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How To Write A Cover Letter in 2024 (Expert Tips and Examples)

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to write a cover letter that will get you noticed by recruiters.

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A survey revealed that 77% of recruiters prefer candidates who send in a cover letter, even if submitting it is optional. Additionally, 90% of executives consider cover letters invaluable when assessing job candidates.

So, if you think cover letters are no longer important and necessary in 2024, think again.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you write a cover letter that effectively sells your skills and professional experience, increases your chances of getting interviews, and gets your foot in the door.

Table of Contents

What is a cover letter and do you still need one in 2024?

A cover letter is a letter of introduction accompanying your resume that paints why you are the best person for the job, what you bring to the table, and how you can help move the company forward.

Is the cover letter dead? No! In fact, a recent study by ResumeLab revealed that 64% of job vacancies still require that you include a cover letter in your application and 83% of HR pros said that cover letters are important for their hiring decision.

The bottom line is that a cover letter is still a valuable piece of your job search collateral. Nail your cover letter and you could end up getting that dream job.

So what exactly do you need to accomplish in your cover letter?

What is the purpose of a cover letter?

According to 49% of HR managers , your cover letter is the second best way to call attention to your resume and distinguish yourself from other applicants.

So the main purpose of your cover letter is to compel the recruiter to read more about you on your resume and move you to the next part of the hiring process.

Further, according to award-winning resume expert Melanie Denny , your cover letter is your value proposition letter. It proves why you are the best candidate to address the company’s needs with the professional skills and qualifications to succeed in the job.

Here’s an example of a great cover letter:

Now let’s get into the details of what your cover letter needs to include.

Cover Letter Structure Checklist

Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to include in your cover letter.

• Contact Details Name Address (or City, State with zip code) Phone number Email address
• Greeting Whenever possible, address the hiring manager by name.
• Opening Who are you? What are your relevant skills and accomplishments?
• Body (1-2 paragraphs) What do you know about the company? Why are you applying for this job? What value can you bring to the company? Include measurable results when possible.
• Closing Reiterate your interest. Add a Call to Action. Mention any attachments. Use a professional sign-off like “Best” or “Sincerely” before your full name.

Here’s an example for the visual learners out there:

Now that you know the basics of what to include in your cover letter, let’s go through the process from start to finish to see how you can write a cover letter that will make you stand out from the rest of the candidates.

How to write a cover letter in 9 steps

It can be intimidating to try to parse down all your best qualities into a few quick paragraphs for your cover letter.

Here are 9 steps you can take to make sure you’re headed in the right direction:

Step 1. Do your research

Before writing your cover letter, thoroughly read the job description and the requirements for the job.

Melanie Denny , award-winning resume expert, likens the job description to your cover letter cheat sheet. And when checking the job description, she says you need to consider the following:

• What are the company’s priorities?
• What are their goals for the role?
• What outcomes and accomplishments in your previous roles match the goals?
• What are the key phrases and verbiage the company uses?

This will help you customize your cover letter, angle yourself and your narrative to fit the role better, and impress the hiring manager.

Try reaching out to the recruiter, hiring manager, or someone working in the company if you want more in-depth information about the company and the position you are applying for.

Step 2. Customize your cover letter for every job

Make sure your cover letter matches the job you are applying for. Writing a generic cover letter is a missed opportunity as this will not appeal to the recruiter or hiring manager. According to research from ResumeGo , 81% of HR professionals value job-specific cover letters over generic ones. Jobseekers who had tailored cover letters received a 53% higher callback rate compared to those who had no cover letter.

Remember, your cover letter is your chance to prove that you are passionate about working for a given company, so take the time to write a tailored cover letter for each position . You can do this by mentioning your skills and experience that are directly related to what’s mentioned in the job description. If you’re applying for a data analyst role that requires expertise in Microsoft Power BI, cite an example of a Power BI dashboard you built and how it helped the company.

Read our full guide: How to Optimize Your Cover Letter

Step 3. Include all of your contact info

You should make it easy for the hiring manager to reach you. In your cover letter, list these three things:

• Address (including zip code– for ATS purposes )
• Phone number with area code
• Email address
• Name of the Hiring Manager
• Name of the Company
• Address of the Company

Traditionally, your contact information is included in the upper left corner of your cover letter if you’re writing in a document. If you’re writing an email, this can be included beneath your signature at the end of the message.

Cover Letter Header Example:

Jane Jobscan Seattle, WA 98101 (555) 555-5555 • [email protected] linkedin.com/in/jane-jobscan

February 25, 2024

Lavinia Smith Hiring Manager Media Raven, Inc. Plantersville, MS 38862

Step 4. Address your cover letter to a real person

According to Melanie Denny, resume expert and President of Resume-Evolution, addressing your cover letter to a real person and addressing them by their name feels more personal and shows recruiters and hiring managers that you took time and did the research.

You can usually find the hiring manager’s name by searching the company website or LinkedIn profile, or by calling the company and asking which hiring manager is assigned to the particular position.

Once you learn the name, a simple greeting of “John” or “Hello John” is all you need.

If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, you can use any of the following:

• Dear Hiring Manager
• Dear (Department) Team
• To whom it may concern

Read our full guide: How to Address a Cover Letter

Step 5. Write a strong opening statement

Melanie Denny suggests that you start your cover letter with a bang. This will hook the hiring manager’s interest and show them how you can be a valuable addition to the team.

Here are things you can do:

• Open with a thought-provoking question
• Make a big claim about what you can do for the company
• Say something relevant and specific to the company

For example,

“I want to bring the marketing department of Media Raven Inc. to the next level and help the company exceed goals and reach more customers as Marketing Manager.”

Step 6. Prove how your professional background and skills help the company in the body of your cover letter

Take advantage of this real estate and prove to the prospective employer how your background, values, and professional experiences position you as the best fit for what the role requires.

This is especially important if you are switching careers. Highlight your relevant accomplishments in your cover letter, showcase your transferable skills, and explain how you can help the company address its challenges and succeed.

For example:

“As the Director of Marketing at ABC Company since 2018, I directed all phases of both the creative and technical elements of marketing initiatives, including data mining, brand creation, print/web collateral development, lead generation, channel partner cultivation, customer segmentation/profiling, as well as CRM and acquisition strategies.

Perhaps most importantly, I offer a history of proven results, as evidenced by the following marketing accomplishments for my current employer:

• Captured a 28% expansion in customer base since 2018, achieved during a period of overall decline in the retail industry.
• Led national marketing campaign (comprised of trade shows, media, and PR initiatives) for my company’s newly launched technology services division
• Developed and executed SEO strategy that achieved and sustained top 3 rankings on Google (organic, nonpaid results) for key product search terms.
• Oversaw the creation of a new company logo and rebranded 100+ products to cement a cohesive corporate identity and support new company direction.”

Just like when writing a resume, your cover letter should only include the most relevant and positive information about you. To home in on the right skills and qualifications to mention, try scanning your cover letter .

Read our full guide: What Do You Put in a Cover Letter?

Step 7. Write a strong closing statement and a call to action

Use the closing of your cover letter to:

• Thank the hiring manager for their time
• Mention any attachments (resume, portfolio, samples)
• Invite to schedule an interview
• Let the hiring manager know that you will follow up

Keep the closing professional and try not to sound too eager since that can come off as desperate. You must also keep in mind the tone and personality of the company you’re communicating with.

“Given the opportunity, I’m confident I can achieve similar groundbreaking marketing results for Media Raven, Inc.

Ms. Smith, I would welcome the chance to discuss your marketing objectives and how I can help you attain them. Feel free to call me at (555) 555-5555 or email me at [email protected] to arrange a meeting. I look forward to speaking with you.”

Read our full guide: How to End a Cover Letter With a Call to Action

Step 8. End with a professional closing salutation

To finish out the closing , use a formal signature. You can use “Sincerely,” “Best,” “Regards,” “Yours,” or any other professional signoff.

Use your first and last name as your signature. If you’re sending your cover letter in the body of an email, make sure it’s your personal email account that does not list your current work signature beneath the email. Your other option is to write the cover letter in a word document, save it as a PDF, and attach it to your email.

Step 9. Optimize your cover letter for the ATS

The Applicant Tracking System or the ATS is a software that companies use to screen applications and shrink their pool of applicants. Through the ATS database, a recruiter or hiring manager can just search for specific skills and keywords and the ATS will return a list of the top candidates who match the search criteria.

To optimize your cover letter for ATS, you need to:

• Carefully read the job description
• Take note of skills and resume keywords frequently mentioned
• Incorporate these keywords into your cover letter

Read our full guide: How to Optimize Your Cover Letter to Beat the ATS

Does your cover letter pass the test?

Scan your cover letter to see how well it matches the job you're applying for. Optimize your cover letter and resume with Jobscan to get more interviews.

How to Format Your Cover Letter

A cover letter is a letter, but that doesn’t mean you should just plop everything onto the page in a stream-of-consciousness flow. After all, cover letter formats determine the order in which the hiring manager learns about you, which can significantly influence their first impression. Use the format order below as a guideline for building the structure of your cover letter.

Notice how the topics flow like a conversation? When you first meet someone, you introduce yourself, tell them your name and a little about yourself, and then leave the conversation open for future meetings.

Your cover letter is just a like having a conversation with someone for the first time. Keeping that in mind will help you to keep things simple and focus on the right information.

Below are some examples of how to format your cover letter for different types of applications.

How to format your cover letter for a job

• State your name
• Explain your work history
• Tell them what you can do for their company
• Say goodbye

How to format your cover letter for an internship

• Explain your coursework history and education
• Explain what you can gain professionally

How to format your cover letter with no experience

• Explain your skillset and character qualities that make you well-suited for the role
• Outline entry-level achievements

You can also check out our cover letter templates to help you as you write your own cover letter.

Do you want to save time and receive instant feedback on your cover letter? Check out Jobscan’s cover letter tool .

Read more : How to Write a Resume for Today’s Job Market

Cover Letter Examples

Here are some examples to help you create a cover letter that will make you stand out and give a strong first impression.

1. Internship Cover Letter Example

2. Career Change Cover Letter Example

3. Operations Manager Cover Letter Example

4. Communications Professional Cover Letter Example

5. Software Engineer Cover Letter Example

Cover Letter Do’s and Don’ts

Aside from the basic steps of how to write a cover letter, there are some things you definitely need to make sure you avoid – and things you can’t skip! Follow these do’s and don’ts for writing a cover letter, and you’ll end up with a much better result.

• Use a cover letter unless one was requested.
• Attach a cover letter directly to your resume unless requested to do so.
• Use the same boilerplate cover letter for multiple job applications.
• Over-explain your work history, employment gaps, or qualifications – save it for the interview.
• Badmouth any of your past employers.
• Use the cover letter to complain or tell about your job search journey.
• Use non-standard formatting like tables, columns, or graphics. (ATS can’t read those and your cover letter copy might not be scannable by the system.)
• Use long paragraphs.
• Customize a cover letter for every job application that asks for one.
• Incorporate the top skills or keywords from the job description in your cover letter.
• Include the company name and address, the job title, and point of contact’s name on your cover letter.
• Incorporate relevant and compelling measurable results in your cover letter.
• Explain, briefly, any dramatic shifts in a career (i.e. you are changing industries or job titles).
• Use company information to relate your interest in the job.
• Keep your cover letter concise.
• Convey WHY you are right for the position.

More Cover Letter Tips

• When emailing your cover letter, be strategic with your subject line. Never leave the subject line blank, and double-check for specific instructions in the job posting. If possible, use the email subject line to sell yourself. For example: “Experienced Software Engineer Seeks Senior Level Mobile Position.”
• Keep your cover letter brief and to the point. The hiring manager will be reading many cover letters. By carefully selecting your words and experiences to include, you can stand out from the crowd of applicants.
• Be confident. Let the hiring manager know the reasons why you deserve this position, and make yourself believe them too!
• Your cover letter should not be simply a rephrasing of your resume. Let your personality show and go into further detail about your most valuable skills and experiences.
• Do your research on the company and position before writing the cover letter. It should be customized to that specific company’s values and needs. Hiring managers can spot a generic resume from a mile away.
• Use the job posting as your guide for what topics, skills, and experience to focus on.
• The best cover letters include keywords from the job posting. Applicant tracking systems may scan your cover letter along with your resume and will be using these keywords to sort through the applicants.
• Check for spelling and grammar errors.
• Send your cover letter as a PDF to avoid readability issues and to present the most professional application package.
• Scan Your Cover Letter with Jobscan to make sure you’re checking all the boxes.

Optimize Your Cover Letter with Jobscan’s Cover Letter Scanner

In addition to resume scans, Jobscan Premium users can also scan their cover letters against a job description.

This generates a report of the top hard skills and soft skills found in the job description that should be included in your cover letter, plus additional checks for optimal length, contact information, measurable results, and more.

Here’s how it works:

Key Takeaways

Your cover letter gives recruiters, hiring managers, and prospective employers an overview of your professional qualifications and relevant accomplishments that position you as the best candidate for the job.

So you have to make your cover letter powerful and interesting enough to make the recruiter or hiring manager read your resume and move you to the next step of the hiring process.

Here are key pointers when writing your cover letter.

• Make sure you’ve read the job description and done your research about the company.
• Get to know the name of the recruiter or hiring manager so you can address your cover letter properly.
• Include relevant and measurable accomplishments in the body of your cover letter to prove to the hiring manager that you have what it takes to succeed in the job.
• Keep your cover letter short and concise.
• Your cover letter is not a substitute for your resume so don’t just copy and paste whatever is in your resume into your cover letter.

One last important reminder!

Having a strong cover letter is not enough. You also need to create a killer resume to make sure you stand out and land job interviews.

Learn more about writing a cover letter

How to Address a Cover Letter

10 Tips for Writing a Cover Letter

The Career Change Cover Letter: How to Get it Right

What Do You Put in a Cover Letter?

Is Your Cover Letter Robot-Approved?

How to End a Cover Letter with a Call to Action

Frequently asked questions, what are the different types of cover letters.

There are four types of cover letters.

• Application cover letter An application cover letter is what you send to the recruiter or hiring manager along with your resume.
• Prospecting cover letter You send this when you want to inquire prospective employers about open positions in their company or put yourself top-of-mind when they do decide to hire.
• Networking cover letter You will send this to professionals in your network in hopes of getting referrals, introductions, job search advice, and job opportunities.
• Career change cover letter This is what you send when you are switching careers or industries.

What tense should I use when writing a cover letter?

It can be appropriate to change tenses throughout your cover letter.

For example, you can explain who you are in the present tense and explain important aspects of your work history in the past tense. You can switch to future perfect tense when discussing the ways you would perform if given the position.

Think of it like this, “I am ABC, I did XYZ previously, and I look forward to doing EFG in this position.”

What to include in a cover letter

Our cover letter guidelines above explain how to write a cover letter more deeply, but in summary, you should always include your name, relevant work experience, and reasons why you are right for the job in your cover letter.

When not to include a cover letter

• When the job posting clearly states not to include a cover letter
• When you don’t have the time and energy to customize your cover letter. It’s better not to send a cover letter than to send a half-baked and mediocre one.
• When you are applying online and there is no field to upload your cover letter.
• When your cover letter has a lot of typos and errors.

What should you send first: a cover letter or a resume?

Typically, your cover letter and resume will be sent as a pair, but your cover letter is meant to be an introduction to your resume. If it is an email, use the cover letter in the body and attach your resume, otherwise, attach both.

Pro Tip: Be sure to review all instructions in the job description to follow the hiring manager’s requests.

How long should a cover letter be?

According to 70% of recruiters, a cover letter should not exceed 250 to 300 words.

Although there is no hard and fast rule about this, the ideal cover letter length should be around half a page to one full page in length to keep your message concise, clear, and easy to digest.

Should a cover letter be sent as a file attachment?

If it is not specified in the job posting, a cover letter can be sent either as an attachment (PDF is best) or in the body of an application email with your resume attached.

How to share a cover letter with a potential employer

There are several methods of sharing a cover letter with potential employers, depending on their application process.

Cover letters can be written on a document and turned into a PDF to be uploaded to a job application website or attached to an email along with your resume.

In other cases, your cover letter can simply be written in the email message to a hiring manager, with your resume attached.

How to title and save your cover letter

The key in every aspect of job applications is to make yourself an easy “yes” for your potential employer. That means making it easy for the hiring manager to keep track of your application materials for later review. With this in mind, make sure your full name and the phrase “cover letter” are included in the file label. Other helpful details might include the job title you’re applying for or the year of your application.

Here are a few examples:

• Your Name_Cover Letter_Job Title.pdf
• Cover Letter_Your Name_Job Title.pdf
• Job Title_Your Name_Cover Letter.pdf
• Your Name_Cover Letter_2024.pdf
• Cover Letter_Your Name_2024.pdf

Explore more cover letter resources

Cover Letter Formats

ATS-Optimized Cover Letter

Cover Letter Templates

Generate a personalized cover letter in as little as 5 seconds

Say goodbye to the stress of writing a cover letter from scratch. Our AI-powered cover letter generator uses GPT-4 technology to create a personalized and ATS-friendly cover letter in one click. Stand out from the competition and land more job interviews.

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How To Start A Cover Letter (With 30 Examples)

• Cover Letter Format
• Salutation and Greeting
• Who To Address When Unknown
• How To Start A Cover Letter
• How To End A Cover Letter
• Best Cover Letter Font And Size
• Cover Letter Spacing
• Cover Letter Length
• Key Elements Of A Cover Letter
• How To Write An Address
• Official Letter Format
• Cover Letter Opening

Find a Job You Really Want In

Summary. When starting your cover letter , you should show your excitement about the organization and the passion for what you do. You should tell a story about your achievements, qualifications, and work accomplishments. Try to make a connection to the company such as mentioning someone who works there.

You’ve written your resume , you’ve filled out your job application , and now you just have to write that cover letter.

“Easy enough,” you think. You start by writing the recipient’s name and address, as well as your own . You type in the date, you write the salutation, and then… you stare at the blinking cursor for a full minute before you pull out your phone and start scrolling through social media, hoping inspiration will pop out at you in the form of a meme.

Instead of staring at a blank screen, follow the steps in this article to write an engaging, memorable cover letter that you can feel proud to submit .

Key Takeaways:

Ways to start your resume include:

Show excitement for the organization.

Share your passions.

Talk about your achievements.

Craft an interesting story.

Mention mutual connections.

Discuss newsworthy topics.

Being direct can also be an effective opening.

How you start a cover letter can determine your success so make sure to carefully construct an opening that successfully engages the reader .

7 Tips On How To Start a Cover Letter

30 examples of cover letter openings, cover letter faq.

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Your resume shows your qualifications, but your cover letter lets your personality and passion shine.

Your cover letter will also be one of many that hiring managers will be reading for any given position, so it’s essential to be attention-grabbing and memorable.

To do this, there are some elements to include in the introductory paragraph (or two) of your cover letter.

Show your excitement about the organization. Companies want to know that their job candidates actually want to work for them and are passionate about the organization as a whole.

If you’ve had a long history of interacting with the company, explain that. If you haven’t, talk about what you respect and admire about them based on your research about the position.

Share your passion for what you do. Hiring managers also want to see that you’re excited about what you do, so express that in your cover letter.

Talk about what motivates and inspires you , and you can even mention why you got started in the industry in the first place.

Talk about an impressive achievement. While your resume should include your qualifications and work accomplishments , including the one you’re most proud of in your cover letter will help drive the point home.

Make sure you include as many specific examples as possible about the results of your achievement. For example, you can cite how much money you brought to the company with the new system you implemented.

Tell a story. A story is a powerful way to connect with someone, whether you’re telling it in person or writing it in a cover letter. It also adds some personality and interest to your letter, making it more engaging and memorable.

Mention a connection you have to the company. If someone who works at the company or is otherwise linked to it referred you to this role , mention that early on in the letter.

Show some newsworthy research. You can impress a recruiter or hiring manager if you show you did your homework. Research the company’s website as well as other news outlets to see what the company has done. This information can make you stand out, especially if you refer to a big project or contemporary event.

If you have trouble finding anything newsworthy, you can still use the company’s website to find missions, values, and press releases. This can help you craft an introduction that shows you are invested in the company’s direction.

Be direct. Some recruiters and hiring managers appreciate it if you are direct. In a direct opening you will immediately describe the position you are applying to and what makes you a great fit for it. This method can work if this fits your personality or if it is appropriate for the culture of the company.

It is a judgement call, but it can be very helpful for a recruiter or hiring manager who has had to read through hundreds, or even thousands, of cover letters that all have begun the same way to read an opening that gets right to business.

To help get your creative juices flowing about how to open your cover letter, here are some examples of interesting ways to do that. Tailor them to your situation and voice, and make sure your tone will match the culture of the company you’re applying to.

From the time I was eight years old, I’ve been giving my older siblings advice on how to style their hair. Now I’m a certified cosmetologist and am excited about the possibility of getting paid to help people look their best.

I grew up living and breathing the Denver Rockies. The walls of my room were covered with pictures of the stadium and team, and I painstakingly collected each player’s baseball card every year. Even though I couldn’t go to many games, I’d religiously watch them on TV or listen to them on the radio, wearing my purple ball cap that hardly ever left my head, much to my mother’s chagrin. Now I work in sports marketing, and I’m thrilled to be applying for my dream job as the Rockies’ marketing manager .

At my Kindergarten graduation, I proudly declared that my life’s goal was to be a waitress . I reached that goal in high school , so since then, I’ve become a little more ambitious, but I still love to take care of people and provide excellent customer service. That passion is what drove me to apply for this position at Marriott Hotels and Resorts.

As a college student, I’ve taken eight career assessments over the last four years, and my results have said I should do everything from being a fragrance chemist to a body painter . While I didn’t pursue a degree in either of those, I did realize that they had one thing in common with what I chose: My passion for recognizing and sharing beauty. This is what drove me to pursue a career in music production.

I’ve always been that guy who loves correct grammar. I’ve also always loved learning about the world and the different cultures within it. When I discovered the listing for a position as an editor at National Geographic, you can imagine my excitement at the prospect of getting to combine both of my passions.

I’m the one my team members come to with questions about who is supposed to do what task. These organizational and delegation skills are what will make me a great project coordinator at ATT.

While I’ve never had the title of “manager,” I’ve been managing teams of people as the most senior HR representative at my current company for four years.

Ever since I first wrestled a package of trail mix to the ground that was marked with the taunting phrase, “Easy-open packaging,” I’ve just become more and more passionate about good design. From my degree in industrial design to my last position at Cuisinart, I’ve pursued this passion, and now I’m ready for my next challenge. I believe this role at Apple will be just that.

Four years ago, when my daughter was just six months old, I experienced the very real panic that comes with realizing that you’ve completely run out of diapers. To prevent that from happening again, I subscribed to Grove Collaborative, and now I get a box of essentials delivered to me every month. Now, I want to bring that same peace of mind to customers by becoming a customer service representative for Grove.

There are few things as surprisingly difficult as shopping for a new pair of jeans. I believe that purchasing new clothes should be enjoyable, and I want to provide that to people as a personal shopper at StitchFix.

Over the past five years, I’ve discovered that I design all of my PR strategies around one basic principle: People enjoy connecting to other people like them. As a result, I’ve created strategies that focus on making companies more relatable and approachable. I want customers to know that the company is made up of people who care about them and want to hear what they have to say. These campaigns have earned me four job offers from competing companies and two promotions within my own organization. I want to share the expertise I gained from those experiences with as many companies as possible, so I decided to enter the world of PR consulting.

You might be wondering why a sales associate who worked at a paper company for eight years is applying for a sports marketing position. While the two fields don’t seem to connect at first glance, I believe that my background in wooing customers and my lifelong passion for sports will make me a valuable asset to your marketing team.

Three years ago, I started filling in for our sales team when needed. My job title was still “ administrative assistant ,” but I quickly grew comfortable with a sales representative ’s responsibilities and would cover for my colleagues several times a week. Now, my goal is to enter sales full time, and I think this position at Macy’s would be a great opportunity for me to do that.

If you’re looking for someone willing to do things the same way just because “That’s the way we’ve always done it,” I’m probably not the person you’re looking for. If you’re looking for someone who will constantly revisit and redesign processes to make them more efficient, I might just be the candidate you want.

When I took my first accounting class in college, I thought I’d hate it. Instead, I found that I not only enjoyed it, but that I looked forward to doing my homework assignments for that class. This had never happened to me before, so I thought it was worth pursuing. A degree’s worth of accounting classes later, I’m ready to put my skills to work in the real world . I can’t think of any better place to do it than at PayPal, an organization I’ve respected since I was a business administration major.

I first encountered Sales Corp. when my business class was given a tour of your facilities. After connecting with some employees there and seeing how you run the company, I was hooked. I’ve been looking for job openings at the company ever since, and now I’ve found one that will fit well with my skills.

I grew up visiting the Denver Aquarium several times a year. It was where I first discovered my love for the ocean and the creatures within it. Since then, I’ve earned a degree in marine biology and worked at an animal sanctuary in Florida for ten years. Now, I want to pass on my expertise to others, and I believe I’ll be able to do that through this management role at the aquarium where it all began.

When most people think about working for an advertising agency, they probably think of the trendy, collaborative environment and flexible schedules . While I’m definitely attracted to these things as a young professional, what truly drew me to your company was the focus on merging excellence with putting the customer’s desires first, a combination that is difficult to find with advertising agencies.

When I was eight, I built my first treehouse. It was little more than some cardboard and scrap plywood nailed together, and it wasn’t even in a tree, but I did it all by myself. Since then, I’ve grown in my woodworking skills and even graduated top of my class from the City Technology Center. Now I’m looking to enter the industry as an apprentice , and I can think of no better place to learn than City Construction Company, an organization I’ve long admired.

I first encountered Great Designs when I attended the 3D Design Conference last year. I spoke with a representative at your company’s booth and felt like he genuinely cared about what I had to say. Imagine my surprise when I saw him enter the stage as the company’s CEO and the conference’s keynote speaker ! I decided then and there that I wanted to work at a company that values collaboration and good design, so I applied for a job as soon as I got home.

If you were to look in my car, you’d see a sponge attached to my steering wheel and a practice suture kit in my glove box. I use this to practice my different suturing techniques while I wait in traffic during my commute to and from classes. I’ve always cared deeply about getting the details right, and I’d love to bring that passion to St. Francis Hospital’s general surgery team.

As a travel writer , I’ve spent most of my career on planes, on trains, in cars of all shapes and sizes, and even on cruise ships. Never have I experienced staff with the hospitality and true love for exploring the world that I did on Princess Cruise Lines, and I’d be honored to further both of those through this position as a travel blog writer .

Last January, I became the top-rated trainer at my gym, and I haven’t lost that position since. Now I’d like to use the fitness training and customer service skills that got me there in the head manager role at Gold’s Gym.

When I visited Cooper Accounting last month, I felt like I had finally found my people. I couldn’t believe that there were others out there who truly enjoyed crunching numbers as much as I did. The atmosphere was electric, and I knew I had to find a way to be a part of it.

When my academic advisor at Central State University told me I’d be required to get an internship to graduate, he encouraged me that getting the experience was more important than finding my ideal company to work for. However, I knew that I’m motivated when I know I’m working for something I believe in. Enter: The Red Cross.

I recently graduated from the University of Indiana , and if there’s one thing I learned during my time there, it’s that I have a lot more to learn. I believe being able to work in Governor Hanson’s office would afford me the practical experience and mentorship that would give me the knowledge I need to become a successful professional. I would love to use that knowledge to further his office’s efforts in making our city a better place.

My roommate first mentioned this data scientist position at Northrop Grumman, but as I began to research it, I got more and more excited about the possibility of being a part of such an innovative organization.

When I was 11 years old, I wanted to be a scientist . As I got older, though, I realized that I also wanted to work with and help people. Since then, both of those passions have only grown, driving me to become a Registered Nurse . In researching job openings, I was struck by St. John’s Hospital’s focus on innovation and patient care, and I can’t think of two priorities that I’m more passionate about furthering.

After managing projects with over 100 team members apiece for 11 years, organizing teams and overcoming roadblocks has become like second nature for me. Now I’m ready to pass on my experience by training future project managers.

Although I’m enjoying my position as a graphic designer for PetCo, my heart stopped when I saw the position at Burton Snowboards. I’m an avid snowboarder and have always admired Burton’s commitment to excellence down to the tiniest detail.

What are some tips for a great cover letter?

When writing a cover letter, you should make it personal and write about your past, present, and future. Make it personal by writing the recipients name or job title instead of just writing “to whom it may concern.” If you don’t know who you are writing to, do some research and find out.

You should divide your personal introduction into the past, present, and future. This will let the reader know of your education and experience, where you are currently, and where you see yourself within the company.

What should be included in a cover letter?

A cover letter should have your relevant skills and qualifications and information about you. Your first paragraph of the letter should include who you are and why you are interested in the role. Your second paragraph will be an overview of your background which should include your skills and qualifications, as well as your education.

What should you avoid in your cover letter?

Avoid including any personal information, salary expectations, and spelling mistakes in your cover letter. You should only include relevant personal information such as your name and any education background. The recipient will not want to know your marital status or what religion you practice.

You should only discuss salary expectations after you receive an offer. Putting in the cover letter will not make a good impression and could get your letter tossed in the trash. Before you submit it, just read over for any spelling errors to help make a good impression.

Harvard Extension School – Resume and Cover Letters

Columbia University Center for Career Education – How and Why to Write a Great Cover Letter

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Maddie Lloyd was a writer for the Zippia Advice blog focused on researching tips for interview, resume, and cover letter preparation. She's currently a graduate student at North Carolina State University's department of English concentrating in Film and Media Studies.

Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.

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How To Write a Computer Science Cover Letter That’ll Get You Noticed

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It’s not uncommon for hiring managers to sift through a hundred applications for a single position — especially for in-demand, well-paid jobs in computer science . When competition is this high, every part of your application matters, including your cover letter. A good one can be the difference between no response and landing an interview.

Of course, writing a cover letter can be daunting, and it’s easy to put it off. So if the task “write cover letter” has been sitting on your to-do list for a while, here are some tips to get you started, including a fully written example.

A few things to keep in mind before you start writing

Some recruiters use software that leverages keywords to help them sift through applications. There are a number of different positions you may qualify for if you have a degree in computer science , like Data Scientist , Software Engineer , or Computer Science Engineer. And depending on the position you’re applying to, some of the keywords in your cover letter may change. That’s right — keywords aren’t just for resumes.

A quick way to tell which keywords you should focus on is by reviewing the responsibilities section of a job description. Oftentimes, you’ll find these listed with bullet points, but not always. If a specific programming language or technology is listed, that’s likely a keyword. You might also find certain skills listed that are keywords, like “information retrieval” or “knowledge of distribution systems.”

If you have these in mind before you start writing, they can help you pick out which details to discuss in your cover letter. And this can save you a lot of time and anguish when trying to decide which details to include in your letter. That said, you don’t have to stress too much about stuffing your application full of keywords. More than likely, if you’re a good fit for the role, you’ll end up including many of these keywords in your application without even thinking about it.

Length & tone

It’s easy to get overwhelmed before you even start writing your cover letter, but keep in mind that it’s a pretty short document. In fact, your cover letter shouldn’t be more than one page, so don’t be afraid to get to your point quickly.

As for the tone, keep it professional, but you also want your letter to sound like you — not a robot. Also, you’ll want to adjust the tone depending on the company you’re applying to. For example, if you’re applying to a casual startup, you can use a less formal tone than if you were applying to, say, an international bank.

Customization is important

Remember how hiring managers have tons of applications to go through? Well, one thing that’s sure to land your application in the “no” pile is a form letter, which is a generalized cover letter that’s submitted to each and every job you apply to. Since they aren’t customized to the job, this can be a dead giveaway that you didn’t take the time to learn about the company or the specifics of the role.

Tweaking the text in each cover letter you submit doesn’t have to take long — it could be as quick as a couple minutes. But these quick changes go a long way when applying to jobs.

How to write a computer science cover letter

There are five main sections in a cover letter: heading, greeting, introduction paragraph, body paragraphs, and closing. Here’s what to include in each of these sections.

The heading includes your name, email address, and phone number. Links to your portfolio and LinkedIn profile can also go here, but those are optional.

If the job description doesn’t say who to address your cover letter to, you can look on the company’s website or LinkedIn for the hiring manager’s name. But if you can’t easily find it, just use a general “Dear Hiring Manager.” You don’t need to spend too much time on this — the hiring manager would rather you spend time actually writing your cover letter than looking for their name.

If you’re wondering about the section on some cover letters with the date, applicant’s name and physical address, and the recipient’s name and physical address, you can skip this section. It was standard when applications were submitted by mail, but since they’re sent digitally now, this section isn’t necessary.

Introduction paragraph

The opening paragraph doesn’t need to be more than a couple sentences. It simply let’s the hiring manager know who you are and the position you’re applying to. So your first sentence could be something like, “My name is Johnathan Scott, and I’m excited to apply for the Junior Software Engineer position at LC and Associates.”

And the next sentence could include another bit of information about you, like “My experience building apps for Android and iOS, as well as my proficiency in Python and Java, would make me a great addition to your team and company.”

Body paragraphs

The next two or three paragraphs are where you want to go into detail about why you’d be the best person for this specific job. But don’t just repeat details on your resume . This is your chance to tell the hiring manager something extra.

For example, are you a really fast coder? If so, this is a detail that’s likely not found on your resume but is something that the hiring team would be interested to know. Talk about a time when this skill had an impact on your work, like meeting a big deadline.

You can also pick one or two of your soft skills to highlight in these paragraphs, while also adding in specific results whenever possible. For example, let’s say your team worked to re-architect a multi-page web app to a single-page web app, and that resulted in boosting yearly revenue by $1.4 million. When it came time to present this work, you gave the presentation because you’re a great presenter and often the one on the team who takes on this task. So you’ll want to describe this, and add in that line about boosting revenue.

Another detail you can include here is your passion for the company’s mission. Many companies, particularly startups, are explicitly mission-driven, and you can find their mission on their website. If you’re specifically excited to join the company because of the work they’re doing on a larger scale, say so in your cover letter. It’s a great way to signal the enthusiasm you’d bring to the team.

If there’s an area in your application that might be seen as a red flag, you’ll want to address that in this section as well. This might be an employment gap or if you’re applying without a formal degree.

Your closing can be a sentence or two showing your excitement for the role, or simply, “Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to speaking with you soon.” Short and sweet is the name of the game here.

Computer science cover letter example

Here’s a sample of a computer science cover letter.

Hello Diana,

I am excited to submit my application for the Junior Software Engineer position at LC and Associates. My B.S. in Computer Science, two years of experience building apps for Windows, Android, and iOS, and proficiency in Python and C++ would make me a valuable addition to your team.

While working as a Software Engineer Intern at Microworks, I became the go-to engineer when one of my teammates needed help finding and fixing bugs in their code. They put their trust in me when something wasn’t working, and I took that responsibility seriously. As I developed this skill, I noticed that my own programming skills improved significantly. And by the end of my internship, I was coding in Python and C++ with ease.

With over a year of experience freelancing on web development projects, I’ve learned how to interact with clients from technical and non-technical backgrounds and meet tight deadlines, as well as how to work within budget constraints. These are also skills I’ll bring to your team working as a Junior Software Engineer.

I’m looking forward to discussing more about how my experience and skills can support the software engineering team at LC and Associates.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Johnathan Scott

One more thing: Don’t forget to edit

You’ve heard this before, but it’s worth mentioning again, because a poorly edited cover letter can land your application in the “no” pile. Read your cover letter multiple times to check for typos or sentences that are confusing. Read it out loud. Sleep on it, and then read it again. We even think it’s a great idea to call in a favor and have a friend or family member proofread your letter. Sometimes a fresh set of eyes is all you need.

What’s next?

After you’ve submitted your cover letter, it’s time to start prepping for your interview, which will include both technical and behavioral interview questions . If you’re looking for extra help, our Pass the Technical Interview Skill Paths can help you practice relevant technical skills.

If you want to brush up on other skills that you might be quizzed on during your interview, our courses can help. A few to consider are Discrete Math , Master Statistics with Python , Learn Python , and Learn Complex Data Structures .

And if you need a refresher on all things computer science, check out our Computer Science career path .

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Sample Job Descriptions to Help You Enhance Your Resume

5 min read · Updated on December 10, 2021

It doesn't matter what you do for a living; when you decide to look for work, you instantly become a marketer.

As a job seeker, you are required to advertise your qualifications and professional reputation — in other words, your personal brand — to employers and recruiters in your desired field online, in person, and on paper.

One of the most important documents you'll need to update or create for this process is your professional resume. A great resume is written with a specific job goal in mind. It should be tailored for each job application by showcasing your most valuable and relevant skills in a way that positions you as an ideal candidate for the job you want.

Why use job descriptions when creating your resume

In order to ensure that your professional resume is supporting your career goals, gather a few sample job descriptions that describe the type of position you're interested in and qualified for. Then, compare the skills and qualifications on your resume with the desired qualifications in the sample job descriptions.

By reviewing job description examples, you'll be able to identify what technical and soft skills, credentials, and work experience matter most to an employer in your target field.

This will aid your job search in many ways. First, it will help you determine if you're missing any important skills that recruiters are looking for . Once you have this information, then you can take steps to build up those skill sets with courses, certification programs, side projects, or internships to become a more attractive job candidate.

Second, these sample job descriptions will help you decide which of your current qualifications should be highlighted throughout your professional resume and cover letter.

And finally, you can use example job descriptions to find the right words to describe the roles and responsibilities you held in each job listed in your work history.

How to get started using job descriptions for your resume

To help you get started, take a look at the sample job descriptions below. For additional example job descriptions, search for listings on your favorite online job boards, and check out the following links from Workable.com .

Search for two types of sample job descriptions:

Job posts that are similar to roles you've previously held; and

Listings that represent the type of position you're currently targeting.

In both of these instances, don't worry about the job's location. For the purpose of this exercise, instead only focus on the job description and its requirements.

Use the sample job descriptions that match titles in your work history to beef up your professional resume's Employment History section. Click on the following link to learn how to use these job listings to brag about your experience .

Once you've found three to five sample listings that describe your job goals, copy and paste the text of each job description into a Word document and bold any phrases that routinely pop up. Then, highlight each term that describes a qualification you possess. Use this information to edit your resume and cover letter so that your key accomplishments and skills match those desired by your target employer. Your end result should be a professional resume that mirrors the employer's requirements.

Sample Job Descriptions:

Account Manager Sample Job Description

View the job description for account manager

Accountant Sample Job Description

View the job description for accountant

Administrative Assistant Sample Job Description

View the job description for administrative assistant

Business Analyst Sample Job Description

View the job description for business analyst

Cashier Sample Job Description

View the job description for cashier

Customer Service Representative Sample Job Description

View the job description for customer service representative

Host/Hostess Sample Job Description

View the job description for host/hostess

Machine Operator Sample Job Description

View the job description for machine operator

Medical Assistant Sample Job Description

View the job description for medical assistant

Office Manager Sample Job Description

View the job description for office manager

Operations Manager Sample Job Description

Project manager sample job description.

View the job description for project manager

Receptionist Sample Job Description

View the job description for receptionist

Research Assistant Sample Job Description

View the job description for research assistant

Retail Sales Associate Sample Job Description

View the job description for retail sales associate

Sales Director Sample Job Description

View the job description for sales director

Sales Manager Sample Job Description

View the job description for sales manager

Security Officer Sample Job Description

View the job description for security officer

Senior Account Manager Sample Job Description

View the job description for senior account manager

Senior Accounting Manager Sample Job Description

View the job description for senior accounting manager

Senior Business Analyst Sample Job Description

View the job description for senior business analyst

Senior Project Manager Sample Job Description

View the job description for senior project manager

Senior Sales Associate Sample Job Description

View the job description for senior sales associate

Senior Software Developer Sample Job Description

View the job description for senior software developer

Senior Software Engineer Sample Job Description

View the job description for senior software engineer

Server Sample Job Description

View the job description for server

Software Developer Sample Job Description

View the job description for software developer

Software Engineer Sample Job Description

View the job description for software engineer

Store Manager Sample Job Description

View the job description for store manager

Waiter/Waitress Sample Job Description

View the job description for waiter/waitress

Click on the following link for more job-search advice .

Still need help with your resume? Take advantage of our free resume review today!

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10 Strong Scholarship Recommendation Letter Examples

Help make college more affordable for your students.

Paying for college takes a lot of planning. Tuition costs rise every year and graduates are buckling under the weight of debt from loans. For some, the expense of higher education is prohibitive, with many talented students being forced to cut their dreams short. Scholarships can make getting a degree more affordable. Students qualify based on academic performance, special interests, or financial needs. If you’ve been asked to help with the process, we’ve got you covered! Here’s a list of sample recommendation letters for scholarship applications that best meet your students’ needs.

How To Write Scholarship Recommendation Letters

If you’ve been asked to write a recommendation letter for your student’s scholarship, you might feel overwhelmed. You want to help your student, but you’re worried your letter won’t be good enough. In the end, you can only do your best, so lead with your heart and consider the following suggestions:

• Use letterhead and add your personal information (full name, title, school name, etc.) in the top left corner. 
• Fill the whole page (at least 300 words) with an introduction, two or three paragraphs, and a conclusion. 
• In the first paragraph, introduce your student, specify the scholarship for which they are applying, and share details about the nature and length of your relationship. 
• In the body paragraphs, describe the ways your student is suitable and deserving of the scholarship. 
• In your final section, pull everything together and emphasize your student’s strengths as well as the reasons why you are endorsing them. 

Here’s a quick video on how to craft an effective scholarship recommendation letter:

Don’t feel you can honestly provide a positive recommendation? Gently decline their request for a letter. Avoid putting yourself in a position where you will have to be insincere. You don’t want to write something negative because it could cost the student an opportunity to earn a scholarship. 

Sample Recommendation Letters for Scholarship Applications

1. general scholarship recommendation letter.

This is a great sample scholarship letter if you’re trying to offer a rounded view of a student’s performance in high school. You’ll include information about your experience with them as well as your thoughts on their potential success in a higher-education setting.

2. Sample Rhodes Scholarship letter 

If your student is a candidate for a prestigious award such as the Rhodes Scholarship, this sample scholarship letter will give you an idea of what to share with the selection committee. With these types of recommendation letters, you want to provide as much praise and positive information as possible.

3. Scholarship letter for math students

There are many great scholarship opportunities for strong math students. This sample recommendation letter outlines how to share not only your student’s math talents but the other traits that make them a good candidate as well.

4. Leadership scholarship sample letter

This helpful scholarship recommendation letter offers an example for highlighting leadership skills. Back up your endorsement by sharing specific situations as well as participation in any committees, programs, and events where your student excelled.

5. Scholarship letter for international studies

Does your student plan to go abroad? If so, review this sample for writing a strong letter of recommendation for this specific type of scholarship. Be sure to include evidence as to why you believe your student is well rounded and exceptional. 

6. Environmentalist scholarship letter

Has one of your students decided to pursue a degree in environmental sciences and wildlife? If so, this scholarship recommendation letter is a good example because it concisely highlights their strengths and shares why they would make a good candidate.

7. Scholarship letter for students who need financial assistance

No one should miss out on a college education because they can’t afford to pay. You can help them overcome this barrier! This excellent sample letter of recommendation shows the details to include for scholarships based on financial need. 

8. Scholarship recommendation letter for STEM students

There are many scholarships for students who plan to pursue a career in STEM fields. If you’ve been asked to write a letter of recommendation for this type of scholarship, this sample will give you a good idea of what to include. 

9. Greek society scholarship letter sample

Fraternities and sororities can be a great source of financial support for college and university students. Review this sample recommendation letter for scholarship applications for Greek society candidates.

10. Personal endorsement for scholarships

This sample recommendation letter for a scholarship application is best when you can’t vouch for the prospective student’s academic performance but want to share information about their personal character and how it relates to the scholarship program. 

Do you have a great sample recommendation letter for scholarship applications? Please share it in the comments below!

Plus, check out  the ultimate guide to college scholarships, want more articles like this be sure to subscribe to our newsletters ..

You Might Also Like

Tips for Writing a Genuine and Powerful College Recommendation Letter

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Simple or basic doesn’t have to be a bad thing. In fact, sometimes a simple resume template is the best approach for a variety of positions. Our simple styles keep the focus on your accomplishments , experience, education and everything in between. After all, shouldn’t you be the star of the show?

Just because your resume template is simple doesn’t mean your resume has to be. In general, it’s best to leave off “obvious” or “expected” skills like MS Word or internet research. Same goes with unrelated, outdated or irrelevant experience.

Simple templates are versatile and work well across a variety of fields and job titles . In fact, some hiring managers prefer these stripped-down designs because it allows them to really evaluate the candidate’s qualifications. So check out this classic collection of templates and don’t be afraid to keep things simple!

When to pick a basic or simple resume template

Basic or Simple templates are best for situations where your experience needs to speak for itself. Candidates applying for positions in transport and logistics , maintenance and repair , retail or food service can all benefit from simple resume templates. A basic or simple template sends the message that you’re a clean and organized candidate who’s ready to get the job done.

While professions involving physical activity and labor can benefit from a simple layout, these templates are also great for students and those applying to entry-level positions. Before you go bold with loud colors and untraditional fonts, you may want to test the application pool waters with a simple template that keeps the focus on your experience.

To make the most out of your basic template, make sure to keep the writing clean and professional. Since you don’t have many pictures or colors to catch a recruiter’s eye, you’ll want to use strong action verbs that accurately capture your accomplishments. As always, proofreading your resume for grammar and spelling errors is a must.

Top 5 why choose a simple layout

• You are looking for a clean and streamlined resume
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What makes a simple resume/ CV template

A simple or basic resume template is defined by a clean and consistent look with strong lines separating categories and leading the eye through the template. Most of these templates use a grayscale color scheme to create a subdued feel where the focus is on the actual content of the resume. Compared with other types of free templates, simple resumes place more emphasis on the body of the resume instead of the top.

The importance of a visual elements in your resume is as important as its content. Effective job searches start with visually striking, technically functional and a content-optimized Resume

Top 10 parts of a simple resume template

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When you’re ready to submit your resume, you want to be sure that the format you created is the format the hiring manager sees. That’s why our templates give you the option to download your resume as a PDF or Word docx file without changing the formatting. A PDF guarantees your resume will look the same on any screen or device. However, docx files are requested by some online application systems and are useful if you need to adjust your resume offline. Our docx file downloads match the exact layout of the PDF, so whichever file type you choose you can rest assured that a perfectly formatted resume is in your hands.

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to find the best resume templates, add your personal touches and land your dream position in a few easy clicks! Don't forget to add matching simple cover letters to your resume. Each CV template has a matching cover letter template you can use to send along with your resume. Benefit from having access to the best resume examples and an easy to use system that does the work for you!

Create a great resume from scratch with the assistance of our resume builder that walks you through the process.  With the help of our experts, Resume.io breaks down the right formula for writing your resume with our writing guides/writing tips. Our Resume.io mission is to help job seekers grow careers. We love helping people stand out in their job search and get hired faster. Feel free to check out our Youtube resume template video show you the way to your new job. 

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A fax cover sheet plays a crucial role when sending faxes online, ensuring the protection of your fax's contents once delivered. It serves to identify the sender, the recipient, the subject, and can also offer a brief overview of the attached document's contents.  ‍ Beyond just safeguarding your message, fax cover sheets are versatile tools that can add clarity and detail about the recipient, enhancing the overall communication. Customize cover sheets with your branding or essential information to make your faxes stand out.

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Fax.Plus offers three methods of using cover sheets to meet your fax communication needs.

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Alphabet Printables and Activities for Preschool and Kindergarten

These alphabet printables and activities are perfect for preschool and kindergarten students. They cover letter recognition, letter sounds and more! 

With over 300 pages of printable alphabet activities , this printable pack is sure to keep the kids engaged!

Alphabet Printables

Are you looking for  alphabet printables that are both fun and effective for kids ? Then you have come to the right place!

I wanted to develop a fun set of hands-on printables that would be great for pre-k and kindergarten students to use to learn the alphabet. And they also had to be activities that would be simple and easy for teachers and parents to set up and use.

This set of alphabet printables is perfect for parents or teachers who are ready to start phonics instruction with the kids they teach.

ABC Printables 

These printable alphabet activities would be great to use in alphabet centers or literacy centers in the classroom as well as at home with parents.

Save time prepping and planning fun ways to teach the alphabet. These alphabet printables and activities are going to make it so much easier on you!

List of Printable Alphabet Activities

My kids really enjoy these Spot the Letter Mats. Children will search the mat for objects that start with the letter in the middle of the mat. Slip in dry-erase sleeves and mark objects with dry-erase marker. Or laminate and mark with pom poms, craft gems or other small objects.

These Beginning Sounds Clip Wheels develop fine motor skills while teaching the children to identify beginning letter sounds. Each wheel includes 4 objects that correspond to the letter in the middle. Children will mark the correct pictures with clothespins.

This Beginning Sounds Mazes are a fun way to learn letter sounds! These bright and colorful mazes are visually engaging and great for developing visual tracking skills which are also necessary for reading.

These Alphabet Mini Books were a labor of love for me. They were quite time-consuming to make, but my kids love making mini books! They are different from my usual printable because they are in black and white, but I love that they are interactive and my kids enjoy coloring in all of the pictures.

I have included two whole pages for each letter . Use only the first page for younger children and then add in the second page for older or more advanced learners.

Even if you aren’t sure your kids will enjoy them, I encourage you to give them a shot. My son is a very reluctant reader and writer, but if you put something in a mini book format that he can color and put together himself, he is much more engaged and willing to participate in the activity. He loves these books!

Printable Beginning Sounds Alphabet Activities

Play a fun game of Alphabet Bingo! I included a letter version and a beginning sounds version so this is great for kids at varying levels of ability. To start, children can match lowercase to lowercase and then lowercase to uppercase and eventually move on to matching letters to beginning sounds. Mix and match all of the pieces as you see fit.

Do you kids like doing puzzles? Then they will enjoy these uppercase and lowercase letter puzzles!

These Beginning Sounds Sorting Mats are perfect for literacy centers or homeschooling! Use one mat to sort letters and corresponding sounds.

These Alphabet Play Dough Mats make learning the alphabet hands-on and fun! Trace the letters with play dough and then find the pictures that start with that sound.

Look at the pictures on the mat and match the corresponding letter bead to each picture. These Beginning Sounds I Spy Mats make learning the alphabet hands-on and engaging!

These Beginning Sounds Puzzles are perfect for kids who love to do puzzles. Forget the flash cards and give these puzzles a go instead!

Hands-On Alphabet Printables

If your kids like to color, than they will LOVE this Color by Letter activity. This is great for developing pencil control and fine motor skills too.

This Alphabet Dominoes game is a fun way to play and learn the alphabet. Or use this board game to learn the alphabet!

These classic alphabet clip cards come in two different versions. Match uppercase letters to the corresponding lowercase match or match a beginning sound picture to the corresponding letter.

These dot the letter mazes are always a hit with my kids! Use Do-a-Dot markers to mark each letter or use small objects like craft pom poms of craft gems if you would like to reuse them again and again.

One of my kids favorite activities is this Roll and Dot the Letter activity. Make alphabet dice with small foam cubes and a permanent marker. Then roll the dice and mark the letter. If you want to make this reusable you can laminate and use small objects to mark the letters. You can even make it a game… The first person to get 5 letters in a row, wins!

Get the Alphabet Printable Pack

My hope is that these alphabet printables and activities will lead to lots of fun and learning for your kids!

If you buy this pack, you will have a bunch of pre-planned alphabet activities and games for your kids or students to enjoy! This will require little prep from you. Just print, cut and laminate (if you would like).

I even made many of the printables in a way that would limit the amount of cuts you need to make. All in an effort to make this as quick and easy as possible for you!

I hope you and your kids enjoy it!

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