winning cover letters that get interviews

12 Great Cover Letter Examples

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

By Mike Simpson

There comes a time in nearly every job seekers life when you plop yourself down in front of the computer and say to yourself…

“Okay, it’s time to find a couple good cover letter examples I can use to help me start writing my cover letter…” 

So you do a quick Google search, grab the first three cover letter samples you can find, copy a paragraph from each one, and then you’re off to the races feeling like now all you have to do is “click send” a few times and the interviews will simply start rolling in.

Consider this a gentle wake-up call.

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Why Your Cover Letter Is So Important?

In this ultra-competitive job market, it’s just not good enough to “Frankenstein” together a cover letter from the various bits and pieces you find online.

Because hiring managers have “been there, done that.” In other words, they’ve seen it all before.

Not only that, but they want to find candidates that are unique, interesting, and take the time and make the effort to present the best version of themselves.

Your cover letter is your first impression, and therefore, you want to craft the best darn cover letter your hiring manager has ever seen.

So you want to take the time and select the cover letter example that is “tailored” to your situation… in other words, the example cover letter that fits your personality, skills and abilities the best.

Example cover letters are kind of like shoes.

Sure, you might absolutely love that pair of Air Jordan IV’s that are still fresh in the box in your closet from 1989, but you might want to have a second thought before you consider wearing them to a wedding with a tuxedo.

Or perhaps you’ve got a pair of high heels that make you feel like you could walk into a business lunch at the Four Seasons and walk out having sold your company for a billion dollars?

Would you feel the same way if you showed up at the start line for the half marathon you signed up for with those same heels on?

Okay, ridiculous examples aside, I hope you can begin to see my point.

There is not one example cover letter for every situation … no “one-cover-letter-fits-all” solution in 2022.

You have to carefully evaluate your situation and decide which cover letter example is going to suit you the most.

What kind of work are you looking for?

Full-time?  Or part-time?  There’s a cover letter for that.

Are you sending a cover letter in the mail or by email?  There’s a cover letter for that too.

There are all kinds of situations that warrant a slightly different cover letter, and it’s imperative that you figure out which one fits you best.

But don’t worry.  To help, we’ve compiled a list of 12 of the most common cover letter examples and provided you with an example of a cover letter for each one that should give you a leg up on the competition for 2022.

So take a look at the examples and carefully decide which one fits your situation the most.

Before you dive in, a word to the wise…

Don’t just grab the one that fits you best, change the contact information and then start sending it out. As I said before, hiring managers are pretty smart and will be able to tell that you haven’t taken any time to make it your own.

If you want to get job interviews from your cover letter (and at some point, job offers as well!), you need to “tailor” the cover letter to demonstrate your skills , abilities and relevant experience .

12 Common Cover Letter Examples

Without further ado, here are 12 of the best cover letter examples for nearly every situation you could find yourself in along with a brief description of what makes the style of cover letter unique.

1. Cover Letter Sample For Part-Time Work

If you have no intention of applying for a full-time position, it is very important that you let the hiring manager know this in your cover letter.  After all, if you don’t mention this right up front, anything that comes after this will be a total waste of time, and hiring managers value their time more than anything.

On a side note, you should never really be applying for a full-time position when you are only available as a part-time worker.  The company has very specific needs, so don’t think they are going to change the entire nature of the position to accommodate your availability.

2. For A New Graduate

Cover letters for new graduates can often be tricky, because generally speaking, new graduates don’t usually have much experience.

So how can you still put yourself forward as a good candidate without experience?  You want to focus the cover letter around your skills and abilities, the extra-curricular work you’ve accomplished and your knowledge of the company (and passion for the industry) you’re applying to.

3. When You Have Been Referred

There isn’t anything overly difficult about writing a cover letter when you have been referred by someone else, but the most important thing to know is where you should bring up the referral.

Generally speaking, it is always best to mention your referral in the opening paragraph, because it acts as an attention grabber for the hiring manager.

You’re hoping they’ll think to themselves something along the lines of, “Oh, this person was referred by Jim.  I like Jim…he’s a straight shooter. If this person is good enough for Jim, he’s good enough for me. I’m going to bring him in for an interview…”

4. Cold Call Cover Letter Example

The cold call cover letter is appropriate when you are applying to a position that is not necessarily listed on a job board or advertised anywhere.  And for that reason, it can be a little tricky.

You really need to blow the hiring manager away in order for them to grant an unsolicited interview request, so there a re a few key things to remember.  Most importantly, you really have to do your research and demonstrate that you know the company and position inside out.

After that, it really pays to address the letter to a specific person.  Simply writing “To Whom It May Concern” is a great way to have the letter filed under G (for those keeping track that’s the Garbage).

Finally, this letter needs to be all about “pizazz”. Since the reader wasn’t expecting to receive this, you really need to catch their attention and sell yourself, but most importantly, quickly demonstrate how you will add value to their company.

5. For An Email Submission

Please please PLEASE be careful with this one.

Just because a job posting says “submit your cover letter and resume via email” , doesn’t necessarily mean that you can just put these documents in the body of an email.

More often than not, the posting will give further instructions that include attaching your cover letter and resume to an email.  Anyone who doesn’t follow this step has a ZERO chance of being brought in for an interview.

Why?  Because you can’t follow simple directions.

Now, if there is no stipulation and you determine that using the email body to send your cover letter is okay, then general cover letter writing rules apply.

Where you want to focus your energy is on the subject line.  Don’t just write whatever comes to mind as a throwaway and whatever you do, don’t leave it empty!  Be clear and concise about what is included in the email and identify the position you are applying for.

6.  For A Recruiter

Recruiters are no different than hiring managers, in that they are essentially looking for the same things from your cover letters.  What impresses a recruiter the most is when you take the time to tailor your cover letter to a specific posting rather than simply sending them a general letter inquiring about “miscellaneous opportunities”.

7. Someone Changing Careers

Generally speaking, if you are changing careers, you’ll be short on experience.  So similarly to the “New Graduate” cover letter, you’ll want to put the focus on your reasons for making the career change along with your relevant skills and abilities and how your experience in your past career will translate to your new career.

And remember, enthusiasm goes a long way. Hiring managers get excited about applicants that really show a desire to succeed in the role and industry they are applying to.

So make sure you do your research and know the position and industry inside out so that you are easily able to show how enthusiastic you are about the opportunity and how determined you are to get started on your new career path.

8. A Great Example of a Cover Letter For An Academic

The trick with an academic cover letter is to avoid rambling on and on and on about everything you’ve accomplished.  The reality is, you still need to fall within the “one-page rule” (although some institutions will allow for a second page, you better make darn sure that this is the case!), so t he trick is to be clear and concise and highlight your accomplishments without coming across as an encyclopedia.

One other thing to consider is the nature of any research you have done and how you want to convey that in your cover letter.

Quite often people spend too much time talking about what it is they study or plan on studying without ever getting into the “why” of it all.

Be specific about your intentions and don’t assume that the person on the other end of your cover letter is an expert in your field.

9. For An Internship

There really isn’t a huge difference between writing a cover letter for an internship and writing a cover letter for a job opening.  You still need to list your qualifications, skills and abilities.  You still need to explain how you add value to the company.  You still want to sell yourself.

But one thing you want to keep in mind, is even though this internship might be a springboard to YOUR career or education, you don’t want this to be the focus of your cover letter.

The name of the game is still to put the company’s needs ahead of your own.

You’re not their first intern and you won’t be their last, so don’t write your cover letter thinking that their concern is how the internship will help with your placement in your next opportunity.

Add value. Period.  This is what they really want to hear from you in your cover letter.

10. Direct Mail

A direct mail cover letter is similar to a cold call cover letter, the main difference being you are not applying to a single company with a single position in mind.  Instead, you are “blanketing” as many companies you can at once and therefore trying to send out a general cover letter that can work for them all.

Because of this, we don’t recommend this strategy to our students.  It is generally pretty ineffective and a waste of your time or resources.

There is rarely a time when “tailoring” your resume to a specific company and position is not the most effective strategy.  However, if you are really short on time (and possibly ambition), here is an example of a direct mail cover letter you can reference.

11. Responding To an Advertisement

The only really distinguishing feature of this type of cover letter is that the opening paragraph generally includes a statement such as “I’m responding to your advertisement I saw in the…”

The rest of the cover letter generally follows the principles of other successful cover letters.  However, if you find yourself going through the classifieds in your local newspaper and simply sending off cover letters to whomever has an ad posted, do make sure that you do some research on the company before you send out your cover letter.

Sending one cover letter out for multiple advertisements is a good way to ensure that you won’t be getting too many interviews in the coming days or weeks.

12. When You’re Unemployed

The worst thing you can do when writing an cover letter after you’ve been unemployed for some time is to lie.

Why?  Because eventually, the lies you tell in the cover letter will come home to roost at some point in the interview process, meaning you’ll just end up having wasted everyone’s time.

Having said that, if there are some less-than-attractive reasons for your unemployment, don’t make those reasons the focus of your cover letter. You want to keep it positive.

It’s okay to admit fault in certain situations if you can show that you’ve have learned from the tough times and have changed for the better as a result of these struggles.

Transition to focusing on your skills and abilities, and more importantly, your passion and desire for re-entering the workforce. If you have experience from your past that will clearly add value to this new position, than don’t be afraid to clearly demonstrate the connection.

And if you spent your time being unemployed trying to better yourself (for example, taking a class or volunteering), then shift the focus to that.

Putting It All Together

So there you have 12 good cover letter examples for 2022 that will help you get started on crafting a winning cover letter.

Remember that the most important thing for you to accomplish with your cover letter is to demonstrate how you add value to the company you are applying to, and you want to make sure this never gets lost when you get caught up in trying to sell yourself.

And remember, you’re not on your own! Once you’ve chosen your cover letter example you can head over to How to Write a Cover Letter 101 and get great tips on how to right all parts of your cover letter.

Best of luck to you!

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Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Mike simpson.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

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• How to Write an Interview-Winning Cover Letter

Tips on Writing a Stellar Cover Letter

Whether you’re just beginning your first job search or deep in the trenches of your career, one of the most daunting parts of an application process can be crafting a cover letter. According to a 2020 survey by Resume Lab , 83% of human resources professionals said a cover letter is an important part of a hiring decision. In a separate question, 83% of respondents claimed that a great cover letter can secure you an interview even if your resume isn’t good enough. This leaves many job applicants wondering how to write a good cover letter.

Why Include a Cover Letter?

Cover letters serve as an introduction to employers in a way that resumes are not, according to Guilene Williams, Director of Career Services at Purdue Global.

“A cover letter is important because it gives the employer additional information about why you are applying for that specific position,” Williams said. “It enables you to further discuss your skills and qualifications and gives you the opportunity to address items that do not fit within the confines of your resume.”

The cover letter serves as a strong writing sample that also provides additional information and context a resume couldn’t supply, such as:

• If you’re willing to relocate or don’t currently live in the same city as the job you’re applying to.
• If you need to explain employment gaps in a resume due to going back to school, military service, or relocating, as a few examples.
• How your skills transfer over from one industry to another if you’re making a career change.

What makes a good cover letter? This next section explains.

How to Write a Good Cover Letter

“The most important thing in writing a successful cover letter is to make sure you address the specific skills and experience that the employer puts in the job description,” said Jennifer Katz, director of career services at Purdue Global. “Don’t use the same blanket cover letter for every position you apply for. Take the time to customize your cover letter so it demonstrates that you have the skills and experience they want for that specific position.”

There are some formatting and technical requirements for cover letters, such as using the same headings and fonts as your resume and keeping it short, but Katz said the most important thing is to make sure it’s specific to the job you are applying to. In fact, most examples of good cover letters aren’t worthwhile, because what works for one person would ring insincere for another applicant.

Williams said another key part of a cover letter is addressing it to a human. It can be tempting to write “To Whom It May Concern,” but Williams said that can be a detriment to your application.

“If you do not have the hiring manager’s name, do some online research or call to ask for their name,” Williams said. “As a last resort, if you do not know who the person is, then you can resort to writing, ‘Dear Hiring Manager’ or ‘Dear Human Resources Manager.’”

Common Cover Letter Mistakes

Just like a resume, a cover letter should be error-free, which means proofread, proofread, proofread. Watch out for mistakes including not changing the name of the company or the person to whom it is addressed from the last letter you wrote.

“Those kinds of things are very stark,” Katz said, “and it just shows the employer that the candidate hasn't taken the time to customize it and maybe isn't particularly interested in this exact position.”

Should You Include Salary Requirements in Your Cover Letter?

Both Katz and Williams say no. It’s best to wait for the employer to bring up salary later in the process.

“Adding a salary to your cover letter is a fast way to eliminate yourself from the selection process,” Williams said.

Putting a salary in a cover letter can be off-putting to some employers and also isn’t a good format for negotiations. A conversation with a hiring manager allows both the employer and applicant to be flexible with the numbers they put forward. 

How to Send a Cover Letter

Now that you’ve crafted a perfectly tailored cover letter, how should you get it to the hiring manager? First, follow instructions. If an employer has requested a specific file format, be sure to send it that way.

If you’re applying through an online portal, Katz suggests following the employer’s directions regarding file format, usually either a Microsoft Word document or PDF, to ensure the document can be easily read by an applicant tracking system. If you’re sending it directly to a hiring manager, just put your cover letter in the body of the email and attach your resume and any other application materials.

Use Resources at Your Disposal for the Best Cover Letter

Schools like Purdue Global have career services departments designed to help students craft and proofread their cover letters. If you’re unsure whether you’ve caught all the errors or showcased your skills as best you can, consider reaching out to career services .

“Everybody at Purdue Global has a career specialist for their program of study. This is our job,” Katz said. “We are happy to review a student’s cover letter to make sure they're putting their very best foot forward when they're applying for these positions.”

Purdue Global trains students for the careers they want and supports them through education.* If you’re interested in learning whether education at Purdue Global is a good fit for you, request more information today.

About the Author

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Complete guide to writing a winning cover letter with examples

Your resume has been whipped into shape and it’s ready to go to the top of every recruiter’s pile.

Hold up! There’s something else you can’t neglect to include when you send off the application for your ideal job.

It’s your cover letter .

Your first thought is likely — are cover letters necessary nowadays?

In a word — yes .

You get a whole 6 seconds to grab the recruiter’s attention when they read your resume. Sending off a cover letter shows you’ve done just a little more and could well be the differentiator you need.

Knowing the potential to impress with a cover letter, we’re going to share everything you need to know to write a perfect cover letter that should get you invited for an interview.

You’ll get the details about:

• Things to write about in your cover letter
• Great example texts you can use

Let’s start from the very beginning…

What’s a Cover Letter?

Usually, a cover letter is no longer than an A4/Letter document that you enclose with your resume to give extra details about your skills and experience.

A cover letter…

• Allows you a little more space to write about how you’re excited about landing the job.
• Gives the hiring manager more specifics about exactly why they need to interview you.

This isn’t where you repeat everything you said on your resume .

Instead, a cover letter should add to your resume and show that you’ve put in a little more effort than others to get the job you want.

Done properly, a cover letter serves to give a great first impression. To get that first impression spot on, you can use a well-formatted, visually appealing template . We’ve got a range of ready-made cover letter examples so you can choose the one you need. Build your cover letter now 👈

We’ve also created a useful guide that’ll help you to understand more about the differences between a resume and a cover letter .

Pro-Tip Do your research on the company you’re applying to before you put pen to paper, or finger to keyboard. Understand the company’s challenges and what value you can bring to ease them. Give this detail in your cover letter.

How to Write a Cover Letter

As you sit at your computer, poised to write a winning cover letter, questions start to cross your mind.

What needs to be included in my cover letter? How do I phrase what I want to say?

Fret not, we’ve got the answers coming straight up.

First of all, remember…

You should be preparing a new cover letter for every role you’re going to apply to.

Yet, you can still use a standard winning formula that will give your cover letter an edge.

Let’s start with the look of it.

How to format a cover letter?

To write your cover letter, follow this outline:

• The Introduction: add header, address letter, and write the opening paragraph This is where to grab attention and explain why you’re perfect for the job. Include in this section a header, greeting, and an eye-catching opening line.
• Body Paragraphs: explain why you are a perfect candidate Write two to three paragraphs that pull out the skills and experience you’ve got that are relevant to the role. Show the HR manager you can solve the company’s issues, that you’re perfect for the job, and that you’d be a positive addition to the team.
• Conclusion: call to action Wrap up your letter with a couple of concise sentences that bring home your strengths and request the reader get in touch — this is what we call a "call to action".

Want more details? Let’s keep going…

The Introduction: add header, address letter, and write the opening paragraph

At the very top of the page, you add your cover letter header.

In this part, you add your name and contact details, plus who you’re addressing — the hiring manager, including their professional title.

Next comes the date you’re writing the letter and the company, along with its name and business address.

Right at the top of the page of your cover letter should be:

• Your full name
• A professional email address, not your high school [email protected]
• A contact telephone number
• Your postal address, if you want to
• The link to your LinkedIn, if you’ve got one you maintain

After your personal details, next come:

• The full name of the person you’re sending your cover letter and resume to
• The name of the company
• Its phone number
• The email of the hiring manager or generic contact email

To make it easy, here’s an example for you to check out:

Follow this up with your opening line.

Addressing a cover letter correctly is really important. Do some digging and find the name of the person who’s going to get your cover letter and resume on their desk.

" To whom it may concern " is pretty archaic. It makes your cover letter look generic and shows that you’re probably preparing 20 of the same thing to send to everyone you’re applying to.

Make sure you personalize your cover letter from the get-go.

Some ideas for how you can address your letter include:

• Dear Katherine,
• Dear Miss Jones,
• Dear Ms. Smith,

Are you thinking " Is the first name of a hiring manager enough? "

It’ll all depend on the company.

When the position you’re applying to is with a cool, chilled company then stick with the first name of the hiring manager.

Applying to a corporation or a serious company? Stick with the title and last name of the recruiter.

What if you can’t find the recruiter’s name? How to address a cover letter when you don’t know who’ll be reading it?

In the case that you can’t track down the hiring manager, you should address your cover letter to the department you’ve included in the address section a little earlier or use a generic salutation.

For instance, you can write:

• Dear Recruiting Manager,
• Dear Hiring Manager,
• Dear Customer Service Hiring Team,
• Dear Content Marketing Department,

Because you don't know who will read your cover letter it's important to make sure the salutation is gender-neutral. For that, don't use the old-fashioned "Sir" or "Madam".

Now, we come to the really important part…

It’s your opening paragraph about why you’re applying for the job.

Keep your opener short and sweet, and be sure that you add in these three details:

• The reason you’re writing the letter
• Which position you’re applying for
• Where you saw the job advertised

What’s key here is giving value to the hiring manager and offering them concrete examples to back up what you say.

The whole point of the opening paragraph of your cover letter is to:

• Shine a light on your best achievements
• Demonstrate you have what your next employer is looking for
• Show how enthusiastic you are about the potential role

Sometimes we need to see a bad example to really understand something.

Here’s what you shouldn’t do in the opening paragraph of your cover letter:

• "I’d like to apply for the role of digital content writer that I saw advertised on Lookingforajob.com. My CV is attached for you to check out."

What do you notice immediately? Or rather, what do you not notice?

There’s no mention of any achievements. There’s no passion, zero enthusiasm.

Not exactly filling you with confidence to hire the person…

The above example doesn’t talk about adding value or even offering any details at all.

After we’ve shown you how not to write your opening paragraph, here’s a good example of a cover letter opening paragraph:

• Throughout my career, I’ve admired the campaigns put out by Be Content Co.’s content team. When I saw there was a vacancy for a Content Designer on your team I jumped to my desk to apply. My skills in researching content that ranks highly on search engines will help with Be Content’s plans to develop your online offering in the coming year. I planned and executed the digital content strategy for WordWork LLC, seeing an increase of 245% in organic traffic to its site and a doubling of the conversion rate, all on a tight budget of $65,000.

A whole world of difference, right?

With this paragraph, the recruiter is familiar with the applicant’s biggest professional achievements and they’ve got the feeling that they’re aiming to bring their company success.

There is no doubt the second example wins over the first.

Of course, you’d hire an applicant who shows some passion and industry knowledge along with some measurable achievements.

First part: done.

It’s time to move on to the juicy details — the central paragraph of your cover letter.

Pro-Tip Research really is key to a successful cover letter. You need to know who’s going to be reading your letter, what skills are required in the job description, and what the company culture looks and feels like.

Body Paragraphs: explain why you are a perfect candidate

In the next couple of paragraphs, you need to be giving an overview of the skills and experience you have that are directly related to the position.

You’re going to be talking about:

• Your proudest achievements
• The skills and specialisms you’ve got that are ideal for the role
• Specifics about the successes you’ve had before with facts and figures to back it up

When making your body paragraphs , the aim is to:

• Show how your past experience will contribute to the future of your next employer’s business
• Let the recruiter know you’re passionate about working at the company

Want to know what not to do?

Here’s a bad example for the body of your cover letter:

• In my last job I had to write blogs, which I liked and people told me they liked my writing. My friends tell me I'm a go-getter, a great listener, and proactive and dynamic. All of this makes me perfect to work with you and your company.

Sad to say, but this text is just taking up space in a cover letter, and adding nothing of substance.

There are no details, no KPIs, and nothing that says why the applicant would be good for the specific role being recruited for.

Let’s check out what a winning cover letter body paragraph looks like:

• Google Search Console
• Screaming Frog
• Google Analytics

Here, we see tangible examples and results that will impress any hiring manager.

Even better, there’s a solid reason why the applicant can fill the role in the advert.

There’s clear evidence in these two paragraphs that the applicant is an expert at what they do.

Following this, you should cover information about your previous work and how it connects to the plans of your next boss.

You need to:

• Explain what you find interesting about the job
• Reinforce that your skills will drive results for what the company is working on — this is why you need research!

Something like this will be effective:

• I’ve seen that Be Content is working on taking its whole product line online to reach a larger audience. This is perfect for my skills and interests and I relish the challenge of working with a website that is in the process of being expanded. It’d be really interesting to go from working from a very low base — WordWorks had less than 2,000 organic clicks per month to start — to working with a company aiming to maintain their site traffic of 15,000 clicks and expand their base.

Harness your recent experience and the facts and figures to show that you’ve got the skills to achieve the company's aims.

Pro-Tip Enthusiasm is great, but don’t get too involved with ego massaging, it can seem false. Be authentic in your praise, you’re not talking about your teenage love for Britney anymore.

When you need to write a cover letter with no experience , you can include:

• Academic and other achievements : refer to your GPA on your degree if it’s over 3.5, and any awards, merits, or scholarships that you won. Your thesis and its topic, if you wrote one, are worth noting, too
• Extracurricular activities : add any part-time or seasonal work, your volunteering activities, and how you participate in your hobbies
• Self-motivation and goal setting : talk about your goals and where you see yourself, explain how the job fits into your plans

An example of a cover letter body text for someone with no work experience could read like this:

• I graduated summa cum laude (3.7 GPA) from Utah State University with a BA in Digital Communications. Whilst at university, I was the editor of the student news site, including creating and commissioning content. I also ran the social media accounts for the theatre club, building the page from 100 likes to over 2000 within a year and boosting ticket sales with it. Having both studied and worked in volunteer roles around digital marketing, I would make a great addition to your team as a Content Assistant familiar with social media.

Your resume power words also come into play when crafting your cover letter, these will add extra punch to your text.

Coming to the end of your cover letter, it’s time to close things off with a strong and powerful call to action.

Conclusion: call to action

At the end of your cover letter is your closing, which should be polite, confident, and one last sentence that sells your candidacy.

The following details are all-important:

• A thanks to the recruiter for reading your cover letter and resume
• A concise summary of why they need to hire you
• A polite request that you get invited to an interview

Done properly, your closing paragraph will have the recruiter keen to move on to reading your resume next.

What does a good cover letter ending look like?

You want to tell the hiring manager that you’re excited to meet them in person to have a full discussion about your knowledge, background, and what you can do for them.

Looking for one more example?

Here you go:

• "I strongly believe that the skills I’ve outlined and the qualifications I’ve achieved make me the perfect candidate for the role of Content Designer. I’d love the opportunity to have a full conversation with you about how my experience at WordWorks will translate into growth and increased sales for Be Content."

This part of your cover letter should be brief and to the point.

Lastly, it’s time to sign off with a professional closing phrase , like:

• Respectfully,
• Kind regards,
• Best regards,

To wrap it all up, add two line breaks after closing phrase and add your full name.

Create your cover letter here 👈

Using this guide will help you come up with a simple and powerful cover letter to demonstrate to employers that you’re the exact right person to fill the vacancy they have.

Let’s do a rundown of the key takeaways you’ve got from this post.

Remember how long should a cover letter be ? Your perfect cover letter should fill one side of an A4/Letter paper.

On that page, you need to have :

• An introduction, which has a letter header, an opening paragraph with a great opening line, and a reason why the recruiter needs to keep reading the letter — because you can fulfill the needs they have.
• Body paragraphs with emphasis on your best achievements in your last job, how what you know will translate to results in the new job, and let them see how motivated you are to be a part of their team.
• A closing paragraph including a call to action and a reason for the recruiter to keep on reading over to your resume.

Doing research about the company, person, and role before starting to create your cover letter will be really helpful.

With your research, you can personalize your cover letter and use the name of the exact person who will read it. You can also target the experience you highlight based on what the company actually needs.

Your cover letter should have regular references to the company ethos and to specific projects that appeal to you.

Doing this will give a clear signal to the recruiter that you’ve taken time to learn about the company and you’ve got a genuine interest in the job.

Another key element to note is to back up everything you claim with facts, numbers, and examples , giving business results and problems you’ve solved.

Your cover letter should be short and to the point, letting your skills shine through.

Winning cover letters and perfect resumes can be a challenge. We can help you take them head-on — register now and you get professional quality templates that will boost your chances of landing your dream job.

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How to Write a Cover Letter That Gets You an Interview Make your cover letter stand out with these simple tips.

By Entrepreneur Deals • Feb 23, 2022

Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you'll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

Knowing how to write a cover letter can be a crucial component of the job-seeking process. A well-written cover letter can be your ticket to getting an interview for your dream job.

First, you want to grab attention. When writing a cover letter, elaborate on your most significant accomplishments from your resume in an engaging and personable way. Use this as an opportunity to bring your background to life and address why you are so interested in the position. While a resume is a more formal document, cover letters present the opportunity to highlight some of your biggest achievements while providing insight into your personality.

Cover letters can also serve as a multipurpose tool you can pull from for other hiring-process steps. Your cover letter should already have some of the highlights of your career experience, so feel free to pull bits and pieces from it for drafting introductory emails or connection requests on LinkedIn.

A few simple details can positively impact the strength of your cover letter. And once you have your cover letter draft ready, sites like ZipRecruiter can help you find your next great opportunity. Follow these tips to learn how to write a cover letter that supplements your resume and application while making it clear you're the best person for the job.

Related: Job Boards vs. Job Recruiter: The Pros and Cons

Do you research.

Learn as much as you can about the company and position you're applying to. You never know what helpful tidbits you may find, and this level of detail can be apparent to hiring managers. Analyze the job posting to gain even more insight to the role and what the company is looking for in an ideal candidate.

Catch their attention.

As mentioned earlier, you want your cover letter to stand out. Whether on job board sites like ZipRecruiter or elsewhere, hiring managers review hundreds of resumes and cover letters daily. If your resume reads like all of the others then you're missing a big opportunity to catch a hiring manager's attention.

You can help differentiate your cover letter from other applicants by creating an exciting hook to encourage the hiring manager to continue reading. For instance, you could mention how you learned about the position, talk about a mutual connection, or discuss what you love about the company. Use the introduction of your cover letter to pique their interest to keep them reading to learn more about you.

Keep it short.

Once you have their attention, try to be as clear and concise as you can. Your cover letter should highlight your most significant achievements and supplement your resume, not a narrative of the same information. A one-half to three-quarters of a page should be plenty of real estate for you to describe why you're the best person for the job.

Related: 3 Ways to Optimize Your Resume for Job Search Sites

Customize each cover letter.

If you've done your research, this tip should come naturally. Personalization is key when writing cover letters.

It's ok to have a rough template that you tweak to apply to multiple jobs efficiently. Still, any details you can include about the company, the position or why your experiences are the perfect fit for a role show that you put in the extra effort. You can also mention how your background can help the company's needs or something you like about the company.

If you're using ZipRecruiter , you can add your customized cover letter for each application you submit. The process is easy.

Include a call to action.

Wrap up your cover letter with a clear call to action. Thank the hiring manager for their time, and direct them to your email, portfolio, phone number, etc., to learn more about you and so you can further express why you're the best person for the job. And be sure to use the end of the cover letter to reiterate your excitement for the position.

You can help increase your chances by leveraging a job search site for even more visibility. ZipRecruiter is a popular all-in-one job search platform that simplifies the hiring process. It uses powerful AI technology to help match you with incredible jobs that may not have even been on your radar. It's popular among job seekers and hiring managers.

Once you apply these tips for crafting the perfect cover letter, you can feel confident knowing your job application is ready to enter the hiring process.

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How To Start A Job-Winning Cover Letter (7+ Examples)

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Your cover letter opening can make or break your chances of scoring the interview.

Problem is, most job seekers don't  really  understand what hiring managers are looking for when they start reading a cover letter!

That costs them job interviews that they probably would have won if they'd written their cover letter opening the right way.

That's where this article comes in!

As a job seeker, I wrote hundreds of cover letters. I A/B tested virtually every aspect of those letters to see what worked and what didn't. I doubled down on the successful strategies and wound up scoring interviews and offers from places like Google, Microsoft, & Twitter.

As a career coach, I've worked with thousands of job seekers on thousands of cover letters. These people came from all sorts of backgrounds, levels of experience, and geographies. Through them, I was able to gather more data on my cover letter strategies to refine them.

In this post, I'm going to share the exact strategies that have worked for me and my clients (and I'm going to show you why most conventional cover letter advice doesn't work anymore!).

We'll be covering:

• What exactly a “Cover Letter Opening” is and why its important
• The two mistakes 99% of people make when starting their cover letter
• The 3 parts of a highly effective cover letter opening
• 3 examples of cover letter openings for different roles and industries

By the end of this post, you'll know exactly how to write a job-winning cover letter opening that stands out from the crowd and gets you hired.

What Exactly Is A “Cover Letter Opening?”

We can break down pretty much every cover letter into a few distinct parts.

Most cover letters including a Heading, Greeting, Intro, Body, and Closing. Here's a visual example of each of those woven into a fully formed cover letter:

The “Cover Letter Opening” is made up of the first three parts – the  Heading, Greeting,  and  Intro .

These are the first sections that recruiters and hiring managers will be reading, so we need to make a strong first impression if we want to land the job. That's what this post will be focused on.

If you're a fan of learning via video, I recorded this overview of everything we're going to cover in this article (mistakes, strategies, and examples). Check it out and then read on for a step-by-step breakdown of the process we're going to use to help you start your job-winning cover letter:

The Two Mistakes That 99% Of People Make When Starting Their Cover Letter

Before we dive into the right approach to starting your cover letter, I want to talk about two mistakes I see in the vast majority of cover letter openings so you can avoid them.

When it comes to hiring, companies only care about one thing:

Finding the person who will bring the most value and ROI to the role.

As candidates, it's our job to position ourselves as that person. We do that by showing the hiring team that we understand the company, the team, and the needs, goals, and challenges for this specific role.

It all starts with relevance!

Problem is, most job seekers do the exact opposite.

Instead of investing time into personalizing the opening to their cover letter, they take a generic approach that they saw in some random blog post or template.

This leads to two major mistakes that cost people interviews and job offers:

Mistake #1: Not Being Specific With Your Greeting

If our goal is to show the reader that we know them and we understand their needs, starting our cover letter with “Dear Hiring Manager”  or  “To Whom It May Concern”  is just about the worst we can do.

Neither of those greetings inspire any excitement nor do they convey any sense of expertise and knowledge around this role.

But so many candidates do this! In fact, the majority of cover letters that have come across my desk as a career coach and when I was interviewing candidates for our team at Microsoft had this greeting.

We need to do better if we want to stand out (I'll show you how in a sec!).

Mistake #2: Making It All About You

The second mistake most people make is using the opening lines of their cover letter to speak about themselves.

Conventional advice has told job seekers to use this space to talk about their experience, the titles they've held, and the excitement they have for this opportunity.

Problem is, that conventional advice simply doesn't work.

Because the company doesn't really care about you. They care about whether or not you're the person who will bring the most value and ROI to the role, remember?

When you talk about yourself and your background, you don't illustrate that you understand the company's needs, challenges, or goals.

You're also competing with all of the other candidates who are only talking about their backgrounds, which means the only thing you have to compete on is, well, your background!

When you're applying for roles at highly sought after companies, there's going to be a lot of competition and chances are good that someone else vying for this role has better “on paper” experience.

If we want to stand out and win more interviews, we need to show the reader that we understand the specific goals, challenges, and needs for this role.

So how do we avoid both of these mistakes and craft a job-winning cover letter opening?

The 3 Parts Of A Highly Effective Cover Letter Opening

I've spent a total of 7 years writing hundreds and hundreds of cover letters.

The first two years were in my own job search, where I applied to over 500 jobs and eventually landed interviews and offers from Google, Microsoft, and Twitter. The last five have been focused on coaching thousands of job seekers spanning the full range of experience, industries, and geographies.

From the results gathered from literally thousands of cover letters, I've found this 3-part cover letter opening to be the most effective when it comes to landing interviews and job offers.

Part #1: Personalize Your Cover Letter Greeting

To avoid Mistake #1 (covered above), we want to personalize our cover letter greeting.

This simply means that we want to make the cover letter as relevant to the person reading it as we possibly can. There are two ways to do this:

1. Use The Hiring Manager's Name

The first, and best, is by including the hiring manager's name. Let's say that you discovered the hiring manager's name from a post on LinkedIn or via an informational interview.

This is the jackpot! All you need to do is use their name in the introduction, like this:

Use This Formula:  To The [Department] Team at [Company]

If you don't have the hiring manager's name, no problem! You can address your cover letter to the team that you're applying to.

For example, if you're applying to for a Product Marketing Manager role at Discovery Education, you might start you cover letter like this:

This shows the reader that this letter has been written specifically for them and the content inside of it will support that.

It's much more relevant and personal than “To Whom It May Concern!”

Part #2: Start Your Cover Letter With An Attention Grabbing “Hook”

Here's some tough love:

If you're doing the same thing as everybody else, you can't expect better results than everyone else.

I see way too many job seekers heading to Google, searching for “Cover Letter Template,” and then just playing Mad Libs to slot in their experience.

The problem with that?

Your cover letter is going to look just like everyone else's!

When recruiters are on their tenth cover letter that starts with, “I'm incredibly excited for the opportunity to apply for the Account Manager position at [Company]…,” their eyes start to roll back into their head.

The key to writing a job-winning cover letter is to immediately grab the reader's attention and suck them into your story.

In fact, there's research showing that humans (like your recruiter) are more likely to remember you and connect with your experience when you share that information with them in the form of a story:

When starting your cover letter, you should have one goal:  to use each sentence to convince the reader that they have to read the next sentence.

Let's take a look at a real example from a client of mine.

She was a high school Spanish teacher hoping to land a job in marketing at a company called Discovery Education.

Instead of using the same old introduction, she decided to tell a story about how Discovery Education's products had helped her as a teacher. Here's what she wrote:

Dear  [Hiring Manager] , Grapes and Discovery Education. Both are amazing in their own right, but I never thought I’d get so much joy from combining them. I currently teach high school Spanish and I set aside time each class to teach my students about Spanish culture. A few weeks ago, we watched the “Virtual Viewing Party: Holidays from Around The World” video by Discovery Education. My students particularly loved the segment on the Spanish New Year’s 12 grapes tradition. This got my students interested in other aspects of Spanish culture. Now, we’re working on a culture project where students research a Spanish tradition and create a 3D representation of it. I’ve never seen so much energy in my classroom. Amazing stories like these are why I want to work for Discovery Education.

Now find me a hiring manager that isn't going to read that very first line and  have  to read more!

My client included something seemingly irrelevant (grapes) to grab the reader's attention. Then she masterfully turned that hook into a story that showed she was familiar with the company, its products, and its mission.

That's how it's done!

Part #3: Close The Start of Your Cover Letter With A Performance-Based Value Proposition Statement

Now that you've personalized your greeting and hooked your reader, it's time to illustrate your value.

You should close your cover letter opening with a value proposition statement that covers three things:

• It shows that you understand the needs and goals for the role
• It provides supporting evidence from your past (using measurable results)
• It ties your results directly to the goals of the role

The goal of your value proposition statement is to show the reader that you understand their needs and you have experience driving similar results in the past. Here is the formula you want to use:

The Value Proposition Statement Formula I believe that the  X+  years of experience I have  [Insert Results That Align With Goals] for companies like  [Insert Companies / Clients] makes me an ideal fit to help  [Company Name]  achieve their goals for this role.

Here are a few examples of that formula in action:

Example #1: Value Proposition Statement for User Experience Designer

Let's say you're applying for a User Experience Design role at a hospitality-focused tech startup that's hoping to improve their website conversion rates. Your value proposition statement might be:

I believe the 6+ years of experience I have boosting site conversion rates for clients like AirBnB, Verbo, and Hotels.com make me a strong candidate to help [Company] achieve their goals for this role.

Example #2: Value Proposition Statement for Partnerships Manager

In this case, you're applying for a Partnerships role at a disruptive direct-to-consumer company whose goal is to drive more product sales through partnerships. Your value proposition might be:

I believe the 4+ years of experience I have creating partnerships that have driven $10M+ in ARR for brands like Harry's Razors and Warby Parker make me an ideal fit for this role.

3 Examples Of Job-Winning Cover Letter Openings

Awesome! I hope you feel like you have a solid grasp on the three parts that make for a job-winning cover letter opening.

Now let's check out some examples to see how these concepts apply to different roles and industries.

Example #1: User Experience Design in eCommerce

In this cover letter opening example, we have Jasmin who is applying for a User Experience Design role at FitWorld, a fitness-focused eCommerce company.

The company's main goal is to improve their customer's support experience (making it easier for their customers to get the help they need, while reducing the amount of hours support spends manually handling issues):

Example #2: Sales in Technology

This cover letter opening example focuses on Chris, who is vying for an Enterprise Account Executive role at Expand.ly a SaaS company in the tech space. The company's latest initiative is expanding into the enterprise sector and they're looking for a salesperson with a track record of enterprise sales success:

Example #3: Software Engineer in Healthcare Technology

This cover letter opening example is about Tameka, a software engineer eyeing up a role at a healthcare technology company called Wellify.

The health tech company is looking to build integrations with major healthcare systems and wants someone who has experience working in real healthcare settings:

Key Takeaways: Cover Letter Openings

You made it! I hope this article helped you rethink how you're going to write your cover letter.

Remember, you want to make sure to avoid robotic, templatized greetings and intros. Instead, you want to address your cover letter to the hiring manager or to the specific team at the company you're applying for.

Then you want to hook your reader with a story. Your goal for each line in the opening of your cover letter is to get the reader to feel like they absolutely  have  to read the next line.

Finally, you want to tie your experience into the goals for the company and the role!

If you do that, you're going to have the start of a job-winning cover letter on your hands. When you're ready to flesh out the rest of it, check out my comprehensive guide on writing a job-winning cover letter and our job-winning cover letter templates.

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Austin Belcak

Austin is the founder of Cultivated Culture where he helps people land jobs without connections, without traditional experience, and without applying online. His strategies have been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, & Fast Company and has helped people just like you land jobs at Google, Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Twitter, & more.

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50 Sample Cover Letters

Excellent sample cover letters to get the job you want. Select the right one for you.

A resume without a convincing cover letter makes little impact and will probably land up in the trash can.

A specific, personalized cover letter that highlights your suitability for the job will grab the reader's attention and ensure your resume gets serious consideration for the job opportunity.

Research has shown us what works when writing a cover letter and what doesn't. These sample cover letters, each designed for a specific job type, use these key criteria to provide a practical and persuasive example.

Customize the sample cover letter below that you want and create your own personal and unique job resume cover letter.

How to write your resume cover letter

• Keep it to one page in length. The reader does not have time to go through pages of text before deciding whether to look at your resume or application. They want a cover letter that is to the point and easy to read.
• Get the readers attention straight away. You can do this with the appearance and layout of your letter. It should be in a clear and easily readable font, well laid out, and if you are mailing your letter use good quality stationery.
• Customize each cover letter with a proper address, do not use To Whom It May Concern . Cover letters are most effective when addressed to an individual.
• Personalize the greeting by getting the name of the reader. Call the company and get the full name and correct spelling of the recipient. Addressing the letter to someone by their name grabs their interest.
• State your objective in the first paragraph to keep the reader's interest. Why are your writing this letter? What is the benefit of reading this letter for the recipient? Build an immediate connection to the reader.
• The second paragraph is the right place to highlight your specific skills and abilities and how they meet the requirements of the job opportunity. Summarize why you are the right person for the job. Relating your strengths to the needs of the company and the job immediately indicates that you have spent time thinking about the position.
• Keep it short and to the point so that you don't lose the reader's interest.
• Your closing should also be concise. Make a strong closing statement and motivate the reader to take action. Let the reader know what you want - an interview, an opportunity to call. Explain when, where and how you can be contacted.
• You can proactively tell the reader that you will follow up at a  certain point in time. Thank the reader. Find out more about writing a cover letter at What is a Cover Letter

Sample Cover Letters

Select the cover letter sample you need and rework it for your own requirements.

Accounting Clerk Cover Letter

Accountant Cover Letter

Accountant Junior Cover Letter

Accounts Payable Cover Letter

Accounts Receivable Cover Letter

Accounting Cover Letters

Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

Assistant Store Manager Cover Letter

Bank Teller Cover Letter

Bartender Cover Letter

Bookkeeper Cover Letter

Call Center Cover Letter

Call Center Manager Cover Letter

Career Change Cover Letter

Cashier Cover Letter

Clerical Cover Letter

Customer Service Cover Letter

Customer Service Manager Cover Letter

Data Entry Cover Letter

Email Cover Letter

Entry Level Cover Letter

English Teacher Cover Letter

Executive Assistant Cover Letter

Housekeeper Cover Letter

Human Resources Cover Letter

Internship Cover Letter

Junior Accountant Cover Letter

Legal Secretary Cover Letter

Manager Cover Letter

Marketing Cover Letter

Marketing Assistant Cover Letter

Marketing Internship Cover Letter

Marketing Manager Cover Letter

Medical Receptionist Cover Letter

Nanny Cover Letter

Nursing Cover Letter

Office Assistant Cover Letter

Office Manager Cover Letter

Paralegal Cover Letter

Preschool Teacher Cover Letter

Project Manager Cover Letter

Production Manager Cover Letter

Property Manager Cover Letter

Receptionist Cover Letter

Relocation Cover Letters

Restaurant Manager Cover Letter

Retail Cover Letter

Sales Cover Letter

Sales Manager Cover Letter

School Secretary Cover Letter

Secretary Cover Letter

Security Guard Cover Letter

Store Manager Cover Letter

Social Work Cover Letter

Supervisor Cover Letter

Teacher Cover Letter

Waiter Cover Letter

Different Types of Cover Letter Examples

Basic Cover Letter

Generic Cover Letter

Cold Cover Letter

Networking Cover Letter

Cover Letter Pages

Write a cover letter intro that makes an impact

How to close a cover letter

Best Font for Cover Letters

Cover Letter Tips

How to write an entry level cover letter

How to Write a Winning Cover Letter

Use these recommended pages to write your own winning cover letter.

COVER LETTERS

Simple Cover Letter Template

4 Cover Letter Formats

Sample Email Cover Letter

How to Create a Cover Letter

How to Close a Cover Letter

How to Start a Cover Letter

Job-Winning Resumes

SAMPLE RESUMES

Over 50 Sample Resumes

Sample Resume Template

Top Resume Writing Tips

How to follow up on your job application

It is appropriate to follow up on your job application if you have not heard back from the employer after a reasonable period of time. Use this polite and professional job application follow up email .

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When it comes to job applications, one of the most crucial elements is the cover letter. A well-crafted cover letter can make all the difference in landing an interview and ultimately securing the job.

A cover letter serves as an introduction, highlighting your qualifications and expressing your interest in a specific position. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career, these tips will help you create impactful cover letters that showcase your skills, experience, and enthusiasm.

Why Cover Letters Matter

A cover letter is your chance to make a memorable first impression on potential employers. It complements your resume by providing additional context and personalized details that can’t be conveyed through a list of qualifications alone. Here are a few reasons why cover letters matter:

• Demonstrating Your Genuine Interest : A well-written cover letter shows that you have taken the time to research the company and understand the position you are applying for. It demonstrates your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.
• Highlighting Your Fit : A cover letter allows you to align your skills and experiences with the requirements of the job. It gives you the opportunity to explain how your background makes you the ideal candidate for the position.
• Showcasing Your Personality : While your resume provides a snapshot of your professional achievements, a cover letter allows you to showcase your personality and passion for the industry. It helps employers get a sense of who you are beyond the qualifications on paper.
• Addressing Potential Concerns : If you have gaps in your employment history or are transitioning to a new field, a cover letter enables you to address any concerns and provide context that may not be immediately apparent from your resume.

Crafting an Effective Cover Letter

1. the power of a strong opening.

The opening paragraph of your cover letter should immediately grab the reader’s attention and make them want to learn more about you. You can start with a compelling anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a surprising statistic related to the industry.

1.1 Grabbing the Reader’s Attention with an Engaging Hook

The opening paragraph of your cover letter is your chance to make a strong first impression. It’s essential to capture the reader’s attention and compel them to continue reading. Start with a compelling hook that highlights your passion or a remarkable achievement related to the position you’re applying for. For example:

1.2 Showcasing Your Knowledge and Research

Employers appreciate candidates who have taken the time to research their company and understand its values and goals. Demonstrate your knowledge and align your skills with the company’s needs. For example:

2. Highlighting Your Relevant Skills and Experience

In the body of your cover letter, highlight your most relevant qualifications and experiences that align with the job requirements. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements. Focus on what you can bring to the company and how your contributions will benefit them.

2.1 Tailoring Your Cover Letter to the Job Description

Each job posting comes with specific requirements and qualifications. To stand out from the competition, tailor your cover letter to highlight the skills and experience that directly relate to the position. Review the job description and identify the keywords and phrases that the employer emphasizes. Incorporate these keywords into your cover letter to demonstrate your suitability for the role.

2.2 Providing Concrete Examples

While it’s essential to mention your skills and experience, it’s even more impactful to provide concrete examples of how you have successfully utilized them in previous roles. Share specific achievements and outcomes that demonstrate your capabilities and value as a candidate. For example:

3. Conveying Enthusiasm and Cultural Fit

3.1 expressing genuine enthusiasm.

Employers seek candidates who are genuinely excited about the opportunity to work for their company. Let your enthusiasm shine through in your cover letter. Explain why you are interested in the position and how it aligns with your career goals. This will demonstrate your commitment and motivation to contribute to the company’s success.

3.2 Demonstrating Cultural Fit

Organizational culture plays a significant role in hiring decisions. Companies often seek candidates who align with their values and work well within their team dynamics. Use your cover letter to showcase your understanding of the company’s culture and illustrate how you would fit in seamlessly. For example:

3. Professional Formatting and Polished Language

3.1 following proper formatting guidelines.

To ensure your cover letter looks professional and is easy to read, adhere to proper formatting guidelines. Use a clean and legible font, such as Arial or Times New Roman, and maintain a font size between 10 and 12 points. Organize your content into paragraphs with clear spacing between them. Additionally, include your contact information at the top of the letter, followed by the employer’s details and the date.

3.2 Using Polished and Professional Language

While it’s important to showcase your personality and individuality in your cover letter, remember to maintain a professional tone. Avoid using slang, jargon, or colloquialisms that may detract from your credibility. Instead, opt for clear and concise language that effectively conveys your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: should i include my contact information in the cover letter, q2: how long should a cover letter be, q3: is it necessary to customize the cover letter for each application, q4: can i use the same cover letter for different industries, q5: how can i make my cover letter stand out, final takeaways.

A well-written cover letter can be a powerful tool in your job search, helping you secure that coveted interview. By showcasing your qualifications, aligning your skills with the job requirements, and expressing your enthusiasm, you can make a memorable impression on potential employers. Remember to tailor your cover letter for each application, keep it concise and well-structured, and let your personality shine through. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to crafting cover letters that get you the interview you desire.

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Are you ready to apply for a job? For most professional positions, you'll need to do more than fill out a job application or email a resume. At the very least, you should write a tailored resume and targeted cover letter that show the employer why you’re a strong match for the position.

But it won’t be enough to just send in your cover letter and resume—you must make sure the two documents have been written in such a way that they'll get you an interview. After all, winning an interview is your main goal when you apply for a job.

It's worth investing the time to show the hiring manager that you've got the qualifications they are looking for.

Match your qualifications to the job by following a few simple steps, then customize your resume and create a cover letter that will increase your odds of getting selected for an interview.

Ready to get started? Below you will find writing tips for your resume, cover letter, and curriculum vitae, as well as sample resumes, cover letters, and thank-you letters. Read advice for every step of your job application, including tips for crafting all your job search correspondence.

Taken together, this information will empower you to write an interview-winning cover letter and resume that will impress the employer.

How to Write Effective Resumes and Cover Letters

Step one: resume and cover letter writing guide.

Not sure where to start? This guide offers step-by-step instructions for writing effective resumes and cover letters. You’ll find useful worksheets, resume samples, cover letters samples, skills lists, content and appearance suggestions, and a proofreading checklist.

Step Two: Review Resume, Cover Letter, and CV Samples

Throughout your job search and subsequent career, you will need to be able to write job-related letters, resumes, and summaries. Review our collection of free sample resumes, cover letters, curriculum vitae (CVs), resignation letters, thank-you letters, letters to accept or decline a new job, and more career-related letters. These examples will help you craft your own successful letters and resume.

Step Three: Know What Resume and Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid

A typo or a grammatical error in a cover letter, a resume, or in a job application can be enough to knock you out of contention for a job. Here are some of the most common errors job applicants make and how to avoid them.

Step Four: Write Your Resume

Learn how to write a perfect resume for your job search, with this step-by-step guide for creating a professional resume.

Step Five: Check Out Professional Resume-Writing Resources

Writing a resume is hard work. Get one-on-one resume help – or at least have your resume reviewed – before you send your final document to employers. Here's more information on where to find free or low-cost resume writing help.

Step Six: Craft Your Cover Letter

Not sure how to write an effective cover letter? This tutorial offers details on the different types of cover letters and how to format them, plus samples of every type of cover letter.

Everything Else You Need to Write Interview-Winning Job Applications

For many job searches, a targeted resume and cover letter will be all you need to demonstrate that you’re a competitive candidate. However, for some opportunities, you’ll need different documents or additional materials. Here’s what you need to know:

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If you are applying to international jobs or to positions in academia or in the research, scientific, or medical industry sectors, you may be required to submit a curriculum vitae (also known as a “CV”). Here is why, when, and how to write a curriculum vitae (also known as a CV).

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8 short cover letter samples + writing guide

If you want to secure the job of your dreams, make sure that your CV grabs the attention of recruiters.

But how do you achieve this?

You must create a compelling cover letter to introduce and accompany your CV.

A short cover letter will quickly establish rapport with hiring managers, prompting them to open your CV.

This article, including eight short cover letter examples (with templates) plus our writing guide, will demonstrate how to write your own enticing cover letter and get noticed in the job market.

CV templates 

Short cover letter sample – Admin

Hi [Recruiter name],

I would like to express my interest in the role of [Job title] as advertised on [Website name].

I am currently working in a [Current role] role for [Current employer] where I am responsible for [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible]

I’m looking for a new challenge that will allow me [Aspirations + mention of suitable skill]

It would be great to hear from you and I am available to interview at any time.

[Phone number] [Email]

Short cover letter sample – Customer service

I’d like to apply for the position of [Job title] as advertised on [Website name].

With [Number of years’ experience] in [Type of position(s)] for [Name(s) of previous companies], I have gathered extensive [Core responsibilities] in [Type of setting].

In my current role with [Current employer], I am responsible for [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible]

My role has given me [Aspirations + mention of suitable skill].

I believe my skill sets and product knowledge will allow me to fit perfectly with the requirements you are seeking in a candidate, and I am available for an interview at short notice.

Kind regards,

Short cover letter sample – Sales

I am excited to apply for the role of  [Job title] as advertised on [Website name].

I am currently working in a [Current role] role for [Current employer], where I am responsible for [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

I’m seeking a new opportunity that will enable me to [Aspirations + mention of suitable skill].

I look forward to hearing from you soon, and I am available to interview at any point.

Short cover letter sample – School leaver

I am a dedicated student with excellent [Core skills], looking to apply for the [Job title] position at [Company name].

In my current position as a [Current role] at [Current employer], I [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

I am keen to showcase my [Aspirations + mention of suitable skill].

I am available for an interview from [Insert date], and I am very keen to discuss how my skill set can benefit [Company name’s] success.

Short cover letter sample – IT

Hi [Recruiter name]

I am writing to apply for the position of [Job title] as advertised on [Website name].

I am currently working in a [Current role] role for [Current employer], where my duties include [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

I’m looking for a fresh opportunity that [Aspirations + mention of suitable skill].

Please contact me to arrange an interview at any time that is convenient for you, as I am keen to discuss my qualifications.

Short cover letter sample – Creative

I am excited to apply for the [Job title] role at [Company name], as advertised on [Website name]. With over [Number of years] years of experience in [Core responsibilities of role], I am keen to bring my [Skills] to your [Team/company].

During my career working for [Current employer], I have established an in-depth understanding of [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible]

Additionally, I [Aspirations + mention of suitable skill].

Please do get in touch with me to arrange an interview when you can to talk about my qualifications, capabilities, and additional achievements.

Best regards,

Short cover letter sample – Education

I hope you’re well.

I am writing concerning the advert for a [Job title] at [Name of educational setting]. Over the past [Insert number] years, I have [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

When I taught/worked at [Name of educational setting], I implemented [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

I am seeking a new opportunity that will allow me [Aspirations + mention of suitable skill].

I am keen to talk to you more about the job role, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Short cover letter sample – Graduate

I trust you’re doing well.

I am writing to apply for your [Job title] role at [Company name], as it offers an exciting opportunity to leverage my passion for [Core responsibilities].

As a [Current role], I have a strong foundation in [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

While pursuing my degree, I thrived in courses focused on [List of course modules].

I also successfully [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

I look forward to the chance to talk more about my qualifications and how my skills can benefit your company’s success. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

Why write a short cover letter?

Your cover letter  is a preliminary message that introduces your CV when you apply for a job.

It must convince the hiring manager to open your CV and potentially invite you to an interview – but they get hundreds of applications every day, so they don’t have much time to read each one.

So writing a short cover letter can help you get your point across quickly and ensure that more recruiters read your CV.

How to write a short cover letter

Now that you have seen some good examples of cover letters to accompany your CV, let’s look in more detail at how you’ll go about writing your own, and what content you should include .

Write in the body of your email/message

You should always write your cover letter in the body of the email . Alternatively, if you are sending your application via a job board, you can use the messaging system. But don’t attach your cover letter as a document.

Why is this?

Your cover letter should immediately captivate the recruiter from the very second they access your job application.

If they have to go through the effort of opening a document to read it, this slows everything down and they probably won’t bother to open it.

Address the recruiter by name

To begin your cover letter, grab the recruiter’s attention with a warm greeting – and use their name if you can find it.

Here are some quick ways to find a recruiter’s name.

• Double-check the job advert – Often, you can find the person’s name and email address within the job ad itself.
• Company website –  If you are applying directly to a company, you can locate contact info about the head of the department or recruitment team on their website in the “About Us” section.
• LinkedIn –  If you can pinpoint the specific team and company related to the job vacancy, a speedy search on LinkedIn can help you find the person who’s likely in charge of the application.

There’s no need to stress if you can’t work out the hiring manager’s name – you’re not alone.

Just begin your cover letter with a friendly “Hi” – this is perfectly fine in this circumstance.

Your greeting should strike a balance between being friendly and professional – but not excessively relaxed, yet not too formal.

Consider addressing the recruiter using:

• Hi [insert recruiter’s name]
• Hi [insert department/team name]

Steer clear of traditional greetings, like “Dear sir/madam” unless you’re applying to extremely formal companies.

Write in a friendly but professional manner

When you’re writing a cover letter, you must find a middle ground between professionalism and demonstrating your personality and communication skills .

If you’re too casual, you come across as unprofessional. On the flip side, being excessively formal makes you look like you lack social skills.

Aim for that sweet spot when you sound both friendly and professional.

Start with something like, “I hope you’re well” – this adds a personal touch to your cover letter. What’s more, make sure that your spelling and grammar are impeccable, as mistakes can raise concerns for recruiters.

Highlight your relevant skills

Your cover letter aims to encourage recruiters to open your CV. You can do this easily by quickly telling recruiters about your relevant skills tailored to the positions you’re applying for.

Scan over the job descriptions you’re applying to and note down the most significant skills and qualifications the hiring manager is requesting.

Next, when creating your cover letter, make your relevant skills the key focus.

Tell them why you’re the best-qualified applicant and how your skill set is directly relevant to the job.

Doing so provides recruiters with all the reassurance they need to look at your CV and consider you for the position.

Add some quantified achievements

To give your cover letter that extra edge, add quantified achievements. These are specific accomplishments, with added numbers, that show your value to would-be employers.

For example, if you are a sales representative , you could say you have boosted sales by 20% in your past role and completed 50 customer calls daily with a 96% satisfaction rate. Or that you decreased project turnaround time by 30%.

Quantified achievements give a hiring manager proof of your impact in the workplace and can significantly increase your chances of securing a job interview.

Write succinctly

When you’re applying for a job, remember – recruiters and hiring managers are usually incredibly busy and likely short on time.

So, be sure to get your message across to them as swiftly as possible. Ideally, in the shortest amount of time.

Keep your cover letter brief and to the point. If you create a rambling cover letter, this will only overburden recruiters, as they are going through countless emails daily.

Keep your cover letter between 3 and 6 sentences long. Don’t use wordy language – keep your sentences short and sweet.

For example, rather than saying, “I am writing to notify you that I am applying for the position of…”, you can just say, “I’d like to apply for the position of…”

Here are a few more tips on how to keep your cover letter snappy and succinct:

• Use action verbs –  Select action verbs that get your message across. For example, don’t say, “I was responsible for the management of projects.” Instead, say, “I managed projects.”
• Be direct –  Get straight to the point. Say what your purpose and intentions are plainly, and avoid unneeded introductions. Write something like, “I am interested in the position of Creative Director at your company.”
• Avoid redundancy –  Don’t repeat anything you have mentioned previously in your CV. Your cover letter introduces your CV – it doesn’t duplicate it.

Add a professional signature

To conclude your cover letter, include a professional signature at the very bottom. This gives a recruiter your essential contact details.

Not only does a professional signature provide various ways of getting in touch with you, but it also gives a very polished look and demonstrates that you understand how to communicate in the working environment.

Your professional signature should include:

• A friendly sign-off – For example, “Kind regards” or “Best regards.”
• Your full name – That’s your first name and surname. For example, “Joe Bloggs.”
• Your telephone number – The phone number you use most often. For example, your mobile number.
• Your email address – A professional email address. For example, [email protected] . Avoid unprofessional emails such as [email protected].

Optionally, you could include the following in your professional signature:

• Your professional title – For example, “Graphic Designer” or “Customer Service Representative.”
• Your professional social network – For example, LinkedIn.

Here are some examples of professional signatures at the bottom of a cover letter:

What to avoid in a short cover letter

When you’re writing your cover letter, avoid making these everyday errors.

Attaching your cover letter as a separate document

The goal of your cover letter is to instantly greet and connect with the recruiter who opens it. So, avoid attaching your cover letter as a separate document – this slows the process down considerably. What’s more, the recipient probably won’t even open it.

Always write your cover letter in the body of your email or within the job site messaging system so recruiters can read it immediately.

Heading your cover letter with your address

There is simply no need to write your address on a cover letter, as it wastes lots of valuable space at the top.

You should use this space to grab the hiring manager’s attention and present your keenness and qualifications for the role.

Recruiters want to know what talents and qualifications you contribute to the company. So, it’s better to start with a professional greeting and a short introduction that catches their attention.

Also, placing your address at the top of a cover letter can make it look a little outdated.

In today’s age of digital job applications and online submissions, hiring managers prioritise the content of your cover letter over conventional formatting .

Leading with your home address can take up valuable space – it just isn’t necessary unless the job posting specifically asks for it.

The better option? Put your name, phone number, and email address at the bottom of your cover letter after you have described why you’re the perfect candidate for the job.

How to Write an Effective Cover Letter that Lands You Job Interviews

A cover letter is a vital part of your job application. It allows you to make a great first impression and highlight your qualifications for the role. So, the answer to whether a cover letter is necessary these days is YES!

Hiring managers tell us that an application missing a cover letter signals a lack of interest. Additionally, if you fail to provide a cover letter and it’s part of the recruitment process, your application is incomplete and may not be reviewed.

An effective cover letter can make a significant difference in getting your foot in the door. However, hiring managers and recruiters review many applications each day and will only take the time to read your cover letter properly if you grab their attention.

We have five essential tips to help you write a standout cover letter that will get you job interviews.

1. Address the Hiring Manager

Use a professional format  that includes your contact information, date, recipient’s details, body, call to action, and sign-off. – “Dear Sir/Madam” is outdated and impersonal. Instead, address the hiring manager by name.

To find out the hiring manager’s name, review the job ads or position descriptions as it will typically indicate who the role reports to. Plug in the manager’s position title and the company name on LinkedIn and you should be able to come up with the name to address your letter to. This extra step is also a great way to establish rapport and learn more about your future manager. As a last resort, if you cannot find the manager’s name, you can use To Whom It May Concern.

2. Summarise Your Suitability Concisely

Your resume already captures your skills and experience, so don’t duplicate it in your cover letter. Instead, the cover letter is an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the role and highlight your most relevant experience.

Use the job ad to identify essential role requirements and use them as keywords to include in your cover letter too. Provide specific examples to highlight your fit but remember to be clear and concise.

For example, I received a personal thank you email from the Head of Payments after the successful system integration project I delivered went live acknowledging my stakeholder management, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

3. Outline Your Motivation

One of the best ways to write a standout cover letter is to highlight why the opportunity interests you. Your resume doesn’t typically capture your motivations so this is where you can include it.

Most candidates focus only on promoting their skills and experience, so including your motivations sets you apart. If you are stuck on what to write, reflecting on what you want from your next role and reviewing the company’s website can help.  Referencing the company values in your cover letter ensures the letter is customised for each job you apply for. This is far more effective in securing an interview than sending out a high volume of generic cover letters.

4. Include a Clear Call to Action

Be clear about what action you would like the hiring manager, or recruiter can take. The call to action for a cover letter is generally a request to meet for an interview to discuss your application further. However, suppose you think the employer may consider your background and experience a bit of a “wildcard”. You may offer to complete a relevant case study or assessment to demonstrate your transferable skills. Alternatively, indicate that you would be happy to chat or provide references to address their concerns.

5. Check Your Formatting, Grammar, and Spelling Before You Hit Send

Minor mistakes can reflect carelessness or a lack of attention to detail. Before hitting send, reread your cover letter for any errors. Or even better, have someone proof-read it. If a hiring manager has hundreds of applications to review, they may need to be ruthless about who makes it to the next stage of the recruitment process.

Remember, if you are working with a recruitment agency, you might not need a cover letter. The agency will usually prepare a profile summary highlighting your suitability to the client on your behalf.

To prepare a cover letter, download our template  and follow these tips so you can make a positive first impression, showcase your qualifications, and increase your chances of being invited for an interview. Good luck with your job search!

Find a job with Clicks

Clicks is an award-winning IT recruitment specialist. As Australia’s favourite recruiters, we help candidates in Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, and Sydney find great opportunities each day.

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