Email Cover Letter Samples

sample cover letter for cv email

Including an email cover letter is imperative, so we thought it would be helpful to our job-seeking readers to have sample letters to use as a starting point.

The examples below come from real-life job seeker emails, although we’ve altered the details and contact information. Whether you prefer a “salesy” approach or you’re more of a “direct and to the point” kind of person, choose the template that suits your style. Just be sure to include these key elements in your email cover letter.

Etiquette for Any Email Cover Letter

  • Mention the title of the position you’re applying for in the subject line and body of your email.
  • Explain where you found the job posting or how you heard about the position.
  • Conclude with a subtle call to action to remind the hiring manager of the action you’d like them to take, such as, “I look forward to hearing from you.”
  • List your full name and contact information in your email signature block (not just on your resume attachment).
  • If applicable, quickly explain any questions that your resume may raise. For example, if you’re from out of town but planning to move close to the job location, or you’ve been at your current position for only a short time.
  • Don’t start your cover letter with your name. Instead, introduce yourself in the letter with a relevant qualification and connect it to the position.
  • Keep your cover letter concise. Just like your resume, keep your document to just one page to entice hiring managers instead of overwhelming them.
  • Avoid any spelling or grammar errors in your document. The smallest typo can ruin your chances at the job.
  • Don’t address the wrong company name or the wrong company contact’s name. This could be seen as awful cover letter etiquette and indicate you’re not attentive to details.
  • Don’t ever include your salary requirements unless otherwise directed by the potential employer.

Signature on Email Cover Letter

Without a signature at the end of your email cover letter, you could be missing out on incredible potential job opportunities. This quick snippet of your contact information makes it easy for recruiters and hiring managers alike to contact you.

When it comes to deciding between a physical signature and a name sign-off, there are benefits to either option. With a name sign-off, you can use a digital signature service like Eversign and RightSignature to give your cover letter that personal touch.

If you’d prefer to include just a regular email signature, make sure to include your full name, email and phone number. You can also consider adding a LinkedIn button so the hiring manager can have more insight on your experience and skill set.

How to Format an Email Cover Letter

Wondering how to format your email cover letter? You’re not alone. Once you’ve written your incredible cover letter providing more information on your expertise and how it relates to the job you’re applying for, it’s vital to format it correctly before sending it to any recruiters. If it isn’t formatted correctly, you could be missing out on the job opportunity.

Regardless of the cover letter template you’ve chosen, make sure to include these key components when formatting your email cover letter:

  • Write a subject line that includes the position you’re applying for
  • Address the company contact’s name in the salutation
  • Clearly state what you’re hoping to accomplish in the first few sentences
  • Summarize your strengths, skills and experience by connecting them to the job opportunity
  • Use a font that’s easy to read
  • Avoid typos in your message by proofreading
  • Include a signature with your contact information
  • Always send a .pdf file rather than a word doc or other format

Email Cover Letter Examples for Legal Professionals

Example #1: if you prefer to keep it brief..

Subject Line: Interest in Litigation Associate Position

To Whom It May Concern:

I am interested in the Litigation Associate position advertised on LinkedIn. I have attached my resume and cover letter for your review.

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

Best regards,

First Last Name

Example #2: If you’re relocating to the city where the job opportunity is located.

Subject Line: Expressing Interest and Relocating Near Litigation Secretary Position

Dear Hiring Manager,

I’m writing to express my interest in the Litigation Secretary position listed on Monster.com. My resume is attached for your review and consideration.

I am a fast learner, very dependable, organized, and computer savvy. I have extensive experience assisting firm attorneys and multiple paralegals, as well as supervising and managing an office. While I currently reside in Los Angeles, I will be moving to San Francisco at the end of the month.

I look forward to the opportunity to meet with you to learn more about your firm, its plans and goals, and how I might contribute to its continued success. I can be your ideal candidate if given this opportunity. Thank you.

Kind regards,

Example #3: If a colleague referred you.

Subject Line: John Mentioned Your Firm is Seeking a Litigation Secretary

Dear Sir/Madam:

I was referred to you by a mutual acquaintance, John Smith, who said you have an opening for a litigation secretary.

I have many years of experience as a litigation secretary, most of them working with managing partners. I am a professional looking for a career, not just a job. I am organized, reliable and self-motivated. I like being part of a team, but can also work independently.

Included with this e-mail is a copy of my resume for your review and consideration. Once you have had an opportunity to review my resume, please contact me if you have any questions or to arrange an interview. I look forward to speaking with you in the near future.

Thank you for your time,

Example # 4: If you’ve been at your current position for less than one year.

Subject Line: Experienced Legal Secretary Seeking Long-term Opportunity with Stable Litigation Firm

Please allow this introduction. My name is Jane Smith, and I have 12 years of legal secretarial experience working with managing partners of small, mid- and large-sized law firms. My current typing speed is 105 wpm from written form and 120 wpm from live dictation with the utmost accuracy. I am interested in the Litigation Secretary position advertised on your firm’s website.

I am currently working for a small civil litigation firm. However, after only 11 months in this position, the financial stability of the firm has significantly changed. Therefore I am seeking long-term tenure with a stable civil litigation firm.

Attached please find my resume and list of references. If you are interested in the professional skills and positive attributes I can contribute to your firm, please contact me at [phone number] at your convenience to schedule an interview.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Respectfully,

Example #5: If you want to dazzle the hiring manager with your qualifications.

Subject Line: Do you need a conscientious paralegal at your firm?

Dear Recruiting Administrator:

Do you need a hardworking, creative and conscientious paralegal to meet your firm’s needs? If so, I can help you. The following is a summary of my qualifications:

  • More than ten years of progressively responsible legal experience;
  • Bachelor’s Degree with Honors in Business Administration;
  • Exceptional verbal, written and analytical skills;
  • Advanced computer skills;
  • Outgoing personality and “can-do” attitude.

I would like to meet with you to discuss how I might assist your firm in fulfilling its present needs. 

My resume is enclosed for your review. If you need someone who is highly motivated, eager to learn, and willing to work hard to succeed, please contact me at [phone] or via email: [email].

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Now, start writing your cover letter!

They say the first impression is a lasting one — so make sure your digital introduction represents you well. Use your best judgment with each position you apply to; for an entry level position keep your cover letter more concise while going into further depth and providing more information with upper level positions.

These examples are meant to be a starting point only — add your own voice, style and experience to make your own standout (or at least solid) email cover letter.

Start building out cover letters that will help you stand out and land the job!

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sample cover letter for cv email

Email Cover Letter and CV | Sending Tips and Examples

author

What is an email cover letter?

An email cover letter is essentially a job application email through which you apply for a job. The email must contain your cover letter, either in the body of the email or as an attachment, and your CV as a separate attachment.

email-cv-cover-letter

Do you need to send your CV and cover letter via Email?

With the massive technological boom over the past decade, we have seen the dramatic rise in email applications. Sending an email is free, it doesn’t require a stamp, visit the post office or a trip to the company you’re applying for. It all happens within seconds and with just one click of a button.

There are two main reasons why you would send an email to a recruiter:

  • When you’re applying for a job
  • When you’re enquiring about job opportunities at their company

In this guide, we will mainly focus on applying for jobs that have already been advertised . However, read on as there are also tons of tips and examples for those who wish to inquire about job opportunities via email.

The format of an email cover letter + template

The format of an email cover letter slightly varies from the format of a standard cover letter. For example, there is no need to include your personal details such as name and address on the right side of the letter because your attached CV will already contain all this information. Moreover, it will take up valuable space.

Your email to the recruiter should be in the following format:

email-cover-letter-format-structure

Click here to download this template.

Before you start…

1. Have your perfect CV and cover letter ready

Before working on drafting your email, make sure that you have already written and prepared your CV and cover letter. Check out How to write a Cover Letter and How to write a CV guides for more tips and examples.

2. Be formal

The job application process is a formal process. As such, you have to have a formal approach to writing your email job application.

  • Don’t use contractions (e.g. I’m instead of ‘ I am ‘ or Let’s instead of ‘ Let us ‘)
  • Write in complete sentences
  • Write in paragraphs (not in short lines, as you would in text messaging)
  • Use formal greeting (use ‘ Dear Sir/Madam ‘, ‘ Dear [Surname], ‘ or ‘ To whom it may concern ‘ rather than ‘ Hey ‘, ‘ Hi ‘, or ‘ What’s up? ‘)
  • Don’t write in capitals (IT’S NOT NICE TO READ TEXT IN CAPITALS!)

You can find more information on formal writing here .

3. Use a professional email address

You must use a professional email address when contacting the recruiter.

It should be:

  • It should be short in length
  • It should contain your name
  • It shouldn’t contain any/many numbers

Acceptable examples:

  • [email protected]

Unacceptable examples:

4. Keep it short and to the point

You only have one chance to grab the attention of the prospective employer, so keep the letter short and to the point. Employers only tend to scan CVs and cover letters for less than a minute. Anything longer than a single side of A4 will most likely not be read or considered. Why take the chance? You will have plenty more opportunities in the later stages of the recruitment process, including during the job interview, to fully impress the prospective employer.

5. Write the content of the email in a separate document first

It is highly recommended to write your letter in a separate Word document first rather than typing it up on the actual email client in one go. This is because there will be a smaller chance of losing your work because of the loss of internet connection or the software crashing in the middle of writing your letter.

It also gives you additional time to properly check your written document for grammar and spelling mistakes.

How to send a cover letter and CV via email

Let’s get started…

1. Email subject line for job application

The subject of your email should be the job position followed by the job ID or job reference number:

  • IT Manager (ID: W124)
  • Receptionist (Job Ref. A2014)
  • Cleaner (Job ID: AFT2421)

That’s all that is required.

If you decide to add anything extra, e.g. including your name or a short message, please keep it short as there is a limit on how much of the subject line will be shown to the recruiter when they receive it in their inbox.

Do not write your subject line in capital letters

Some applicants, in a desperate attempt to make their email stand out from the rest, write the subject line of their emails in capital letters, like this:

This is not recommended for two reasons:

  • It is awful to read, and;
  • You come over as either too desperate or too aggressive. In the worst case scenario, you come over as both.

QUESTION: Should you write the cover letter in the body of the email or send it as an attachment?

Some employers prefer attachments, whereas others prefer the letter in the body of the email. Please check for company requirements on the job advertisement. If the company has not specified their preference, it is up to you how you’d like to send your cover letter to them.

It’s decision time!

As previously stated, there are two acceptable ways of doing this:

1. Include the cover letter as an attached file

If you decide to attach your cover letter separately to the email, always write a short message in the body of the email introducing yourself and giving the reason for emailing the recruiter – don’t leave it blank! The content of your email body should be short, informative and to the point:

cover-letter-attached-with-email

Another good example:

Please find attached my CV and Cover Letter for the position of Senior Research Fellow.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Kind regards, Michael Harper.

2. Write the cover letter in the body of the email

This is the most popular way of sending an email job application.

cover-letter-in-the-email-body

I can already hear you ask “which one is better?” glad you asked.

Our recommendation is to write the cover letter in the body of the email. It gives the opportunity to make a strong and memorable first impression, allowing you to grab the prospective employer’s attention within seconds.

If you send it as an attachment, on the other hand, the employer has to take the additional step of finding and opening your letter in order to read it. Some recruiters will not open attachments out of fear of infecting their computers by viruses.

Warning: Don’t include the same cover letter in the body of the email and as a file attachment. That is just a weird thing to do and makes you look very indecisive.

The remainder of the guide will show you step-by-step how to write your email covering letter in the body of the email:

How to start an email

2. employer’s personal details.

The first few lines of your letter should be the personal details of the recruiter:

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

Good example:

employer-personal-details

3. Opening salutation/greeting

The next line of your covering letter is the opening salutation, which should be written in the following format:

“Dear” followed by their honorific title (Mr, Mrs, etc.) and surname.

  • Always use formal greeting (e.g. ‘ Dear Sir/Madam ‘, ‘ Dear [Surname] ‘ or ‘ To whom it may concern ‘ rather than ‘ Hey ‘, ‘ Hi ‘, or ‘ What’s up? ‘)
  • It’s always best to find out the name of the employer to whom you are written the letter. This makes the letter more personal and convincing.
  • If you’re addressing the employer by name, only include their surname (Dear Mr Kent) and not their full name (Dear Mr Simon Kent).

opening-salutation-begin-cover-letter

The next line should include today’s date in full ( 10 November, 2018 instead of 10/11/18 ), aligned to the right.

date-right-aligned-cover-letter

5. Introductory paragraph

State the reason why you are writing this covering letter.

For example:

I am writing to express my interest in the Electrical Engineer role listed in The Worcester News, 19th of March 2017. After carefully reviewing the job requirements, I feel I have all the necessary experience and technical skills to excel in this position, and I would wholly appreciate your consideration.

  • These are the first few sentences that the prospective employer will be reading about you; make sure the introductory paragraph is short , to the point and is written for high impact .

6. Paragraph 2

In this paragraph, clearly outline the reasons why you would be a suitable candidate for this position. Make mention of your relevant education, qualifications, work experience, strengths, skills and abilities.

I graduated in 2014 with a first-class degree in Librarianship from the University of Essex, and I worked for a year as a Junior Librarian at Summerfield College. Both my education and work experience have given me a great insight into the purpose, function and processes of libraries. I am trained in all the standard library information and data management systems.

  • Try to back up your statements with real-world examples. For instance, if you wrote that you have an “ excellent track record in sales “; back it up by tangible and verifiable performance information, e.g. by stating that you “ increased the company’s sales by 23% in six months. “

7. Paragraph 3

Following on from paragraph 2, expand on more reasons why you would be the ideal candidate for this job position.

I graduated in 2015 with a 2:1 degree in Business Management from the Queen’s University Belfast, something which kindled my passion for business and the economy. I studied a broad variety of topics ranging from Marketing Principles and Corporate Responsibilities to Leading Change and Strategic Management. I am a driven, ambitious and analytical individual with the excellent ability to analyse current business operations and offer meaningful solutions based on the findings.

8. Paragraph 4

This is going to be the final information-packed paragraph of your cover letter. Mention any other selling points that you have and state the reason why you are interested in working for this particular company.

I am especially attracted to joining your organisation because of the emphasis it puts on long-term growth and training within the company. Challenges motivate me, and I believe that I would be able to bring together my prior knowledge and skills as a competent Recruitment Officer. I am confident that my records of impressive accomplishments over the past few years prove that I will become a valuable asset to Lancefield Recruitment.

  • Do research about the company you are applying for and use your findings to draft this paragraph. This will make you look interested, intelligent and resourceful in the eyes of the prospective employer.

How to end the email

9. closing statement.

The final paragraph is usually a polite call for action in which you state that you are looking forward to meeting the prospective employer. It must also contain a reference to your CV that you have attached with the application.

Useful phrases you can use:

  • Please find attached my CV for your consideration.
  • I have attached my CV with this email.
  • For your consideration, my CV is attached with this email.

please-find-attached

10. Closing salutation

The closing greeting should be “Yours sincerely” only if you addressed the employer by name (e.g. Dear Mrs Sanders) at the beginning of the letter.

If you used “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To whom it may concern” as the opening greeting of your letter, it should end with “Yours faithfully.”

Other alternatives that you may use instead of “Yours faithfully”:

  • Best regards
  • Kind regards
  • Best Wishes

11. Signature & Sender’s name

Sign off the letter with a signature followed by your name.

If you do not have a scanned or electronic signature, you can write the signature in the following format:

  • Email address
  • Telephone number
  • LinkedIn profile – optional

email-signature

That is it – you should now have a perfectly written email cover letter!

  • Don’t rush by writing and sending your email in one go – you will most likely forget to include important things or make many factual, grammatical or spelling mistakes. Write a draft version first, take a break, and then come back again in a few hours time to review it.
  • Don’t forget to attach your files ! You only have one chance to make a good impression, make sure you don’t mess it up with clumsy mistakes.
  • Send a test email to yourself first to double-check the email’s format and whether attachments can be opened.
  • Give the attachments identifiable file names, for example, “ Julia_McCaree_CV.pdf ” is better than “ newhkh34.pdf “

Shall I send my documents in Word (.doc or .docx) or PDF format? Both methods are acceptable. However, we recommend you send it as a PDF file because that will preserve the format and presentation of your documents; including margins, padding, spacing and indentation.

How do I find out if my job application email has been received? Unfortunately, you can’t be sure whether the employer has opened or read your email unless they tell you so. Some email clients allow you to ask for a “Read” receipt after the sender has opened your email. However, you will only receive a “Read” receipt if the recipient decides to send you one.

After how many days shall I follow-up my application? Most job vacancies will state the timeframe in which you should hear back from them if you have been shortlisted for an interview. Many job vacancies will state: “If you do not hear back from us within 2 weeks time, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful this time.” If, however, this is not specified you should get in touch with them after a week to follow-up on your initial application.

Should I use the “ high importance ” flag when sending my application? No, not really. The high importance flag has lost its value years ago. Besides, there is a chance that you will come across as rude as why should your job application email be more important or urgent than those of other senders? More than 90% of emails are sent without one.

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12 CV cover letter examples

Andrew Fennell photo

A  cover letter  for your CV, or covering note is an introductory message that accompanies your CV when applying for a job.

The purpose of the cover letter is simple… Persuade the reader to open your CV.

Learn how to write a cover letter properly, and you will hugely increase your chances of getting responses and landing job interviews.

This guide, with 12 annotated cover letter examples will show you everything you need to know about creating a winning cover note.

CV templates 

How to layout a cover letter for your CV

This annotated example of a cover letter shows you how you should structure your cover letters, and the type of information you should be including.

You should always write your CV in the body of your email (or j ob site messaging system) so that it can be read instantly. Never attach it as a separate document, or the recipient probably won’t open it.

How to write a cover letter

Example CV cover letters

These 11 example CV cover letters from a range of industries should give you some good inspiration for creating your own cover letter.

Admin CV cover letter

Administrator Cover Letter example

This cover letter is aimed at administrative roles , so it highlights the candidate’s abilities in efficiency, report writing and meeting deadlines, whilst demonstrating the types of environments they have worked in.

Learn how to write a cover letter step-by-step here.

Customer service CV cover letter

Customer service cover letter example

This customer service cover letter briefly explains the candidate’s length of experience in the field and highlights some of the more important customer service skills such as call handling, order taking and complaint resolution.

This gives the reader an excellent introduction to the candidate and should certainly encourage them to open the CV.

See our full customer service cover letter guide,  sales assistant cover letter example  and waiter/waitress cover letter example .

Finance CV cover letter

Finance cover letter example

As a finance professional, it’s important to highlight your specialisms within finance, the types of companies you’ve worked for, and high level functions you’ve carried out within your cover letter. This will give the hiring manager a good overall feel of your abilities, and if it’s well tailored to the role, should provide them with enough info to excite them about your CV.

Quick tip: Use our job application tracker spreadsheet to track your applications and follow up with employers who don’t respond.

CV builder

Events CV cover letter

Events manager cover letter example

This events manager candidate has done a great job of summarising the type and size of events they manage, along with details of core skills such as leadership, project delivery and stakeholder management.

This certainly provides enough info to create a buzz around the CV attached and encourage the recipient to open it.

Executive assistant CV cover letter

Executive assistant cover letter example

This executive assistant CV cover letter provides a good high level intro to the candidate showing the reader key business support knowledge in areas such as admin, diary management and document management. It also shows that the candidate is confident supporting senior business figures.

Graduate CV cover letter

Graduate cover letter example

As a graduate , your cover letter will need to be a little longer than an experienced candidates, to compensate for your lack of experience and really sell yourself.

This candidate speaks in lots of detail about their education, qualifications, and extra-curricular work which relates to the roles they are applying for.

IT CV cover letter

IT Support cover letter example

As an IT candidate, it’s important not only to highlight your technical skills, but also show how you apply those skills in the workplace to translate real benefits for your employer.

This candidate gives a good overview of the candidates technical abilities and the types of projects they apply them to, along with results they achieve.

Marketing CV cover letter

Marketing Cover Letter example

This marketing cover letter provides readers with a summary of the candidate’s core marketing abilities such as media planning, brand awareness and cost reduction. It also explains the types of marketing campaigns and companies they have experience with – a great high-level intro.

Cover letter examples

Warehouse Operative cover letter – Training Contract cover letter – Cleaning Job cover letter – Nursery Assistant cover letter – Recruitment Consultant cover letter – Dental Nurse cover letter –

Chef cover letter – Editorial Assistant cover letter – Aircraft Mechanic cover letter – Biomedical Science cover letter – Cabin Crew cover letter – Finance Assistant cover letter – Hotel Receptionist cover letter – Asset Management cover letter – Assistant Psychologist cover letter – Beauty Therapist cover letter – Cafe Worker cover letter – HR Administrator cover letter – NQT cover letter – Quantity Surveyor cover letter

More cover letter examples

  • Academic cover letter
  • Account Manager cover letter
  • Accountant cover letter
  • Accounting cover letter
  • Accounts Assistant cover letter
  • Acting cover letter
  • Admin Assistant cover letter
  • Administrator cover letter
  • Apprenticeship cover letter
  • Architecture cover letter
  • Assistant Manager cover letter
  • Banking cover letter
  • Bar Staff cover letter
  • Barclays cover letter
  • Barista cover letter
  • Bartender cover letter
  • Business Analyst cover letter
  • Business Development Manager cover letter
  • Car Sales Person cover letter
  • Care Assistant cover letter
  • Career Change cover letter
  • Catering Assistant cover letter
  • Civil Engineer cover letter
  • Computer Science cover letter
  • Consulting cover letter
  • Copywriter cover letter
  • Cyber Security cover letter
  • Data Entry Clerk cover letter
  • Data Scientist cover letter
  • Delivery Driver cover letter
  • Digital Marketing cover letter
  • Electrician cover letter
  • Engineering cover letter
  • Estate Agent cover letter
  • Event Manager cover letter
  • Exam Invigilator cover letter
  • Executive Assistant cover letter
  • Fashion Designer cover letter
  • Finance cover letter
  • Financial Analyst cover letter
  • Google cover letter
  • Graduate cover letter
  • Graduate Engineer cover letter
  • Graduate Scheme cover letter
  • Graphic Design cover letter
  • Health Care Assistant cover letter
  • Hospitality cover letter
  • HR Assistant cover letter
  • HR cover letter
  • Interior Designer cover letter
  • Internal Position cover letter
  • Internship cover letter
  • Investment Banking cover letter
  • Investment Manager cover letter
  • IT Support cover letter
  • Journalist cover letter
  • JP Morgan cover letter
  • Lawyer cover letter
  • Legal Assistant cover letter
  • Legal cover letter
  • Library Assistant cover letter
  • Manager cover letter
  • Marine Engineer cover letter
  • Marketing Assistant cover letter
  • Marketing cover letter
  • Marketing Intern cover letter
  • Marketing Manager cover letter
  • McKinsey cover letter
  • Mechanical Engineer cover letter
  • Medical Receptionist cover letter
  • Medical Writer cover letter
  • Model cover letter
  • Nanny cover letter
  • Nurse cover letter
  • Nursing cover letter
  • Office Assistant cover letter
  • Office Manager cover letter
  • Operations Manager cover letter
  • Optical Assistant cover letter
  • Paralegal cover letter
  • Part Time cover letter
  • PE Teacher cover letter
  • Personal Assistant cover letter
  • Personal Trainer cover letter
  • Pharmacist cover letter
  • Pharmacy Assistant cover letter
  • PHD Application cover letter
  • Photographer cover letter
  • Placement cover letter
  • Private Equity cover letter
  • Product Manager cover letter
  • Production Assistant cover letter
  • Production Operator cover letter
  • Project Coordinator cover letter
  • Promotion cover letter
  • PWC cover letter
  • Quantity Surveyor cover letter
  • Receptionist cover letter
  • Research Assistant cover letter
  • Researcher cover letter
  • Retail Assistant cover letter
  • Retail cover letter
  • Retail Manager cover letter
  • Sales Advisor cover letter
  • Sales Executive cover letter
  • Sales Manager cover letter
  • Scrum Master cover letter
  • Security Officer cover letter
  • Ski Season cover letter
  • Social Media Executive cover letter
  • Social Media Manager cover letter
  • Software Developer cover letter
  • Software Engineer cover letter
  • Speculative cover letter
  • Student cover letter
  • Support Worker cover letter
  • Teaching Assistant cover letter
  • Team Leader cover letter
  • Trainee Dental Nurse cover letter
  • University cover letter
  • UX Designer cover letter
  • Volunteer cover letter

Project manager CV cover letter

Project manager cover letter example

A project manager’ s cover letter needs to quickly explain to recipients the types of projects they lead and the technical expertise they bring to the projects. It’s also important to describe level of experience, seniority and background.

See full project manager cover letter example + writing guide

Operations manager cover letter

Operations manager cover letter example

This operations management CV provides a brief introduction to the types of operations the candidate manages and the firms they work for.

They also touch upon some core operations skills such as efficiency, logistics and ROI improvement.

Sales CV cover letter

Sales cover letter example

As a sales candidate, this cover letter shows the types of business this person can generate and the size and scale of the impact they create by highlighting some sales results.

It also mentions some core sales skills like business development, presenting, working under pressure and closing deals.

Cover letter templates

Teacher cover letter

Teacher cover letter example

This teacher cover letter does a great job of introducing the candidate, and showing the recipient the key facts they will be looking for, such as; the age group they teach, subject specialisms, and the results they have achieved.

The cover letter is brief and gets to the point quickly, so that readers will instantly look to open the attached CV .

How to write your CV cover letter

Now that you’ve seem good examples of cover letters to accompany your CV (or resume if you are in the USA) this guide will show exactly how to write your own, and the content that needs to be included .

Send your CV cover letter in email format (when possible)

When applying for jobs online you usually have 2 choices…

1) Send a message via the job website’s messaging system

2) Send the recruiter an email directly

If you can find an email address for the recruiter, then I would always recommend sending an email directly because it gives you more control.

When you send a message through a job website, it will transfer into an email with basic formatting and an auto-generated headline , which will look like this when the recruiter receives it.

Email Subject line

If you cannot find an email address for the recruiter on the job advert, then try searching LinkedIn or the company website to find the relevant contact.

You may not always be able to find an email address, but when you can – always send a job application by email .

Make your subject line appealing

As you can see in the picture above, a bad subject line can kill your chances of actually having your email read in the first place.

Your subject line should stand out and give the recruiter a reason to open your email.

When recruiters look into their inbox, they are looking for one thing; a candidate who can do the job they are advertising – so give that to them in your subject line.

Your subject line should be a short summary of your experience that relates directly to the job you are applying for.

The following are good subject line examples;

KS2 Teacher with 5 years experience

Front End Web developer with HTML, HTML & JavaScript experience

Junior Graphic designer with 1st BA Hons Graphic Design

If your subject line shows that you have one or two of the most important requirements for the job, your email should get opened every time.

Address the recruiter by name

Address by name

To get the relationship off on the right foot, you should try to address the recruiter by name if you can.

Often the recruiter’s details will appear on the job advert but sometimes you may have to check out the company website or do some digging around on LinkedIn.

If you really can’t find the name, then it’s not the end of the world – just start with a simple friendly opening like “ Hi ”

(If you applying to a more traditional organisation such as an academic post for a university, you may want to use something a bit more formal like “ Dear sir or madam ”)

Use a friendly yet professional tone

It’s important to sound professional when writing a cover letter but you also need to demonstrate your ability to communicate with other people and show some personality.

If your email is too casual and written in an over-familiar tone, then you will come across us un-professional.

But on the other hand, if your email is too formal and shows no signs of rapport building, you risk appearing as somebody who lacks social skills.

So when writing your cover letter, try to strike a nice balance of professionalism and friendliness.

Opening with a line such as “ hope you’re well ” is a nice way to breathe a bit of personality into your cover letter.

Ensure that your spelling and grammar is perfect throughout your cover letter because sloppy mistakes are a huge red flag for recruiters.

Quick tip:  If you struggle with spelling and grammar, try our quick-and-easy CV Builder

Keep it brief

Unless the job advert specifies otherwise; keep your cover letter short and sweet.

Recruiters and employers receive hundreds of job applications per week, so they don’t want to read a 2 page cover letter.

Depending on the role, around 2-4 sentences should be enough for the content of the cover letter.

You just need to write enough to persuade them to open your CV – It should roughly contain the same amount of information as your CV profile or personal statement.

Show how your skills match the job

Hard skills vs soft skills

To ensure that recruiters open your CV, you simply need to explain how your skills and experience match the job requirements from the advert.

Scan the job advert to discover what the most important candidate abilities are, and show how your previous experience has prepared you to cover these.

In particular, look out for any requirements that are essential to the job .

Focus on what you have to offer at this stage and not what you want.

At this stage, your covering letter is simply a means of getting the recruiter to open your CV, so it’s too early to talk about salary demands etc. Save that for your initial conversation with the recruiter.

Include a professional signature

cover letter signatures

End your cover letter with a friendly salutation such as “Regards” and a smart signature which includes your name and most direct contact method (usually mobile phone for most people)

A professional email signature will show recruiters that you understand business-email etiquette and ensure they have a means of contacting you – even if they can’t open your CV for any reason.

Writing a CV cover letter

Hopefully this guide has given you everything you need to create a winning cover letter that will ensure you CV gets opened every time you send it.

Just remember to keep it brief, be friendly, tailor it towards your target role, and give recruiters some good reasons to be interested in you.

Good luck with the job hunt!

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Tips for Sending Email Cover Letters With Samples

How to Send an Email Cover Letter and Resume

sample cover letter for cv email

  • Send a Cover Letter Attachment
  • Send an Email Cover Letter
  • Contact Person, Subject, and Signature
  • Check Spelling and Grammar

Send a Test Message to Yourself

Review a sample email cover letter.

  • More Sample Cover Letter Emails

Marc Romanell / Photolibrary / Getty Images

What should you include in an email to apply for a job, and how should you send it? An email cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on your expertise. It is written to provide information on why you are qualified for the job you are applying for and to explain the reasons for your interest in the company.

When you're sending an email cover letter, it's important to follow the employer's instructions on how to submit your cover letter and resume.

The job posting may specify the type of file you need to send, and how you should send it. If not, you can follow the instructions below to easily get your documents to the hiring manager.

It's also important to make sure that your email cover letters are written as well as any other correspondence you send. Even though it's quick and easy to send an email, it doesn't mean that you should write anything less than a detailed cover letter focused on why you are a good match for the job you are applying for. Here are some tips for sending email cover letters.

Sending Email Cover Letters and Resumes as Attachments

  • If the job posting says to include your cover letter and resume as an attachment, you can easily attach PDF files to your email message. 
  • If your cover letter and resume are Word documents, click “File, Save As, PDF (.pdf)” to save your documents as PDF files.
  • For Google Docs files, click “File, Download, PDF (.pdf)” document. 
  • PDFs are more professional, they retain the format, and they cannot be edited by someone else after you’ve shared them. 
  • Save the files with your name, so they don't get mixed up with other applicants' materials, e.g., yournamecover.pdf.

Need more help? Here's a step-by-step guide to sending your resume and cover letter as an attachment .

Sending Email Cover Letters Without Attachments

  • Some employers do not accept attachments. In these cases, paste your cover letter into your email message.
  • Use a simple font and remove any fancy formatting. 
  • The best way to do this is to copy the content from your original resume and cover letter, and then “Paste Special, Unformatted Text” into the email message.
  • You can “Paste Special” by left-clicking inside the body of the email and selecting "Paste Special" from the dropdown menu.
  • You don’t know what email provider the employer is using, so simple is best. The employer may not see a  formatted message  the same way you do. So if it’s plain text, you can be sure it will render correctly.

Contact Person, Subject Line, and Signature

  • How to Address an Email Cover Letter : Here's how to address a cover letter sent in an email message, including what to use when you have details of a contact person, and how to address it if you don't.
  • The Subject Line of Your Message : Make sure you list the position you are applying for in the subject line of your email, so that the employer is clear as to what job you are applying for. For example, Subject: Jane Doe, Social Media Manager Position.
  • Include Your Signature: Include an email signature with your contact information, comprising name, address, email address, and telephone number, so it's easy for the hiring manager to get in touch with you.

Double-Check Your Letter for Spelling and Grammar

Make sure you spellcheck and check your grammar and capitalization. They are just as important in an email cover letter as in paper cover letters.

Send the message to yourself first to test that the formatting and attachments work. If everything looks good, resend to the employer.

Here's an example of an email cover letter. Also see below for more samples.

Sample Email Cover Letter

Subject: Administrative Assistant/Receptionist Job – Roger Smith

Dear Ms. Cole,

I was excited to see your listing for the position of administrative assistant/receptionist at ABC Market Corp. I believe that my five years' experience in office administration and my passion for your products make me an ideal candidate for this role.

You specify that you’re looking for an administrative assistant with experience scheduling appointments, maintaining records, ordering supplies, and greeting customers. I’m currently employed as an administrative assistant at XYZ company, where I have spent the past five years honing these skills.

I’m adept at using all the usual administrative and collaboration software packages, from Microsoft Office and SharePoint to Google Docs and Drive. I’m a fast learner, and flexible, while always maintaining the good cheer that you’d want from the first person visitors see when they interact with the company.

I have attached my resume and will call within the next week to see if we might arrange a time to speak.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Roger Smith Phone Email LinkedIn Profile URL (optional)

More Sample Email Cover Letters

Review more sample email cover letters and templates for a variety of role types.

  • Email Cover Letter Template : Template to use when creating an email cover letter.
  • Sample Email Cover Letter Message : Sample cover letter email message to use to apply for a job.
  • Sample Email Cover Letter With Attached Resume : Sample email cover letter to use when you are sending your resume as an attachment.
  • Email Cover Letter - Part-Time Job : Email cover letter sample for applying for a part-time job.
  • Email Cover Letter - Summer Job : Email cover letter sample for applying for a summer job.
  • Professional Email Message : Sample professional email to use for job search or for asking for professional assistance.

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

Background Image

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 .

cover letter example for career change

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 

cover letter example for a recent graduate

  • 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

Cover Letter Example for Middle Management

  • 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

cover letter example for business manager

  • 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

cover letter example for phd

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

cover letter example for senior executive

  • 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 

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 

cover letter examples

  • 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 

best 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

Cover Letter Example for Digital Marketing

  • 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 

Cover Letter Example for Graphic Designer

  • 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

Cover Letter Example for Administrative Assistant

  • 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

Cover Letter Example for Front Desk

  • 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

Cover Letter Example for Human Resources

  • 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 

Cover Letter Example  for Sales Agent

  • 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

Cover Letter Example for Receptionist

  • 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

Cover Letter Example for Information Technology

  • 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

Cover Letter Example for Real Estate Agent

  • 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

Cover Letter Example for Teacher

  • 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

Cover Letter Example for Project Manager

  • 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

Cover Letter Example for Paralegal

  • 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:

cover letter structure

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!

cover letter examples templates

#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 

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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80 Sample Phrases for Office Manager Resume and 2 Cover Letter Examples

By Status.net Editorial Team on March 9, 2024 — 11 minutes to read

Crafting a strong office manager resume is a pivotal step in landing your next job opportunity. You want to showcase your ability to handle a multitude of administrative tasks while also being the glue that keeps the office running smoothly. Highlighting your organizational, communication, and leadership skills is important because these are the competencies that employers look for in an office manager.

Your resume should effectively demonstrate your experience managing office operations, supervising staff, and streamlining processes. It’s helpful to include specific examples, such as how you improved office efficiency or managed project coordination successfully. Remember to mention any relevant software you are proficient in, as technical skills are highly valued in this role.

Including quantifiable achievements can significantly strengthen your resume. Instead of merely stating your duties, focus on how your efforts delivered tangible results. Perhaps you implemented a new filing system that increased document retrieval speed by 30%, or you might have successfully negotiated with vendors to reduce office supply costs. These concrete examples speak volumes about your impact as an office manager and make your resume stand out to potential employers.

Professional Summary

In this section, you’ll find a snapshot of what to highlight about your experience and goals when crafting your own office manager resume. This will help you come across as competent and driven.

Examples of Professional Summaries for Office Manager Resume

Highly efficient Office Manager with a strong background in managing day-to-day operations and solving complex problems. Skilled in budgeting, scheduling, and maintaining a high standard of office organization. Committed to improving office systems to support business growth and staff development.

Versatile Office Manager with 7 years of experience in administrative leadership, specializing in team management, office organization, and process improvements. Adept at developing and implementing office policies that increase productivity and ensure smooth operations.

Office Manager with 5 years of experience in fostering positive work environments and maintaining high levels of staff morale and productivity. Expert in HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, and performance management. Excellent communicator with a knack for building relationships with employees and vendors alike.

Detail-oriented and results-driven Office Manager with over a decade of experience overseeing administrative operations in fast-paced environments. Proven track record in streamlining office procedures, managing staff, and increasing efficiency. Recognized for exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities with ease.

Dedicated Office Manager with 8 years of experience working in small business environments. Expertise in all aspects of office management, from bookkeeping and payroll to inventory control and customer service. A proactive problem-solver with a passion for helping businesses thrive.

Office Manager with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence. Over 6 years of experience in managing administrative tasks, coordinating office events, and overseeing facility maintenance. Recognized for the ability to maintain a clean and organized office space that enhances workflow and productivity.

Tech-savvy Office Manager with a strong background in project management and office automation. Proficient in a variety of office software and technology, with a proven ability to adapt to new tools quickly. Skilled in coordinating cross-functional teams and managing complex projects under tight deadlines.

Strategic Office Manager with 10+ years of experience in supporting business operations and contributing to company growth. Skilled in developing business strategies, managing client relationships, and overseeing administrative functions. Adept at identifying opportunities for process improvements and cost savings.

Organized Office Manager with extensive experience in managing medical office operations, including patient scheduling, billing, and compliance with healthcare regulations. Known for maintaining confidentiality and providing exceptional patient service. Strong background in staff training and development within the healthcare sector.

Multilingual Office Manager with a unique international perspective, having worked in diverse cultural environments. Fluent in English, Spanish, and French, with experience in translation and international communication. Proficient in coordinating international meetings and managing a multicultural staff.

Work Experience Examples for Office Manager Resume

Your work experience section is where you get to showcase the roles you’ve excelled in and the value you’ve added to your previous employers. This section is the meat of your resume, telling potential employers what you’ve accomplished and how your experience aligns with the job you’re applying for.

Recent Roles Examples

  • Managed a team of 12 office personnel, ensuring efficient administrative operations.
  • Oversaw office budget, reducing costs by 15% through strategic supplier negotiations.
  • Implemented a new document management system which increased document retrieval times by 20%.
  • Coordinated over 200+ corporate events, including logistics, budgeting, and post-event reporting.
  • Served as the first point of contact for client communications, handling an average of 50+ calls daily.
  • Revised the company’s filing system, resulting in a 30% improvement in team productivity.
  • Streamlined office supply inventory management, cutting waste by 25%.
  • Led the transition to a paperless office environment, reducing paper usage by over 40%.
  • Facilitated inter-departmental communication to improve project turnaround times by 10%.
  • Negotiated with vendors for office equipment, securing more favorable terms and pricing.

Key Achievements Examples

  • Spearheaded a customer service initiative that boosted customer satisfaction ratings by 35%.
  • Received the ‘Office Manager of the Year’ award for exceptional leadership and management.
  • Played a key role in achieving ISO 9001 certification for the company.
  • Developed and implemented an office-wide training program that increased employee competency by 50%.
  • Authored an office procedures manual adopted company-wide for standardizing process efficiency.
  • Initiated a remote work program that contributed to a 20% increase in employee satisfaction.
  • Orchestrated a company-wide software upgrade with minimal downtime and zero data loss.
  • Achieved a record-low staff turnover rate of 5% annually through improved employee engagement strategies.
  • Designed and executed a cost-saving plan that slashed office expenses by $10,000 a year.
  • Successfully planned and managed office relocation without disruption to business operations.

In this section, you’ll find the critical areas where you need to excel to become a successful office manager. Your resume should highlight how you effectively utilize these skills to manage office operations and contribute to the business.

Administrative Skills

Your administrative skills are the backbone of day-to-day office management.

  • 1. Adept at office administration and executive support tasks.
  • 2. Proficient in managing office supplies and vendor contracts.
  • 3. Skilled in record-keeping and maintaining filing systems.
  • 4. Expertise in scheduling and calendar management.
  • 5. Strong background in implementing office policies and procedures.
  • 6. Experienced in travel arrangements and event planning.
  • 7. Capable of handling confidential information with discretion.
  • 8. Competent in preparing detailed reports and presentations.
  • 9. Efficient in managing office budgets and expenses.
  • 10. Proficient in developing and maintaining office workflow procedures.

Interpersonal Abilities

Your ability to interact with others defines your role in the workplace dynamic.

  • 1. Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • 2. Proven ability to lead and motivate team members.
  • 3. Strong negotiation skills with vendors and service providers.
  • 4. Excellent customer service orientation for internal and external clients.
  • 5. Ability to mediate conflicts and facilitate constructive conversations.
  • 6. Experienced in building and maintaining professional relationships.
  • 7. Skilled at collaborating with cross-functional teams.
  • 8. Comfortable in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.
  • 9. Empathetic listener and persuasive speaker.
  • 10. Proven track record of fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

Technical Proficiencies

Being tech-savvy helps you streamline office operations using various tools.

  • 1. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
  • 2. Proficient with various office management software, including CRM and ERP systems.
  • 3. Skilled in using project management tools like Asana, Trello, and Basecamp.
  • 4. Knowledgeable in basic IT troubleshooting and office equipment maintenance.
  • 5. Experienced with financial software for payroll and accounting, such as QuickBooks.
  • 6. Familiarity with cloud-based file management systems like Google Drive and Dropbox.
  • 7. Ability to type at a high speed with accuracy.
  • 8. Knowledge of data analysis and presentation tools.
  • 9. Experienced in managing and maintaining company databases.
  • 10. Proficient in using telecommunication systems, including video conferencing and online meeting platforms.

Additional Information

In this section, you’ll find key details that can help distinguish your resume, such as language proficiency and volunteer experience, that many employers find valuable.

Being multilingual can give you an edge in today’s globalized economy. Here are example phrases demonstrating language skills:

  • Fluent in Spanish and English
  • Proficient in French, with four years of study
  • Conversational Japanese language skills
  • Business-level German proficiency
  • Native Mandarin speaker, with advanced English
  • Italian language proficiency, intermediate level
  • Beginner level Korean with commitment to further learning
  • Dutch: Professional working proficiency

Related: How to Include Language Skills on Your Resume (Examples)

Volunteer Work

Your volunteer experiences convey your commitment to community and your character. Examples:

  • Coordinated local charity events for the Red Cross
  • Volunteer tutor for children at McNair Elementary School
  • Served meals at the City Homeless Shelter bi-weekly
  • Organized annual fundraiser for the Cancer Awareness Foundation
  • Participated in building homes with Habitat for Humanity
  • Managed a team of volunteers for park restorations with Green Earth Society
  • Served as a board member for the Downtown Art League
  • Provided pro bono office management services to a local non-profit art gallery
  • Led a local neighborhood clean-up initiative for three years
  • Volunteer firefighter with over 200 hours of community service

Examples of Cover Letters

When drafting your cover letter, it’s important to tailor it to the specific office manager position you’re applying for. This means highlighting relevant skills and experiences that align with the job requirements. For someone with no experience, you’ll want to emphasize your organizational abilities, communication skills, and any leadership roles you may have held, even in volunteer settings.

Example of Office Manager Cover Letter (No Experience)

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am excited to express my interest in the Office Manager position at your company. Although I am entering the workforce for the first time, I bring a dedicated work ethic and a strong desire to learn. During my studies at (…) University, I honed my organizational skills by coordinating group projects and leading our student events committee. My proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and my ability to communicate effectively have prepared me to meet the challenges of this role. I am eager to bring my enthusiasm and dedication to your esteemed team and contribute to your company’s success.

Sincerely, Jane Smith

For those with experience, your cover letter should provide a snapshot of your career highlights. Emphasize your accomplishments as an office manager and how you’ve successfully enhanced office operations, improved systems, or led teams.

Example of Office Manager Cover Letter for a Candidate with Experience

I am writing to apply for the Office Manager position as advertised. With over 10 years of experience in office administration and management, I have a proven track record of streamlining processes, increasing efficiency, and fostering a positive work environment. In my previous role at ABC Corp, I implemented a new document management system that increased departmental productivity by 20%. I also have extensive experience in budgeting, scheduling, and providing exemplary leadership to a team of administrative professionals. I’m confident in my ability to bring a wealth of knowledge and a proven leadership approach to your dynamic team.

Warm regards, John Smith

Education Section Examples

When pursuing an office manager position, your education is a vital element of your resume. You should highlight not just academic achievements but also relevant certifications and coursework that prepare you for the role.

Highest Degree

Your highest degree should be prominently displayed. If you have a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, list the university’s name, the degree earned, and your graduation date. For example:

  • University of ExampleCity Bachelor of Business Administration, May 2020

If your highest degree is an Associate’s Degree or a Master’s, the format remains the same:

  • Sample Community College Associate of Applied Science in Business Management, May 2018

Certifications

Certifications can set you apart from other candidates. Include any that are relevant to the role of an office manager. For instance:

  • Certified Manager Certification (CM) – Institute of Certified Professional Managers
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) – Project Management Institute

Remember to list the certifying body and the year you received the certification. Related: How To List Certifications on a Resume (Examples)

Relevant Coursework

Describe coursework that directly relates to the skills and knowledge useful for an office manager. If you have completed courses in project management, human resources, or business law, mention these. Here’s an example of how you can format it:

  • Project Management Principles: Gained skills in project planning and execution.
  • Human Resources Management: Acquired knowledge in employee relations and benefits administration.
  • Business Law: Learned about legal concepts applicable to business operations and contract management.

It’s important to show how each course has provided a foundation for the tasks you’ll handle as an office manager.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i highlight my office manager skills on my resume.

To highlight your office manager skills on your resume, focus on specific accomplishments in your past roles that showcase your ability to manage tasks, lead teams, or improve office operations. For example, mention a filing system you updated that increased efficiency, or a staff training program you implemented that boosted team productivity.

What should I include in an office manager resume if I lack experience?

If you lack experience, concentrate on transferable skills like communication, organization, and problem-solving. Detail volunteer work or internships where you managed schedules or coordinated events. Academic projects or coursework related to business management can also be beneficial to include.

Can you suggest a professional summary for an office manager resume?

A professional summary for an office manager resume might read like this: “Dedicated Office Manager with 5+ years of experience in streamlining office operations, leading administrative teams, and implementing cost-saving strategies to enhance efficiency. Proven track record of improving office workflow and fostering a positive work environment.”

What are some effective office manager resume objectives to consider?

Effective resume objectives for an office manager could include: “Seeking an Office Manager role to utilize my extensive organizational skills and background in office administration to improve operational efficiency,” or “Aiming to bring my strong attention to detail and deadline-driven work ethic to a dynamic team as an Office Manager.”

What key qualities should I emphasize to demonstrate I’m a good fit for an office manager position?

Emphasize key qualities such as strong leadership, excellent communication skills, and the ability to efficiently manage multiple tasks. Mention how your organizational abilities contributed to reducing overhead costs or how your proactive approach to problem-solving improved office systems.

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Career Advice > Job Search > Resumes and Cover Letters > Postpartum Nurse Cover Letter Writing Tips and Sample

Postpartum Nurse Cover Letter Writing Tips and Sample

Search resource center.

Professional woman smiling while outdoors

If you’re looking for your next mother-baby nursing role, you’re probably brushing up on your postpartum nurse cover letter. While your resume gives an overview of your skills, experience, and education, a cover letter gives you a chance to show what makes you a great nurse. Use our tips and sample cover letter to guide your writing process and land the interview. If this isn’t your first role, you’ve probably written a cover letter before, so you might still be able to use parts of it. With a few formatting adjustments and personalizations, you can elevate your letter so hiring managers will want to learn more.

Writing Tips for Postpartum Nurse Cover Letters

  • Personalize: Change your cover letter for each job to highlight what makes you a good fit. That doesn’t mean you need to rewrite it with every job application, but personalizing the intro and other sections shows that you’re detail-oriented and interested in the role.
  • Passion: What made you want to care for new parents and babies? Explain your love for postpartum nursing so readers can see why you’d be a great asset to the unit.
  • Share wins: Provide examples of professional accomplishments, like improving care or making patients happier. Storytelling is a great way to make an impact.
  • Mention skills: You don’t need to list your skills the way you do on a resume, but mentioning relevant postpartum nursing skills — like lactation support, fundal assessment, or education — can show competence.

Looking for more tips for drafting your postpartum nurse cover letter? You might want to head over to our in-depth guide on nursing cover letters .

Postpartum Nurse Cover Letter Sample

Natasha Newborn, RN, RNC-MNN

4567 Delivery Drive

Phone: 333-333-3333

Email: [email protected]

[Hiring Manager’s Name]

Unit 10A Mother-Baby

[Hospital Address]

Newborn, Georgia

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I’m interested in joining your team on 10A to help care for new families with your staff. I bring seven years of nursing experience, and I’m excited for the opportunity to contribute my skills and passion for supporting parents and infants during the earliest days of parenthood.

As a compassionate and skilled postpartum nurse, I am well-versed in providing comprehensive care to mothers and newborns during the first days of life. My experience includes monitoring patients for signs of complications, administering medications, conducting fundal assessments, and documenting patient outcomes and interventions.

One of my favorite parts of my previous maternal health roles has been seeing the bond grow between new mothers and infants. I’m proud to have facilitated 20 breastfeeding groups so far in my current role — 96 mothers in total. In my past job in maternal home care, I helped bridge the gap between inpatient maternal medicine and home life, caring for and educating over 100 new mothers.

Not only am I a dedicated postpartum team player, I also enjoy the variation of floating into labor and delivery. My teammates lean on me for support when they need it, and I love being a resource for newer nurses on my unit. In my previous roles, I collaborated with my peers, obstetricians, pediatricians, and other healthcare providers to ensure coordinated care during and after hospital stays.

I’m attracted to your unit because I’m ready for the skill growth that working at a teaching hospital offers. I’d be excited to work within a team that’s won accolades in equitable postpartum care, and help provide culturally sensitive care to patients and their families.

I’d love the opportunity to join your team at 10A. Thank you for reading my application. I’m eager to speak more with you about my experience, and how my skills align with the needs of your unit. Please reach out to me for a job interview at your convenience.

Warm regards,

What Salary Can You Expect as a Postpartum Nurse?

The average postpartum nurse makes $80,074 in a year. Most nurses in this role average between $72,876 and $90,678.

If you’re interested in earning more as a nurse, more education, experience, and specialty certification can increase your income. Location is another big factor in what you make as a nurse. Here are the states known for the most competitive pay for nurses :

  • Massachusetts

Find Postpartum Nursing Jobs With IntelyCare

Now that you’ve freshened up your postpartum nurse cover letter, search for postpartum nurse jobs on IntelyCare. The role you’re looking for is just around the corner.

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The rise of the job-search bots

I used resume spammers to apply for 120 jobs. Chaos ensued.

In the fall of 2020, I found myself in unfamiliar territory: I was looking for a new job. In theory, it was something I should have known a lot about as an economics reporter. But in practice, I was lost. Because I had stumbled into a great job right out of college, and stayed with that company for a decade, I was blissfully unaware of how soul-crushing it was to be a job seeker in 21st-century corporate America.

I threw myself into the task. I meticulously researched employers. I applied to a dozen openings. I tailored my CV to match each job description. I wrote heartfelt paragraphs about why each role was perfect for me. Yet all I got back was a raft of canned rejection emails — or worse, silence. I was floored that I didn't advance to a single interview. This is terrible , I thought. How does anyone do this? I might as well have been sending my applications out into the ether.

Luckily, I landed a job after a few months. But the experience stayed with me. And these days, applying for a job has turned into even more of a nightmare. In the current market, it's not uncommon for totally unremarkable jobs to attract thousands of applications . Employers are so overwhelmed by the flood of résumés that they're barely able to glance at most of them, let alone read them. The whole process has become an odds game: Job seekers submit their cover letters to hundreds of companies, struggling to stand out among the tsunami of applicants. Things have gotten so grim that LinkedIn no longer trumpets the number of people who have applied to openings on its job portal.

So when I heard that you can now use a bot to mass-apply to job openings, I was intrigued. The bots — with names like LazyApply and Massive — have turned job hunting into a technological arms race. You pay a fee, feed your résumé into the bot, tell it what you're looking for, and blam! — it starts sending out hundreds of applications on your behalf, often in real time. It's the promise of AI, applied to the job market: an intelligent, personalized, HR-slaying machine, designed to land you a gig through a combination of tech-savvy and brute force.

The question is: Do the bots work? I decided to find out. So I went undercover in the age of AI.

I wasn't looking for a job. But late one night I cracked open a beer, updated my résumé, pulled out my credit card, and entrusted my fate to a job-application bot. Which roles would it apply to? How accurately would it reflect my skills and interests to employers? A friend joked, "Does your editor know this story might end in you taking a new role?" The thought hadn't even crossed my mind. I didn't think any employers would actually bite. How could an AI-generated version of me possibly compete in such a crowded and chaotic job market?

Some 120 applications later, I stood corrected.

The first bot I tried was called Sonara. For $79.99 a month, I signed up for the most expensive "amplitude" plan, which would allow me to apply for 420 openings. After I spent a half hour uploading my résumé and completing my profile, Sonara showed me maybe a dozen job options. I greenlighted a few of them, and the bot promised it would send them out. Each morning when I logged back on, it would send me a trickle of new options to consider. But the ones I approved continued to sit in the queue, unsent. It was hardly the job-applying firehose I was looking for. I pinged customer service a few times. Then, after a week, a statement popped up on Sonara's website. The service was shutting down. Great , I thought. There goes my $79.99.

Undeterred, I signed up for WonsultingAI, which seemed like a bargain at only $19.99 a month. It was a little more manual than Sonara: Every time I wanted it to pull in more job openings, I had to input my experience level and specify the title and location of the position I was looking for. It had a cool feature that allowed me to use a different résumé for each job title I applied to, meaning I could highlight different skills and achievements for various positions. But like Sonara, it didn't show me many job openings, and it was pretty glitchy. About one in three applications never went through.

I had more hope for Massive, another bot I tried. True to its name, it showed me way more openings than Sonara and Wonsulting. But it had a limited, preset list of corporate occupations I could apply to. I chose a couple that felt most relevant to what I do: content marketing and PR. For $39 a month, it would send out up to 50 applications a week. Every few days, I would spend 20 minutes sifting through the options and vetoing the jobs that weren't relevant. It all seemed pretty seamless. After a few days, I started getting a steady stream of automated emails from various employers thanking me for submitting my application. Still, 50 applications a week felt pretty tame in the AI age. What I wanted was a true spray-and-pray machine, the AK-47 of job-application bots. For that, I turned to LazyApply.

LazyApply didn't offer a monthly subscription option, so I purchased a lifetime plan for $129. That gave me the ability to submit a maximum of 750 applications per day. (A more expensive plan came with unlimited applications, but I just couldn't imagine sending out more than 750 in a week, let alone a day.) Unlike the other bots, which ingested job openings into their own sites, LazyApply submitted applications via external job boards. So I linked my brand-new LazyApply profile to my accounts on Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and LinkedIn. Then I set it loose.

Unlike the other bots, LazyApply did all the applying in real time, right in front of my eyes. It was as if someone had hacked my computer: I watched as the bot clicked on various boxes and typed out answers to short questions. For the first few minutes, I was mesmerized. Then, I started to panic. In one application, the bot indicated that I speak conversational-level Spanish, which I definitely do not. In another, it reported that I was African American, even though I had specified in my LazyApply profile that I am Asian. I shouldn't have been surprised, given AI's well-known propensity to make stuff up . But I was alarmed. If I had been a real job seeker, I probably would have pulled the plug on the rogue machine. Instead, I let LazyApply do its thing. I was curious to see which jobs, if any, Spanish-speaking African American Aki would land.

Then things got even weirder. A few applications in, I realized that LazyApply wasn't using the updated résumé I had given it. Instead, it was attaching a document I didn't recognize, titled "Aki Ito Cover Letter, Resume, Links for Insider.pdf." That's strange , I thought. Did LazyApply auto-generate a cover letter for me? I wondered whether it was any good. But when I opened the PDF, I saw it was dated October 24, 2020. It read: "Dear Mr. Carlson: I'm writing to apply for the analytical features editor position at Insider." Instead of sending out the updated résumé I'd provided, LazyApply was submitting an old cover letter it had found buried in the depths of my LinkedIn account, from when I had applied to BI three years ago. In a single spurt, 27 employers — ranging from a website I had never heard of called CryptoNewsZ to venerable publications like The Boston Globe — received an application from me that talked about how much I wanted to work for one of their competitors. LazyApply, I realized in horror, was living up to its name.

Applying for jobs has never been easy, or pleasant. Nobody liked it back in the old days, when people found work by scanning the classified ads in their local newspaper, going to Kinko's to print out their résumés, mailing off their applications, and then waiting weeks or months to hear back. Looking for work has always been work.

The internet promised to change all that. Three decades ago, when Monster and CareerBuilder launched, they sought to match huge pools of job seekers and employers in one big forum — to create what's known, in economics, as a thicker market. With more efficient matchmaking between companies and prospective employees, the thinking went, we might even be able to permanently lower unemployment and boost productivity.

But a thicker market actually didn't make the matching process any more efficient. Employers got access to a larger pool of applicants, but they didn't have the tools to sort through the sudden influx of options. Besieged by volume, they coped by spending less time reviewing the details of every applicant and ghosting the ones they rejected. Candidates adapted by sending out more applications, which further overwhelmed HR departments. The new technology came with an ironic twist: It made it easier than ever to apply for a job, and harder than ever to actually land one.

The first wave of AI was supposed to fix what the internet broke. Job boards began to take on a more active role in the marketplace, using big data to recommend the best jobs to job seekers and the best job seekers to employers. A decade ago, when I was writing for Bloomberg, I posited that the new approach might finally solve what one economist called the job market's " needle-in-the-haystack problem ." I couldn't have been more wrong. The vicious cycle continued, forcing everyone to apply to ever more jobs as their chances of success dropped. Hence the bots.

So far, though, it looks like the arrival of job bots is only making the problem worse. For starters, employers hate them. HR departments have no way of knowing which applications came from a human and which came from a machine. Unless, of course, the bot screws up, like LazyApply did on my applications. Factual errors, nonsensical answers to questions, false promises of Spanish fluency — letting a bot do your job hunting can make you look really, really bad.

"It's definitely a huge risk," says Tony Riggins, who has years of experience as a recruiter for leading tech companies. "It can completely damage your candidacy, and perhaps even your reputation, if you're a candidate with an application making mistakes." Thanks to LazyApply, I've probably destroyed any chance I had of working for The Boston Globe.

Some of the bot services are aware of their technology's limitations. Their solution is the same one that tech platforms like Facebook and YouTube have long been forced to resort to in the face of their algorithmic chaos: reintroducing a layer of human oversight to the process. Massive relies on human "job experts" to double-check every application completed by its bot. Other services, including Teal and Simplify, use Chrome extensions that make you responsible for reviewing the bot's work, forcing you to click "submit" before each autofilled application is sent.

Ladders, a job board that specializes in high-paid positions, takes human oversight a step further. Early in the pandemic, when hiring came to a standstill, the company brainstormed new ways to help job seekers. "A top complaint over and over again was, 'It takes me too long to apply for all these jobs,'" recalls Marc Cenedella, the founder and executive chair of Ladders. "It is mind-numbing, soul-crushing work." So in 2020, the company rolled out a new feature: a team of humans who would complete your job applications for you. At $49.97 a month, it proved wildly popular: Today, the majority of applications on Ladders are completed by human proxies instead of job seekers.

Ladders' decision to refrain from fully automating its service is intentional. Cenedella says his team has taken a look at a variety of job-application bots. "What we're interested in is quality, accuracy, and speed," Cenedella told me. "So far, we haven't found any that have met those bars for us."

Still, we know how this story goes. It's as old as John Henry. Humans may, in the short run, manage to beat a steel-driving machine. But sooner or later, their hearts will explode from trying to keep up. The humans at Ladders can only send out 50 applications for you each month. But the job bots at LazyApply and other services never get tired. They aren't aiming for quality. Like most tech these days, they're betting on scale.

It's a smart bet. Much to my surprise, out of the 126 jobs I applied to with the bots, I ended up hearing back from seven employers. That's a 6% success rate — pretty high, considering that half the jobs were in areas like PR or marketing, in which I have zero experience.

I responded to each email I got with an apology, explaining that I was testing out the bots for a story I was writing. Did the employers have any inkling that my application came from a bot?

"I wouldn't have guessed," one recruiter told me. "There's no way to know on LinkedIn jobs." Another hiring manager wrote: "The main thing that was unusual about your application is it included a cover letter for an old job and outdated CV." Yet even that level of screw-up hadn't deterred him. "Other than that," he said, "nothing struck me as bot-like or weird."

A third employer — a journalist whose work I've admired for years — was also fooled. "Yikes," he wrote when I told him my application was bot-produced. "Have not run into that, and didn't realize." He added, somewhat sheepishly: "I was on a cross-country plane and tired."

Getting duped by a bot may not be good for an employer, but it felt like a win for me.

Getting duped by a bot may not be a good outcome for an employer, but it felt like a win for me. After all, I got seven callbacks, compared with the zero I got with the handcrafted, low-volume strategy I took three years ago — and the bot-driven process required far less time and energy. Moreover, it felt like a form of equity. Let's face it: HR departments approach the job-search process in a purely transactional manner, sending out automated rejections to desperate job seekers who spent days polishing and perfecting their applications. Now I was doing the same, using adaptive machines to get my human foot in the door. It made the whole shitty process feel a bit more manageable. And if using bots increases your odds of success, it's worth a shot. The more darts you throw at the wall, the better chance you have of hitting the bull's-eye.

But whatever value they provide for weary job seekers, it's worth noting that spray-and-pray bots don't address the larger issue that prevents many applicants from landing a job. Ultimately, it's not how many applications you send out that wins the day — it's the connections you have. A good résumé is one thing, but if Bob over in marketing says you'd be a great addition to the team, that means a whole lot more.

"The biggest challenge for job seekers is that you see a great job, but you see it at the same time as 5 million other people on the job board," Emily Lamia, an experienced career coach, told me. "How you find out about those jobs before they're listed, and how you make the right connections to even design a job for yourself, is how people end up in positions that are really fulfilling for them." Lamia routinely polls her clients, and she's found that 80% of the time, they got their current jobs — and most of their past ones — through some kind of connection. That's why she says she would never recommend job-search bots to her clients. Instead of cold applying to hundreds of jobs, they need to focus on networking for the ones they really want.

Networking is ultimately how I landed my job at Business Insider. My original cold application to the company — the one that included my "Dear Mr. Carlson" cover letter — went nowhere. So I swallowed my pride and messaged anyone I knew who might be able to provide me with an introduction. One former colleague I reached out to suggested I talk to a friend of his at BI. The friend, in turn, connected me with an editor there, who then introduced me to his boss, who passed me on to a different boss, who eventually hired me. Thanks to those introductions, a company that showed zero interest in my initial application offered to create a whole new position to enable me to report on the rapid changes unfolding in the American workplace. No bot could ever do that.

Still, I came away from my time among the job-search bots feeling the way I do about much of AI. It can be incredibly helpful for plowing through tedious tasks. And it's going to get better over time. But for now, you have to keep an eye on it. At the moment, relying on a bot is like turning a task over to an intern. They're hardworking and helpful. But they're also inexperienced and underpaid — so you'd be smart to check their work.

Aki Ito is a chief correspondent at Business Insider.

About Discourse Stories

Through our Discourse journalism, Business Insider seeks to explore and illuminate the day’s most fascinating issues and ideas. Our writers provide thought-provoking perspectives, informed by analysis, reporting, and expertise. Read more Discourse stories here .

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  1. How To Send an Email Cover Letter (With Steps, Tips and Example)

    1. Follow company instructions Email cover letters can generally be sent in one of two ways: as an email attachment or as the body of your email. Before sending your cover letter, check the company's job application guidelines. Some companies prefer attachments, while others prefer them to be in the body of your email message.

  2. How to Write an Email Cover Letter

    1. Make it easy to read The average recruiter spends very little time looking at an email. If you want your job application to stand a chance, your email cover letter format must be clear and easy to read, even on a smartphone. Each paragraph should only be one to three sentences long.

  3. Email Cover Letter: 5 Samples & Writing Guide + Expert Tips

    11/08/2023 Email Cover Letter: 5 Samples & Writing Guide + Expert Tips How do you write an email cover letter? Should you format it differently? Should you attach it? See 5 examples for different jobs to write a cover letter email that gets results. Tom Gerencer, CPRW Career Writer at ResumeLab

  4. How to Send an Email Cover Letter (Samples & Tips)

    To write a perfect cover letter email for a job application, follow these steps: Use our email cover letter template. Apply a clear, strong subject line. Open with a proper greeting—address the hiring manager by their name. In the first sentence, explain why you're writing and what position you're targeting.

  5. Email Cover Letter Examples and Formats

    First paragraph: Why you are writing. It is "the grab," your chance to grasp your reader by the collar and get his attention. Offer some specific, focused information regarding the job you're seeking and a few core strengths that demonstrate suitability for the position. Second paragraph: What you have to offer the employer.

  6. Email Cover Letter Samples

    Back to insights Including an email cover letter is imperative, so we thought it would be helpful to our job-seeking readers to have sample letters to use as a starting point. The examples below come from real-life job seeker emails, although we've altered the details and contact information.

  7. Email Cover Letter Sample and Tips

    Career Planning Finding a Job Cover Letters Email Cover Letter Sample and Tips By Alison Doyle Updated on November 1, 2020 In This Article View All Use a Professional Email Address State Your Name and the Job in the Subject Start With a Greeting What to Include Close With a Thank You and Signature Photo: JGI/Jamie Grill/Getty Images

  8. Email Cover Letter and CV

    1. Have your perfect CV and cover letter ready Before working on drafting your email, make sure that you have already written and prepared your CV and cover letter. Check out How to write a Cover Letter and How to write a CV guides for more tips and examples. 2. Be formal The job application process is a formal process.

  9. Tips for Writing an Email Cover Letter

    Subject: Store Manager Position - Your Name Dear Hiring Manager, I read your job posting for the Store Manager position with interest, as the qualifications you are seeking match closely with my professional skills and experience. I can offer XYZ Company: - Over five years of retail management experience

  10. How to Write an Email Cover Letter

    Doing so personalises your letter and shows you have a genuine interest in the role. For example, you could start your cover letter email with a sentence like: 'I'm writing to express my strong interest in the [Job title] role that I came across on [Company's website/job board].'. 2.

  11. Email Cover Letter: Sample + Format That Works in 2024

    Dear James, Please find attached a copy of my CV with detailed work experience for the position of Senior Software Developer at ABC Corp., (Job ID: 4569870)

  12. Email Cover Letter: Examples & How to Write

    Sample Email Cover Letter for Creatives. Subject line: Graphic Designer Sheryl Bonnet Seeks position with Ash-Litski (Job ID #72643) Dear Mr. Cho, I've attached my CV for the graphic designer position at Ash-Litski. I'm an energetic graphic designer with 6+ years of experience.

  13. 3 Sample Emails When Sending a Resume to an Employer in 2024 (+ 3 Email

    Name your attachments in a way that makes them easy to find — Name_Surname_Resume.pdf and Name_Surname_Cover_Letter.pdf The best format for sending your resume and cover letter is .pdf or .doc.

  14. What to Write in an Email When Sending a Resume [+ Examples & Tips

    Example of an email subject line for sending a resume #1 [Application] Marketing Manager at ABC Company — Frank Davies

  15. 12 CV cover letter examples

    12 CV cover letter examples A cover letter for your CV, or covering note is an introductory message that accompanies your CV when applying for a job. The purpose of the cover letter is simple… Persuade the reader to open your CV.

  16. 200+ Professional Cover Letter Examples for Job Seekers

    Street address City, State Salutation Dear [Hiring Manager's Name], Opening Paragraph (Introduction) Your cover letter opening should contain a self-introduction. Write about who you are, where your expertise lies, where you found the job posting, and why you want to apply for the job. Body Paragraphs

  17. Tips for Sending Email Cover Letters With Samples

    Finding a Job Cover Letters Tips for Sending Email Cover Letters With Samples How to Send an Email Cover Letter and Resume By Alison Doyle Updated on October 30, 2020 In This Article View All Send a Cover Letter Attachment Send an Email Cover Letter Contact Person, Subject, and Signature Check Spelling and Grammar Send a Test Message to Yourself

  18. 60+ Cover Letter Examples in 2024 [For All Professions]

    Middle Management Cover Letter Example #4. Business Manager Cover Letter Example #5. Ph.D. Cover Letter Example #6. Senior Executive Cover Letter Example #7. Architect Cover Letter Example #8. Business Analyst Cover Letter Example #9. Consultant Cover Letter Example #10. Digital Marketing Cover Letter Example #11.

  19. How to Write an Eye-Catching Job Application Email

    Abbreviated cover letter: If you choose to attach your cover letter, consider abbreviating it in your email so that the recruiter or hiring manager can understand your experience and skills. Full cover letter: Rather than attach your cover letter, you can copy and paste it into the body of your email.

  20. Executive Assistant CV

    After you make a CV for executive assistant work, it's crucial to learn how to write a compelling cover letter that makes a strong first impression on the employer. A good cover letter personalises your executive assistant application by demonstrating how your skills and experiences align with the employer's needs.

  21. 80 Sample Phrases for Office Manager Resume and 2 Cover Letter Examples

    Crafting a strong office manager resume is a pivotal step in landing your next job opportunity. You want to showcase your ability to handle a multitude of administrative tasks while also being the glue that keeps the office running smoothly. Highlighting your organizational, communication, and leadership skills is important because these are the competencies that...

  22. PDF Guide to Cover Letters

    Cv er OITE CAREER SERVICES O Iamur Tr E Ititut 8 EMAIL SAMPLE: Postbac Email Inquiry about Lab Openings* *Use this format to inquire about Postdoc positions too! [email protected] Inquiry regarding Developmental Biology Lab position from Veronica Maciejewski Dear Dr. Xu, I recently graduated with a B.S. in Biochemistry from X University.

  23. How To Write a Transcriptionist Cover Letter (With Example)

    Transcriptionist cover letter example Consider the following example of a transcriptionist cover letter to guide you as you write your own: Jamie Cohen Tulsa, Oklahoma 918-222-5555 [email protected] March 3, 2022 Jolene Nowicki TranscribeMed 145 Health Dr. Tulsa, Oklahoma 46753 Dear Ms. Nowicki, I am excited about this opportunity to join TranscribeMed as a full-time remote medical ...

  24. Postpartum Nurse Cover Letter Tips and Sample

    Looking for more tips for drafting your postpartum nurse cover letter? You might want to head over to our in-depth guide on nursing cover letters. Postpartum Nurse Cover Letter Sample Natasha Newborn, RN, RNC-MNN. 4567 Delivery Drive. Phone: 333-333-3333. Email: [email protected] [Date] [Hiring Manager's Name] Unit 10A Mother-Baby [Hospital ...

  25. I used resume spammers to apply for 120 jobs. Chaos ensued

    Another hiring manager wrote: "The main thing that was unusual about your application is it included a cover letter for an old job and outdated CV." Yet even that level of screw-up hadn't deterred ...