How to Write a Cover Letter in 2023 | Beginner's Guide

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After weeks of heavy job search, you’re almost there!

You’ve perfected your resume. 

You’ve short-listed the coolest jobs you want to apply for.

You’ve even had a friend train you for every single interview question out there.

But then, before you can send your application and call it a day, you remember that the job ad requires a cover letter.

Now you’re stuck wondering how to write a cover letter ...

Don’t panic! We’ve got you covered. Writing a cover letter is a lot simpler than you might think. 

In this guide, we’re going to teach you how to write a cover letter that gets you the job you deserve.

  • What’s a cover letter & why it’s important for your job search
  • How to write a convincing cover letter that gets you the job (step-by-step!)
  • How to perfect your cover letter with the Novoresume free checklist
  • What excellent cover letter examples look like

So, let’s get started with the basics!

What is a Cover Letter? (and Why It’s Important)

A cover letter is a one-page document that you submit as part of your job application (alongside your CV or 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 spark the HR manager’s interest and get them to read your resume. 

A bad cover letter, on the other hand, might mean that your application is going directly to the paper shredder. So, to make sure this doesn’t happen, it’s essential to know how to write a convincing cover letter.

How does a good cover letter look, you might ask. Well, here’s an example:

how to write cover letter

Keep in mind, though, that a cover letter is a supplement to your resume, not a replacement. Meaning, you don’t just repeat whatever is mentioned in your resume.

If you’re writing a cover letter for the first time, writing all this might seem pretty tough. After all, you’re probably not a professional writer.

job search masterclass ebook

The thing is, though, you don’t need to be creative, or even any good at writing. All you have to do is follow a tried-and-tested format:

Or, here’s what this looks like in practice:

structure of a cover letter

How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter (And Get Hired!)

Now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, we’re going to guide you through the process of writing a cover letter step by step. 

Step #1 - Pick the Right Cover Letter Template

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

So, what’s a better way to leave a good impression than a well-formatted, visual template?

cover letter templates

You can simply pick one of our hand-picked cover letter templates , and you’ll be all set in a jiffy!

As a bonus, our AI will even give you suggestions on how to improve your cover letter on the go.

Step #2 - Start the Cover Letter with a Header

As with a resume, it’s important to start your cover letter with a Contact Information section:

contact information on a cover letter

Here, you want to include all essential information, including:

In certain cases, you might also consider adding:

And here’s what you shouldn’t mention in your header:

matching resume and cover letter

Step #3 - Greet the Hiring Manager

Once you’ve properly listed your contact information, you need to start writing the cover letter contents.

The first thing to do here is to address the cover letter to the hiring manager .

That’s right, the hiring manager! Not the overly popular “Dear Sir or Madam.” You want to show your future boss that you did your research and are really passionate about working with their team.

No one wants to hire a job seeker who just spams 20+ companies and hopes to get hired in any of them.

So, how do you find out who’s the hiring manager? There are several ways to do this. 

The simplest option is to look up the head of the relevant department on LinkedIn. Let’s say you’re applying for the position of a Communication Specialist at Novoresume. The hiring manager is probably Head of Communications or Chief Communications Office.

So, you do a quick lookup on LinkedIn:

linkedin search cco

And voila! You have your hiring manager.

Or let’s say you’re applying for the position of a server. In that case, you’d be looking for the “restaurant manager.”

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.

Here are several other greetings you could use:

Step #4 - Write an Attention-Grabbing Introduction

First impressions matter, especially when it comes to your job search.

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 #1 problem we see with most cover letter opening paragraphs is that they’re usually extremely generic. Most of them look something like this..

See the issue here? This opening paragraph doesn’t say pretty much anything except the fact that you’ve worked the job before.

Do you know who else has similar work experience? All the other applicants you’re competing with.

Instead, you want to 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.

So now, let’s make our previous example shine:

My name’s Michael and I’d like to help XYZ Inc. hit and exceed their 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 excellence in sales, makes me the right candidate for the job.

See the difference between the two examples? If you were the hiring manager, which sales manager would you hire, Jonathan or Michael?

Now that we’ve covered the introduction, let’s talk about the body of your cover letter. This part is split into two paragraphs: the first is for explaining why you’re the perfect person for the job, and the latter is for proving that you’re a good fit for the company.

So, let’s get started...

Step #5 - Explain why you’re the perfect person for the job

This is where you show off your professional skills and convince the HR manager that you’re a better fit for the job than all the other applicants.

But first things first - before you even write anything, you need to learn what the most important requirements for the role are. So, open up the job ad and identify which of the responsibilities are the most critical.

For the sake of the example, let’s say you’re applying for the position of a Facebook Advertiser. You scan the job ad and see that the top requirements are:

Now, in this section, you need to discuss how you fulfill these requirements. So, here’s how that would look for our example:

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 & management process end-to-end. Meaning, I created the ad copy , images, picked the targeting, ran optimization trials, and so on.

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

Are you a student applying for your first internship? You probably don’t have a lot of work experience to show off in this section. Learn how to write an internship cover letter here.

Step #6 - Explain why you’re a good fit for the company

Once you’ve written the last paragraph, you might be thinking - I’m a shoo-in for the job! What else do I need to write? I’ll just wrap up the cover letter and hit that sweet SEND button.

Well, no. You’re not quite there yet.

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 . 

Meaning, you also need to convince the HR manager that you’re really passionate about working with them.

How do you do this? Well, as a start, you want to do some research about the company. You want to know things like:

So, get to Googling. Chances are, you’ll find all the information you need either on the company website or somewhere around the web.

Then, you need to figure out what you like about the company and turn that into text.

Let’s say, for example, you’re passionate about their product and you like the culture of innovation / independent work in the organization.

You’d write something like:

I’ve personally used the XYZ Smartphone, and I believe that it’s the most innovative tech I’ve used in years. The features such as Made-Up-Feature #1 and Made-Up-Feature #2 were real game changers for the device. 

I really admire how Company XYZ thrives for excellence for all its product lines, creating market-leading tech. As someone that thrives in a self-driven environment, I truly believe that I and Company XYZ will be a great match.

What you don’t want to do here is be super generic for the sake of having something to write. Most job seekers tend to mess this one up. Let’s take a look at a very common example we tend to see (way too often):

I’d love to work for Company XYZ because of its culture of innovation. I believe that since I’m super creative, I’d be a good fit for the company. The company values of integrity and transparency really vibe with me.

See what’s wrong here? The example doesn’t really say anything about the company. “Culture of Innovation” is something most companies claim to have. 

The same goes for “values of integrity and transparency” - the writer just googled what the values for the organization are, and said that they like them.

Any hiring manager that reads this will see through the fluff.

So, make sure to do a lot of research and come up with good reasons why you're applying.

Step #7 - Wrap up with a call to action

Finally, it’s time to finish up your cover letter and write the conclusion.

In the final paragraph, you want to:

And now, let’s turn this into a practical example:

So to wrap it all up, thanks for looking into my application. I hope I can help Company X make the most out of their Facebook marketing initiatives. I'd love to further discuss how my previous success at XYZ Inc. can help you achieve your facebook marketing goals.

Step #8 - Use the right 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 to a cover letter:

And we’re finally done! Before sending off the cover letter, make sure to proofread it with software like Grammarly, or maybe even get a friend to review it for you.

Does your cover letter heading include all essential information?

Do you address the right person? I.e. hiring manager in the company / your future direct supervisor

Does your introductory paragraph grab the reader's attention?

Do you successfully convey that you’re the right pro for the job?

Do you convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about the company you’re applying to?

Did you finalize the conclusion with a call to action?

Did you use the right formal closure for the cover letter?

5+ Cover Letter Examples

Need some inspiration? Read on to learn about some of the best cover letter examples we’ve seen (for different fields).

College Student Cover Letter Example

college or student cover letter example

Middle Management Cover Letter Example

Middle Management Cover Letter

Career Change Cover Letter Example

Career Change Cover Letter

Management Cover Letter Example

Management Cover Letter Example

Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

Want to discover more examples AND learn what makes them stand out? Check out our guide to cover letter examples .

Next Steps in Your Job Search - Creating a Killer Resume

Your cover letter is only as good as your resume. If either one is weak, your entire application is for naught. 

After all, a cover letter is just an introduction. Imagine going through all this effort to leave an amazing first impression, but flopping at the end because of a mediocre resume.

...But don’t you worry, we’ve got you covered on that end, too.

If you want to learn more about Resumes & CVs, we have a dedicated FREE guide for that. Check out our complete guide on how to make a resume , as well as how to write a CV - our experts will teach you everything you need to know in order to land your dream job.

Or, if you’re already an expert, just pick one of our resume templates and get started.

resume examples for cover letter

Key Takeaways

Now that we’ve walked you through all the steps of writing a cover letter, let’s summarize everything we’ve learned:

At Novorésumé, we’re committed to helping you get the job you deserve, every step of the way! Follow our blog to stay up to date with the industry-leading advice. Or, check out some of our top guides…

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180+ Free cover letter examples (+expert guides)

180+ Free cover letter examples (+expert guides)

Most Popular

Engineering 7, education 35, transportation 6, administrative 14, accounting & finance 20, real estate 4, human resource 5, business & management 19, information technology (it) 23, marketing 12, hospitality & catering 15, maintenance & repair 7, production 2, beauty & wellness 5, security & protective services 7, transport & logistics 3, sport & fitness 4, government 2, try our professional resume builder now, good cover letter samples.

Whether it’s your first job or a major mid-career change, our expertly-written cover letter samples are designed to walk you through the writing process while allowing you to adapt each section to your specific needs and experiences. What’s more, within our builder tool you can make use of pre-written sentences to easily create a professional tone for your cover letter.

Our cover letter and resume samples address all aspects of creating a good cover letter – from choosing the right header to align with your industry to closing your last paragraph with a sentence that makes hiring managers more likely to give you a call.  

No matter how many times you’ve written a cover letter we all need a little refresher every now and again. A good cover letter sample can give you insight into the best practices for your field and experience level to help you write faster and smarter.  

CV Cover Letter examples to get that job

You know when you see it – the job that fits your skill set perfectly, the one at a great company with amazing benefits, the career move that would have numerous professional advantages. Our CV cover letter examples are designed to get you that job. After all, why settle for anything less?

You’ve spent years crafting your CV to make sure it perfectly captures your milestones and achievements. Now, it’s time to write a cover letter that gives your CV it’s best chance at impressing a hiring manager and landing a job. With our CV cover letter samples, you can be confident you have the most up-to-date information and specific, relevant advice to make your cover letter stand out no matter how large the applicant pool.

Our top 10 of best examples

Internships are invaluable work experiences designed to give you the skills you need to launch your dream career. With such a valuable proposition on the line, trust our internship application letter sample to teach you how to put your best foot forward and make a great impression, even if you don’t have much work experience.

This example internship cover letter is packed full of writing and formatting tips, covering everything from the right tone for junior positions to the psychology of a personal connection. This expert advice can be applied to any industry or type of internship and works great in conjunction with the example guide for your chosen field. Don't forget to check out out matching Resume Internship Example

Use this Internship cover letter example to finish your application and get hired fast – no frustration, no guesswork. This cover letter example is specifically designed for Internship positions in 2023. Take advantage of our sample sentences + expert guides to download the perfect cover letter in just minutes.

Internship Cover Letter Example

Customer Service

Companies around the world are taking notice of the fact that great customer service drives sales and customer retention. This cover letter sample helps you highlight the key qualities hiring managers look for in customer service reps. Show off your unique personality while creating the professional image required in this outward-facing position. 

Customer service jobs are great entry points into the world of sales and marketing. Whatever your career goals, this sample customer service application letter is great for learning the tried-and-true structure of an effective cover letter which can be applied to any position. 

Use this Customer Service Representative cover letter example to finish your application and get hired fast – no frustration, no guesswork. This cover letter example is specifically designed for Customer Service Representative positions in 2023. Take advantage of our sample sentences + expert guides to download the perfect cover letter in just minutes.

Customer Service Representative Cover Letter Example

Administrative Assistant

Administrative assistant positions are in high demand because of their ability to offer an inside look and open doors in any industry. With this application letter sample, you’ll learn how to maximize your chances of landing one of these highly coveted positions by highlighting your top skills and relevant experiences.

This administrative assistant cover letter sample is full of useful tips no matter what field you plan to work in and the knowledge can be easily applied to administative or receptionists positions as well. This guide also gives an overview of professional formatting tips, which can easily be used in conjunction with our attractive cover letter styles.

Use this Administrative Assistant cover letter example to finish your application and get hired fast – no frustration, no guesswork. This cover letter example is specifically designed for Administrative Assistant positions in 2023. Take advantage of our sample sentences + expert guides to download the perfect cover letter in just minutes.

Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Example

Whether you’re a recent graduate from a teaching program or looking to make a big career leap in education , landing a fresh job as a teacher doesn’t have to be stressful. This guide explores the way school systems hire for open positions giving you the inside knowledge to surpass other candidates and win your dream job.

Our teacher application letter example teaches you how to show a principal that you’ve got the skills and know-how to handle a classroom and help your students thrive. Once you’ve mastered the writing, make a great first impression with our cover letter templates and assembly resources designed to help you capture your personality and professionalism.

Use this Teacher cover letter example to finish your application and get hired fast – no frustration, no guesswork. This cover letter example is specifically designed for Teacher positions in 2023. Take advantage of our sample sentences + expert guides to download the perfect cover letter in just minutes.

Teacher Cover Letter Example

Standing out as a nursing applicant can be tough. Luckily you’ve got this sample application letter packed with the vital information for landing your dream position in a hospital or doctor’s office. This guide focuses on how to highlight your unique abilities and essential personality traits to impress a hiring manager immediately.

Whether you have years of experience in nursing or you’re just starting out, this application letter example will walk you through the steps to create a winning cover letter that demonstrates your ability to get the job done with empathy and confidence even in stressful situations.

Use this Nursing cover letter example to finish your application and get hired fast – no frustration, no guesswork. This cover letter example is specifically designed for Nursing positions in 2023. Take advantage of our sample sentences + expert guides to download the perfect cover letter in just minutes.

Nursing Cover Letter Example

Scholarship

Scholarships are not only great resources to pay for your education, they’re also excellent for making connections in your chosen industry. In this sample, you’ll learn how scholarship application letters often differ from other types of cover letters and get an inside look at writing to impress scholarship committees.

This scholarship application letter example covers all aspects of the process from writing with enthusiasm and personality to exploring the correct tone to use when making requests of scholarship donors and committees. Go forth confidently with our professionally-designed templates and cover letter builder .

Use this Scholarship cover letter example to finish your application and get hired fast – no frustration, no guesswork. This cover letter example is specifically designed for Scholarship positions in 2023. Take advantage of our sample sentences + expert guides to download the perfect cover letter in just minutes.

Scholarship Cover Letter Example

Receptionist

Receptionist positions can be extremely rewarding in the fact that they offer the chance to help a company succeed both internally and externally. They can also be great learning experiences and offer numerous opportunities for advancement. Our receptionist application letter sample breaks down the recipe for a great cover letter into manageable steps that can be used in any industry.

This receptionist application letter sample explores the importance of tailoring your cover letter to each individual position and looks at the ways you can use hiring psychology to your advantage. With expert tips for formatting and creating a customized image, this guide works perfectly with our professional templates and cover letter formatting resources.

Use this Receptionist cover letter example to finish your application and get hired fast – no frustration, no guesswork. This cover letter example is specifically designed for Receptionist positions in 2023. Take advantage of our sample sentences + expert guides to download the perfect cover letter in just minutes.

Receptionist Cover Letter Example

Engineering

To land your dream position as an engineer, you’ll need to show off your skills and achievements, but also the unique personality traits that make you a great fit for your potential employer. This engineering application letter sample breaks down the cover letter writing process into manageable steps to help you make a personal connection and a great first impression.

Our guide also covers professional formatting rules and how to choose the right layout for each potential position. Make sure your application letter’s image matches the quality of your experiences with our field-tested templates and easy-to-follow styling tips.

Use this Engineering cover letter example to finish your application and get hired fast – no frustration, no guesswork. This cover letter example is specifically designed for Engineering positions in 2023. Take advantage of our sample sentences + expert guides to download the perfect cover letter in just minutes.

Engineering Cover Letter Example

Graphic Design

As a graphic designer, you know just how important presentation can be. Writing to impress a hiring manager in this highly visual field can be daunting, but our example application letter for a graphic design position can put you miles ahead no matter what experience level you have.

This sample guide discusses the importance of customizing your letter to make a personal connection with the hiring manager as well as how to create an attractive layout that captures your originality and unique contributions as a designer.

Use this Graphic Design cover letter example to finish your application and get hired fast – no frustration, no guesswork. This cover letter example is specifically designed for Graphic Design positions in 2023. Take advantage of our sample sentences + expert guides to download the perfect cover letter in just minutes.

Graphic Design Cover Letter Example

Our application letter samples for accountants help you highlight your precision and accuracy while adding just the right amount of personality to make you stand out. This example teaches you how to catch a hiring manager’s attention by making a personal connection and conveying your unique contributions to a potential employer.

As an accountant, you’ll want to make sure your cover letter’s image matches the professional writing of your letter . Our expertly-designed templates with pre-written example sentences make it easy to bring all the elements together for an application that maximizes your chances of landing the perfect position.

Use this Accounting cover letter example to finish your application and get hired fast – no frustration, no guesswork. This cover letter example is specifically designed for Accounting positions in 2023. Take advantage of our sample sentences + expert guides to download the perfect cover letter in just minutes.

Accounting Cover Letter Example

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Cover Letter Examples for All Job Applications in 2023

Conrad Benz

Paired with your resume, a well-written cover letter will help you land the job you want. We have nearly 200 cover letter examples by type and industry to help you make your cover letter persuasive.

five cover letter examples stacked on top of each other — internal position, career change, relocation, entry-level, and professional cover letter samples together

The best way to start writing a cover letter for a job in 2023 is to check out examples of good cover letters.

Our extensive list of cover letter samples is perfect for all job seekers, whether you need to write one for a specific life situation (like a career change) or you’re looking for the best cover letter format to use in your industry.

Table of Contents

Cover Letter Examples by Industry

What should a great cover letter say.

Not sure what a cover letter is or what it should include? A killer cover letter is made of the following four parts:

The cover letter template below describes how to write each of these key sections:

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

The second paragraph of your cover letter should respond directly to the job description written by the hiring manager. Describe how your previous job experiences, skills, and abilities will help you meet the company’s needs. To make that easier, you should include exact words and phrases from the job descriptions in your cover letter.

Do some research about the company and find out what their current activities and goals are. Explain how you can help them achieve those goals.

Closing Paragraph

Your cover letter closing is the call-to-action portion of your cover letter. Inform the hiring manager that you’d love to go in for an interview. Provide your email address or other contact information and tell them that you’ll reach out in a week if you don’t hear back. Thank them for spending their time reading your cover letter.

1. Entry-Level Cover Letter Example

This entry-level cover letter was written by a recent graduate who only has a little part-time work experience.

In our example, the candidate is applying for an entry-level IT technician position. She quickly establishes her enthusiasm about the opportunity, and then highlights her relevant skills to show she can do the job:

The cover letter example

Want a closer look at this cover letter example? Here’s a text version that you can scan through:

Entry-level cover letter example (text version)

Dear Mr. Jacobson,

As a long-term admirer of the work done by the team at Mayflower Technologies, I’m delighted to submit my application for the entry-level IT technician position posted on Indeed.com. As a recent graduate from the University of Rochester with a B.S. in Computer Science, I’m confident that my knowledge of Linux systems, experience in backend coding, and precise attention to detail would make me an asset to the team at Mayflower.

In my former role as a student worker at the University of Rochester’s Technical Services department, I was responsible for troubleshooting a variety of technical issues for staff, assisting with server maintenance, and installing a wide range of equipment. While employed there, I assisted in the development and rollout of new department practices, and helped improve our ticket response time by 12%. I’m sure that this experience will help me pick up new skills and quickly excel as a technician at Mayflower.

I also understand that Mayflower is seeking to expand their cloud computing services. While at the University of Rochester, I specialized in and completed my thesis on cloud computing. The IT technician position at Mayflower would be an exciting opportunity for me to bring my educational background to the table, and learn more about a growing industry.

I’ve attached my resume, which further details my skills and educational background. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about my background. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you further; thank you for your time and consideration.

[Your Name]

What makes this a good cover letter

This entry-level cover letter sample stands out because the applicant emphasizes her enthusiasm about the opportunity from the very first sentence.

Beyond her enthusiasm, the candidate also shows she’s qualified . She quickly (and convincingly) markets her professional strengths , including relevant hard skills (Linux, backend coding) and soft skills (precision, attention to detail).

By the end of her cover letter, the candidate has even demonstrated that she’s researched the position, and is passionate about the work the company is doing. Overall, this is an effective way to make a positive impression as an entry-level job seeker because it shows the employer that you’re energetic and ready to learn.

2. Professional Cover Letter Example

Are you a senior-level professional or experienced manager trying to highlight your professionalism in a cover letter?

The restaurant manager cover letter example below will show you how to come off as a qualified veteran:

An example of a professional cover letter

Download This Free Example

Here’s a text version of this cover letter sample so you can go through line-by-line:

Professional cover letter example (text version)

I’m writing to apply for the Restaurant Manager opening at MOD Sequel. I have more than five years of experience managing restaurants and bars, and my professional expertise aligns closely with the responsibilities outlined in your job advertisement.

In my role as Restaurant Manager for Bar Louie, I proved to be an efficient, enthusiastic, and strong leader. My value quickly became apparent to Bar Louie’s shareholders after I single-handedly trained and prepared the entire waitstaff for opening night and beyond. Not only did our team meet sales goals each month for the first year, but the down payment for the property was even paid back after the first six months of operating.

MOD Sequel would benefit from my skills in the following areas:

• Eye for excellence and high level of standards • Strong work ethic and leadership skills • Positive attitude even under pressure

I believe MOD Sequel will be a great success for many years to come, and my extensive expertise will help ensure your establishment succeeds well into the future. My time spent in this industry has prepared me for such an opportunity, and I sincerely hope I can contribute soon as a member of your team.

It would be a privilege to discuss your Restaurant Manager position in more detail. I’m happy to come by whenever it’s most convenient for you. Thank you for your time, and I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

Why this is a good cover letter

Right from the start, this applicant showcases the managerial skills they developed while working in the service industry. They then highlight how they’ll apply those skills to make an immediate impact on the company.

Additionally, the applicant mentions the company by name three times. It’s clear that they’re familiar with the business, have an interest in joining this specific team, and understand how they’d fit on the team if hired.

Lastly, our applicant’s cover letter includes their address to highlight how close they live to the restaurant . Pointing out where you live can be helpful if you’re applying for a non-remote job because it shows the employer that you won’t need to move or even commute very far if hired.

3. General Cover Letter Example

This general cover letter was written by a candidate with two years of work experience.

In the example, the candidate is applying for a mid-level digital marketing position. In the first paragraph, the applicant:

An example of a general cover letter

Here’s a text version of this cover letter sample in case you want a closer look at each paragraph:

General cover letter example (text version)

Dear Ms. Doe,

I was excited to see your job listing for the Senior Digital Marketing position at Westward Strategies on Indeed.com. As a dynamic email marketing specialist with over two years of professional experience executing market research, analyzing consumer data, and running A/B tests to drive successful marketing campaigns, I’m confident that I would be a valuable asset to the team at Westward.

Your job listing mentions a need for someone who is experienced in email segmentation and campaign development, both of which are areas I have extensive experience in. I’m currently employed at Marketed Inc., where I’ve honed my skills by running numerous successful email marketing campaigns. While employed here, I’ve spearheaded a digital promotion campaign for the company’s new line of sandals that successfully raised our total online engagement by an impressive 13% over the course of six months, contributing substantially to the department’s annual goals.

I’m confident that my proven track record of excellent work ethic, unparalleled attention to detail, and high-performing email marketing campaigns will make me an immediate asset at Westward Strategies, and allow me to contribute to the team’s success.

I look forward to discussing the Senior Digital Marketing position and my qualifications with you in more detail. I’m available to talk at your convenience. I’ll be in touch next week to follow up and to make sure you’ve received my application.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Why this is a good example of a cover letter

In the cover letter example above, the candidate is concise and direct . She conveys much of what a cover letter should say in the opening paragraph, like her amount and type of experience, plus where she found the job.

Then the candidate lists specific responsibilities from the job description, and mentions her experience handling similar work. She even gives an example of how her efforts have benefited her current employer.

At this point, the candidate’s cover letter has already helped the hiring manager better understand her value as a hire. But she’s not done yet.

Finally, the candidate signs off by mentioning how she’ll reach out if she doesn’t hear back from the hiring manager. This call to action is a key part of a general cover letter, because it highlights the writer’s interest in the job, and willingness to go further than other candidates for the opportunity.

4. Creative Cover Letter Example

A creative cover letter makes you stand out by adding a bit of personality and flair to your application.

In our creative cover letter example, the candidate is applying for a senior-level social media manager position. By the second paragraph, she has the reader’s attention. Then, she establishes her qualifications:

An example of a creative cover letter

Take a more detailed look at this cover letter sample by reading through the plain text version:

Creative cover letter example (text version)

As a quick-thinking online native who’s obsessed (yes, obsessed) with the Scatterplot app, I was thrilled to see your listing for the Social Media Manager position at Scatterplot Entertainment Co.

With over three years of professional experience as an online brand manager under my belt, I’ve analyzed user metrics, run A/B tests, and spearheaded viral social media campaigns. You name it, I’ve clocked an embarrassing number of hours online working on it. I’m confident my adaptability, hands-on branding experience, and encyclopedic meme knowledge would make me a perfect fit for the team at Scatterplot.

Currently, in my role at DotMap as a Social Media Manager, I manage and execute highly successful online branding campaigns. I regularly produce viral content, getting several of our branded Tweets featured on major websites. In one such instance, I tweeted a thread of adorable corgis using the DotMap iOS app — receiving over 60 thousand interactions and earning a spot on Buzzfeed’s front page.

I’m fiercely competitive in my approach, up-to-date on all the latest trends, and can clean up even the messiest social media disasters. I’m positive my knack for creating clickable content will make me an immediate asset to the Social Media team at Scatterplot.

I look forward to discussing the Social Media Manager position and my qualifications with you in more detail. I’m available to talk at your soonest convenience, and I’ll be in touch next week to follow up, just to make sure you’ve received my application!

Warm regards,

First, the candidate doesn’t waste the reader’s time . She immediately states her interest in the position, relevant qualifications, and specific skills. Hiring managers are busy, so it’s crucial to be direct in both your cover letter and resume.

Next, she presents her information in a casual, fun tone . A personal touch in your cover letter helps you present yourself as a creative, enthusiastic job seeker. It also makes your application more memorable.

Finally, the candidate lists specific accomplishments from her previous job, and explains how these accomplishments are relevant to the position.

Elaborating on your professional achievements is essential to writing a great cover letter. Your achievements show the hiring manager what they will gain by hiring you, and emphasize your worth as a potential employee.

5. Career Change Cover Letter Example

Writing a cover letter for a job in your current industry is pretty straightforward. But writing a career change cover letter requires a slightly different approach.

The sample cover letter below includes the three elements you need to persuade a hiring manager you’re ready to transfer industries, such as:

An example of a cover letter for career change

Want a closer look at this cover letter example? Here’s a text version that you can read more carefully:

Career change cover letter example (text version)

Ever since I was a child, I’ve loved transforming people through the art of makeup. My proudest accomplishment was preparing my younger sister for her prom night — she was voted prom queen that evening. Because of my passion for this art form, I’m applying for the makeup artist position at Studio 96.

I’ve worked in several customer service positions since I graduated high school, through which I’ve honed my people skills and improved my ability to work effectively in high-pressure situations. In fact, in my current position at Zara I’ve increased sales by 17% this month.

However, I’ve found that customer service doesn’t satisfy my creative side. Thus, I’m eager to join Studio 96, a company I’ve been a fan of since I learned about the avant-garde approach to makeup application developed under your founder Bianca Del Vanjie.

To meet Studio 96’s needs, I’ve completed the 150-hour course in Makeup Artistry offered by the Los Angeles-based Sonique Academy in my spare time. I’ve also volunteered for the Look Good, Feel Better organization, where I boosted the self-esteem of cancer patients by giving them makeovers.

I am looking forward to hearing back from you. I can be reached at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email]. Thank you for considering my application.

The first reason this is a great cover letter example is that it’s sincere . The applicant is sincerely passionate about her target industry — she even provides a relatable story to emphasize this sincerity.

This cover letter is also great because it directly addresses the reason for the applicant’s career change . Letting the hiring manager know why you’re looking for employment in a different industry is necessary if you’re changing careers, because they’ll want to know why you’re making the change.

Finally, it’s clear the writer of this cover letter is committed to the new job . She’s even worked on her skill-set to prepare her for this change in professions.

6. Cover Letter for Promotion Example

Have you been with your current company for a while and want to take on more responsibility ? You’ll likely need to write an internal cover letter for promotion to convince your boss that you’re ready to move up the corporate ladder.

A cover letter for promotion differs from a regular cover letter in two ways:

In the following example, the candidate is writing to the marketing director of their company to apply for an open senior-level sales manager position:

A sample cover letter for an internal promotion

If you’re having trouble reading this cover letter sample, take a look at the text version below:

Cover letter for promotion example (text version)

Dear Mrs. Lasker,

As a loyal employee of Peabody, I’m excited to formally apply for the Sales Manager position in the Marketing Department. Since starting as a Sales Representative at Peabody four years ago, I quickly mastered the requisite skills for the role, and have helped our department regularly exceed sales goals.

From the beginning I’ve demonstrated an ability to learn quickly and exceed expectations. During my tenure, I’ve developed excellent sales skills, honed my interpersonal abilities, and subsequently helped my department generate a 6% increase in profits this quarter. Additionally, this year has given me the opportunity to sharpen my leadership skills — having successfully onboarded 4 new employees and assumed management over a small direct sales team.

I’ve read the requirements for the Sales Management position thoroughly, and I’m confident that the skills I’ve refined during my time working here paired with my passion for customers and making direct sales make me an ideal fit.

I appreciate your consideration and look forward to discussing this opportunity for promotion with you at your convenience. My supervisor is also happy to meet with you to elaborate on my performance in the Sales Department, and will attest to my qualifications. Please let me know if there’s any other information I can provide that would help with this process, and I’d be happy to provide it to you.

This candidate’s cover letter stands out because it’s direct and highlights specific accomplishments expected of a managerial-level employee.

In the introduction of this cover letter, the candidate emphasizes his loyalty to the company, and quickly moves on to talk about the contributions he’s made to his team.

Then, the candidate provides examples of his leadership and management experience to demonstrate that he’s ready to take on a more significant role.

By the end of this cover letter, this candidate has shown his boss that he’s not only made an impact in his current role, but is already exceeding expectations. More importantly, he has the skills needed to keep up with the demands of a more senior position.

Cover Letter Examples by Application Type

The following guides will show you how to write a variety of different cover letter formats and types:

Our robust collection of industry-specific cover letter examples is sure to have a cover letter for your unique situation. You can download all of these sample cover letters for free and customize them to fit your needs.

Click your industry below to find examples for different jobs:

Accounting & Finance

Administration & office support, business & management, business development, construction & maintenance, customer service & retail, customer service & retail, customer support & sales, digital art & production, education & human services, emergency services, engineering, finance & banking, fine arts & aesthetics, food service, healthcare & wellbeing, healthcare & wellbeing, human resources (hr), information technology (it), law & legal, life situation, maintenance, marketing & sales, personal & child care, public safety & security, resume: yes, science & research, spa & salon, transportation & travel, warehouse & logistics, web development & design, writing & media.

Once you’ve found a cover letter example for your target position, use a matching resume sample to help you write a resume and complete your job application.

Frequently asked questions about cover letters

Still have questions? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about cover letters:

What are 3 things you should include in a cover letter?

Three things you should include in a cover letter are:

Combined, these three elements make for a compelling cover letter that communicates why you’re the ideal person for the job.

How do you write a simple cover letter?

Here’s how to write a simple cover letter in six steps:

How important is a cover letter?

A cover letter is very important because it not only shows off your professional qualifications, it also gives you an opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the position and explain why you’re the ideal person for the job.

A well-written cover letter is often the difference between being offered an interview or being outright rejected for a job, so why not write one to improve your odds on the job hunt?

How do you build a cover letter?

There are three ways you build a cover letter:

The fastest (and easiest) way to build a cover letter is by using an online cover letter builder .

These tools use AI to automatically write a strong cover letter for you based on a few bits of information that you provide for the tool.

However, most cover letter generators aren’t free, so if you need to save money you may want to build a resume the old-fashioned way.

Writing your cover letter yourself is the highest effort and most time-consuming way to make your cover letter. However, it’s also free and you have complete control over the content.

If you’re applying for a job that requires writing skills, it’s a good idea to write your cover letter from scratch because it gives you an opportunity to highlight your writing abilities.

A simple cover letter template is a good starting point from which to make your cover letter. Most cover letter templates provide a general format that you can quickly fill in with your information, so you don’t need to use as much energy as you would writing your letter from scratch.

Using a template is a good way to make your cover letter if you’re unsure where to start and need some guidance. However, the end result is that your cover letter might come across as generic or awkward if you’re not careful, so it’s not always the best method.

Additional cover letter FAQs

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Conrad Benz

Written by Conrad Benz

Conrad Benz is a Digital Media Specialist & Resume Expert at Resume Genius, where he helps countless job-seekers craft standout resumes and launch their careers. His... more

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From entry-level applicants to seasoned professionals, we have a great cover letter example for every step in your career journey.

Unlike generic cover letter examples, these samples will help you showcase your experience level, explain why you want the job and describe the skills that make you the perfect candidate.

Entry-Level

Entry-level

When you’re entering the workforce for the first time, a strong cover letter will convey:

Why you want the job.

What makes you an excellent fit for the role.

Any relevant experiences you’ve had in or outside of a workplace.

Check out how this entry-level candidate applying for an administrative assistant position uses their cover letter to shift away from a lack of professional experience to focus on their skills, passion and other valuable attributes.

Career change

If you’re applying for a job in an industry that is new to you, your cover letter is the best place to explain:

Why you are changing industries.

How your skills would transfer to the new role.

Which parts of your work experience are relevant to the new role.

Notice how this candidate explains why they are transitioning from the service industry into a new role as an administrative assistant.

Experienced

When you’re already quite experienced in your career, your cover letter is the perfect place to:

Tell an anecdote that highlights your achievements.

Share a story about a problem you overcame in the workplace.

Bring the details of your long career to life.

Watch how the candidate details their many years of experience as an administrator in this basic cover letter example.

Once you’ve gotten promoted for your hard work, your cover letter is the best spot to:

Showcase your career growth.

Discuss the knowledge you’ve accrued.

Highlight some of the quantifiable successes that made you an all-star.

As a manager, you want to inspire confidence that you’ll bring that same upward trajectory of your career to their business! See how this job seeker uses his tenure and specialized industry language to boost authority, confidence and trust.

How can cover letter examples help me?

Any good example of a cover letter will show you how to describe your work experience to impress employers effectively.

So, use samples as the source of good ideas!

Look for things in cover letter examples that you think are useful, interesting or relevant to your own job candidacy.

When you see the kind of information or stories people tell in their cover letters, it can give you great ideas about the types of things you can discuss in your letter.

Identify things you see that work well in other cover letters to tell employers what you’re capable of in the most effective way possible and make them your own by adjusting them to fit your experience and work history. See what works and use it.

How do I write a cover letter?

The process of writing a cover letter never changes. Every cover letter will consist of the same parts:

Your contact information

The employer’s contact information

The letter’s body

A salutation

To guarantee you succeed, ensure you understand how to write and properly format a cover letter before you submit your application.

Will using a cover letter builder make it easy for me to create a cover letter?

Yes, more and more job seekers are choosing to ditch the old-fashioned way of writing a cover letter from scratch to using a cover letter builder .

A builder increases the speed and ease with which you can create a cover letter by guiding you through the writing process and providing suggested content based on the job that you’re applying to.

You’ll also get a cover letter that looks great and is error-free thanks to the builder’s professional cover letter templates and its spelling and grammar checking tool.

Don’t miss the chance to apply for the job that you want because you’re struggling to write a cover letter from scratch. We’re here to help get your cover letter ready in no time!

LiveCareer

Best Cover Letter Examples for 2023

Our cover letter examples help with your job application because they show you what to include and how to convince employers you’re the right person for the job. We have 245+ samples from over 18 industries. Plus, we give advice and tips on how to use cover letters in various hiring situations.

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Popular cover letter examples

Here are some of our most-viewed cover letter samples.

Don’t see your job title? Keep scrolling to search for the exact job title you need,and find hundreds more examples below!

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Use this search bar to scan all the cover letters in our database and find one for the exact role to which you’re applying.

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Universal cover letter example

Every cover letter should include the same sections as the sample seen here, regardless of the job.

All cover letters should include these five sections:

Address/Salutation:

Salutation:

Introduction paragraph:

Body paragraph(s):

Closing paragraph:

Also known as a job application letter, our cover letter samples help you write a cover letter .

A cover letter example for your industry or job title shows exactly how the end result should look. Use them for inspiration as you write your own!

For even more help, use our Cover Letter Builder !

It’s a great tool that gives step-by-step guidance, features 30+ cover letter designs and provides industry-specific phrasing created by resume experts.

Our builder will eliminate the guesswork of writing a cover letter, and save you a lot of time!

Cover letter examples by industry and job title

Looking for a sample cover letter for a resume in your industry? Check out our examples listed by job title and organized by industry.

Accounting & Finance Cover Letter Examples

Study our accounting and finance cover letter samples for your job application to multiply your chance for success. See how other candidates describe their math skills, tax code knowledge and education to earn these roles.

Administrative Cover Letter Examples

A cover letter demonstrates your organization and communication skills before you step into the office. These administrative letter examples will help you get ready to write. Use our cover letter examples for the job you desire.

Business Cover Letter Examples

Here are good cover letter examples for business roles. They’ll help you see the selling points your job competition uses to frame their experience.

Construction Cover Letter Examples

We’ve got example cover letters that you can use as blueprints for your own solid introduction. Get inspired and learn how other job seekers are framing their skills in the construction field.

Customer Service Cover Letter Examples

Writing a cover letter is a breeze if you’ve got the patience and communication skills required for customer service roles. Just stick to the script! Write a great letter using our cover letter examples to guide you.

Education Cover Letter Examples

A good cover letter example can show you what you should say to get hired. Study our education cover letter examples below. They’ll help you brainstorm and craft a cover letter worthy of a gold star.

Fire Fighting Cover Letter Examples

Our firefighting example cover letters provide you with good ideas for how you can tell your own career story.

Healthcare Cover Letter Examples

Give your job search the booster shot it needs, a cover letter that demands attention. Our cover letter samples will help you write your own letter that will impress hiring managers and land you an interview.

Hotel & Hospitality Cover Letter Examples

Our cover letters are at your service! Check out our collection of hospitality cover letter samples below. They’re full of great ideas for describing your passion for hospitality, guest satisfaction and great service.

Human Resources Cover Letter Examples

HR is often responsible for hiring at many companies, so your cover letter should be top-notch. Review our cover letter samples for HR positions. See how others describe their skills in hiring, managing and developing talent within a company.

Information Technology Cover Letter Examples

Nearly every modern business needs technical support. Get insight into how others sell their tech skills. Take advantage of our great cover letter examples to help land the IT job you desire.

Janitorial Cover Letter Examples

Spruce up your cover letter to score a new job with our maintenance and janitorial example cover letters below. They’ll help you craft a letter that shows employers you’ll keep their workplaces up and running.

Marketing Cover Letter Examples

If your resume is your personal branding statement, your cover letter is the sales pitch to get hired. Hone your message for marketing and advertising positions by looking over cover letter example letters here.

Medical Cover Letter Examples

Our cover letter samples for medical professionals will show hiring managers you’ve got the necessary skills, schooling and work experience to succeed. We’ve got examples from every medical specialty.

Retail Cover Letter Examples

Earn a new job in retail with a stellar cover letter. See how our cover example letters for retail jobs demonstrate the full range of skills needed in the industry.

Sales Cover Letter Examples

Sell your future employer on hiring you with an excellent cover letter. Browse through our sales cover letter samples for one matching the role you want.

Safety & Security Cover Letter Examples

Secure a job by submitting a great cover letter. Check out some top-notch security cover letter samples to see how you can best sell your own experience to employers.

Transportation Cover Letter Examples

A cover letter is a vehicle to accelerate your job hunt. Take a look at our transportation application letter examples for ideas on how to impress hiring managers. They’ll help you arrive at your next job.

Cover letter examples for every scenario

Use the example letters below to find the right words or phrases to explain yourself in different professional scenarios.

When you are new to the workforce, a cover letter can help you fill in the work gaps of your resume by pointing out the skills, education and training you possess that make you an excellent fit for the role.

A cover letter is valuable if you have limited work or internship experience. It helps you draw a direct connection between the experience and education milestones you cite in your resume to the role to which you’re applying.

If you have an employment gap on your resume, a hiring manager will likely wonder why. In this case, a cover letter is perfect for explaining your situation. In the body of your cover letter, briefly mention why you stepped away from the workforce, such as because of a layoff, family emergency or to raise children. Keep it brief, though; the purpose of the cover letter is to focus on your credentials and what you bring to the table.

When you want to make a career change, your cover letter provides the space to explain your motivation and reasons for doing so. Remember, the letter should focus on what you’ll offer the employer, so keep your explanation for making the change brief. The bulk of your cover letter should highlight your relevant work experience and transferable skills .

A cover letter is critical when seeking a promotion or transfer with your current employer. This type of cover letter explains your motivation for applying for the promotion and why you believe you would excel in the new role.

If you have a connection who works at the company you’re applying to or is a colleague of the hiring manager, the first paragraph of your cover letter is where you should mention your connection. It will increase your chances of getting the job if someone with close knowledge told you about it.

If you’ve had your eye on a company you’d like to work for but haven’t seen any job openings, you can use your cover letter to explain that. Your introduction should explain what makes you passionate about working for this company. In addition, you should outline the skills and type of role you would like.

Have a lead on a great role that will open in the future? There’s no need to wait for it to be posted to the job board. View our sample letters of interest for a job you want, even if it hasn’t been posted yet. Learning to write this type of letter can set you apart from the competition.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a document that accompanies your resume when applying for a job. Its aim is to introduce yourself, outline your skills and experience, and explain why you would be the best fit for the role.

Cover letters shouldn’t be long, just a few paragraphs –– about 250 words or one double-spaced page.

They are a great way to convey your enthusiasm for the position or company and discuss what interests you about the role. Personalize your letter by directly addressing the hiring manager or recruiter.

What does a cover letter look like?

A cover letter looks like any other standard business letter: It consists of a recipient address, a greeting, two to three body paragraphs (the main text) and a signature. It’s three to four paragraphs long and should all fit on a single page.

While a cover letter will always consist of the same parts, you can change the appearance by changing details such as the font or adding a touch of color.

If you’re uncertain about what a cover letter looks like, it’s a good idea to use a cover letter template .

A template is just a preformatted document that takes care of the visual elements of your cover letter. That way, you can focus on the message of your cover letter instead of the design.

How important are cover letters when applying for jobs?

Cover letters are very important to apply for jobs. The only time that you shouldn’t include one is if the job post requests that you don’t or if the website you’re using to apply for a job does not allow you to attach one.

Even if it’s not requested, submitting a cover letter will help attract the attention of hiring managers. It’s a way to show that you have solid communication skills and expand on your resume’s key skills.

Since it’s more space to advertise yourself than a resume alone, it helps you better sell yourself. Cover letters are critical because you may be at a disadvantage for the job if you don’t take the time to include one, and other candidates do.

What are three good cover letter tips to remember?

Here are three helpful cover letter tips:

What should be in a well-written cover letter?

Our sample cover letters show you all the elements of a strong cover letter. At its most basic, a well-written cover letter is composed of five key sections:

Is it OK to have a two-page cover letter?

Cover letters should be focused and concise, so it’s not advised to go past one page. That’s the accepted standard practice for cover letters.

That’s because recruiters often get hundreds of applications for a single job opening and don’t have time to read long letters. That’s not to mention including a cover letter that is longer than other candidates’ may look sloppy and unprofessional.

How should I prepare my cover letter?

There are two ways to write a cover letter:

See more on our FAQ Page

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sample cover letter for a resume

250+ Cover Letter Examples for 2023

Create a first-class cover letter that gets you the job interview, using cover letter samples for over 500 jobs written and designed by our experts.

  Cover letters are essentially elevator pitches that give employers insight into your strengths and accomplishments . Our cover letter examples are effective because they:

Cover Letter Example

Show real interest.

Cover Letter Jt

Highlight key skills and achievements .

Cover Letter Jt Example

Explain why the applicant is the best job candidate.

What to include in a cover letter

Contact information:.

List your phone number and professional email address.

Employer’s information:

This should look like our job cover letter sample.

Salutation:

Address the letter to a specific person, such as the hiring manager.

Start with a relevant accomplishment like our letter sample.

Elaborate on your accomplishments and skills to show your value.

The best cover letter examples close by inviting employers to get in touch.

Want more examples of cover letters, plus tips for organizing and formatting a cover letter? Check out our guide to cover letter formats .

Education Jt

Perfect Cover Letter Builder

Our Cover Letter Builder helps you write a cover letter in minutes with step-by-step guidance, expert phrases and professional, customizable templates.

Professional cover letter examples by industry and job title

Accounting cover letter examples.

For an accounting job, follow our employment cover letter examples to emphasize your number-crunching skills and your ability to work with others.

You’ve made an impression with your analytical acumen and your critical thinking skills. These cover letter examples show how to expand on those strengths.

Our Cover Letter Builder will help you craft a great cover letter that tells employers who you are and what you can bring to the table. We offer:

Example cover letters for administrative jobs

Get inspired by these great cover letter examples and showcase your keen eye for detail, good organization and proficiency with computer software.

Administrative

Your ability to multitask is unparalleled. These cover letter examples will help you show employers what makes you a cut above the rest.

Use our Cover Letter Builder to write a perfect cover letter. Our builder provides:

Professional cover letter examples for business operations jobs

Like these cover letter examples for a job in business operations, focus on your ability to coordinate teams and processes and your superior communications skills.

Business operations

Your technical proficiency is as strong as your decision making and problem-solving abilities. Our cover letter examples for business operations will help you to stand out from the crowd.

Our Cover Letter Builder will help you to quickly and easily create a cover letter that gets noticed. We provide:

Construction cover letter examples

Use an application letter sample to highlight your strong work ethic and ability to work with specific equipment, such as forklifts or cranes.

Construction

You’re deterous, organized and you can solve problems on the fly. Our construction industry cover letter examples will help you expand on your toolkit and knowledge, so hiring managers know you’re the one for the job.

Our Cover Letter Builder will help you create the perfect cover letter that tells employers who you are and why you want to work for them. Plus, we provide:

Culinary cover letter examples

Enthusiasm, experience in fast-paced work environments and knowledge of food preparation are key areas to cover in a culinary cover letter. Get inspired by a job cover letter sample below.

Make a great impression on hiring managers with our culinary cover letter examples. We’ll help you align your agility in the kitchen with your attention to detail and customer service acumen.

Our Cover Letter Builder will help you build the perfect cover letter and provide:

Sample cover letters for customer service jobs

Use one of our customer service employment cover letter examples as a guide to stress your commitment to assisting people and your ability to work as part of a team.

Customer service

Our customer service cover letter examples can help you get the job you want. We’ll show you how to describe your experience, showcase interpersonal skills and display your personality to impress potential employers.

Create an effective cover letter with our Cover Letter Builder. We provide:

Education cover letter samples

These are good cover letter examples to follow if you want to highlight your proficiency with specific subjects and intangible strengths such as flexibility, communication and patience.

Get inspired with these professionally crafted education cover letter samples. We will show you how to effectively express your passion for the job, convey your knowledge and show your top strengths.

Use our Cover Letter Builder to make the perfect education cover letter. Our builder offers:

Examples of cover letters for the food service industry

Display your experiences in fast-paced work environments where teamwork is a necessity, like our expert-written cover letter examples for a job in the food service industry.

Food service

You’re a patient mulitasker with exceptional communication skills. Let our cover letter examples for the food service industry show you how to tell your professional story in a way that hiring managers want to read.

Our Cover Letter Builder can help you expand on the skills you bring to the table and so potential employers know what makes you the best candidate for the job. We give you:

Resume cover letter examples for health care support jobs

Elaborate on your training and experience in health care situations and programs. Use our cover letter samples for guidance and include a story about services you’ve provided to patients.

Health care support

Make the best impression on potential employers by using our cover letter examples to display your skills and knowledge in a way that says “I’m the best candidate.”

With the help of our Cover Letter Builder, you can create an effective cover letter with:

Hospitality cover letter examples

Use a sample cover letter for a resume in the hospitality field for inspiration when emphasizing your achievements and dedication to customer satisfaction.

Hospitality

These hospitality cover letter examples will inspire your to make the most of your exceptional customer service skills, organizational abilities and professional achievements.

With the help of our Cover Letter Builder, you can make the best impression with:

Information technology job application letters

Explain how you’ve used your top computer system maintenance skills and show how you’ve successfully improved IT operations in previous jobs. Use our cover letter samples as guides.

Information technology

Use our information technology cover letter examples to show the achievements and technical acumen you bring to the table.

Our Cover Letter Builder is the best way to craft an effective letter. We offer:

Best cover letter examples for law

A good cover letter provides a rundown of your experiences handling legal affairs, performing research or handling documentation and administration at a law firm.

Our cover letter samples for the law profession will help you plead your case that there’s no one better for the job.

Use our cover letter builder to build a compelling cover letter that wins over potential employers. Our builder provides:

Marketing cover letter samples

Like our sample application letter for a job, demonstrate your creativity, leadership and strategic thinking abilities, and highlight areas of focus like social media or email marketing.  

These marketing sample cover letters will inspire you to display your industry strengths and work experience so that hiring managers want to know more.

Our Cover Letter Builder is the best way to craft an effective letter. It provides:

Medical cover letter examples

Go beyond standard credentials and training. Let our sample cover letters help you highlight your ability to empathize with clients and patients.

Our medical cover letter examples will help you display your medical knowledge, industry achievements licenses and certifications to stand out.

Our Cover Letter Builder is the best way to craft a perfect medical cover letter. We offer:

Nursing cover letter examples

Emphasize your interpersonal and communication skills, areas of expertise and best experiences caring for others in your nursing resume cover letter.

Use our nursing cover letter samples for inspiration. We’ll help you express your compassion for others, display your ability to multitask, and showcase your attention to detail. Hiring managers won’t want to look away.

Use our Cover Letter Builder to create a cover letter quickly and easily. We offer:

Production cover letter samples

Similar to our sample letter of interest for a job in production, convince employers you’re the right person for the job by showcasing your ability to work well with others.

Use these production sample cover letters to see how to best emphasize your work achievements and greatest strengths.

Retail application letter examples

Provide details on your retail resume cover letter on job-related abilities, such as maintaining merchandise and point-of-sale systems, and interpersonal skills such as customer service and multitasking abilities.

Our retail cover letter examples are inspiring. Use them to help you write a perfect cover letter that compels hiring managers to learn more.

Use our Cover Letter Builder to craft a compelling cover letter quickly and easily. We provide:

Great cover letter examples for sales jobs

Give concrete examples of how you’ve helped improve a company’s bottom line, using  our cover letter samples for guidance.

Social services cover letter examples

Choose an example cover letter to see how to emphasize your ability to communicate with others. Add any training in specialized areas such as substance abuse work to your letter.

Social services

Our social services cover letter samples  will help you expand on your experience and core qualifications so that you can display your compassion, patience and top-notch listening skills.

Use our Cover Letter Builder to craft a cover letter that gets noticed. We provide:

Teaching cover letter examples

Let potential employers know you have specialized knowledge and explain how you enrich children in the classroom. Our cover letter examples for a job in teaching can help!

Our sample cover letters for teaching will inspire your to display your presentation skills, interpersonal skills and in-depth subject matter expertise so that potential employers can’t look elsewhere.

Use our Cover Letter Builder to craft a compelling cover letter with ease. Our builder provides:

Cover letter examples for other popular industries

Examples of cover letters for special circumstances, entry-level cover letter.

A simple cover letter should focus on your skills, education and willingness to learn in a new position.

Use our Cover Letter Builder to create a cover letter that will help jump-start your career with:

Entry-level cover letter example

Notice how this example of an application letter emphasizes the job seeker’s training, skills and career ambitions while also connecting them to what the potential employer needs.

Career change cover letter

This modern cover letter example can help showcase the changes you’ve made to move forward in your career. It will also help highlight your transferable skills and career accomplishments.

Make this letter your own in our Cover Letter Builder, which includes:

Career change cover letter for a job application

When changing careers, you must make a connection between jobs. Follow the lead of this sample cover letter by highlighting skills you’ve developed in previous jobs that match the new one.

Employment gap cover letter

A cover letter is the best tool to explain a time period without employment. This example shows you how to approach the subject while keeping the attention on your skills and qualifications.

You can edit this cover letter in our Cover Letter Builder, which provides:

Employment gap application letter sample

If you’ve been away from full-time work for long stretches, it’s important to explain to employers what you’ve done during that time. Our cover letter example for a job gap shows how to do so effectively while focusing on your qualifications.

“Cold call” cover letter

Make a confident approach with this cold call cover letter example. Let your skills and qualifications speak for themselves while you make a connection with an employer.

Edit this cover letter with ease in our Cover Letter Builder, which provides you with:

“Cold call” cover letter sample

“Cold call” cover letters are necessary when companies don’t have open positions. This sample letter works perfectly because the first paragraph shows that the job candidate has done her “homework” on the company. She mentions their mission, vision and high standards, and she highlights what she has to offer them.

Professional connection cover letter

Use our Cover Letter Builder to expand on the skills you’ve learned on the job and what you can offer your employer now.

Professional connection cover letter example

If someone within the company recommended you for the position, write a cover letter that centers around your professional connection, as shown in this resume cover page example.

Temporary-to-permanent employee cover letter

Make it official. Use a modern resume template to transition into a permanent position. Bring to the table the achievements you’ve reached, what you’ve learned so far and how your skills have helped the success of your temporary employer.

Use our Cover Letter Builder to create an effective letter that takes you from a temp to a permanent employee with:

Temporary-to-permanent employee sample cover letter

The goal of these types of cover letters is to show hiring managers why they should hire you as a full-time employee. Our letter example focuses on specific contributions and explains how they can provide even more value as a full-time employee.

Seeking promotion cover letter

You’ve impressed your employer with your skills and achievements and now you want more. Use this contemporary cover letter to state your case, bring attention to your accomplishments and expand on what you could do in a higher position.

Seeking promotion cover letter example

This application letter is different from other resume cover letter examples because it stresses the job applicant’s familiarity with the company’s goals, values and processes — a big advantage over other applicants.

Unadvertised position cover letter

No need to wait until a job posting is available to apply. Reach out to a potential employer and share your enthusiasm and what you could bring to the company.

Our Cover Letter Builder can help you expand on the skills you can bring to the table and why you should be considered as a candidate.

Sample cover letter for an unadvertised position

No posted job description to refer to? Use this cover letter example for a job that isn’t advertised to help you explain how you heard about the role and to share your enthusiasm about joining the team. Mention your top skills and accomplishments.

New position with current employer cover letter

A modern cover letter includes your career progress, goals reached while at the company and the knowledge acquired through experience. Find new footing in your career by adding a cover letter to your application.

Create an effective cover letter with our Cover Letter Builder, which will help with:

Job application letter for a new position with current employer

Put your best foot forward with a compelling cover letter for a resume. Like this sample letter of interest for a job with the same employer, point out your accomplishments and explain how you will benefit your employer on future projects.

Referral cover letter

You’ve made an impression on your previous employers and they’re willing to back it up. With this classic cover letter, you can expand your skills and what you can bring to a new employer.

Our Cover Letter Builder will help you craft a great cover letter with the referrals to back it up and:

Referral cover letter sample

When done correctly, telling an employer that someone in the company referred you lets them know you’re someone they can trust. Use our referral cover letter sample to do this correctly and catch their attention the right way.

Other cover letter resources

The following articles are a great source of information to make our cover letter examples your own:

Get noticed with a polished cover letter

Use our cover letter examples as inspiration to write a perfect cover letter with our Cover Letter Builder. We guide you through each section of your cover letter and provide expert phrases you can include in just a few clicks.

Cover letter examples FAQ

Last Updated: February 13, 2023

Why should I use your cover letter examples?

My Perfect Resume has 200+ cover letter examples that work for job seekers from all industries and job titles. We offer the following features:

Are cover letters really necessary?

The short answer is yes. According to the Society of Human Resources Management , a cover letter demonstrates your genuine interest in the job and company. It’s also an opportunity to discuss your accomplishments, introduce yourself more personally, and make a more detailed case for why the employer should be interested in you. This is why we have 200+ cover letter examples for jobs in dozens of industries — you can find the inspiration you need to write a letter that makes an impact.

Should you write a different cover letter for each job application?

Absolutely!

Every job application and company is different. Like a resume, you should use a sample cover letter to tailor your letter to the job you’re applying for and the employer you’re directing that letter to. You want to ensure that what you write and your tone align with the company culture, values and, most importantly, the job application.

What should not be included in a cover letter?

Review our library of 200+ cover letter examples for jobs in various industries to get a good idea of what to write in your cover letter.

Should you address employment gaps in a cover letter?

You do not have to discuss the details of employment gaps due to personal reasons (such as an illness or a family matter that needed attending). Neither do gaps caused by your former employer firing or laying you off. 

Instead, follow our employment gap cover letter example on this page, and write about your skills, qualifications and relevant experiences and how excited you are about this new opportunity. Just be prepared to discuss employment gaps during the job interview phase . If you can show you were busy with other important pursuits or trained on new skills during your time off, mention them in your letter.

How to write a cover letter that gets noticed?

Here are some tips for writing a great cover letter: 

Kellie Hanna

Kellie Hanna

Content strategist, career advice expert.

Kellie is the content strategist for My Perfect Resume. She has more than 20 years of experience in digital media and is passionate about helping job seekers navigate their careers. She has a B.A. in English and writing from Temple University.

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Cover Letter Examples

Free Professional Cover Letter Example and Writing Tips

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Table of contents

What Should I Include in My Cover Letter?

Essential points to highlight, simple cover letter, professional cover letter, entry-level cover letter, creative cover letter, short cover letter, advantages of cover letter examples, cover letter samples.

A cover letter that’s well written and tailored for the position you want to get is an essential part of any job application. A cover letter is expected by at least 10% of all recruiters in addition to a properly prepared resume . Make sure yours stands out perfectly for the role you’re seeking by using our professional examples below along with our cover letter builder.

An effective cover letter will need the following four key elements shown below

1. A formal greeting

Your first contact with the employer should be a formal one. You should address them as Mr/Mrs/Ms. for this initial interaction and state their name. If possible, avoid generic openers like “Dear Sir/Madam” or “to whom it may concern”.

2. A persuasive introduction

Use the first paragraph to introduce yourself as a candidate and to give a great first impression. Use this space to give quick reasons why you applied and would be the right choice for the precise job on offer.

3. Compelling paragraphs

This next part of the letter can be used to build a convincing argument as to why you’d be the right pick for the company. Use numerical evidence to support your case and make your achievements eye-grabbing.

4. Strong Final Impression

Finally, start moving the conversation towards the next stage of the job selection process. Encourage the recruiter to read your resume for further details and explain that you’re keen to meet in person as well as how you can be contacted.

Hiring Manager’s name

Company name

Company address

Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms. [Hiring Manager Name]

I am contacting you to communicate my interest in the Administrative Assistant role being advertised by [company]. This role really caught my attention as I have a strong educational background and extensive experience in the office administration of medium-sized businesses. I think this knowledge and expertise could be highly valuable to [company].

During my 6 year career, I have assisted with a wide range of office administrative tasks using Microsoft Office and LibreOffice software. I have been responsible for maintaining and managing sensitive data at each and every step of the meeting organization from planning to the recording of minutes, as well as drafting critical communications.

In my current position, I was also tasked with optimizing the efficiency of our office supply buying, the results of which saved the company over $1,800 per quarter. I also enhanced my written skills greatly by assisting with the drafting and proofing of important executive correspondences.

I have enclosed my resume with this letter to provide further information about my career history so far. I hope that my credentials represent a good match for this role.

I’m very keen to learn more about the position and would be eager to organize a meeting to discuss it in more detail. In the meantime, I’d like to thank you for your consideration and to invite you to contact me at any time regarding the opportunity.

I can be reached every evening from 4 pm-8.30 pm via home phone or at any time with my email address listed below.

Sincerely, Name

Address Phone number Email address

Create a compelling cover letter to get the attention of a recruiter. We’ll show you in the points below how it’s done and what to highlight when using our cover letter builder.

What should or shouldn’t be included in an effective document and what should a cover letter say? Let us briefly explain…

There’s more than one way to format and prepare a letter . Depending on the type of job you’re targeting and your level of experience you have several options to choose from.

Our example of a simple cover letter shows you how to start preparing a document that can be used if you have little-to-no professional experience but that also allows you to highlight your most employable features. It is an easy cover letter to create, which is useful when you are just starting your career.

simple cover letter example

Text Format

February 16th 2020

Dear Adrian,

I am writing to apply for the Customs Broker position at Geoplex Inc as posted on LinkedIn.com. I am a qualified and fully licensed broker, with over 4 years of experience and exemplary history of managing drilling machinery imports.

I was particularly interested in the position with Geoplex, as I share in the company values of growth and innovation. Working with Benson LLC, my current organization, I’ve overseen a 12% cut in costs, as well as ensuring the standards of compliance expected by the US CBP.

Furthermore, I’ve developed a reputation for coming up with exceptional solutions to problems. This has been an especially vital skill in my current role, especially when resolving any factors arising with clearance and deliveries.

I am eager to continue my upward trajectory in a new position and would relish the opportunity to make that happen with Geoplex Inc. Please find enclosed my resume, which provides additional detail on my skills and experience as well as my complete contact information.

Please feel free to reach out to me at your leisure via my personal number or email address. I look forward to speaking to you further regarding the position.

Connie Barnes

What Makes This a Strong Covering Letter?

Generally speaking, a simple cover letter allows you to convey a lot of information fast with little excess detail. It fits in all the required information that will help give you an edge over the competition, in a concise and focused manner.

As we can see in the adjacent cover letter example, the applicant focuses on a polite greeting, conveys all the contact details necessary, and uses the first paragraph to quickly outline their interest in the job and why they’d be suitable.

This allows you as the candidate to show that you have a genuine enthusiasm for applying, which will in turn interest the employer. You can then dedicate the rest of the initial opening to offering some tidbits of information that will further motivate the recruiter to keep reading.

In the next part of the document, our writer has added some key examples as to how they made the difference in their last job. They’ve demonstrated a little about the essential tasks they did and focused on the results they achieved in doing so.

To finish things off, they have reiterated their enthusiasm for the role available and have gradually started to draw the conversation towards the possibility of an interview. It also creates some interest in the resume (which will be a more detailed explanation of your professional experience).

As you can see, each part of the document takes the reader on a short journey from the reason for applying, to why you’d be the best candidate for the job, to finally angling towards the next steps of the process. By doing this while focusing on the job description this will provide the recruiter with exactly what they’ll need to see to pick you for an interview.

In our example of a professional cover letter, you’ll see how to start writing and organizing a document that can help take you to the next level of your career. If you’ve already got a few years of experience under your belt, learn how to use it to your advantage.

professional cover letter example

Dear Patricia,

I wanted to make contact with you to register my interest in the Key Account Manager position with Rhino insurance that is advertised on LinkedIn. During my 8 years of working in insurance, Rhino is a company I’ve always admired and I think I could offer you the skills you’re looking for.

My goal is and always has been to get the maximum from my staff and create excellent relationships with high profile clients. That’s why over the last 4 years of working with Yannick Mutual I’ve overseen a 93% retention rate and helped to raise revenue by as much as 14%.

Great customer management is a skill that I know Rhino values highly and it is something I pride myself on also. Your 4.8-star customer satisfaction rating stands as a testament to your ability to respond properly to your client’s needs and I would love to bring my experience to help you achieve even better results.

I would be more than happy to talk in more depth on how I can help Rhino continue in its successes. Please contact me on 207-440-4475 if you would be interested in meeting for an interview.

Thank you for taking my application into consideration and I hope we can discuss the opportunity in more depth soon.

Raquel Galaz

What Makes This an Effective Cover Letter?

Professional cover letters will need to be more detailed than some other types like an entry-level or simple cover letter . However, conciseness is still key.

As we can see in this adjacent example the writer has started off as normal by detailing their contact information and formally greeting the recruiter . They then go on to make a short introduction of themself and start making a strong case for why they would be the right choice.

In the next section, they move onto explaining a little about the way they manage in their current job and illustrating where they brought results with specific instances as evidence. As a seasoned professional you’ll be expected to provide plenty of examples of how you made a difference in previous jobs and what you achieved.

To finish things off, the candidate added important elements of a good conclusion:

This detailed document covers a lot in just a few paragraphs, however, it strikes the right balance between essential information and brevity . It also functions well as it is specifically tailored to the type of profile that the recruiter is looking for.

When you’re starting out in your career or you’ve made a major change of industry you’re going to need an effective entry-level cover letter. Use our example to get your professional journey off on the right foot.

entry-level cover letter example

I am writing to express my interest in the Structural Engineer position with Rode Engineering advertised on Glassdoor.com. Having recently completed my B.S. in Engineering from MIT in May 20XX, I would love to start my career with Rode and feel I would be a perfect fit for the role being offered.

You stated in your notice that you are looking for a candidate with superb communication skills, excellent focus, and who is a good team player. This is precisely what I would be able to bring to the position. During my time at MIT, I was an active member of the volleyball team, where interdependency, strategy, and quick decision-making were invaluable skills for success.

Additionally, over 2 summers, I interned with Humbert Energy for 6 months, working within their infrastructure team. This gave me a working knowledge of everyday engineering tasks as well as many more abilities such as spotting warn parts, serious flaws in a design, and necessary structural repairs. As you can see, my hands-on experience, my extracurricular activities, and my Engineering B.S. make me a great fit for the Structural Engineer role at Rode. I would be excited to discuss the position more in person.

Thank you very much for considering my application. Please feel free to contact me either on my phone number 412-721-6679 or my personal email to talk about the position at length. I look forward to hearing from you.

Dan Gillard

What Makes This a Convincing Covering Letter?

Like all good covering letters, this example starts off by making a soft introduction and giving a little detail as to why the candidate could be a good fit for the role. However, unlike others, it immediately addresses the elephant in the room, namely the lack of professional experience.

Not only does it state the candidate’s enthusiasm for seeking the role but it also makes it clear that they are newly qualified. However, it still plays to the writer’s strengths by stating the qualification upfront which allows the recruiter to see that the candidate is fully trained for the job.

In the main body of this example letter, we can see that the applicant has focused entirely on addressing the job requirements point-by-point. They’ve brought specific examples of where their college education and time studying was put to good use and how this could apply to the sort of profile the recruiter is looking for.

This involves a mix of hard skills and soft skills , but it perfectly helps to make up for any lack of real-world professional experience. However, to make their case even stronger, they have been able to include details of an internship, which could help make the difference against the competition.

To finish everything off the writer has given a short prompt to reiterate why they would fit the desired profile well , in a quick conclusion. All that then needs to be added is a short paragraph giving the recruiter a call to action and hopefully instigate the next steps in the process.

Creative cover letters stray a little from the normal rules of job applications. Find out how to effectively create a document for a more artistic job that gets results and demonstrates your creativity.

creative cover letter example

Dear David,

Fudge Digital is hiring and I am just the person you need. My name is Susan Taylor and I’m a seasoned and successful Digital Marketing Manager with more than 5 years of online marketing experience. Fudge is a business with a reputation for bringing together creativity and progress. Together, I think we’d make the perfect team.

I live and breathe life as a digital creative and in the last 5 years, it’s been my honor to be able to call myself a professional in this field. I make it my mission to create attractive and effective marketing assets that look great and sell better. In the last quarter, the digital assets my team and I brought to life have smashed their targets by over 30%.

My biggest guiding forces are communication and cooperation and I know that Fudge also appreciates these skills. I’ve been following your blog for a couple of years now and have always been impressed by the values of teamwork and inspiration that are woven into everything you do.

I was also totally blown away by your Award-winning video campaign. Hopefully, we’ll be able to work together to see that you retain the title next year.

Thank you for taking the time to read through my application. I am contactable by email every day or by landline Monday-to-Friday from 6 pm onwards. I hope we can meet soon to discuss how we can help Fudge reach even greater heights.

Yours truly,

Susan Taylor

What Makes This a Powerful Cover Letter?

In most cases, creative cover letters involve even more individuality than most and rely on standing out. Nevertheless, they still follow normal letter-writing conventions.

As you can see in our professional example, the writer still uses standard formality and letter structure . However, once they launch into their opening salvo they do so with a much more imaginative approach.

The letter opening still introduces the candidate and sells them a little as the perfect fit for the job. As you would normally expect, it also gives some detail about the motivations of the applicant .

The middle sections of this letter focus on building a complete picture of the candidate. It goes into detail whilst also adding more creative embellishments than you wouldn’t normally see in a simple or professional cover letter .

Our candidate, in this case, chooses to use specific examples that illustrate the success their work has brought in. In this case, exceeding commercial targets by double-digit percentages.

This writer also goes a step beyond and gives a lot more information about how the company itself got their attention and how both parties’ goals align. Again, they cite a specific example to strengthen their hand and to show they have done their research on the business.

The author of the letter then finishes off with a quick thank you for consideration and gives the recruiter some details on how to make contact. This leaves the reader with a positive final impression as well as the precise sort of information they need to move the process forward.

As we can see, creative documents are worded very differently to more conventional documents. However, even in these cases, it’s still essential to give as much evidence as possible on your working record, using numerical data where possible.

It isn’t always necessary to write a cover letter that fills an entire page. If you can manage to explain why you’re the best candidate for the position, your cover letter’s length does not need to be that long. Use the top 1 to 2 reasons you should be hired, and keep what you write relevant to the vacancy.

Dear Mr. James,

I’ve loved teaching and working with children and adolescents since I was a summer camp counselor in my junior year of high school.

I have over eight years of teaching experience at the middle school level, working with children that cover a wide range of learning skills. The state test scores of my students have collectively finished in the 95th percentile of all test takers in each of the past four years. Considering all of these factors, I believe I am the ideal candidate for the 7th and 8th-grade math teacher position at Woodlawn Middle School.

Please feel free to contact me at any time, I can be reached at 555-732-4198 or by email at [email protected]

Sincerely, Frederik Gorman

You might not think less is more when you are applying for a job vacancy. However, in this case, a short cover letter can be just as convincing as a long one. There are cover letters that last an entire page and list irrelevant information .

The purpose of a short cover letter is to get straight to the point. As we can see in the above short cover letter example, the applicant makes it clear right away that they are excited about the chance to fill the position

The body of the letter and the ending of the letter achieve several things:

Normal cover letters will go into further detail regarding the experience and skills the candidate possesses, however, this type of letter briefly yet effectively communicates the same information.

As well as offering guidance and some inspiration, cover letter examples can be useful tools in helping you learn how to highlight the most important information that employers will need to know about. When creating your cover letter , ResumeCoach’s examples can help with the following points:

Learn the length you should use and the sections that you will need to include.

2. Keywords

Personalize your cover letter and find the keywords that work for your sector.

3. Choice of language

Get the level of formality right and make the text accessible for any recruiter.

4. Adaptability and speed

Complete and adapt your cover letter and resume for any job with our editor.

Discover our perfect cover letter examples and find out the best tips and advice to write an outstanding cover letter for your resume.

Last modified on January 18th, 2023

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The 12 Best Cover Letter Examples: What They Got Right

Amanda Zantal-Wiener

Published: February 16, 2023

Fun is not something typically associated with writing a cover letter. However, with a few tweaks, writing one doesn’t have to be a burden.

job seeker reviewing best cover letter examples

The cover letter examples below demonstrate that it is possible to have a little fun with your job search — and maybe even make yourself a better candidate in the process.

→ Click here to access 5 free cover letter templates [Free Download]

What is a good cover letter?

A cover letter is used to demonstrate your interest in the role, passion for the company, and the impact you've had in previous positions. Cover letters should include a standout opening, relevant skills and qualifications, and a strong finish with a call-to-action — all within one page and unique to each application.

It may be true that only 35% of recruiters admit that cover letters do not materially influence the hiring process for them , but that doesn't mean yours has to contribute to that statistic. In fact, it might be that cover letters are deemed insignificant because so few of them stand out. Here's an opportunity for you to exercise your creativity at the earliest stage of the recruitment process.

Personalization, after all, goes beyond replacing the title and company name in each letter you send to recruiters.

What’s on a cover letter?

Before you can get started writing your cover letter, there are a few components you must have.

Greeting: A simple, but pleasant greeting to address the recruiter or hiring manager.

Opener: Write a catchy introduction that explains why you’re interested in the role.

Summary of Skills/Qualifications: This is the heart of your cover letter. It outlines your relevant experience and why you’d be a great fit for the role. You can highlight special skills, experiences, professional achievements, or education to help make your case.

Closing: In this paragraph, provide a call-to-action by expressing interest in an interview. Provide your contact information and sign-off.

What does a cover letter look like?

In addition to showing off your skills and qualifications, cover letters give you the opportunity to present a clear, concise, and compelling writing sample that shows off your personality and ability to convey ideas. Check out our fillable examples below to see how you should organize the content of your cover letter.

Customizable Cover Letter Examples

In a hurry for a cover letter example you can download and customize? Check out the ones below from HubSpot’s cover letter template kit .

1. Standard Cover Letter Example

cover letter examples: standard cover letter

This standard cover letter hits all the right notes: It includes a space to give a brief summary of your experience, as well as a space to delve in-depth into the specific responsibilities at your current role. You also have the chance to describe the challenges you’ve mastered at previous roles, showing that you’re capable of facing any problem that comes your way.

Why We Love It

We love this cover letter because it allows you to describe the high points of your career while still being professional, personalized, and succinct.

2. Data-Driven Cover Letter Sample

cover letter examples: data driven cover letter

Numbers are worth a million words — or that’s how the saying should probably go (if only we could include pictures in cover letters). Citing data and statistics about your achievements at your current company is an assured way to capture a hiring manager’s attention. Most hiring managers don’t read the entire letter, so a bulleted summary of your achievements can be a powerful way to increase the effectiveness and scannability of your message.

We love this cover letter because it’s adaptable to any role. Even if you don’t work in a data-centric role, you can include any enumerable achievement. If you’re in a creative industry, for instance, you can include the number of creative assets you designed for your current company.

3. Entry-Level Cover Letter Example

cover letter examples: entry-level cover letter

Download a Customizable Copy of This Cover Letter Example

Applying to your first job can be stress-inducing, to say the least. You can increase your chances of getting that first interview by including a cover letter that explains how your education can help you succeed in the role you applied for.

Look no further than this example from HubSpot. While other cover letter samples give experienced professionals the opportunity to share their experience at length, this one gives you the chance to describe your personal and professional attributes. You can then convey how you can leverage your knowledge to help your target company reach their goals.

We love this cover letter because it’s easy and simple to use for a student who has little experience in their target industry — including those who haven’t yet completed an internship.

Looking for more? Download the entire kit below.

5 Professional Cover Letter Templates

Fill out the form to access your templates., best cover letter examples.

What does a good cover letter look like in practice, and how can you make yours stand out? We found six examples from job seekers who decided to do things a bit differently.

Note: Some of these cover letters contain real company names and NSFW language that we've covered up.

1. The Cover Letter That Explains 'Why,' Not Just 'How'

We’ve already covered the importance of addressing how you’ll best execute a certain role in your cover letter. But there’s another question you might want to answer: Why the heck do you want to work here?

The Muse , a career guidance site, says that it’s often best to lead with the why — especially if it makes a good story. We advise against blathering on and on, but a brief tale that illuminates your desire to work for that particular employer can really make you stand out.

cover letter that explains "why" with a story about a childhood experience with the chicago cubs

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Here’s another instance of the power of personalization. The author of this cover letter clearly has a passion for this prospective employer — the Chicago Cubs — and if she’s lying about it, well, that probably would eventually be revealed in an interview.

Make sure your story is nonfiction and relatable according to each job. While we love a good tale of childhood baseball games, an introduction like this one probably wouldn’t be fitting in a cover letter for, say, a software company. But a story of how the hours you spent playing with DOS games as a kid led to your passion for coding? Sure, we’d find that fitting.

If you’re really passionate about a particular job opening, think about where that deep interest is rooted. Then, tell your hiring manager about it in a few sentences.

Why This Is A Great Cover Letter

This example demonstrates how effective personalization can be. The writer is passionate about the employer, drawing from her own childhood experience to communicate her enthusiasm.

2. The 'We're Meant for Each Other' Cover Letter

This cover letter example is a special one because it was submitted to us here at HubSpot. What does the letter do well? It makes a connection with us before we've even met the letter's author.

We're meant for each other cover letter submitted to HubSpot

"Content Marketing Certified" indicates the applicant has taken the content marketing certification course in our HubSpot Academy (you can take the same course here ). Our "records" indicate he/she did indeed give an interview with us before — and was a HubSpot customer.

The cover letter sang references to a relationship we didn't even know we had with the candidate.

The letter ends with a charming pitch for why, despite him/her not getting hired previously, our interests complement each other this time around.

(Yes, the applicant was hired).

This cover letter example does an excellent job of building rapport with the employer. Despite not getting hired for previous roles they applied for at HubSpot, the writer conveys exactly why they are right for this role.

3. The Cover Letter with H.E.A.R.T.

HubSpot has a lot of H.E.A.R.T. — Humble, Empathetic, Adaptable, Remarkable, Transparent. Our Culture Code is the foundation of the company's culture, the driving force behind our mission to help millions grow better , and serves as the scaffolding for our hiring practices. Recruiters at HubSpot look for applicants that demonstrate how they embody the Culture Code and job description, paying extra attention to cover letters that are super custom to HubSpot.

In another HubSpot submission, a HubSpot applicant writes about how she found out about HubSpot, why she likes the company, and how her professional experience aligns with H.E.A.R.T.

cover letter that details experience according to hubspot values: humble, empathy, adaptability, remarkable, and transparent.

HubSpot's recruiting team was impressed with her dedication to the company and how she went beyond what was asked for by linking her portfolio in her closing paragraph.

Featured Resource: 5 Free Cover Letter Templates

Cover-Letter-Templates

Download our collection of 5 professional cover letter templates to help you summarize your professional journey and land your dream job – whether it's at your first or fifth company.

Short Cover Letter Examples

4. the short-and-sweet cover letter.

In 2009, David Silverman penned an article for Harvard Business Review titled, “ The Best Cover Letter I Ever Received. ” That letter contained three complete sentences, as follows:

Short and sweet cover letter example with only three sentences

One might argue that this particular letter is less than outstanding. It’s brief, to say the least, and the author doesn’t go into a ton of detail about what makes him or her qualified for the job in question. But that’s what Silverman likes about it — the fact that the applicant only included the pieces of information that would matter the most to the recipient.

“The writer of this letter took the time to think through what would be relevant to me,” writes Silverman. “Instead of scattering lots of facts in hopes that one was relevant, the candidate offered up an opinion as to which experiences I should focus on.”

When you apply for a job, start by determining two things:

The key to this standout cover letter is research — by looking into who you’ll be reporting to and learning more about that person’s leadership style, you’ll be better prepared to tailor your cover letter to focus on how you provide solutions for them.

5. The Short Story

Basha Coleman began her cover letter with a short story. The goal of this short story is two-fold:

short cover letter example from basha coleman that starts with a short story about her existing experience with pepsi

You'll notice that her short story follows a typical narrative arc: It has a conflict/obstacle, a turning point, and a positive outcome, all created with a goal to emphasize a theme or point. In this case, Coleman is emphasizing her existing affinity with the brand and her triumphs within the program so that she can continue on her career path.

Like the second example in our list, this cover letter does an excellent job of conveying the applicant’s existing affinity for the brand. If you are applying to a company you love, don’t be shy about showing it and explaining why.

6. The Bare Bones Cover Letter

In today's job market, cover letters aren't always necessary. Even though many recruiters won't ask for or even read them, cover letters can still be effective and convey personality to a reader. Writing a strong cover letter can help you better convey your interest in the position and company.

This template from The Balance Careers puts together the essential components of a short cover letter: excitement about the position, your qualifications, and a call-to-action for the recruiter to follow up with you. Combining these central aspects in a well-written, compelling narrative will go a long way in convincing readers to hire you.

short cover letter example with summarized bullet points

This letter is organized and concise. The inclusion of bullet points to highlight key skills and help the recruiter skim the document is a nice touch.

7. The Breezy Follow-Up

In this cover letter, Amanda Edens is following the instructions the hiring manager gave by forwarding an email with resume and writing samples attached.

short cover letter example from Amanda Edens with bullet points and breezy language

Not only does Amanda provide links to relevant writing samples that are live on the web, but she also closes with a strong final paragraph that:

8. The Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

In this cover letter the candidate, Brenda, plays up her prior music industry experience to build a connection with Epic Music Group. If you have specific industry experience for the role you are applying for, be sure to highlight that.

Cover Letter Example: Admin Cover Letter

It’s clear that she’s passionate about not only the music industry, but Epic as a whole. She’s done so much research on the company that she knows what software programs they use, and happens to be proficient in it to help convey value to the hiring manager.

This example further illustrates the importance of research. Make sure you understand the culture of the company to which you’re applying before you send a completely unfiltered cover letter — if you don’t, there’s a good chance it’ll completely miss the mark.

In just three short paragraphs, the applicant uses their company research to drive home why they are the perfect fit for the role — emphasizing industry experience as well as software knowledge specific to the company. All of this communicates that she’d be able to start with very few hiccups getting up to speed.

9. The Internship Cover Letter

Maybe you’re just getting started in your career and looking to land the right internship to gain experience in your field. In this case, you’ll need to highlight more of your educational background and transferable skills since you won’t have as much professional experience to highlight.

Cover Letter Examples: Internship Cover Letter

The cover letter above is a great example of how to emphasize your skills and accomplishments when applying to internships or entry-level positions. A few things the applicant does well:

This cover letter example illustrates how you can leverage your education and background to get the gig even when you don’t have much working experience. Highlighting previous internships or experience in related fields can go a long way in convincing hiring managers you’re the perfect candidate for the role.

Creative Cover Letter Examples

10. the brutally honest cover letter.

Then, there are the occasions when your future boss might appreciate honesty — in its purest form. Livestream CEO Jesse Hertzberg, by his own admission, is one of those people, which might be why he called this example “ the best cover letter ” (which he received while he was with Squarespace):

Brutally honest cover letter example

As Hertzberg says in the blog post elaborating on this excerpt — it’s not appropriate for every job or company. But if you happen to be sure that the corporate culture of this prospective employer gets a kick out of a complete lack of filter, then there’s a chance that the hiring manager might appreciate your candor.

“Remember that I'm reading these all day long,” Hertzberg writes. “You need to quickly convince me I should keep reading. You need to stand out.”

The applicant did their research on the company’s culture and executed this cover letter flawlessly. It’s funny and shows off the applicant’s personality all while demonstrating why they are a good fit for the role.

11. The Pivot Cover Letter

Making a career switch? Your cover letter can be an excellent opportunity for you to explain the reasoning behind your career change and how your transferable skills qualify you for the role.

Cover Letter Example: Creative Pivot Cover Letter

Since the role she is applying for is more visual, it’s important to both show and tell why you’re a good fit.

This cover letter strikes the perfect balance between creativity and simplicity in design while putting the applicant's career change into context. The copy is clean, with a creative font choice that isn’t distracting from the content, but still demonstrates the applicant’s knack for design.

12. The Graphic Design Cover Letter

When applying for more creative roles, the design of your cover letter can say just as much as the words on the page. Take the graphic designer letter example below.

Cover Letter Examples: Grpahic Design

It’s got so much going for it:

In addition to the style elements, this example also doesn’t skimp on the key skills recruiters are looking for. Using metrics, the applicant demonstrates their value and why they would be a great fit.

This cover letter thoroughly conveys the applicant’s skills and qualifications using a variety of visual elements and by emphasizing their greatest achievements.

We’d like to add another stage to the job search: experimentation.

In today’s competitive landscape, it’s so easy to feel defeated, less-than-good-enough, or like giving up your job search. But don’t let the process become so monotonous. Have fun discovering the qualitative data we’ve discussed here — then, have even more by getting creative with your cover letter composition.

We certainly can’t guarantee that every prospective employer will respond positively — or at all — to even the most unique, compelling cover letter. But the one that’s right for you will. That’s why it’s important not to copy these examples . That defeats the purpose of personalization.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in October 2020 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

Professional Cover Letter Templates

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

Cover Letter Examples and Writing Tips

Alison Doyle is one of the nation’s foremost career experts.

sample cover letter for a resume

What is a Cover Letter?

How to write a cover letter, cover letter examples and templates, basic cover letters to apply for a job, email cover letter examples, cover letters with a referral, examples listed by type of applicant, cover letters listed by occupation, applying for a transfer or promotion, inquiry and networking letters.

Do you need to write a cover letter? A cover letter should be sent or posted with your resume or curriculum vitae when applying for a job, so it's essential to write a good one. Your cover letter is an opportunity to show the employer how you're an excellent match for a position.

Learn about writing a cover letter, including what to include, how to send it, review examples, and get free templates to download for many different types of occupations and applications. There are also guidelines and samples for writing email cover letters, inquiry letters, referral letters, prospecting letters, and networking letters.

A cover letter is a (typically) one-page document that explains to the hiring manager why you are an ideal candidate for the job. It goes beyond your resume to explain in detail how you could add value to the company.

A cover letter is a document that you send or upload with your resume when applying for jobs to provide additional information on your skills and experience.

A cover letter may be required by an employer, optional, or not needed as part of a job application. The requirements should be listed in the job posting.

Keep in mind that your cover letter doesn't have to be boring. Taking some time to showcase your personality and how it will be an asset to the employer can help your application get noticed. Follow these tips on how to write an effective cover letter .

Tailor each letter to the job.  It takes a little extra time, but be sure to write a unique cover letter for each job. Your cover letter should be specific to the position you are applying for,  relating your skills and experiences  to those noted in the job posting.

Use keywords.  One useful way to tailor your letter to the job is to use  keywords  from the job posting. Circle any words from the job posting that seem critical to the job, such as specific skills or qualifications. Try to use some of these words in your letter. This way, at a glance, the employer can see that you match the requirements of the job.

Explain how you will add value.  Think of concrete ways to prove you will add value to the company. Include examples of specific accomplishments from previous jobs. For example, if you helped reduce turnover by 10% at your last company, or implemented a filing strategy that reduced file errors by 15%, include this information.

Try to quantify your successes when possible to clearly demonstrate how you could add value to the company.

Carefully edit your letter. Your cover letter is your first, and best, chance to sell the  hiring manager  on your candidacy for employment, so make sure it's perfect. Read through your letter, proofreading it for any spelling or grammar errors. Ask a friend, family member, or  career counselor  to read it as well. You want to make sure the letter is polished before submitting it.

It can be beneficial to look at cover letter examples when writing your own. A sample can help you decide what to include in your letter, and show you how to format it.

This collection of free, professionally written cover letters will help you get started writing your own letters.

Below you'll find both hard copy and email samples and templates, for a variety of different types of employment inquiries and job applications, including general cover letters, cold contact cover letters, referral letters, customized cover letters, job promotion letters, networking outreach letters, and letters to inquire about unadvertised openings.

Applying for a new job can be both exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. However, writing a cover letter that really “sells” the qualities you have to offer an employer is a great confidence-builder—you’ll know your letter is perfect when you read it and think, “Hey—I’d interview me!” Here are some examples of effective cover letters, with downloadable templates.

While cover letters that are emailed do not have as conservative a format as traditional “snail mail” cover letters, there is still a specific structure one should observe when drafting and sending them. Here’s how to make sure your email cover letter gets read.

One of the best ways to “get your foot in the door” at a company you would love to work for is to mention a professional connection to one of their current personnel. Here’s how to ask someone to serve as a referral for you and how to drop their name in your cover letter.

The ideal content and format of a cover letter depend both upon the type of position you are applying for and your relevant experience.

The cover letter of a seasoned professional will emphasize experience, whereas that of a recent college graduate is best focused upon training and potential.

Similarly, a cover letter for a sales position will use more aggressive marketing language than one designed for a social work role. The following cover letter samples are for candidates who are applying for a specific type or level of position.

Here's a list of cover letter samples and downloadable templates listed by industry and position. Choose one that's a match for the jobs you're applying for, then tweak it to include your most relevant skills and experience.

When you’ve worked for an employer for a while and know, through both your own impressions and strong performance reviews, that they value your work, it may be time to ask for a promotion or a transfer to a better position. Be proactive—companies don’t always have upward career tracks, and may not automatically award a promotion unless this is requested.

Applying to officially advertised positions isn’t the only way to land your dream job. Often opportunities can be discovered through strategic networking; more than one person has been offered a position because they made their availability and interest known to employers who were not actively hiring.

Cover Letter Formats and Templates

Review more examples of professional formats, layouts, and templates to use to apply for jobs, keeping in mind that you should tailor any cover letter template you decide to use as your model to reflect your own circumstances and personality.

Cover Letter Template to Download

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

Cover Letter Sample (Text Version)

Joseph Q. Applicant 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-212-1234 josephq@email.com

July 20, 2020

Jane Smith Director, Human Resources Fit Living 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

Dear Ms. Smith:

I’m writing to apply for the position of Social Media Manager for Fit Living, as advertised on your website careers page. I have three years of experience as a Social Media Assistant for Young Living, and I believe I am ready to move up to the manager position.

In your job posting, you mention that you want to hire a Social Media Manager who understands the Internet and social media trends. During my time at Young Living, I was given the responsibility of increasing follower numbers on Instagram. I explained to my manager that I would be happy to do so and that I would also work hard to increase follower participation because engagement has become an important metric.

Within six months, I increased our followers by over 50% and increased engagement by 400%. I’m very proud of that accomplishment. Currently, I’m working to build a following with the best influencers in our niche.

When I saw the job opening, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to offer you both my social media marketing skills and people skills. I’ve included my resume so you can learn more about my educational background and all of my work experience. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Please feel free to email me at josephq@email.com or call my cell phone at 555-555-5555. I hope to hear from you soon.

Your Signature (hard copy letter)

Joseph Q. Applicant

Watch Now: 9 Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid

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  5. Resumes and Cover Letters

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  6. Job Cover Letter Sample for Resume

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COMMENTS

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    A sample reinstatement letter is intended to guide a person to learn how to write a reinstatement letter. Even though there are different situations for reinstatement, it provides the basic parts that help to provide concise details and rea...

  2. What Is a Sample of a Letter of Undertaking?

    A sample letter of undertaking is a template for a letter that one party uses to confirm an agreement he has made with another party. A simple example of such a letter is: “Dear Mr. XYZ, I am confirming that I accept your offer to perform t...

  3. What Is a Sample Solicitation Letter?

    A sample solicitation letter provides an example correspondence sent by organizations seeking to collect donations. These letters are often produced by non-profit groups to raise funds for specific projects or daily operations.

  4. Cover Letter Samples and Templates

    When you're applying for a job, a cover letter lets you show a personal side and demonstrate why hiring you is a smart decision. Cover letters should be

  5. 21+ Cover Letter Examples in 2023 [For All Professions]

    Check out this article for a complete writing guide and an inspiring business manager resume sample. #5. Ph.D. Cover Letter Example. cover

  6. How to Write a Cover Letter in 2023

    Step #1 - Pick the Right Cover Letter Template · Step #2 - Start the Cover Letter with a Header · Step #3 - Greet the Hiring Manager · Step #4 -

  7. Free Cover Letters examples by job [full guides]

    180+ Best Cover Letter Examples 2023 ✓ Free job-winning Cover letter Samples +expert guides ✓ Write professional cover letters in only 5 minutes.

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    Once you've found a cover letter example for your target position, use a matching resume sample to help you write a resume and complete your job

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    A good cover letter example can help you understand what to write to impress recruiters, get interviews and propel your job hunt! Edit this Template. Rate this

  10. Cover Letter Examples to Get a Job in 2023

    Go deeper than what's on the resume. Cover letters should elaborate on key details in your resume, not repeat them. For example, instead of just restating that

  11. 250+ Cover Letter Examples for 2023

    Put your best foot forward with a compelling cover letter for a resume. Like this sample letter of interest for a job with the same employer

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    I'm very keen to learn more about the position and would be eager to organize a meeting to discuss it in more detail. In the meantime, I'd like to thank you for

  13. The 12 Best Cover Letter Examples: What They Got Right

    In this cover letter, Amanda Edens is following the instructions the hiring manager gave by forwarding an email with resume and writing samples

  14. Cover Letter Examples and Writing Tips

    A cover letter should be sent or posted with your resume or curriculum vitae when applying for a job, so it's essential to write a good one.