how to write great cover letters for your resume

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

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

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

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

What is a cover letter and why does it matter?

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

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

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

What 3 things should you include in a cover letter?

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

1. Personalization

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

2. Highlight relevant achievements and skills

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

3. Show enthusiasm and fit

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

What do hiring managers look for in a cover letter?

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

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

Clear and concise writing

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

Demonstrated knowledge of the company

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

Achievements and accomplishments

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

Enthusiasm and motivation

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

Professionalism

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

How do you structure a cover letter?

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

Contact information

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

Employer's contact information

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

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

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

How to write a good cover letter (with examples)

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

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

1. Add a header and contact information

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

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

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

Christopher Pike

San Francisco, California

[email protected]

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

Warm regards,

Catherine Janeway

Bloomington, Indiana

[email protected]

(555) 999 - 2222

2. Include a personal greeting

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

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

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

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

3. Draw them in with an opening story

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

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

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

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

“Dear Mr. John Doe,

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

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

4. Emphasize why you’re best for the job

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

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

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

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

Highlight how you fulfill these requirements:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tips to write a great cover letter that compliments your resume

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

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

Common cover letter writing FAQs

How long should a cover letter be.

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

Should I include personal information in a cover letter?

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

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

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

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

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

Should I include references in my cover letter?

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

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

The hardest part of writing is getting started. 

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

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

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

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

Understand Yourself Better:

Big 5 Personality Test

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

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

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

Chatgpt cover letters: how to use this tool the right way, how to write an impactful cover letter for a career change, what is a letter of intent examples on how to write one, write thank you letters after interviews to stand out as job applicant, tips and tricks for writing a letter of interest (with examples), use professional reference templates to make hiring smoother, character references: 4 tips for a successful recommendation letter, send a thank you email after an internship to boost your career, how to make yourself indispensable at work: pro tips, 5 tips for reentering the workforce, how to write a job application email that gets a reply, how to close a cover letter (with 25+ eye-catching examples), how to write a letter of recommendation (with examples), stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

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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: 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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• Resume Writing
• Resume Examples
• Cover Letter
• Remote Work
• Famous Resumes
• Try Kickresume

The Only Cover Letter Guide You’ll Need in 2024 (+Examples)

• Kaja Jurcisinova , 
• Updated January 16, 2024 13 min read

Oh, the dreaded cover letter. Job seekers hate writing it and nobody knows if anybody even reads cover letters anymore. And yet, not attaching one to your application would be a terrible mistake. This cover letter guide will tell you not only why to write one, but also how to write a really good one.

But first , why does everyone hate writing cover letters so much?   After all, a cover letter gives you a unique opportunity to distinguish yourself from others.

In comparison with a resume, the cover letter allows you to provide details that didn’t fit in on your resume and demonstrate your passion.

All the negativity that surrounds the cover letter probably comes down to the fact that good cover letters require a bit of alchemy. They also take time to write.

This guide will help you avoid any mistakes and write a strong cover letter that will catch the recruiter’s attention. We also include cover letter examples.

Generally speaking, you want to make your cover letter:

• easy to read for the recruiter;
• well-structured;
• max 4 paragraphs/1 page long;
• professional in both tone and greetings;
• tailored for the specific opening.

Let's get to it!

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

Why should you write a cover letter?

How do recruiters read cover letters, how to write a great cover letter in 9 simple steps.

• What if you're told to NOT submit a cover letter? 

Final cover letter tips and hacks

Cover letter examples.

So, how exactly is the cover letter important for your job application? 

Some may argue that the cover letter in 2024 isn't really relevant anymore. In fact, one study stated that only 18 percent of hiring managers think cover letters are a key part of an application.

However, don’t get fooled by these statistics. While your resume may be considered more important during the hiring process, including a well-written cover letter can increase your chances of landing a job. 

For instance, 83% of hiring managers would be convinced by a really good cover letter — even if the resume wasn’t good enough, according to this study .

And there's more to it.

Some of the key advantages of the cover letter are:

• It’s much less structured than the resume and lets you develop a story. 
• It gives you space to get a little more creative. 
• Your personality can shine through thanks to it.
• You can elaborate on key achievements mentioned in your resume.
• It helps explain a lack of experience, career change, or an employment gap.

In other words, the cover letter is a perfect chance to bridge the distance between you and a recruiter even before the actual job interview . 

Pro tip: Before writing a cover letter, make sure that you have a powerful resume that matches the job description. Because if your resume doesn’t fit a desired profile, your cover letter probably won’t get read at all. To learn more, you may want to check out our  Ultimate Resume Guide .

First, they read them to decide if you’re the right fit for a position. For this reason, avoid generic write-ups at all costs. What recruiters love to see is a short persuasive argument of why you fit the role and the company. Something like this: 

“I was happy to hear about this job opening from my former manager, Jane Anne. She and I have worked together on many projects throughout the years and she thought that I would be the perfect match for this position.“

Second, recruiters are looking for inconsistencies . For instance, if your resume shows attention to detail but your cover letter is addressed to the wrong person, wrong company, and is filled with typos, it's inconsistent. You want to ensure the number of inconsistencies is kept to a minimum.

Third, they're trying to get a hint of your personality . Cultural fit is important to many companies.

So, throughout the process of cover letter writing, it's essential to keep in mind the recruiter who's going to be the recipient of your letter. 

Because at the end of a day, a good cover letter shouldn't be solely about you — it's supposed to be written with the hiring manager in mind. 

So ask yourself:  

• Is my cover letter easy to read?
• Have I addressed the right person in the opening?  
• Will it help them decide if I'm the right fit?
• Did I use the right tone of voice that fits their company culture?

If you answered “no” to any of these questions, our cover letter guide is exactly for you.

Writing a cover letter may seem like a challenging task at first but if you know a few key cover letter rules, the process can become much easier. 

Before you start writing your cover letter, find out more about the company you're applying for. Look at their website and LinkedIn . The research also includes looking at the job description very closely and identifying any recurring keywords. Also, search for specific cover letter examples for the role online.

Placed at the very beginning of your cover letter, the header is where you include your contact information (i.e. your full name, email address, phone number) and the company's contact information (i.e. the manager’s or recruiter’s name, job title, department, the name of the company, company’s address). 

When in doubt, try to use this formula: Number or Trigger word + Adjective + Keyword + Promise.  The result can look something like this: 5 Ways I Can Help You Improve Your Company’s [insert a position-related keyword]

If the name of the hiring manager isn't written in the job posting, research their name and contact information online. For example, look at the company's page or LinkedIn. Then, greet them by saying "Dear [first name]" . If, however, the company culture is very formal, go for the classic "Dear Hiring Manager" .

The first paragraph is the perfect place to shortly explain why the job seems exciting to you and why you’re the right person for it .  You can also compliment the company or name a mutual acquaintance who referred you.

Try to answer these questions: 1. What did you do at a previous position that gave you relevant experience?  2. How could this experience help the new company grow? 3. Which of the projects you have worked on would benefit their business? 4. Which of your skills make you well-equipped for the position?  5. Do any of these skills give you an edge over other candidates?

The following questions should help you : What excites you about the idea of working at this company? How do the company goals align with your own? What do you hope to gain and learn from working there?

In the cover letter closing paragraph : reiterate that your experience and enthusiasm make you a great candidate, add a confident call to action, express gratitude, and always use a formal sign-off.

You can either attach the cover letter as a separate document in the email when sending your resume , or send it directly in the body of the email (that way they can't ignore it).

In the following chapters we look at each step more closely and include specific examples you can copy and paste.

Step 1: Prepare and do some research 

Knowledge is power. Before you begin writing:

• Find out more about the company and the position you're applying for. Spend some time on the company’s website, its executives’ Twitter feeds, and employee profiles on LinkedIn. It will also help you decide on the tone of your cover letter. For example, if it’s a company like Kickresume , you can easily get away with more unusual approaches. But if it’s a conservative institution, like a bank or a lawyer's office, you should probably keep it formal.
• Search for specific cover letter examples for your role online . Pick some examples that fit your role and use these for inspiration. (By the way, that link just now will take you to our database of successful cover letters from real people who got hired. Totally worth checking out.)
• Look at the job descriptions of the roles you’re applying for . Identify major experience and hard skill keywords, so you can insert them in your letter in the relevant sections.

Once you've done this basic research, you can finally start thinking about the structure of your cover letter. 

This short infographic will show you that writing a cover letter is a lot simpler than you might have thought: 

Step 2: Include a header with basic info rmation

Placed at the very beginning of your cover letter, the header is the place where you should include your contact information and the contact information of the company. 

A cover letter is still a letter, after all. 

At the left side of the page include the information based on which you can be reached by the recruiter. 

Here, make sure to include: 

• your full name
• your email address
• phone number

Optionally, you can also add:

• your professional title
• address (if it vaguely matches the location of the job offer)
• current date
• personal website/LinkedIn

The top right side of the page is reserved for company-related information. Here, you should put: 

• the manager’s or recruiter’s name (if available)
• job title 
• the name of the company
• company’s address

Not a fan of writing?

Our AI writer will write the first draft of your cover letter for you.

Step 3: Write a strong cover letter headline

When you’re browsing the web, what articles usually catch your attention? Those with great headlines, of course! 

The same applies to cover letter headlines.

Start by paying attention to the headlines around you — especially in tabloids and websites like Buzzfeed (Is Buzzfeed still a thing? How very 2010s of me). These are usually designed to stir up your interest and make it impossible to not click through. 

Notice how they use numbers, questions, and interesting adjectives to promise the reader to learn something valuable.

And you can do the same in your cover letter.

When in doubt, try to use this formula: Number or Trigger word + Adjective + Keyword + Promise. 

The result can look something like this: 

• 3 Reasons Why I’m An Excellent Fit For [Job Position]
• Are You Still Looking To Fill The Position Of [Job Position]? This Is Why I Believe I’m Exactly Who You’re Looking For
• 5 Ways I Can Help You Improve Your Company’s [insert a position-related keyword]

Finally, don’t forget to adjust your header to the company’s level of formality and put your headline in the subject of the email.

Step 4: Use the correct form of greeting

In this time and age, there’s no excuse for using “To Whom It May Concern.”  

If the name of the hiring manager isn't written in the job posting, you’re expected to research their name and contact information online. For example, look at the company's page or LinkedIn. 

Once you have their name, feel free to go for a personalized greeting: 

“Dear [first name]” or “Dear Mr./Mrs. [last name]” 

Honorifics (e.g. Mr., Mrs., Ms .) are more appropriate if the company’s culture is formal. 

And if you cannot find the recruiter’s name, it's okay to go for a generic: 

“Dear Hiring Manager”, or “Dear Recruitment Officer”

Alternatively, you can address the letter to the whole company team or the HR department. In this case, your greeting should look like this: 

“Dear [name of the company/department] Team” or “Dear Human Resources”

Step 5: First paragraph: Introduce yourself with a BANG!

The best way to start a cover letter is to open strong. The first impression matters the most and busy recruiters often have a chance to properly dive into only a few selected cover letters. 

So if you make your first paragraph captivating, chances are that your letter will be one of the lucky ones that actually end up being read. 

In fact, the first paragraph is the perfect place to shortly explain why the job seems exciting to you and why you’re the right person for it. 

While most people begin their letters with “I’m applying for the position X I saw in Y place,” it's a waste of space. 

Instead, open with a sentence like this:

“I’m a content marketing professional with more than 5 years of experience and I’d love to bring my ability and passion to your team.”

In the first paragraph, you can also:

• Compliment the company. Show that you know details about the company and you’re approaching it for a reason. For example, demonstrate appreciation for what the company does. Not only will this flatter them, but it will also provide them with insight into who you are.
• Name a mutual acquaintance if you can. This is sometimes called a “magic bullet,” as it’s the one thing that will assure the hiring manager reads your cover letter until the end. 

However, limit the introduction to 1-3 sentences. This isn’t the place to go into detail about what makes you ideal for the role — save that for the second and third paragraphs. 

Step 6: Second paragraph: Explain why you’re a great fit for the company

The second paragraph is the place where you should sell yourself and your experience.  

Here, write a short summary of your career, skills and accomplishments, tailored to fit what the company is looking for. 

You already did your research, so now it's time to ask yourself these questions and try to address them in your cover letter:

• What did you do at a previous position that gave you relevant experience? 
• How could this experience help the new company grow?
• Which of the projects you have worked on would benefit their business?
• Which of your skills make you well-equipped for the position? 
• Do any of these skills give you an edge over other candidates?

After you’ve picked the most relevant accomplishments, put them at the start of your letter. 

However, when talking about them, avoid sounding like you’re bragging. The best way of doing this is to focus on your experiences rather than yourself . Ideally, support your claims with concrete examples.

Also, mention any other additional relevant hard skills or knowledge areas they’re looking for, as well as any qualifications.

Finally, the second paragraph is the perfect place for showing that you’ve done your research. Demonstrate that you’re familiar with some of the challenges that the company faces and present how you can help them.

Pro tip: Don’t simply repeat the same things you’ve already put on your resume. You want to go beyond that (this applies to every other section of your cover letter). 

Step 7: Third paragraph: Explain why the company is a great fit for you 

In this paragraph, you want to show that you’re serious about developing your career at this new company. And good companies want to know why they appeal to you and how will your professional relationship be mutually beneficial. 

Consider addressing the following questions:

• What excites you about the idea of working at this company?
• How do the company goals align with your own?
• What do you hope to gain and learn from working there?

For example, you can say something like this: “I've seen on your website that you heavily focus on cryptocurrency projects. As a cryptocurrency enthusiast, I would love to join your team”.  

However, don’t go overboard with flattery and stay professional. 

Also, don’t say anything that isn't true or you don’t mean it, as it will probably come up again in the later stages of the application process.

Step 8: Closing paragraph: Finish strong and stay in touch

Now that you’ve nailed the main part of your cover letter, you also want to finish strong. This way, the recruiter will remember you in a good light. But how do you achieve that? 

• Reiterate that your experience and enthusiasm make you a great candidate. This is to emphasize the two main points from the previous paragraphs. Do this in one or two sentences, not more. 
• Add a confident call to action. In a sentence or two, you should suggest the next steps. Something like “ I would love the opportunity to meet with you and discuss the value I can bring to [company]."
• Express gratitude. Simply thank them for their time and for considering your application.
• Always use a formal sign-off. Something like “ Sincerely , Best wishes , or Respectfully” . Finish by typing out your full name. 

Step 9: How do you send a cover letter?

I can’t stress this enough — unless it's specifically required to attach the cover letter to the body of the email,  consider not sending your cover letter as a document attached to your email. 

Instead, put it inside the body of the email . The email itself is now your cover letter! This way the recruiter won't ignore it.

However, remember that hiring managers receive hundreds of emails a day. So if you want your email to get read, it's the subject line that's likely to play the most important part. 

As we've advised before, if you have a good resume headline, simply put it in the email subject. 

However, if you’re unhappy with the result, you have other options, too. 

For instance, if you have a reference, include it already in your email subject line: 

Referral from Jose Nachos: Pedro Tacos, candidate for a senior software analyst position

If you don't have a reference or a catchy headline, check out more tips on how to write the best subject line for your email .

Finished writing your cover letter?

Make it stand out with an eye-catching design.

What if you're told to NOT submit a cover letter? 

Today, many companies are using online application systems that discourage applicants from attaching a cover letter. 

Instead, they have their own application systems where in different sections you're required to fill in the information you would normally place in your cover letter.  

If this is the case, just work with the format they gave you.

In other words, include the same information that you'd normally have in your cover letter but place it in the correct sections. 

And don’t forget to follow the cover letter principles: 

• explain why you're the right candidate;
• make it clear that you've researched the company well;
• indicate in what way you'd be an asset;
• mention your biggest past achievements.

Because no matter the format, you're still expected to present your skills and convey enthusiasm about the job.

Alternatively, you can also try to find a relevant manager or a recruiter online (either on the company pages or LinkedIn) to whom you can send a brief follow-up email with an attached cover letter. 

Now that we've covered the basics, there are several other tips that you should keep in mind to elevate your cover letter to the next level: 

• Keep it short. Limit your cover letter to three to four paragraphs and a maximum of one page. Hiring managers are busy people who often don't have time for reading long texts.
• Keep it clean and easy on the eye. Take a look at how this article is written. It’s replete with short paragraphs, sentences typed in bold letters, bullet points, and numbers. All of these make reading and searching for specific information easier. So, never send a letter that looks like an unreadable wall of text. The easiest way to achieve a sleek cover letter design is to use a pre-formatted cover letter template . 
• Don’t risk being funny if it ’ s a company with a formal work culture. Poorly executed humor will hurt your chances rather than help. Being direct and dynamic is a much surer way to catch the recruiter’s attention than a number of jokes. On the other, if the company is smaller or known for its creative products, being original may in fact help your chances! 
• Show, don’t tell. Usually, there’s no point in saying you’re “a dependable hard worker” or “a creative thinker.” Why should anyone believe such generic statements? Instead, offer an example of how these qualities helped you achieve something in the past.
• Never write the same letter twice. A cover letter should always be tailored to a specific job application. Remember the previous sections? You’ve made a great effort to research the company and its hiring managers, so you’ve written your cover letter accordingly. This is a process you need to repeat with every application (ugh, I know). 
• Check for typos. This goes without saying but make 100% sure your cover letter is without typos. There’s no reason to believe you're competent if you can't even type without errors. Moreover, typos automatically reveal almost criminal carelessness on your part, since every text editor nowadays has a spellchecking feature. 
• Don't use any buzzwords. Your cover letter needs to be authentic and persuasive — and buzzwords are neither. If anything, they simply give the impression of you being someone who's just trying to fit a skewed idea of what an ideal corporate employee should be. Instead, focus on using relevant keywords from job descriptions.

Now, if you have no experience yet because you're just starting out or you're changing careers, writing a cover letter can be scary. However, a well-written letter can actually be your best friend.

And this is how you write the perfect cover letter with no experience .

In the end, there are many different ways to write a great cover letter. And even if you follow the cover letter guide above, you’ll end up with a cover letter that's invariably your own. 

It all depends on your own personality, the position you’re applying for, and the hiring manager’s preferences. 

And that's good, actually! 

Still, there's a lot to learn from cover letters written by other people. That's why we've selected five cover letter samples that deserve your attention. 

Each of these helped real job seekers find real jobs in real companies. They'll teach you valuable lessons you can use in your own cover letter.

1. Norwegian — Cabin Crew Cover Letter Example

This cover letter sample was provided by a real person who got hired with Kickresume’s help.

2. Volvo — Machine Learning Intern Cover Letter Example

3. tory burch — account executive cover letter example, 4. lush — sales associate cover letter example, 5. romeo — social media officer cover letter example.

Do you still need some more inspiration? You can find more examples in our cover letter library

FAQ: How to write a cover letter

250 to 400 words is the standard cover letter length range. A cover letter should never exceed one page.

Yes! Show that you can go that extra mile and stand out from the crowd of applicants.

Ideally, use a pre-formatted cover letter template. Then use a simple and professional font, such as Times New Roman. The font size should be between 10-12.

If you have the name of the hiring manager, try to find their contact on the company page or LinkedIn. If you still can't find the right person, you can address it to the whole team or HR.

This article was recently updated. The original article was written by Martin Poduska in 201 7.

Kaja Jurcisinova is a junior copywriter at Kickresume. Kaja completed her undergraduate degree in Art History at the University of St Andrews in 2018 and graduated with a Master’s in Arts and Culture from the University of Groningen in 2021. She was an intern at multiple cultural institutions across Europe, including the Dutch Museum Association in Amsterdam, the Matter of Art Biennale in Prague, and the European Cultural Centre in Venice. At the moment, she resides in Visby on the Swedish island of Gotland.

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• How to Write a Great Cover Letter in 6 Steps
• January 2, 2022
• In Resumes & Cover Letters

Your cover letter is an opportunity to impress. Get it right, and a hiring manager will open your beautifully crafted resume with relish and a sense of optimism. Get it wrong, and they’ll open it grudgingly, or not at all. Even in today’s digital world, cover letters in whatever form remain as relevant as they’ve ever been. Here’s how to get yours right.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a brief introductory summary of your qualifications and interest accompanying your resume. It presents the reader with an overview of your current responsibilities, followed by accomplishments that indicate your qualifications for the position. The goal of the cover letter is to refer yourself and your resume so that you’ll have an opportunity to sell yourself.  

Typically, resumes will simply feature professional skills , but cover letters will elaborate on where candidates envision themselves within the firm and what they intend to perform in the job. But this is a first-impression moment. Establish trust by making your cover letter fully meet the reader’s expectations. Discover why they need someone like you and summarize your credentials to help them see you’re the one they want on their team. This will ensure a cover letter leaves a lasting impression and motivate the reader to open your resume.

How to write a cover letter step-by-step

When writing a cover letter, adhere to a basic format and avoid repeating your resume. A well-written one will wow hiring managers and distinguish you from other candidates.  

Before you start writing, research the organization and position you are applying for to avoid sending a generic cover letter. The following tips outline the most effective structure and points to make your cover letter stand out.   

1. Contact information

Include your complete contact information so you’re sure the organization has it, don’t just rely on your email address making it cleanly through an email trail. Your email address should create a professional impression. Don’t use an email address like [email protected] . Always include a date so that your communication has a solid reference and can be found for queries in the future.

2. Salutation/greeting

Be formal and use ‘Dear …’, not ‘Hi,’ until you have a well-established dialogue with someone. Write to a named individual; it shows respect, and you’re more likely to get personal attention. If necessary, ring the organization and ask who to address your communication to. It demonstrates thoroughness and professionalism.

3. Opening part

Your opening paragraph will make or break your chances with the hiring manager. You want to keep it short and sweet and get to the point. At the same time, you need it to stand out and grab the attention of the reader. This paragraph is your chance to capture the attention of the hiring managers and make them want to read more. Generally, your opening paragraph should address three main things. These include how you find out about the position, your experience, and what you can bring to the company. For example, a simple opening paragraph may sound like this:

4. Middle part

Once you have the attention of the hiring manager, it is time to convince them you are the perfect fit for the role and company. The body of your cover letter should highlight why you are more suitable than other applicants, and why the company is right for you. Essentially, this is the most critical part of your cover letter. In the second part of the body, expand on why you chose this particular company. Explain why you would like to work for them – have you attended their events? Did you like their marketing campaigns?

Mainly, show that you are genuinely interested in the company, and don’t be afraid to point out what in particular you like. Then, tease what you could bring to the company as an employee. Base this on your experience and recent news about the company. For example, propose a solution to a problem they have been facing. Show the hiring manager that you are valuable and would fit right in.

“ I believe I would make a valuable addition to the company based on my research and in-person experience with various teams at networking events.  

In particular, I believe I can contribute significantly in the following key areas:  

• Leadership – I oversaw the development and implementation of a sales strategy and a cross-sell methodology that capitalized on existing customer connections to offer new solutions. This led to an increase in revenue of more than 15 percent in the first six months. I have a leadership style that fosters respect, integrity, and dedication, combined with a passion for organizational strategy that accelerates the company’s growth.
• Collaboration – Throughout my professional career, I have prioritized collaboration with my coworkers, trainees, and stakeholders. My approach is driven by self-awareness, self-monitoring, accountability, and emphasizing open channels of cross-department communication.  
• Financial Management — I have an in-depth comprehension of effective financial company management. I oversaw all transactions and bookkeeping for one-third of our global market, ensuring that business choices were based on good financial understanding. This has resulted in a more than 25 percent increase in revenue and a 170 percent increase in market share over the last two years. ”

5. Closing part

Your closing paragraph should summarize your main points and conclude your cover letter – like in an essay. In other words, your ending should be short and to the point. Thank the hiring manager for consideration and reiterate your excitement about this opportunity. When summarizing your experience, focus on the value you would bring to the company. Finally, don’t forget to structure your closing paragraph as an offer. You have explained your value in the body of your cover letter; now, offer that value to the hiring manager.

For example, tell them how excited you would be to discuss how your area of expertise could help the company grow. However, avoid trying to sell yourself too hard. Sometimes, this can be seen as disrespectful and could decrease your chances of getting the job.

“I appreciate your time and consideration. I look forward to discussing my experience, skills, aspirations, and professional objectives in detail during an in-person interview. I am also hoping to present some of my previous projects and their impact to demonstrate why I would be a great fit for the Sales Manager role at [Company Name].”

6. Complimentary close and signature

Use ‘Yours sincerely’ if you have a person’s name at the start. If you’ve started with ‘Dear Sir’, or similar, use ‘Yours faithfully’ to sign off. On a document, include a copy of your signature, even if it’s just an added image, and put your full name below it. If your cover letter is an email or an online form box, sign off with your full name, not just a first name.

How to write a cover letter with no experience  

Is it possible to write a cover letter that would help you stand out against qualified applicants if you have no formal work experience? The answer is yes; it is entirely feasible and simpler than you would imagine. Focus your cover letter on the soft and hard skills you’ve acquired via informal employment, internships, school activities, volunteering, and academic courses.

Most importantly, show your desire to learn and grow within the organization using your skills. Here is an excellent example of a cover letter with no experience:  

Dear Mrs. Doe,    

Your opening for the position of Junior Sales Representative caught my eye the moment I saw it on the internet. I’ve been following your company for years now, and your commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing aligns perfectly with my values.  

As a recent graduate of Business Administration, I have had the chance to get first-hand experience with the most widely-used sales processes that I would be happy to apply at your company. I am used to leading small teams of 5-10 people towards success, and I have had extensive training in sales management, customer service, and business communication.

I am dedicated to excellence, creative, communicative, and thrive in fast-paced environments. At the same time, I share the values of sustainability, ethical production, and the overall unification of the city. 

Thank you for your consideration. I have attached my resume, where you can find an overview of my most outstanding achievements and qualifications, and I enthusiastically await your response.  

Yours sincerely, (Your Name)

Read more:  How To Write a Cover Letter With No Experience in 9 Steps

How to write a cover letter when you are changing careers

Writing a cover letter for a career change involves some planning and preparation. If you’re changing careers, your cover letter should include the following:  

• Your transferrable skills  
• Past work experience that applies to the new position
• The reason you’re changing careers
• Why you chose their company

Your cover letter should demonstrate to the hiring manager how your skills and previous jobs, even if in another field, have prepared you to take on the new job’s duties. Demonstrate that you bring a fresh viewpoint that could benefit their team and the company.

How to write a cover letter when you are underqualified  

If you lack some of the qualifications but are still determined to get the job, your cover letter could make or break your chances. To start, assess your skills and qualifications against the job description. This will show you what to focus on and what the employer might have an issue with. In the body of your cover letter, focus on the strengths and positives.

Highlight your most significant accomplishments , skills , or awards – if they are somewhat relevant to the position. But don’t sweep your gaps in knowledge under the table. Instead, address them directly, and explain how you are working towards improving on the areas in which you lack expertise. Finally, let your enthusiasm and passion for the position shine through to leave a positive impression.  

How to write a cover letter as a fresh graduate  

As tempting as it might be, it bears minimal results to apply to dozens of positions without a cover letter when searching for your first full-time job after graduation. Instead, aim to write a brief, value-driven cover letter that highlights your passion for the role and company.

Focus on the skills and experience you gained during your time in school and explain how these could be beneficial to the company. Apart from those, remember to show off your soft skills and keep the tone positive throughout.

What to include in a great cover letter

Success lies within the effort you put in. Revisit your previous resume research and use it to inform and tailor your content.

• What does the company do, what are their products, and who are their customers?
• What markets do they serve, what challenges do they face, and who are their competitors?
• What does the role involve, what are the objectives, and what skills do you need?

Concentrate on the following points:

• Write to a named person. If necessary, ring HR, and ask who to address your application to.
• Show some added value. Have you got an extra skill or experience not asked for, but which would be highly valuable?
• Appeal to underlying needs. If you understand the hiring manager’s problems, you can focus on presenting skills or experience that would help.
• Show your personality. Be a focused business-like professional, but show genuine enthusiasm and a reason why you love this market, product, or job.
• Use key-words. If they want a widget manager and you say, “I’m a widget manager,” you’re halfway there already. Play to their highlighted desires in the job ad.
• Include contact details.  Please don’t rely on your email address, making it cleanly through an email trail.

What not to include in your cover letter

• Don’t repeat your resume. Present added value and hooks into your resume.
• Avoid hyperbole and exaggeration. Don’t say, “I’m excellent at …”. Who says?
• Don’t get off track. Irrelevant words waste time and disappoint the reader.
• Don’t beg. Emotional pleas show you as self-centered and are a turn-off.
• Leave out your life story. That’s in your resume, effectively.

Questions to ask before sending your cover letter

• Have I clearly introduced myself and my professional experience within the first two sentences of the cover letter?
• Is my cover letter format unique, and does my cover letter stand out?
• Have I highlighted my most relevant qualifications and achievements?
• Have I mentioned the information I found out about the company as well as the role I am applying for?
• Have I highlighted why I want to work for this company?
• Is my cover letter neat, clean, and well-presented?
• Is my cover letter error-free?
• Is my cover letter short and concise?
• Do I ask for an interview in the cover letter?

Popular related posts:

• How To Write a Cover Letter With No Experience in 9 Steps
• Follow-Up Email After Interview: 5 Examples & Templates
• Thank You Email After an Interview (+4 Examples)
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Microsoft 365 Life Hacks > Writing > How to write a great cover letter for a job

How to write a great cover letter for a job

Job hunting can be tough—especially when it comes to your cover letter. Writing a unique, eye-catching cover letter for a job application is one of the toughest parts of the entire process.

To help you land your dream job, we’ve created this quick guide to writing a stand-out cover letter. Let’s dive in.

What is a cover letter?

Before you can write an outstanding cover letter for a job application, you’ve got to understand what it is.

Your resume lays down the facts about your professional history. Your cover letter puts all of that information in context. A good cover letter will contain:

• An explanation for why you are applying for a role
• A description of how your past work history makes you an outstanding candidate
• A hint of your soft skills and ability to adapt to a new work culture

Cover letter contents vary depending on your industry, work history, and the open job. There is no clear formula for writing one, though there are certain tips you can follow. Because there is no “right” way to craft a cover letter, templates will not be much help. While you can use a template to format your cover letter, you’ll want to write the bulk of it yourself.

The more unique and creative your cover letter is, the more likely a recruiter will contact you for an interview.

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Why is having a good cover letter important?

Cover letters are optional for some applications. In the current tight job market, employers try to make it easier for people to apply for their positions. However, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t write one.

Over half of senior managers say that cover letters are worthwhile. If other applicants don’t include a cover letter for a job and you do, you have already set yourself apart from the pack. If your cover letter is well-written, your initial impression gets more of a boost. Even if a cover letter isn’t requested, it’s a good move to include one anyway. Be sure to go the extra mile.

For jobs that do require cover letters, a well-written cover letter can easily prove your professionalism to recruiters.

Ten tips for writing a stand-out cover letter for a job

Cover letters are important, but how do you write one that recruiters and hiring managers won’t stop talking about? Here are ten top tips for crafting a cover letter for a job:

• Address your recruiter or hiring manager by name. Using your recipient’s name quickly makes your cover letter stand out. Addressing your recipient by name shows them that you’re willing to put that extra work in.
• Link your history to the job description. Carefully review the job description before you write your cover letter. Pick out a few leading job requirements, and connect your work history examples to those requirements.
• Show, don’t tell. Don’t just tell your audience about your achievements. Show them. Give examples, and try to include results where you can. Add in numbers where you can, too. Quantified results will stand out.
• Create a story. In your cover letter, demonstrate how your past work history has raised you to your present level. Then, explain how you will be able to succeed at the specific role you’re applying for. Think of it as a story with a strong narrative arc.
• Use an appropriate, approachable tone. Formal cover letters can seem off-putting in this day and age. Write in a casual yet professional tone. If your industry skews conservative or otherwise, keep that in mind.
• Insert your personality. Hiring teams want to know if you’ll be a flexible co-worker. Try to make your cover letter reflect your personality—especially if you’re naturally energetic, positive, or kind.
• Be honest. Don’t stretch the truth in your cover letter. In fact, this is the place to address any potential issues, like an employment gap or botched project. Honesty can be impressive, showing hiring managers how you would resolve a mistake or problem in your new role.
• Leave out what you can. Mainly, you don’t want to overwhelm your readers with information. They can ask follow-up questions during the interview. Leave out any history that isn’t necessary or relevant.
• End with a call of action. Don’t tell the letter recipient that you’d like for him or her to reach out immediately. That’s overstepping boundaries. But you should feel free to let them know that you’re excited to talk with them soon.
• Coordinate your letter with your resume. Finally, you can coordinate your cover letter with your resume. Ensure both documents use similar language. You can even ensure the design matches for that extra touch with cover letter and resume templates .

Overview: what your cover letter is really about

At the end of the day, the best way to write a good cover letter for a job is to be yourself and show how much you want the job. Ultimately, recruiters and hiring managers are looking for enthusiastic team members who are willing to work hard for good results.

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How to Write a Cover Letter (With Example)

10 min read · Updated on September 26, 2024

Cover letters aren't a thing of the past!

If you dread writing cover letters, know you're not the only one. You've put a lot of work into writing your resume , and now you need to sell yourself in a great cover letter.

The task can feel daunting, but it's an important one, so try to approach it one step at a time. Before you know it, you'll have the perfect cover letter to pair with your perfect resume, and you'll be ready to catch the attention of hiring managers.

Let's start with the basics, and then we'll walk you through each section of the cover letter — and even give you an example.

What's a cover letter, and why are they important?

A good cover letter is a one-page document that emphasizes to future employers what you want to do next and why you think you're the best person for the job. Yes, your resume does that, to a degree, by highlighting your skills and qualifications , but the cover letter goes a step further. 

When you write a future-facing cover letter, employers can learn about any career shifts you've had or are making. You can talk about how you've overcome past challenges and how those have prepared you to succeed in new jobs. 

Basically, your cover letter is a story employers want to read that allows them to connect what you've done in the past with what you want to do in the future. It's a chance for you to shine a spotlight on your enthusiasm, how your values align with the company's mission, and the particular things from your past that will prove beneficial to the new team. 

How to write a cover letter

Your cover letter needs to have a particular format. It should be written as a business letter and contain

A header with your contact information

A salutation, e.g., Dear So and So

3-4 body paragraphs

A call to action

A sign-off/signature

It's a good idea to have the font, margins, and alignment mirror your resume. This will help make your entire application appear more professional. Also, keep your cover letter on one page. 

Since you're trying to make a great impression with your cover letter in an attempt to distinguish yourself from other candidates, try to inject some of your personality into it. Let the hiring manager start to get to know the real you. 

How to write a cover letter: A step-by-step guide

Although cover letters are fairly short, they can be quite daunting. That's why it's important to approach your cover letter by sections:

How to write a cover letter: Header

Your cover letter and resume are a package, so you'll want them to match. Start your proper cover letter with your name (formatted like it is at the top of your resume) along with your contact information.

When you search for generic cover letter templates online, you might find ones where you'll fill in a company's contact information. That was relevant when cover letters were sent via snail mail, but these days, you can just leave it off. A hiring manager doesn't need to see the address of their office building.

How to write a cover letter: Salutation

Below your contact information, add the date you're applying and greet your intended recipient . If the job description doesn't include the name of a hiring manager or team leader, here's how to find this information:

If the job listing has an email address, use it to search for a name on Google or through an online company directory.

If the job listing is on LinkedIn, see if you can track down the original poster.

If the job description mentions who the job reports to, search for that individual or position title in a company directory.

If you still can't find a name to address your cover letter to, avoid phrases like “To whom it may concern,” “Hey,” or “Dear Sir/Madam” – these are overused cover letter cliches that won't serve you well at all. Instead, address it to the department that's hiring (e.g. Dear Editorial Team) or the team manager (e.g. Dear Customer Service Manager).

How to write a cover letter: Introduction paragraph

You should kick off your great cover letter by introducing yourself. This is the perfect opportunity to explain why you're interested in the role and the company and what you can bring to the team. 

This is also your chance to demonstrate you've done your homework, showing you know something about the company or industry. Additionally, if you found the job through a colleague already at the company or through a mutual connection, this is a great place to drop their name.

If you're confident in your writing skills and feel creative, you can swap out the standard introductory paragraph with an anecdote related to your work. This should grab the reader's attention and also illustrate the most important – and relevant – skills you possess for the job at hand. 

If you're curious to learn more about this idea, communications expert Danny Rubin explains “storytelling” cover letters with examples. This is definitely a great way to hook the reader into wanting to read your entire cover letter.

How to write a cover letter: Qualifications paragraph

After you've introduced yourself, use the second paragraph of your professional cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and qualifications . Instead of simply listing these (you already did that on your resume), use this as an opportunity to illustrate how you are qualified to do this job. Spell out how your professional experience, education , and abilities meet the position's core requirements.

This is arguably the most important section, as it clearly explains to the reader why your application is worth a read. 

Certified professional career coach and TopResume's resident career expert Amanda Augustine suggests identifying three or four core must-have requirements from the job description , listing each in its own bullet within the cover letter, and explaining how you meet these requirements.

Don't forget to tie each requirement back to the job itself; you want the hiring manager to understand exactly what you can bring to the company.

How to write a cover letter: Career achievements

As with your resume, the best way to prove you have the right skills and qualifications is to highlight career wins . But you'll do it a bit differently on your cover letter. Of course, the focus will still be on the impact you made and the skills you used to achieve results. The main challenge is converting the statements you used in your resume into a narrative.

Instead of writing something like, “Increased sales by 20% by creating comprehensive marketing campaigns,” you'd want to expand on that and turn it into a story. For example, 

“While I was at ABC Corp, I worked with department heads and senior leaders to identify goals and created a new marketing campaign that increased sales by 20% in 6 months. My passion for collaboration and strategic planning has equipped me to fulfill the tasks of the position you have available and will ensure that I can effectively work with the people on your team.” 

This works because it fuses the past with the future to show prospective employers what you have to bring to their table. 

How to write a cover letter: Close with a call to action

You're almost done! Now, it's time to wrap up your cover with a specific call to action. 

Rather than merely asking for the hiring manager or recruiter to review your resume, let them know when you will follow up with them about your application. This keeps the ball in your court and gives you a legitimate reason to follow up.

Your closer is also the perfect spot to show your enthusiasm and excitement. Don't go overboard, but don't be afraid to let them know you're excited about this opportunity.

How to write a cover letter: Sign off

Once you've thanked a hiring manager for their time and consideration, it's time to sign off.  Think about how the closing salutations you use for your professional emails. Keep it simple with “best regards,” “sincerely,” or “thank you.”

A note on cover letter keywords

As you write your unique cover letter, keep keywords in mind. Just like you added keywords to your resume , you'll want to do the same for your cover letter.

Remember, these aren't just catchy buzzwords. Keywords are the words you see repeated in the job listing. Including these keywords in your cover letter will help ensure it gets seen and prove to the hiring manager you understand the job listing.

Use this cover letter example for guidance

If you're still struggling to get started, check out this free cover letter sample to give you a better idea of how you can structure your cover letter.

Remember: The information should be tailored to the specific role and company, and the format of the cover letter, such as the font, should match the look and feel of your resume. 

How to write a cover letter: Tailoring it for each job

Now that you've got your successful cover letter let's reiterate one final point: It's important you tailor your cover letter for each job application . 

Of course, you'll want to update the company name and the position title, but take it one step further and mention specific facts about the company, the job requirements, and your most relevant skills. Doing this will woo the hiring manager and show you're serious.

You don't have to write a brand new cover letter for each job, however. Instead, create a cover letter template and make copies of it for each job application you submit. Simply leave blanks for the hiring manager's name, the specifics about the company, and your relevant professional skills, then customize them to each job description.

Once you've created a solid template, you've gotten the hardest part out of the way, and it should make applying to jobs a lot easier.

Expert Tip: Did you know that you can use AI to analyze your cover letter against a particular job description? At TopResume, we embrace the use of AI as a tool to help you do your absolute best. In this instance, all you have to do is type out a prompt that asks ChatGPT (or whatever your preferred AI platform is) to analyze your cover letter against a job description. Then, you paste both into the program and let it tell you if you're missing any relevant keywords.

Your career, your story, your future

In every interaction with a future employer, you have to put your best foot forward in a way that actually gets noticed. Too many people enter the job search without the right knowledge to successfully search for, apply for, and land a new job. By following the steps outlined here, you can create a cover letter that stands out to hiring managers and intrigues them to the point where they want to know more about you. That's what leads to interviews. 

Nailed your cover letter but still not feeling so hot about your resume? Let an expert help with a resume rewrite .

This article was originally written by Amanda Augustine . It's been updated by Carson Kohler and Marsha Hebert .

Recommended Reading:

9 Cliches to Cut From Your Cover Letter Right Now

The Right (and Wrong) Ways to Show Personality in Your Cover Letter

How to Tailor Your Cover Letter for Each Job Application

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

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'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form .

How to use ChatGPT to write a better cover letter

As if perfectly crafting a resume that encapsulates your entire career isn't difficult enough, job applications also require a cover letter. This letter should help you express specific details about why you are interested in the company, what makes you qualified, and, ultimately, why the company should hire you. 

How to use ChatGPT to create: Code | Excel formulas | Essays | Resumes  | Apps  | Charts and Tables  

If executed properly, a cover letter can make you stand out from other applicants by showcasing your genuine interest in the role, the experience that makes you a good fit, and what makes you different from other candidates with similar qualifications.

However, synthesizing those ideas into a one-page letter each time you apply for a job can be time-consuming and challenging. Thankfully,  ChatGPT is here to help. 

How to use ChatGPT to help craft your cover letter 

Whether you've started writing a cover letter and feel stuck or don't know where to start, ChatGPT can help you produce the exact cover letter you envisioned. 

Also:  How to use ChatGPT

All the AI needs is a couple of prompts and a little direction. 

1. Visit ChatGPT

To get started, visit ChatGPT's website. Signing in is optional but grants you extra perks, such as using the chat history feature to review your responses later. If you don't have an account, you can create one or sign in using your existing Google or Microsoft account. 

If you haven't created an account, click on Sign up. Otherwise, log in with your OpenAI credentials.

2. Ask ChatGPT to write you a cover letter

To have ChatGPT generate a cover letter for you, all you have to do is ask ChatGPT to write a cover letter for the role and company of your choice. You should also include details about the experiences you want the cover letter to highlight. 

Also: How to use ChatGPT to optimize your resume

For example, a possible input would be, "Can you write me a cover letter for the role of Associate Editor at ZDNET? I graduated from the University of North Carolina, majored in Journalism, and love technology."  

That is only a general example; you can be as specific or general as you want. However, the more direction you give ChatGPT, the better your output will be.

I included screenshots of the results for my question below. If you want to take a closer look, you can click on the upper right-hand corner to expand each photo. 

3. Kick it up a notch and paste in the job description (optional)

If you want your cover letter to be tailored to the exact role you are applying for, you can copy and paste the job description into ChatGPT before asking it to write your cover letter. This method is by far the most efficient approach to getting your cover letter written in a way that reflects the exact role and duties. 

Also: 5 ways AI can help you study - for free

As before, you also can include details about your own experience you'd like to include. Your prompt could look something like this, "Can you write me a cover letter for the position of [role title] at [employer]? This is the job description: XYZ. For context, I [include experiences you'd like to highlight]."

4. Co-edit your cover letter

Despite ChatGPT's best efforts and advanced capabilities, there might be something you want to tweak in the letter. If that's the case, it's super simple to change something. All you have to do is ask ChatGPT to tweak a specific aspect of your letter, and it will. 

Also: How to subscribe to ChatGPT Plus (and 5 reasons why you should)

For example, following the cover letter generated above, you could say, "Can you emphasize my passion for tech a bit more?" You can see how I used this approach in the illustration, below.

For an even more engaging collaborative co-editing experience, you can use the new GPT-4o with Canvas feature in beta for ChatGPT Plus users. 

If interested, click on GPT-4o with Canvas from the model toggle and paste in the cover letter, which will activate a new interface that makes collaborating on your writing projects easier by keeping your project on the right pane and the textbox on the left, with writing shortcuts, and more. 

Are cover letters necessary for a job application?

Cover letters are not always required for a job application. However, almost all job applications require one or allow you to submit one. The benefits of a cover letter include having the employer get to know more about you and helping you stand out from other applicants. 

Should you use ChatGPT to write a cover letter?

ChatGPT can write an impressive cover letter within seconds, allowing you to focus on other parts of your application that require more time and effort. ChatGPT produces the letter; you can always add your edits to give it your flair. 

What should be showcased in a cover letter?

Your cover letter should help to set you apart from other applicants. Therefore, it should communicate what interests you about the role and what experiences make you a great fit. Try not to regurgitate the information already on your resume since you want this letter to showcase a different side of you. 

Artificial Intelligence

How to use chatgpt to optimize your resume, how to use chatgpt to write code: what it does well and what it doesn't, businesses can reach decision dominance using ai. here's how.

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What is a Letter of Interest and How To Write It (Tips + Samples)

A letter of interest is used to express interest in a company, even if no job openings are currently posted.

It differs from a cover letter, which is written for specific jobs that have been advertised.

Personalizing the greeting by addressing the letter to a specific person is important for standing out.

The letter should be concise, around 200-300 words, and follow a standard business letter format.

Highlight relevant skills, past achievements, and how you can contribute to the company's success.

Have you heard about the hidden job market? It’s said that 70–80% of all jobs never get advertised.

So, how do you apply for a job that may not even be listed?

You write a letter of interest! This helps you make a strong impression and connect with recruiters at the company, even if no current job openings are posted.

In this post, we’ll explain what a letter of interest is and how to write it. We will also provide tips with a letter of interest sample to guide you.

What is a Letter of Interest?

A letter of interest tells a company you'd like to work for, even if they aren't hiring right now. It's also called a letter of intent or a statement of interest.

Keep in mind a letter of interest is different from a cover letter. A cover letter is used when applying for a promotion or transfer from your current job.

Letter of Interest vs. Cover Letter

There are key differences between a letter of interest and a cover letter. A cover letter is written for a specific job that's been posted. On the other hand, a letter of interest is sent to your initiative, hoping to catch the hiring manager's attention and get an interview.

Anyone can send a letter of interest, no matter their experience level. For example, an experienced worker might have skills that a company finds valuable. A recent college grad passionate about a cause might send one to an NGO or a politician they admire.

What Makes A Good Letter Of Interest?

Before moving towards a letter of interest template, let’s check out what makes a good letter of interest. A strong interest letter should excite the hiring manager or department head to meet you. It could lead to an informal interview or keep you in mind for future openings.

Before you start writing, here are six key tips for crafting a great letter of interest:

Research The Company

Learn as much as possible about the company through press releases, news articles, the corporate website, and social media platforms. The more company-specific details you include, the more you'll stand out.

Personalize Your Greeting

Address the letter to a specific person. Use the name of the HR specialist or department manager you're interested in working with. Avoid generic greetings like "To whom it may concern."

Grab Attention Right Away

No one expects your letter, so show you’ve done your homework. Mention recent projects or company updates and explain how your skills can help move the company forward.

Use A Professional Tone

Keep your letter polite and confident, but don’t overdo it. Be careful with humor, as it might not land well. Also, check your grammar and spelling to show you’re detail-oriented.

Make A Specific Offer

Explain why you'd be a good fit for the company. Look up employees on LinkedIn to see what skills are valued, and highlight three strengths that align with the role. Back up your points with measurable achievements.

Keep It Short And To The Point

Your letter should be no more than a page (around 200–300 words). Stick to three clear paragraphs and follow the standard business letter format. Be sure to attach your resume for a complete picture of your qualifications.

How to Write a Letter of Interest?

Here’s a simple letter of interest format you can follow:

1. Header and Contact Information

Start with your contact details at the top, followed by the recipient's information. This part mirrors a traditional business letter.

2. Salutation

Address the letter to a specific person, if possible. Research LinkedIn or the company's website to find the hiring manager’s or recruiter’s name.

3. Introduction

In the opening paragraph, mention why you're writing. Briefly introduce yourself, explain your interest in the company, and highlight what you can offer.

4. Body Paragraphs

Here’s where you sell yourself. Talk about your experience, skills, and achievements that align with the company’s goals. If possible, include specific examples from past roles that demonstrate your value.

5. Closing Paragraph

End your letter with a call to action. You would love to discuss potential opportunities further and provide your contact information. Keep it professional but warm.

Letter Of Interest For A Job Example

Here’s a professional letter of interest sample to help guide you in writing your own:

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

Hiring Manager’s Name Company Name Company Address City, State, ZIP Code

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in potential opportunities at [Company Name]. With a strong background in [Your Field], I have always admired your company’s innovative approach to [Industry/Specific Area]. My experience in [mention relevant experience] would make me a valuable asset to your team.

In my current role as [Current Position], I have honed my skills in [mention specific skills]. I have a proven track record of [mention achievements], and I am confident I can bring similar success to your company. I would like to discuss further how my background and skills could contribute to your team.

Thank you for considering my interest in future roles. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Template Letter Of Interest For Job

You can also use the following template letter of interest for a job writing to simplify the process:

I am reaching out to inquire about potential opportunities at [Company Name]. I am particularly drawn to your organization’s mission and innovative work in [Industry/Area].

With [X years] of experience in [Your Field], my skills in [relevant skill] would make me a strong fit for your team. I am eager to bring my experience to [Company Name] and contribute to its success.

I would appreciate the chance to discuss how I could add value to your team. Thank you for your time and consideration.

[Your Name]

Are you searching for part time jobs near me that offer flexibility and great opportunities? Our platform provides top-notch employment services to help you connect with the best job listings in your area. Join the community of satisfied job seekers who have discovered their perfect positions with Yulys. 

A well-crafted letter of interest can help you stand out and make a strong impression, even with no open positions. By tailoring your message, highlighting relevant skills, and showcasing your enthusiasm for the company, you increase your chances of being considered for future opportunities. If you're looking for inspiration, consider reviewing a letter of interest sample to guide your writing process and help you structure your approach effectively.

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