snaper." If you're applying to a start-up or a business with a more casual culture, you can use "Jon Snaper," as shown in the example.

3. Introduction

Your opening paragraph should, in 1-3 sentences, state why you're excited to apply and what makes you the perfect candidate. Get right to the point, and don't worry about explaining where you found the posting or who you know at the company. This isn't a place to go into detail about why you're a great candidate — that's for the second paragraph. Here, simply list a few key reasons in one sentence to set up the rest of your letter. Keep in mind that the recruiter may cross-reference your cover letter with your resume, so make sure the two sync up.

4. Paragraph 2: Why You're a Great Fit for the Job

Next, sell yourself and your experience by choosing one or two concrete examples that show why you're a great fit for the position. What did you do at a previous company that gave you relevant experience? Which projects have you worked on that would benefit the new company? How will your prior experience help this company grow? Stay humble in your explanation of credentials while still showing that you would be an asset to the team. Use this paragraph to show you're genuinely excited and interested in the position.

5. Third Paragraph: Why the Company Is a Great Fit for You

While it's certainly important you're a good fit for the job, it's also important that the company is a good fit for you. "A cover letter typically describes why you're great for a company — but how will you benefit from getting hired?" asks former HubSpot Team Development Manager Emily MacIntyre . "We want to know why our company appeals to you, and how it will be a mutually beneficial working relationship."

In the third paragraph, show you're serious about growing and developing your career at this new company. What impresses and excites you about the company? Is there something that you feel strongly about that aligns with the company's goals? For example, the candidate in the sample letter used this space to show his personal commitment to environmental causes aligns with the company's green initiatives.

6. Strong Closer and Signature

Don't get lazy in the final few sentences of your cover letter — it's important to finish strong. Be straightforward about your interest and enthusiasm about the new position, and tell them you're available to talk about the opportunity at any time. Be sure to include your phone number and email address. At this point, the ball is (rightly) in the recruiter's court to decide how to follow up.

Last but certainly not least, thank them for their time and consideration. Use a formal sign-off like "Best," "All the best," or "Sincerely," and finish by typing out your full name. You don't need to sign it with a pen.

Template 2: Data-Driven Marketing Cover Letter

Get it here..

When applying to a data-driven position, it might be tempting to inject your cover letter with, well, the data to describe what you've done for other employers. But in an application letter — particularly for the marketing industry — how you convey this data is just as important as the data itself.

The cover letter template above, which we created here at HubSpot, can help you present the data that's most important to you as a candidate such that it'll matter to your future employer.

Notice the three bullet points near the center of the letter above, preceded by the statement: "... I've developed a strategy that has helped the company achieve ..." This setup is important, because while you can add as many statistics as you want to this template, your data points should describe how your current/former business benefited from your work, rather than how you, yourself, benefited.

Template 3: Straight-to-the-Point Cover Letter

Harvard Business Review contributor David Silverman hailed the above cover letter example as "The Best Cover Letter I Ever Received." For context, Silverman believes there are only a handful of times when writing a cover letter is actually necessary:

• When you know the name of the hiring manager.
• When you know something about what the job requires.
• When you've been referred to the job personally.

Under those three circumstances, a straight-to-the-point cover letter like the one above could be your best bet. Because it's so concise, however, make a point to add your own letterhead above the message itself. It might be easy for a recruiter to sift through a short and sweet cover letter like the one above, but it's just as easy for it to get lost in the shuffle of their application list without a unique design or format.

Template 4: Referral Cover Letter

Just because a friend or colleague recommended you for a job doesn't mean the company is all set to hire you. Therefore, the cover letter template above is written specifically for referrals. We made this one here at HubSpot. Download it here (it comes with four other cover letter templates , too).

As you can see in the picture above, the first paragraph of the cover letter is dedicated entirely to acknowledging the circumstances of your applying: You know someone who works there — no harm in that. But there might be harm in not mentioning it to the hiring manager. Telling the reader about your connection at the company shows you're aware and confident of the actions you take to get the opportunities you're interested in.

Ultimately, it's better than the recruiter hearing about your employee connection from somebody else.

As for the rest of the cover letter, treat your message the same way you would if you had applied with no connection from within. Your skills and successes are no less important because of your internal referral.

Template 5: Photo Letterhead Cover Letter

The cover letter template above was designed by Microsoft Office, and as comprehensive as it looks, it's completely free to download and modify.

As it looks right now, this cover letter contains about half photo, half text. Feel free to shrink (and change) the image to give yourself more room to tell your story. Of course, a nice washed-out image that expresses who you are can be part of that story ...

Template 6: Digital Creative Cover Letter

This sixth template is perfect for the applicant who wants to emphasize the many different digital channels they areon. This template goes well with a resume of the same format.

As you personalize this letter with your own experience, make note of the social networks and industry software included in this template. You'll see there’s additional space along the top to add your LinkedIn and personal website to fill with your own information.

You can improve upon this template by formatting your most important highlights and accomplishments with bullet points. This will make the document easier to read for the hiring manager and emphasizes the value you provide.

Template 7: Marketing Manager Cover Letter

Our seventh cover letter comes from Monster.com. This cover letter, shown above, is focused specifically on a marketing role.

Notice how the writer includes references to important marketing metrics and terminology. If you're applying to a data-driven role, you might not want to fill the page with a story of your experience in paragraph form, like Template 1 does at the beginning of this article. Instead, consider highlighting three (or four, or five) of your successes that you believe the hiring manager would resonate most with, in bulleted form.

As a marketing professional, breaking up your letter with bulleted details like the ones above shows a respect for the hiring manager's limited time — a mentality that all marketers must understand when communicating with a brand's audience.

Template 8: Career Day Follow-Up Cover Letter

This is a unique kind of cover letter from Princeton University.

LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Monster, and Indeed might take the lion's share of your job searches online, but still some employment opportunities come out of a trade show, job fair, or similar networking event. For those occurrences, you have the follow-up cover letter template above.

This cover letter has everything you need to help an employer recall a conversation you had with him/her at a career fair. As you can see in the second paragraph, the letter is particularly useful to people who are about to graduate college.

Template 9: Logo and Watermarked Cover Letter

Here's another cover letter template from Microsoft Office. This one has a light touch of color in the design just above the letterhead, but make no mistake — the template caters to any professional looking to make a good first impression on their future employer.

Don't let the logo space on the top-right of the page confuse you. This can be the logo of the company to which you're applying — to quickly get the attention of the recruiter — or your own logo. Perhaps you freelance on the side or simply like branding yourself. This cover letter template is meant for customization.

Template 10: Data Scientist Cover Letter

This is our second template from Princeton University. While this is focused on a data scientist role, it is an excellent template to use for students applying to jobs prior to graduation.

The text emphasizes how the applicant’s academic research and projects makes them an ideal candidate for the position. The format is also simple enough to submit as a pdf, as text in an email message or an application text box.

Template 11: Business Cover Letter

The cover letter template above is perfect for entry- and mid-level marketers who want to show a little extra professionalism in their opening note to a potential employer.

The multi-colored header (you can change the color if you wish) shows just the right amount of creativity and can go quite well with a resume of the same style. If you don't have enough experience to fill the entire page, don't worry. Feel free to write to a length you think is representative of who you are and what the hiring manager wants to see.

No matter how long your final cover letter is, the above template is your opportunity to show your attention to detail — from your contact information in the top header, to the personalized address line where you can include the name of the hiring manager. Like we said, "to whom it may concern" is pretty outdated, anyway.

Template 12: Entry-Level Cover Letter

The cover letter template above, written by HubSpot, is specifically designed for entry-level applicants.

When you only have a few years experience, it's important to display how you gained your skills and what you learned from your education or internships. Additionally, it's important to mention why you want to work at the company you're applying to.

No matter your experience, the template above will help you decide what skills you want to highlight and flesh out in your cover letter.

You can download it here (it comes with four other cover letter templates , too).

Template 13: Healthcare Cover Letter

Additionally, phrases like "I'd love to put my skills to work for your clinic" and "Please contact me at your convenience and let me know how I can help you" focus on what the business will gain as a result of hiring the applicant, rather than what the applicant is looking to gain.

Template 14: Freelance Cover Letter

If you're looking for freelance work, your biggest goal is to get your strengths across quickly, so busy clients won't pass by your cover letter entirely. Additionally, if you're sending out multiple cover letters to different clients, you'll want to target each one to that client's unique goals.

For instance, if one client is looking for SEO-optimized content related to marketing, you'll want to highlight past experience writing marketing content; this will change if, for instance, the client is looking for fitness content.

For this reason, it's a good idea to structure your cover letter so you start with a) past credentials or references, and b) bullet-point information related to the client's goal, as shown in the cover letter above.

Template 15: Director Cover Letter

In the cover letter above, the candidate does a good job outlining how she succeeded in a leadership role previously: "For the past five years, I have successfully developed and maintained all data systems, including schedules and records for a business employing more than 100 people."

You'll want to demonstrate how your skills align with a Director position — both through organization and leadership — and, when possible, where you received recognition for your hard work (i.e. "I earned an award for Most Valuable Administrative Staff Member").

Write a Winning Cover Letter

Writing a cover letter is easier said than done. Don't hesitate to spend a lot of time writing and editing it. Tap into the incredible potential of AI tools, such as the HubSpot paragraph rewriter , to infuse each paragraph with a flawless touch of excellence. Or, ask a friend or family member to read it over and give you feedback. If the recruiter does end up reading it, you'll be thankful you did.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in November 2014 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

Don't forget to share this post!

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How to Write a Product Marketing Manager Cover Letter (With Template)

Key takeaways

• A cover letter can be the most important element in a job application. Ensuring your profile stands out to recruiters is crucial to your professional success.
• A well-tailored cover letter should provide relevant information clearly and concisely. Focus on detailing your skills and why you are the right person for that specific role.
• The included Product Marketing Manager cover letter template provides an easy starting point to craft your own cover letters. Adapt and personalize it to fit your profile.

A well-written cover letter is key to quickly getting the attention of prospective employers. Among countless job seekers, resumes, and application letters, yours need to stand out on first impression if you want to ensure your job search   translates to a new role .

In this post, you will discover:

• Reasons why a well-crafted cover letter is key to professional success, from entry-level roles to senior positions
• Cover letter do’s and dont’s
• A Product Marketing Manager sample cover letter you can easily adapt and personalize

A well-tailored   cover letter : The key to   job application   success

Ensuring you know how to write a cover letter that is clear, informative, and tailored to the role you are applying to will benefit you in many ways. Well-crafted cover letters have many benefits, which include:

• Showcasing relevance:   Tailoring your cover letter allows you to emphasize the most relevant skills, experiences, and achievements that align with the specific job requirements. This immediately captures the attention of the   talent acquisition   team, recruiters, or human resources reps.
• Demonstrating research:   A good cover letter conveys your understanding of the organization's needs and illustrates how you can contribute to its success, signaling to potential employers that you've done your homework.
• Telling your story:   Each job application is unique, and a tailored cover letter enables you to craft a personalized narrative. It lets you connect your professional journey with the role's specific challenges and opportunities, making your application more compelling.
• Highlighting cultural fit:   Your cover letter allows you to address the company's values, mission, and culture. By aligning your experiences and values with those of the organization, you demonstrate a cultural fit and convey your enthusiasm for being part of the team.
• Addressing specific requirements:   Job postings often include   specific skills or qualifications   the employer is seeking. Tailoring your cover letter enables you to address these requirements directly, showcasing how you possess the desired attributes and can meet the company's expectations.

Cover letter tips

A great cover letter should reflect your professional profile and personality. However, no matter what your cover letter's content is, the tips below will help ensure the message you want to convey is clear and easily accessible to hiring managers.

• Keep it concise:   Aim for a cover letter length of 250-400 words. Be succinct in presenting your qualifications and experiences.
• Use a clean layout:   Opt for a professional and clean cover letter format with a standard font (e.g., Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman) and a font size of 10-12 points.
• Include   contact information :   Provide your contact information at the top of the cover letter, including your name, phone number, and professional email address.
• Use   headers   and sections:   Organize your cover letter into clear sections with headers such as Introduction, Work Experience, and Achievements for easy readability.
• Maintain a professional tone:   Keep the tone of your cover letter professional and upbeat. Avoid overly casual language, and focus on showcasing your skills and experiences.
• Use keywords:   Incorporate relevant keywords from the Agile Project Manager   job description   and company website into your cover letter. This can help your application pass through   applicant tracking systems (ATS)   used by many employers.
• Highlight achievements with bullet points:   Use bullet points to list specific accomplishments or notable projects. This makes it easier for the reader to grasp your accomplishments quickly.
• Use quantifiable data:   Whenever possible, include quantifiable data to demonstrate the impact of your achievements. Numbers provide concrete evidence of your contributions.
• Match company tone:   Adapt your writing style to match the tone of the company and industry. Research the company's culture to strike the right balance between professionalism and personality.
• Showcase company knowledge:   Demonstrate your understanding of the company by referencing its values, mission, or recent achievements. Explain why you're excited about the opportunity to work for this specific organization.
• Address employment gaps (if applicable):   If you have employment gaps, briefly address them in a positive light, focusing on any skills or experiences gained during those periods.
• Proofread   thoroughly:   Eliminate typos and grammatical errors by proofreading your cover letter multiple times. Consider using tools like Grammarly to catch any overlooked mistakes and ensure your English (or any language you use) is correct.
• Include a   call to action :   Conclude your cover letter with a call to action, expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity and indicating your readiness for an interview.
• Follow submission instructions:   If there are specific instructions for submitting the cover letter, such as naming conventions or document formats, ensure that you adhere to them.
• Save as a PDF:   Save your cover letter as a PDF before submitting it. This ensures that the formatting remains consistent across different devices and software.

While understanding the correct steps to write a cover letter is crucial to your professional success, knowing what mistakes to avoid is equally important. The best cover letter can easily be made useless by a tiny blunder. Avoid making the mistakes listed below; you will be halfway to your new job.

• Don't use a generic greeting:   Avoid generic salutations like "To whom it may concern," “Dear sir or madam, “ or “Dear hiring manager.“ Whenever possible, address the cover letter to a specific person.
• Don't repeat your resume:   An effective cover letter should complement your resume, not duplicate it. Focus on specific experiences and achievements that showcase your qualifications for the role.
• Don't exaggerate or lie:   Be truthful in your cover letter. Exaggerating your qualifications or providing false information can harm your chances and damage your professional reputation.
• Don't use unprofessional email addresses:   Ensure that the email address you use in your contact information is professional. Avoid using nicknames or unprofessional terms.
• Don't include irrelevant information:   Keep your cover letter focused on the job. Avoid including unrelated personal details or experiences that do not contribute to your suitability for the role.
• Don't use jargon unnecessarily:   While demonstrating your knowledge is essential, avoid unnecessary jargon that may confuse the reader. Use clear and straightforward language.
• Don't sound overly eager:   Expressing enthusiasm is positive but can easily feel unauthentic if overdone.

Remember, the goal of a practical cover letter is to present your qualifications in a clear, organized, and compelling manner while adhering to professional standards.

How to structure your Product Marketing Manager   cover letter

Begin your cover letter for the   Product Marketing Manager   position at [Company Name] by expressing your genuine interest in the role. Convey your passion for strategic marketing and your eagerness to lead efforts in promoting and positioning products effectively. If relevant, mention any professional connections or referrals that have influenced your decision to apply for this key marketing position.

About your current role

Share insights into how you've crafted compelling product narratives, collaborated with cross-functional teams, and contributed to the overall success of marketing campaigns. Detail your role in creating impactful messaging, positioning products in the market, and driving demand.

Connect your current responsibilities and ongoing projects to the value you can bring to the new role, underscoring your expertise in the full product marketing lifecycle and your skill in translating product features into compelling marketing messages.

About your experience

List your experience as a Product Marketing Manager, emphasizing your ability to develop and execute successful marketing strategies. Describe your hands-on experience managing product marketing initiatives. Showcase your proficiency in market analysis, customer segmentation, and your commitment to continuous improvement in marketing strategies. 

Clearly communicate that your skills and preparation for the Product Marketing Manager role are well-established, and highlight any transferable skills you've cultivated throughout your marketing   career path .

Notable achievements

Highlight specific accomplishments that demonstrate your effectiveness as a Product Marketing Manager. Whether it's successfully launching a product campaign that exceeded targets, improving brand visibility, or developing innovative marketing collateral, succinctly outline these achievements. Quantify your impact where possible and articulate how your contributions positively influenced the product and the organization's market position.

Why you want to work there

Mention specific elements of the company's marketing philosophy, mission, and values that resonate with you. Convey how these align with your professional goals and how you envision contributing to the company's success as a Product Marketing Manager. Make a connection between your passion for impactful product marketing and the company's unique attributes that make it an ideal fit for your career aspirations. Express your motivations with depth while maintaining conciseness.

Specific projects or initiatives that motivated you to apply

Demonstrate your understanding of the organization by referencing specific product marketing-related projects or initiatives that have caught your attention. Establish connections between these initiatives and your skills and experiences, emphasizing how your contributions align with the company's marketing goals. This demonstrates genuine interest and reflects your proactive approach to aligning with the company's mission.

Conclude your cover letter by expressing your excitement about the possibility of contributing to the company's success as a Product Marketing Manager. Reiterate your enthusiasm for discussing in more detail how your skills align with the company's marketing objectives. Encourage the reader to   reach out with any questions   and sign off with a friendly yet professional salutation.

Product Marketing Manager   cover letter template

Dear [Hiring Manager’s name],

I am writing to express my sincere interest in the Product Marketing Manager position at [Company Name], as advertised. With a solid background in product marketing strategy, market analysis, and cross-functional collaboration, I am eager to bring my skills and strategic thinking to your dynamic team.

About my current role

In my current position as [Your Current Position] at [Current Company], I have:

• Led the development and execution of product marketing strategies, resulting in a [percentage] improvement in product awareness and market penetration.
• Collaborated closely with cross-functional teams, including product management, sales, and creative, to ensure alignment between product features, marketing messaging, and customer needs.
• Successfully launched [specific product or feature], contributing to a [measurable outcome] increase in product adoption and revenue growth.

About my Product Marketing Manager experience

My experience extends to:

• Conducting market research and competitive analysis to inform product positioning and marketing strategies.
• Developing and implementing go-to-market plans for new product launches and major feature updates.
• Creating compelling marketing collateral, including product messaging, presentations, and sales enablement materials.

Some of my notable achievements include:

• Developing and executing a product repositioning strategy that resulted in a [measurable outcome] increase in market share and customer engagement.
• Leading the development of a customer-focused product launch campaign that exceeded revenue expectations by [percentage].
• Establishing and maintaining effective relationships with key stakeholders, including sales teams and external partners.

Why I want to work for [Company]

I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] due to its reputation for [mention aspects unique to the company and are a core part of its mission and values such as commitment to innovation, dedication to customer satisfaction, fostering a collaborative work culture,...]. I am excited to contribute my strategic product marketing skills and leadership to support your organization in achieving its product and business goals.

Specific projects or initiatives of [Company] that motivated me to apply

In researching [Company Name], I was impressed by your recent initiatives in [specific project or achievement]. I believe my background in product marketing aligns seamlessly with your organizational objectives. My passion for developing and promoting innovative products and my commitment to delivering high-quality results would make me a valuable addition to your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to further discuss how my skills and experiences align with the Product Marketing Manager role at [Company Name]. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your team's success.

[Your Full Name]

Get your career rolling with Deel

Your job application is your chance to tell your professional story, and a well-tailored cover letter is your narrative's opening chapter. Remember that personalization is key. Make each word count, emphasizing how your background uniquely positions you as the ideal candidate, and get your dream job. 

Looking for even more inspiration?   Discover how to write a stellar cover letter in 5 steps .

Discover more tips and tools to help boost your career further and climb the steps to your dream job on   the get-hired content hub .

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How to Write an Incredible Cover Letter

A comprehensive guide on the best structure for your cover letter, what to include and tips to make your application stand-out.

Cover Letter Structure

While a resume merely states facts about you, the cover letter allows you to tell the full story of why you’re the ideal candidate for the job.

This article will walk you through how to write the best cover letter to maximize your chances of getting through to the next stage of the application process. To provide a detailed example, it will focus on a cover letter for the McKinsey business analyst role.

Generally, a cover letter is structured in the following way:

• Why this company/ position
• Why you're the right candidate

Those paragraphs should make up a one-page cover letter and it’s not recommended to have anything longer than that. Remember to break the letter down into a few paragraphs so that it is easy for the recruiters to read and navigate.

Let’s get into the details of each section.

Cover Letter Header

The header is fairly straight forward. On one side you will have the recruiter’s contact details, and on the other side you’ll have yours. (See the picture below for the layout). Remember to keep the email appropriate and formal, probably best not to use the one you created when you were 12.

If you don’t know the recruiter’s information don’t worry, either put the name and address of the company, or just delete that section.

Cover Letter Opening

The first big section is the introduction, where you want to explain who you are. For example, you could be a third year student at Harvard University majoring in Economics, or a working professional in Google’s engineering team. Then, you want to mention the specific position you’re applying to and show enthusiasm.

It is also common to have a hook here to grab the attention of the recruiter. This could be mentioning an accomplishment, recent news about the company, or it’s popular to mention a mutual connection if you have one. This could be as simple as “after attending a career fair at my university and speaking with Bill Smith, a management consultant at McKinsey, I was very impressed to hear about McKinsey’s unique company culture. Specifically…” .

By writing this the person is able to demonstrate that they’ve done their homework, as they’ve gone out of their way to meet McKinsey representatives at a career fair, and even managed to talk with Bill about what the company’s culture is like. It also encourages the recruiter to keep reading in order to find out what this applicant means by McKinsey’s unique company culture.

If you can use a hook, that’s great, but it’s not going to damage your cover letter if you don’t include one.

Why this Company & Position

In this section you want to explain your motivations for applying to this role. When doing research for this part it’s useful to read the companies about page, and the job description. For example, if you were applying to McKinsey’s business analyst role, from their website you could discover that the company places a big emphasis on developing their employees, since they provide training, mentoring, and leadership opportunities.

• Why this company. Mention your findings from the website by saying “I am attracted to McKinsey as junior employees receive training, mentoring, and substantial responsibilities to continue growing their career at the company” .
• Why this role. Look at some of the bullet points that describe the tasks and requirements of the position. For the McKinsey role the description indicates a focus on problem solving, working with teams, and presenting effectively. From this you could write “the business analyst role is particularly appealing to me as it offers the challenge of solving complex problems, the opportunity to collaborate as a team, and the chance to communicate our findings effectively to senior management” .
• Bonus answer. Mention specific news articles that the company you’re applying to has been involved in. For example, in the case of McKinsey, it could be some of the strategic solutions that they proposed to a client and how that’s changed their negative dynamic into a more positive one. Also, if you name drop specific clients they’ve worked with and helped improve, that shows you’ve done your homework. This is important as you want to show that your cover letter is tailored for McKinsey, and not just a generic one.

Why you are the Ideal Candidate

This section is essentially your sales pitch. It’s where you highlight why you, this company, and this position are the perfect match.

• Look at the job description and requirements. For the McKinsey business analyst role, the description shows that they are looking for people that can break down and solve problems through quantitative analysis, and that they should be comfortable with ambiguous and ever-changing situations.
• Find relevant personal examples. For instance, this could be “this past summer, I interned at an NGO fighting poverty, where I was involved in solving the complicated logistics of delivering perishable food to people in need across the city. I created an excel model that predicted the departure and arrival times of each food container, allowing us to efficiently transport food to over 50,000 people, with savings worth $10,000 a year.”

This example is made up, but it highlights that you tackled a complicated problem that was ever-changing, by applying excel, an analytical tool to solve it. The answer also quantifies the results to give the recruiter an idea of size and detailed context.

As you can see from this example, even though McKinsey is a management consulting company and this internship was at an NGO, if presented in this way, there are quite a few transferable skills. Whilst this is an example of a job, it could be an extracurricular project or university coursework if you don’t have much work experience yet.

• Avoid this common mistake. Don't apologize for a lack of experience. People often put “although I have limited professional experience, I believe that my relevant courses in university provide the necessary knowledge to succeed in this position” . However, there’s no need to mention that you have limited professional experience as you are just highlighting your weaknesses when they haven’t even asked for it.
• Pull on the educational experience you already have. For example, “I’m excited to apply the business theory I have learned at university in a practical environment such as this business analyst position” . Now instead of highlighting your weaknesses, you’re able to show how you can transfer your theoretical skills into practical ones.

There’s no clear rule on how many paragraphs this section should be, so as long as it strengthens your application and doesn’t go over the 1-page mark, feel free to include it. However, try not repeat your resume in bulk, just highlight certain positions and skills you gained for them, and only add experiences that are relevant for the job.

Cover Letter Closing

There are two main things you want to address in the closing section. First, you want to reiterate that you’re the right candidate for the role, and then thank the recruiters for their time.

The first part could be something along the lines of “I am confident that my background, education, and work experience will yield the right set of skills for the Business Analyst role at McKinsey in NYC.” This briefly summarizes the points you’ve mentioned in the cover letter, and clearly states which role you are applying for, creating a full loop from the introduction paragraph.

For the second part, this only needs to be a brief sentence, along the lines of “thank you very much for your time and consideration in reviewing my application.”

Once you have a cover letter and a storyline that you’re happy with, then you can recycle its content. For example, you can take a portion of the cover letter when sending out a cold email asking for a job, or you can also use it to answer the “tell me about yourself” question during an interview, or even have it on your LinkedIn “about” page.

Taking the time to draft a strong cover letter is important as it can become a useful resource.

Finally, do you need to update your cover letter for each application you send?

Ideally, you would have a few different cover letter templates by industry. For example, if you’re a business student interested in finance, accounting, and consulting, you’d have three different templates. Obviously, the skills for an accounting and consulting job will differ quite a bit so it makes sense to have different templates. However, if you’re looking at two management consulting jobs at Deloitte and at EY , they probably have similar requirements, and you can getaway with using the same template and modifying a few words here and there.

Many people recommend that you tailor your cover letter to each application, but realistically if you’re applying to 50 roles, it will take you a while and it won’t necessarily be time efficient to make 50 completely different cover letters.

Additional Resources

If you want to develop the technical skills you'll need to become a stronger job applicant, take a look at our Excel for Business & Finance Course , our Complete Finance & Valuation Course and other courses using the get started button below.

Other Articles You Might Find Helpful

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• Career Planning
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• Cover Letters

How to Structure a Cover Letter

What to include in each part of a cover letter.

The Structure of a Cover Letter

• What to Include in a Cover Letter

Sending an Email Cover Letter

Cover letter template and example.

When  writing a cover letter  to apply for a job, it's important to include all the requisite information clearly and efficiently.

Your cover letter is a way to grab the hiring manager's attention and it's important to be sure that it's polished, professional, and complete with the information the reader expects to see. If any elements are missing, it could even disqualify you from consideration for the job.

A cover letter is comprised of several sections: your contact information, a salutation, the body of the cover letter, an appropriate closing, and a signature.

Review the structure of a cover letter, what to include in each part, and examples.

Your Contact Information

• What to include: The first section or header includes your contact information: name, address, phone or cell phone number, and your email address. It has also become common to include your LinkedIn address so that employers can immediately access your professional profile, resume, and networking contacts.  In an email, you can also list your contact info below your signature.
• Choose a style: Go with a simple block, centered header, or get a little fancy with the design if you're sending a hard copy. 
• Keep it professional: Also, keep in mind that your email address should sound simple and professional. Ideally, it would look like “[email protected].” Never use a “cutesy” email address that refers to your hobbies or political opinions or is off-color—your email address needs to reflect your professional identity, not your sense of humor.

You may want to create an email account dedicated solely to your career search. It can be easier to track all your correspondence when you have a dedicated email address for job hunting.

Employer Contact Information

• You can also include the employer's contact information. This is most appropriate to include on a formal, hard copy cover letter submitted through snail mail or by hand.
• If you are sending a job application by email or through an employer’s online application system, it is not as necessary to include this contact information.
• As a general rule of thumb for email applications, use the formal contact address if you know it, but don’t worry too much about omitting it otherwise.

Cover Letter Salutation

Although you may not need to know whom to address when sending a cover letter via email, getting a name to address your letter to is important. Do your research to avoid having to use the generic " To Whom It May Concern " or "Dear Sir or Madam," which can make things look like you didn't make an effort to learn more about the job or the employer. The best ways to learn contact names are to call an organization’s front office or to review their website.

To get in gear, review samples of  cover letter salutations . If you can't find a contact person, there are options you can use instead .

Cover Letter Body

The body of your cover letter lets the employer know what position you are applying for, why the employer should select you for an interview, and how you will follow up. This section of your cover letter includes:

• First paragraph : Why you are writing. This is "the grab," your chance to grasp your reader by the collar and get their attention. Offer some specific, focused information regarding the job you're seeking and a few core strengths that demonstrate your suitability for the position.
• Second paragraph : What you have to offer the employer .  This is your hook where you highlight examples of the work performed and achieved results. Draw on your key competencies from your resume, although don't copy it word for word. Bullet points in this paragraph are extremely effective in drawing your reader's eye to your successes.
• Third paragraph : Your knowledge of the company. Show that you did your research and know something about the business and how you can contribute to its mission.
• Fourth paragraph : Your closing. Summarize what you would bring to the position and suggest next steps by requesting a meeting or suggesting a call.

You can boldface quantifiable achievements like YOY sales figures in order to make these “pop” on the page.

Finish your letter with a formal closing like "Sincerely" or "Yours truly." A cover letter is professional correspondence, so don't use informal closings like "Cheers" in the letters you write to apply for jobs.

Your Signature 

How you sign your cover letter will depend if you're sending a paper or email letter. If you're sending a paper letter, type your name after the salutation, leaving a space for your handwritten signature. If you're sending an email cover letter, type your name and contact information after your salutation.

Signature for a Hard Copy Letter Example

Mary Barnes (Your Signature)

Mary Barnes

Email Letter Signature Example

Mary Barnes Address City, State Zip Email Phone

When you're sending a cover letter via email, include your name and the job you're applying for in the subject line of the message. That way, you'll be sure your message gets opened and read.

Subject: Mary Barnes - Marketing Assistant Position

Download a cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Cover Letter Example

Lucius Applicant 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 lucius.applicant@email.com

August 12, 2020

William Lee Lead Mechanic Acme Auto 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321 

Dear Mr. Lee:

I’m writing to apply for the position of diesel mechanic at the City Transit Agency, as advertised on the city’s careers web page. I’ve included my resume for your consideration.

In addition to experience as a diesel mechanic, I have an excellent knowledge of gasoline engines and electric systems, and I hold a CDL drivers license. Most recently, I worked for Trailer Transfer in Middletown as their lead diesel mechanic. While I was there, I developed a training program for new hires. However, I had to leave my job due to a move to your city.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I will follow up next week to see if I can offer any more information about my skills and experience. My cell phone is 555-555-5555 and my email is lucius.applicant@email.com. 

Best regards,

Lucius Applicant (Signature hard copy letter)

Lucius Applicant

Need more examples? Here are more cover letter examples , including templates you can customize to create your own cover letters.

Marketing Specialist Cover Letter Example

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Start your Marketing Specialist cover letter by addressing the hiring manager directly, if possible. Then, introduce yourself and briefly mention your current role or relevant experience. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the role you're applying for and the company. For instance, "Dear [Hiring Manager's Name], I am a passionate Marketing Specialist with over 5 years of experience in creating and implementing successful marketing strategies. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my unique blend of creative and analytical skills to [Company Name]." This approach shows that you've done your research and are genuinely interested in the company. It also immediately highlights your relevant experience, making the hiring manager want to learn more about you.

The best way for Marketing Specialists to end a cover letter is with a strong closing statement that reinforces their interest in the role, summarizes their qualifications, and expresses enthusiasm for potential next steps. For example, "I am excited about the opportunity to bring my unique blend of creativity, analytical skills, and marketing experience to your team. I am confident that I can contribute significantly to your marketing efforts and look forward to the possibility of discussing my candidacy further." This approach leaves a lasting impression, reiterates your suitability for the role, and shows eagerness to move forward in the hiring process. Remember to end with a professional sign-off like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name.

In a cover letter, Marketing Specialists should include the following: 1. Contact Information: At the top of the cover letter, include your name, address, phone number, and email address. If applicable, also include your LinkedIn profile or professional website. 2. Salutation: Address the hiring manager directly if you know their name. If not, use a general greeting such as "Dear Hiring Manager." 3. Introduction: Start by introducing yourself and stating the position you're applying for. Mention how you learned about the job opening. 4. Relevant Experience and Skills: Highlight your marketing experience and skills that are relevant to the job description. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've used these skills in your previous roles. For instance, if you have experience in digital marketing, you might discuss a successful campaign you managed that increased web traffic or social media engagement. 5. Achievements: Discuss any significant achievements in your marketing career. These could include successful campaigns, awards, or recognition from previous employers. Use quantifiable results where possible, such as percentage increases in sales or customer engagement. 6. Knowledge about the Company: Show that you've researched the company and understand its mission, values, and target market. Explain why you're interested in working for the company and how you can contribute to its goals. 7. Closing: In your closing paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the role and your interest in an interview. Thank the hiring manager for considering your application. 8. Signature: End with a professional closing like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name. Remember, a cover letter is your chance to showcase your personality and passion for marketing, so make sure it reflects who you are as a professional. Tailor each cover letter to the specific job and company to show the hiring manager that you're a good fit for the role.

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