how to write a cover letter for a job in another country

Letter Templates & Example

Top Cover Letter Sample for Overseas Job: Stand Out and Get Hired

Hello, job seekers! Are you planning to land a job overseas? If so, have you thought about how you’re going to present yourself to potential employers? One of the most important documents you need to prepare is a cover letter that showcases your skills and qualifications. Fortunately, we have some great cover letter sample for overseas job that you can use as a reference or edit as you please.

A well-crafted cover letter can make all the difference when it comes to snagging a job offer. It’s your opportunity to introduce yourself and explain why you’re the perfect fit for the job. By using our cover letter sample for overseas job, you can easily customize it to meet the employer’s requirements and show them what makes you stand out from other candidates.

The best part is, our cover letter sample for overseas job is free for all to access. We understand how daunting it can be to write a cover letter, especially if English is not your first language. That’s why we’ve provided various examples that you can choose from, depending on the type of job you’re applying for.

In conclusion, we highly recommend using our cover letter sample for overseas job as a guide to help you create your own outstanding cover letter. Remember to tailor it to the specific job you’re applying for and showcase your skills and experience. Good luck in your job search!

The Best Structure for a Cover Letter for Overseas Jobs

Are you considering applying for an overseas job and want to make sure your cover letter stands out? Having a well-structured cover letter can be the key to securing an interview and landing your dream job. Here are some tips on how to structure your cover letter when applying for overseas jobs.

1. Introduction

Start your cover letter with a strong introduction that grabs the reader’s attention. Introduce yourself and explain why you are applying for the position. You can also include a brief overview of your qualifications and experience.

2. Highlight your experience

When applying for overseas jobs, it’s important to highlight your international experience. This could include experience working or traveling overseas, language skills, or experience working with diverse cultures. Make sure to explain how this experience has prepared you for the position you are applying for.

3. Address cultural differences

Many overseas jobs require applicants to address cultural differences in their cover letter. Research the culture of the country or region you are applying for and explain how your experience and skills make you a good fit for the organization’s culture.

4. Highlight your qualifications

Including your qualifications and technical skills is important when applying for overseas jobs. Make sure to highlight your qualifications and explain how they make you a good fit for the position.

5. Closing remarks

End your cover letter with a strong closing statement that summarizes why you are the best candidate for the job. Thank the employer for their consideration and express your eagerness to meet in person to discuss the position further.

In conclusion, when writing your cover letter for an overseas job, it’s important to structure it in a way that highlights your international experience, cultural awareness, qualifications, and technical skills. With a well-structured cover letter, you can increase your chances of securing an interview and ultimately landing your dream job. Good luck!

Cover Letter Samples for Overseas Job

For advancement opportunity.

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the opening position of [Job Title] in [Company Name]. I believe that my [Number of Years] years of experience in [Field/Area] and my excellent communication skills make me a perfect fit for your company.

I have worked for [Previous Company] for over [Number of Years] years and have been a part of many successful projects. However, I am now seeking an international work opportunity to advance my career and challenge myself. I am confident that I can bring my knowledge and skills to your team, and I am excited about the prospect of learning and growing within a new culture and environment.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best regards, [Your Name]

For Cultural Immersion

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I am excited at the idea of immersing myself in a new culture and learning from the experiences of others.

I am enthusiastic about the prospect of working for a company like yours that values cross-cultural communication and diversity in the workplace. My [Number of Years] years of experience in [Field/Area] and my language skills in [Language] allow me to interact effectively with people from different backgrounds.

I am confident that my skills and experience make me an excellent candidate for this position. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

For Personal Growth

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I believe the experience gained through this role can provide me with invaluable personal growth and development.

Throughout my [Number of Years] years of experience in [Field/Area], I have developed a strong foundation in [Skill/Expertise]. I am confident that my skills and experience make me an asset to your team.

I am excited about the prospect of being part of a dynamic team and sharing my ideas and knowledge with colleagues. I am eager to learn from others and develop my skills to become a valuable member of your organization.

Thank you for considering my application.

For Job Security

I am writing to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. My previous experience in [Field/Area] and my [Skill/Expertise] make me confident that I can make a valuable contribution to your team.

I am seeking a career opportunity that offers job security, and I believe that working for your company will provide me with the stability that I need. I am confident that my skills and experience will allow me to excel in this role and grow within the company.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you.

Regards, [Your Name]

For Better Work-Life Balance

I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. My [Number of Years] years of experience in [Field/Area] have given me a strong foundation in [Skill/Expertise].

I am seeking a career opportunity that can provide me with better work-life balance. I believe that your company’s values align with my personal beliefs and professional goals. I am confident that my skills and experience make me an asset to your team and I am excited about the prospect of growing with your company.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

For Career Change

I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] as I am looking for a career change. Throughout my [Number of Years] of experience in [Current Field/Area], I have developed the skills required for [Skill/Expertise].

I am passionate about working in a new field and challenging myself to learn new skills. I believe that your company’s values and culture align with my personal beliefs and professional goals. I am confident that my previous experience and skills make me an excellent candidate for this role.

For Family Relocation

I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. My [Number of Years] years of experience in [Field/Area] have given me a valuable skill set in [Skill/Expertise] that I believe can make a significant contribution to your team.

I am seeking an international work opportunity as my family is relocating to [Country]. I am confident that my language skills in [Language] and my experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds make me an excellent candidate for this role.

Tips for Writing a Cover Letter for an Overseas Job

When applying for a job overseas, your cover letter plays a critical role in getting you noticed by potential employers. Here are some tips to help you craft a compelling cover letter:

Research the employer and the position

Before writing your cover letter, research the company and the job you are applying for. Knowing the company’s mission, values, and culture will help you customize your cover letter to fit with the company’s tone and style. Similarly, studying the job description and requirements will help you highlight your relevant skills and experience.

Personalize your cover letter

Avoid sending a generic cover letter that you have used for multiple job applications. Instead, personalize your cover letter for each job application by addressing the specific needs of the employer and the job. This will demonstrate your interest in the job and make your application stand out.

Showcase your accomplishments

Your cover letter should highlight your accomplishments and skills, especially those that directly relate to the job you are applying for. Instead of simply listing your experience or education, focus on how you have contributed to past employers or how your skills will help you excel in the position you are applying for.

Highlight your international experience

If you have experience working or studying abroad, be sure to highlight this in your cover letter. This will demonstrate your flexibility, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication skills – all of which are highly valued by overseas employers.

Keep it concise and professional

Remember, a cover letter is a professional document, so keep it concise, well-organized, and error-free. Use a professional tone, avoid slang or jargon, and always proofread your cover letter before submitting it.

Following these tips will help you write a great cover letter for an overseas job. Good luck!

FAQs Related to Cover Letter Sample for Overseas Job What should I include in my cover letter for an overseas job?

In your cover letter for an overseas job, you should include your motivation for applying for the job, your relevant experience and skills, and why you would be a good fit for the job and the culture of the country you are applying to.

How should I address my cover letter?

You should address your cover letter to the hiring manager or recruiter by name, if possible. If you are unsure of who to address your letter to, you can use a generic greeting such as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern.”

What format should I use for my cover letter?

You should use a professional and formal format for your cover letter. It should be single-spaced, with a clear font and font size, and have a maximum of one page in length.

What should I avoid including in my cover letter?

You should avoid including irrelevant or personal information, such as your age, marital status, or hobbies. You should also avoid using too much jargon or technical terms that may not be understood by the hiring manager or recruiter.

Should I mention my language skills in my cover letter?

Yes, if you are applying for a job overseas, it is important to mention your language skills and proficiency level in your cover letter. This can help you stand out from other candidates and show that you are able to communicate effectively with clients or colleagues in the language of the country you are applying to.

What is the best way to end my cover letter?

You should end your cover letter with a strong closing statement that summarizes your interest in the job and your qualifications. You can also mention your availability for an interview and thank the hiring manager or recruiter for their time and consideration.

How do I tailor my cover letter for a specific country culture?

You should do research on the culture and customs of the country you are applying to, and tailor your cover letter accordingly. For example, if the country values politeness and respect, you should use formal greetings and avoid slang or casual language. You should also highlight how your experience and skills can align with the needs and values of the country and the organization you are applying to.

Thanks for Reading!

I hope this cover letter sample has been helpful for those looking to apply for jobs overseas. Remember to always customize your cover letter to fit the job description and company culture. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Don’t forget to visit our website again for more job seeking tips and resources! Good luck with your job search!

Crack Your Dream Job Abroad with Our Cover Letter for Overseas Job Template 5 Effective Letter of Introduction for Job Example Templates for 2021 Sparkle with Success: Use Our Cover Letter Template for Jewelry Top Cover Letter Sample for CNC Machinist: Get Hired Faster! 10 Impressive Cover Letter Examples for Any Job to Help You Stand Out 10 Best Cover Letter Templates for Job: Impress Employers with a Professional Cover Letter

• Creative Letter
• Cover Letter
• Cover Letter for Job Application Abroad Sample

In today's globalized world, many individuals are seeking job opportunities abroad. Whether it's for career growth, cultural immersion, or personal development, applying for a job in a foreign country can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, one crucial aspect of the application process is submitting a cover letter that highlights your qualifications and explains your motivation for working abroad. In this article, we will provide you with sample cover letters for job applications abroad to help you craft a compelling and professional letter.

These sample letters will serve as a guide to help you structure and format your own cover letter. Each example will showcase different scenarios and industries, allowing you to tailor the content to your specific needs. By following these templates, you will be able to showcase your skills, demonstrate your interest in the position and the country, and increase your chances of landing a job abroad.

Letter Example 1: Applying for an International Marketing Manager Position

Letter example 2: applying for an english teacher position in japan, suggestions for writing an effective cover letter for job applications abroad, conclusions, q: what should i include in my cover letter for a job application abroad, q: how can i make my cover letter stand out to international employers, q: should i mention my willingness to relocate in my cover letter, q: can i use a template for my cover letter, examples of cover letters for job applications abroad.

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the International Marketing Manager position at XYZ Company. With my extensive experience in marketing and my passion for cross-cultural communication, I believe I would be a valuable asset to your team. My international background and language skills make me well-suited for this role, as I have successfully managed marketing campaigns in diverse markets.

During my tenure at ABC Company, I spearheaded several global marketing initiatives that resulted in a significant increase in brand awareness and market share. I am confident that my strategic thinking, strong analytical skills, and ability to adapt to different cultural contexts would greatly contribute to the success of XYZ Company's international marketing efforts.

I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the goals and vision of XYZ Company. Thank you for considering my application.

Dear Principal,

I am writing to apply for the English Teacher position at ABC School in Japan. As a dedicated and experienced English teacher with a passion for fostering language acquisition and cultural exchange, I believe I would be an excellent fit for your institution. My previous teaching experiences in diverse international settings have equipped me with the skills and knowledge to succeed in this role.

During my time teaching English as a Second Language in South Korea, I implemented creative and engaging lesson plans that catered to students' individual needs and learning styles. My ability to build rapport with students, create a positive classroom environment, and foster a love for language learning has consistently resulted in improved student performance and satisfaction.

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the educational development of students at ABC School and immerse myself in the rich culture of Japan. Thank you for considering my application.

Yours sincerely,

Emily Johnson

• Research the company and position thoroughly to tailor your letter to their specific needs and requirements.
• Showcase your language skills and international experience to demonstrate your ability to navigate different cultural contexts.
• Highlight your achievements and accomplishments that are relevant to the position you are applying for.
• Emphasize your motivation for working abroad and your willingness to adapt and learn in a new environment.

Writing a cover letter for a job application abroad requires careful thought and consideration. By following the sample letters provided in this article and incorporating the suggested tips, you can create a compelling cover letter that showcases your qualifications and increases your chances of securing a job abroad.

A: Your cover letter should include information about your qualifications, relevant experience, language skills, and motivation for working abroad. It should also be tailored to the specific job and company you are applying to.

A: To make your cover letter stand out to international employers, emphasize your language skills, international experience, and adaptability. Show how these qualities make you a valuable asset to their organization.

A: Yes, it is important to mention your willingness to relocate in your cover letter for a job application abroad. This demonstrates your commitment and flexibility to work in a different country.

A: While it's acceptable to use a template as a starting point, it is important to customize your cover letter to fit the specific job and company you are applying to. Tailoring your letter will make it more effective and show your genuine interest in the position.

• Cover Letter for Architecture Internship
• Cover Letter for Physical Therapy

Related Posts

Cover Letter for Sales Development Representative

Cover Letter for Front Desk

Cover Letter for Activities Coordinator

Cover Letter for Call Center

Cover letter for flight attendant with no experience

Covering Letter for Australia Tourist Visa

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This website uses its own and third-party cookies to guarantee you the best experience on our website. Cookies

• Français ( French )

How to write a CV and a cover letter to work internationally?

Contact us to learn more about our programs

Would you like to join us?

How to make a CV to work internationally?

There is no single template for international applications. On the other hand, it is wise to adapt to the recruitment methods of the countries you contact.

• First of all, the language used to write a CV must be that of the host country. Thus, the formulations must be mastered, the syntax and spelling without mistakes. Any unclear and poorly written application will be overlooked by the competition. At the same time, writing a CV in English (American or British, be sure to adapt to the recipient’s origin. The choice of words or expressions may differ greatly) is an additional asset to convince and show your motivation to work internationally.
• Germany appreciates having as much information as possible on the civil status (parents’ profession, religious denomination, family situation…) in order to better target the candidate’s profile. The organization should remain basic, without layout effects. The past of employees is of great interest to German recruiters. It is therefore important to present, without too much detail, all experiences and training since college (dates of activities, job title). The CV must be signed and dated by hand to attest to the veracity of the information.
• In the United States, on the other hand, discrimination law requires that personal information be kept to a minimum. The candidates maintain a certain discretion, the description must remain more standard (Name, first name, address, telephone). American recruiters appreciate direct and incisive wording, especially through the use of action verbs. It is strongly recommended that personal goals be mentioned to understand the candidate’s motivation. The highlighting of any publications in the context of your studies is a very good indicator for the recruiter.
• Halfway between American and French customs, the Quebecers do not include any elements relating to private life, and no photograph either. On the other hand, mentioning your goals and career plan is essential for your application. Quebec recruiters will be more interested in describing your skills than in listing your diplomas.
• As for Japan, it has very strict conventions. As such, it offers predefined structures. It is called Rirekisho. The models can be found in bookstores or supermarkets. The CV must be handwritten, in black ink. It is sent by mail, and not by email as is customary. The use of a large envelope is also required. Indeed, folding documents is extremely badly perceived on this side of the world. Photocopying is also a very bad signal to recruiters.

What are the elements to avoid in an international CV?

The first mistake to avoid when writing a resume is word-for-word translation. The risk is to give the impression of a too fragile mastery of the English language. A recurring trap is also that of “false friends”.

• The Curriculum Vitae is translated as “Resume”. However, it is by no means a simple summary.
• The term Grande école is the perfect example. It does not translate to “High school” (this term refers to high school). The French term is kept in this case. Example, “Grande école of Engineering”.
• In the United States, “company” is the term used to describe a business, while the British use the term “entreprise” or “business”.

Beware of the equivalence of diplomas. Understanding and targeting language equivalencies is necessary before writing an international CV.

• The BTS will be translated as “2 year technical degree”.
• The master degree will be translated as “Master degree” or “Bachelor”.

Depending on the country, the use of the photo can be divisive. In the past, it was not acceptable to send a CV without a photo. Today, this is much more likely to be considered, especially because of the fear of companies to be accused of discrimination in hiring. However, some countries are still resisting and perceive the use of photography badly:

• United States
• New Zealand
• United Kingdom

Example of an international CV

First and last name Full address Email Phone number

Brief description of the objective and profile of the candidate

Title of the job

• List of positions
• Year of activity and country of residence.
• Brief description of positions held
• Name of the company

A map of the world with colored areas to locate the spaces in which you have worked allows you to focus your resume towards a mobile and international profile.

• Years of degree obtained
• Type of diploma
• University of graduation
• Brief summary of skills obtained.

At the bottom of the page, describe any additional skills that may complement your profile. Mastery of foreign languages, computer tools, various hobbies…

How to write a cover letter for an international career?

The cover letter is not mandatory, but let’s face it, it would be a shame to skip over such a crucial element for the recruiter. It makes the difference between the two. Even if it has elements in common with a classic cover letter (diplomas, objectives, hobbies…), facing an international audience adds an extra challenge to the task.

• The first essential point concerns the candidate’s motivation to work abroad rather than in his or her country of origin. The question may seem perfunctory, but the reasons for studying elsewhere are of real importance to schools or companies. It must appear as a conscious and thoughtful choice.
• Chances are you will not be the only international student in your program. Therefore, it is important to emphasize your interest in the exchange and in meeting new people. Shy or extroverted, recruiters want to see your ability to adapt to multicultural interactions. This should be a major motivation in your application.

What are the elements to avoid in an international cover letter?

• A common mistake is to turn the focus of the cover letter on yourself. Mentioning one’s aspirations may seem legitimate, but the recruiter wants above all to know what the candidate can bring to the company. What is the point of selecting one student over another? It is important to put yourself in the recruiter’s shoes.
• There is no need to copy what you have already mentioned in your CV. The cover letter should be complementary and provide new information about your application.
• Too much neutrality can be discriminatory. The cover letter remains a space for expression, the recruiter wants to get a glimpse of your personality. Don’t stick to a standard, administrative style. Make the recruiter want to meet you.

Sample cover letter to work internationally

Here is a synthetic example of a cover letter for international work:

• Fill in the subject of your application.
• Madam, Sir,

After doing a lot of research on the possibilities of working abroad, I decided to put together an international mobility file. I chose your company because it corresponds in every way to my objectives and skills. My past experiences in the field make my application particularly legitimate for this position. I am convinced that my previous trainings as well as my experience in companies will bring a lot to your company.

My choice of residence is your country because multicultural exchange is at the heart of my professional orientation. It is a great source of interest and enrichment for my future employment.

Yours sincerely

• Master International Business: program, opportunities, eligibility
• International Bachelor’s degree: specialties, opportunities, prices
• Making a career in an international organization
• Everything you need to know about the international degree: validity abroad, double degree
• International political science: definition, opportunities, training

How to Write a Relocation Cover Letter

  Quick Navigation:

Why do you need a relocation cover letter?

How to write a relocation cover letter, relocation cover letter template.

Applicants use a relocation cover letter to express interest in an organization that would require relocating to be able to accept the job. It can influence the employer to give you a chance to interview with them and answer any logistical questions they have. This article explains the steps for writing a relocation cover letter to open up additional job opportunities.

Writing a relocation cover letter is important if you’re looking for work in another city, state or country. Make sure to address why an employer should invest time and resources in you. A relocation cover letter answers questions about your location before you step into an interview room with an employer. 

Here are some steps you can follow to write and format a relocation cover letter: 

1. First, provide your contact information 

Give the employer the necessary contact information so they can contact you directly if they’re interested in your candidacy. Add your first and last name, physical address, city, state, zip code, a phone number and an email address before moving on to the next step. 

Philip Stanley 302 Grover Drive Smithtown, NY 11780  555-555-5555 [email protected]

2. Second, list the date you’re submitting your cover letter and the organization’s details 

Leave a space after your contact information and list the date you’re sending the cover letter. Target the letter to the human resources director or hiring manager. You’ll need to add the company’s information under the HR contact’s name. 

January 3, 2020

Ms. Janet O’Malley  Human Resources Manager  Flash Content Agency  650 South Franklin Avenue Orlando, FL 32804

3. Third, write an opening greeting 

The opening greeting formally initiates the dialogue you’re having with the employer.

‘Dear. Ms. O’Malley’

4. Fourth, state the reason why you’re writing a relocation cover letter 

You’re writing the cover letter to show your interest in the position you are applying for. Showing your interest is vital, so the employer knows from the beginning that you’re committed to working for them. You also want to show that you know the steps you need to take will differ from accepting a position in your area. 

‘Flash Content Agency’s recent job posting for the Sales Manager position has attracted my interest. It’s been my goal to move to the Sunshine State, and I think this the right opportunity for me. I believe the skills and experience I have make me a qualified candidate for this position. I have attached my resume to be further considered for this role.’

5. Fifth, list the skills you bring to the position you’re applying for

After you list why you’re interested in the position, provide evidence of your experience that demonstrates your qualifications as a candidate. Use quantifiable statistics when possible to draw attention to the results you’ve produced for other organizations. 

‘Some of the skills and experience that I can offer include:

• 5 years of experience selling content services to clients 
• Responsible for the increase of customers by 20 percent annually over the last three years 
• Extensive knowledge of lead generation and sales cycles 
• Robust technological, interpersonal and problem-solving skills 
• A team-oriented mindset that focuses on the company’s success’

6. Next, state when you’ll be visiting the area

Reiterate how your contributions will be valuable to the organization and show your interest in speaking with them directly in addition to the next time you’re in the area. 

‘Again, I believe that my expertise in sales would allow me to become a vital member of the team at Flash Content Agency. I would like to speak with you further about this opportunity, and how I can be in service to the organization. I am available for travel to meet in person, so please advise the best time to meet regarding the open Sales Manager position.’

7. Finally, finish your cover letter and conclude with a salutation and your name

Complete the cover letter with a short conclusion, along with a salutation and your name. You can use the conclusion to show your willingness to move to the city where the job is located to demonstrate your commitment. 

‘As I plan to relocate to Orlando, I am prepared to cover any relocation costs. 

Thank you for your consideration for this position.

Sincerely, Philip Stanley’

Here’s a relocation letter template that you can use as a guide to write your own: 

[First and Last Name] [Physical Address] [City, State and Zip Code] [Phone Number] [Email Address]

[Date of when the application is sent to the employer]

[Dear First Name and Last Name of the Human Resources Director or Hiring Manager],

[Beginning of the body paragraph. State your interest in relocating for this job opportunity. State that you’re the right for the position and refer to your resume as well.] 

[Discuss the skills and experience that make you a qualified candidate for the position. You can list them in bullet points or in paragraph form.]

[Reiterate your confidence that the position is the right fit for you and express that you want to speak with them in person. List specific dates that you’ll be in the area for them to meet with you.]

[Conclude by showing your willingness to relocate and thank them for considering your candidacy for this position.]

[Sincerely, First and Last Name]

10 tips for writing a great international job application

Writing resumes and cover letters is hard. Writing resumes and cover letters in another language is even harder. But we think that stepping out of your comfort zone to follow your dreams of working abroad is awesome (and worth all of the application writing agony), so we’re here to help you to (literally) get there.

Most job offers start with a good application and every good application is preceded by research and more research – this helpful article might be a good starting point. Then, some of these tips should do the trick:

1. Know your resume from your CV

Even though the words are used interchangeably in English, a resume and a CV are not the same document.

Your CV is a detailed list of your career, education, and achievements – it includes (almost) everything you’ve ever done and doesn’t change for different job applications. Now, if a CV were a full-length film about your career, the resume would be the trailer: It’s much shorter – preferably one but never more than two pages – and changes as you have to tailor it to the job you’re applying for. The resume basically only covers the skills and achievements that are important for a particular job and should give the hiring manager an overview of who you are and what you can bring to the company.

2. And know when to use which

But wait, there’s more – the two documents are also used differently across the world: According to Undercover Recruiter , North Americans usually prefer resumes (unless it’s requested otherwise or you apply for an academic or research-oriented job), while recruiters and employers in the UK, Ireland, Europe, and New Zealand generally only use CVs. To make things a little easier, Australians, Indians, and South Africans use the terms interchangeably and, as a rule of thumb, resumes seem to be preferred in the private sector whereas CVs are used for public service positions. However, it will be best to ask (the HR office or a local friend) how much detail you need to provide.

3. Pick the right language

Write the application in the language the job ad is in. You can always add a translated version if the job ad language is not the country’s native language. (For example, if you reply to an English-speaking job ad in Germany, you could add both the English and the German application, but English will have priority.) You might also just have LinkedIn profiles in different languages and send the link instead of another document.

4. Customize, customize, customize

Always tailor your application to the country, the job, and the company – if you have an exceptional application that shows that you’ve done your research, you might get away with any missing or wrong formalities. Pick only the best and most relevant parts of your CV for your resume or cover letter, and edit, delete, and rearrange mercilessly to hook your audience.

5. Be open about your work permit and language skills

Add your visa status and mention the kind of permit you have. Do not hide or leave out this information, as the recruiter will find out eventually, so save them time and be honest about your status. The same goes for language skills: If you indicated that you’re fluent in a language, native speakers will immediately know if that’s true. This is not the place to cheat and exaggerate.

6. Play by the photo rules

Adding a professional-looking and high-resolution photo to your application is not always a good idea: In the U.S., Canada, the UK, and Australia, you would never attach a photo. In Germany and France, you have to add a photo. It’s important to do your research here – too many applications get thrown into the trash because they don’t follow the (photo) rules. (This is usually not because you’re not photogenic but for legal reasons, as employers don’t want to risk being accused of discrimination based on appearance.) If you’re not sure about the photo, you can always add your ( personalized ) LinkedIn URL to your resume header – that way, the recruiter/HR person still has a chance to see what you look like.

7. Meet the ultimate shortcut for European countries

If you want to work in Europe, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel when applying for jobs: Check out Europass , an online tool that will help you get all of the necessary documents to show off your skills and qualifications in an easy-to-understand way that also includes templates for your CV and cover letter.

8. Sweat the little things

When you do your research, pay particular attention to the details that can make or break an application before anyone even reads about your achievements and experience: In Germany, for example, you have to sign and date your CV at the bottom. In Japan, you have to fill out (sometimes by hand!) a rirekisho , a Japanese resume with very strict rules, or a shokumu keirekisho that shows off your work experience. In a lot of European countries, you are expected to share your age (date of birth), marital status and even the number of children, which would be an absolute deal breaker in the United States (so don’t do it!). Other important details that are different from country to country are the inclusion (or omission) of a career objective, references, ( converted ) grades, and the number of documents you need so send along with your application.

9. Get the numbers right

Let’s focus on even more details: You’ll score major points when you add the country code to your phone number and maybe even mention the time difference. The same goes for getting the date right (order of month, day, and year), and choose the correct paper format (in case the application gets printed). This shows that you’ve done your homework and really are as detail-oriented as you claim to be.

10. Ask for help

Job applications always deserve all of the spell-checking and proofreading there is. If you can, have a native speaker, who knows a thing or two about grammar, style, and applications, go over the documents. If you want to apply for a job in a certain country and are willing to do whatever it takes, hiring a local professional resume writer might be a good investment.

Test your English in minutes

How it works

Transform your enterprise with the scalable mindsets, skills, & behavior change that drive performance.

Explore how BetterUp connects to your core business systems.

We pair AI with the latest in human-centered coaching to drive powerful, lasting learning and behavior change.

Build leaders that accelerate team performance and engagement.

Unlock performance potential at scale with AI-powered curated growth journeys.

Build resilience, well-being and agility to drive performance across your entire enterprise.

Transform your business, starting with your sales leaders.

Unlock business impact from the top with executive coaching.

Foster a culture of inclusion and belonging.

Accelerate the performance and potential of your agencies and employees.

See how innovative organizations use BetterUp to build a thriving workforce.

Discover how BetterUp measurably impacts key business outcomes for organizations like yours.

A demo is the first step to transforming your business. Meet with us to develop a plan for attaining your goals.

• What is coaching?

Learn how 1:1 coaching works, who its for, and if it's right for you.

Accelerate your personal and professional growth with the expert guidance of a BetterUp Coach.

Types of Coaching

Navigate career transitions, accelerate your professional growth, and achieve your career goals with expert coaching.

Enhance your communication skills for better personal and professional relationships, with tailored coaching that focuses on your needs.

Find balance, resilience, and well-being in all areas of your life with holistic coaching designed to empower you.

Discover your perfect match : Take our 5-minute assessment and let us pair you with one of our top Coaches tailored just for you.

Research, expert insights, and resources to develop courageous leaders within your organization.

Best practices, research, and tools to fuel individual and business growth.

View on-demand BetterUp events and learn about upcoming live discussions.

The latest insights and ideas for building a high-performing workplace.

• BetterUp Briefing

The online magazine that helps you understand tomorrow's workforce trends, today.

Innovative research featured in peer-reviewed journals, press, and more.

Founded in 2022 to deepen the understanding of the intersection of well-being, purpose, and performance

We're on a mission to help everyone live with clarity, purpose, and passion.

Join us and create impactful change.

Read the buzz about BetterUp.

Meet the leadership that's passionate about empowering your workforce.

For Business

For Individuals

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

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

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

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

What is a cover letter and why does it matter?

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

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

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

What 3 things should you include in a cover letter?

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

1. Personalization

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

2. Highlight relevant achievements and skills

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

3. Show enthusiasm and fit

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

What do hiring managers look for in a cover letter?

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

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

Clear and concise writing

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

Demonstrated knowledge of the company

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

Achievements and accomplishments

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

Enthusiasm and motivation

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

Professionalism

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

How do you structure a cover letter?

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

Contact information

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

Employer's contact information

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

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

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

How to write a good cover letter (with examples)

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

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

1. Add a header and contact information

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

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

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

Christopher Pike

San Francisco, California

[email protected]

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

Warm regards,

Catherine Janeway

Bloomington, Indiana

[email protected]

(555) 999 - 2222

2. Include a personal greeting

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

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

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

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

3. Draw them in with an opening story

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

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

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

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

“Dear Mr. John Doe,

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

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

4. Emphasize why you’re best for the job

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

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

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

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

Highlight how you fulfill these requirements:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tips to write a great cover letter that compliments your resume

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

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

Common cover letter writing FAQs

How long should a cover letter be.

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

Should I include personal information in a cover letter?

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

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

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

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

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

Should I include references in my cover letter?

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

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

The hardest part of writing is getting started. 

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

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

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

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

Ace your job search

Explore effective job search techniques, interview strategies, and ways to overcome job-related challenges. Our coaches specialize in helping you land your dream job.

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

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

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

Chatgpt cover letters: how to use this tool the right way, how to write an impactful cover letter for a career change, write thank you letters after interviews to stand out as job applicant, send a thank you email after an internship to boost your career, character references: 4 tips for a successful recommendation letter, tips and tricks for writing a letter of interest (with examples), use professional reference templates to make hiring smoother, what is a letter of intent examples on how to write one, similar articles, 5 tips for reentering the workforce, anxious about meetings learn how to run a meeting with these 10 tips, how to write a job application email that gets a reply, how to write a letter of recommendation (with examples), stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

3100 E 5th Street, Suite 350 Austin, TX 78702

• Platform Overview
• Integrations
• Powered by AI
• BetterUp Lead™
• BetterUp Manage™
• BetterUp Care®
• Sales Performance
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Case Studies
• Why BetterUp?
• About Coaching
• Find your Coach
• Career Coaching
• Communication Coaching
• Life Coaching
• News and Press
• Leadership Team
• Become a BetterUp Coach
• BetterUp Labs
• Center for Purpose & Performance
• Leadership Training
• Business Coaching
• Contact Support
• Contact Sales
• Privacy Policy
• Acceptable Use Policy
• Trust & Security
• Cookie Preferences

How To Write A Cover Letter (Definitive Guide + Template)

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

By Mike Simpson

So you want to learn how to write a cover letter…

But let me ask you this:

Have you ever been on a blind date?

It can be overwhelmingly nerve wracking.

There you are, all dressed up in your finest, ready to sit down across the table from someone you know absolutely nothing about, and hopefully survive the meeting without too much trouble.

At the absolute best, you two hit it off.

Things are great and you discover through your first awkward meeting that you’re perfect for each other and destined for years of happy togetherness.

At the worst, you’re forced to sit across from someone you have absolutely nothing in common with.  

You spend the entire date suffering through what can feel like absolute eternity, stumbling through awkward starts and stops in the conversation..

But what if you each had a cheat sheet?

A sort of pre-blind date rundown of who you’re going to meet?

A cheat sheet that includes all sorts of vital information like who you are and what you can bring to the relationship. It would make things so much easier, right?

Now, what if you not only had this cheat sheet, but you got to look at it and decide if you even wanted to go on that date in the first place?  Even better, right?

FREE BONUS PDF CHEAT SHEET : Get our "Perfect Cover Letter" Cheat Sheet that gives you a Step-by-Step Process that will help you produce a perfect cover letter.

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR CHEAT SHEET

In the business world, interviews are a lot like blind dates.

Employers sit down with potential employees and over the course of the meeting, both parties try to learn enough about each other to decide if working together is   good idea or a bad idea…just without the awkward hug/kiss thing at the end…hopefully.

See…not so far off from our blind date scenario from earlier…but there is ONE big difference.  

Did you know that companies do have those little cheat sheets on potential employees and that they do ‘pre-screenings’ before the offer to interview is even considered?

That’s right! They do.

Every single piece of information you send a company you’re applying to is going to be thoroughly looked at to determine your potential for compatibility, starting with your cover letter.

“But wait,” you say, “what’s a cover letter, and more importantly, why do I need to send one along with my resume?”

Don’t worry, we’re going to explain exactly what it is…and so much more.  

In fact, over the course of this article, we’re going to discuss a number of things you’ll need to know in order to make your cover letter not only right for who you are and what you bring to the table…but tailor it so it’s absolutely perfect for your first blind date…er, we mean…the job you’re applying for.

What Is A Cover Letter Anyway?

Before you learn how to write a cover letter, you first need to understand what it is!

A professional cover letter is a short, single page letter you should include with every application and/or resume you send out.  

It’s a quick way for you to introduce yourself to an employer and gives them a taste of you …not just your skills (which they will get by looking at your resume.)  

Not only does it act as an introduction, it will also let whoever is reading it (hiring managers) know exactly why you are sending them your information as well as potentially help open the door to future meetings…and interviews!  

Remember, first impressions count…even when they’re on paper, so let’s make sure yours is as perfect as possible. 

Why Do I Need One?

Okay, so I get what a cover letter is, but why do I have to write one?   Shouldn’t my resume be strong enough on its own?    

Ideally, yes, you want to make sure the resume you are submitting is as strong as possible and perfectly tailored to the job you’re applying for (more on tailoring in a bit) but simply sending it in without including a cover letter can work against you. 

As we outlined in our article “ How to Make a Resume 101 ,” a resume is a document that summarizes your skills, abilities and accomplishments.   A well made one should clearly spell out what you can do …but does little to explain who you are.  

That’s where a cover letter comes in. 

A good cover letter serves a multitude of purposes beyond simply letting the hiring manager know the proper way to spell your name.    

It gives potential employers information about you that they wouldn’t get just from looking at your resume alone. 

To bring it back to our dating analogy from earlier…a well written cover letter is a little bit like a friend meeting with your date and telling them all the best things about you before you even get there.  

It’s an opportunity for you to reach out as an individual, not just as an applicant .  

It should highlight your qualifications as well as demonstrate how you stand out from the rest of the hundreds (or thousands) of other qualified job seekers .  

It should also showcase why you’re the right choice for the position…what makes you the “ Perfect Candidate ”…and all this is accomplished before you’re invited to the date, er…I mean interview…

But what if I’m applying for a job that just asks me to send in my resume…do I still need to send in a cover letter? 

Absolutely!  

Sending in a resume without a cover letter is a missed opportunity you can’t afford to take in this competitive job market.  

Not only does a good cover introduce you and all your best qualities, it’s also an opportunity to help explain away any concerns a prospective employer might have about your ability to do the job they’re hiring for .  

The last thing you want to do is turn in a resume or application for a job you’re perfect for and have it get tossed before you even make it to the interview stage because there was something that made an employer question your abilities. 

Have a gap in employment on your resume?   – Use your cover letter as an opportunity to explain it:  

In the middle of switching careers and finding that your skills , while applicable to the job you’re applying for aren’t traditionally considered to be a match? Use your cover letter to detail why you should be considered anyway.  

These days submitting a cover letter is just good form!  

Many times employers expect cover letters even if they don’t explicitly ask for one.  

A job seeker who sends in a resume without a cover letter is essentially letting an employer know they’re happy doing just the bare minimum…and that’s just not the way we like to do things!

By writing a solid cover letter, even when not asked for one, you’re taking that extra step as a job seeker and reinforcing that you’re not only enthusiastic about the opportunity but that you’re also motivated to do what it takes to get in the door for that face to face meeting.

**A WORD OF WARNING …if a company specifically asks you NOT to send a cover letter…then don’t.   Always follow the instructions as outlined by a potential employer.

How To Format Your Cover Letter

“So I need to write a cover letter for a job application…what makes a good one?”

Because your cover letter is your first opportunity to demonstrate your communication skills to your potential employer, it’s critical that you make sure you’re doing everything you can to make your cover letter layout as flawless and business-appropriate as possible.

(This is why we spent a little extra time expanding on Cover Letter Format in our companion guide, “Best Cover Letter Format Guide.” Click the link to check it out now!)

The next question you might be asking yourself is, “How long should a cover letter be?”

Ideally you want to keep your letter between 3-5 paragraphs in length and definitely no longer than one page.

The eternal struggle regarding what to include in a cover letter continues to rage on.  In our opinion the best cover letter is informative without being overly long or rambling .  

Each paragraph should serve a purpose and shouldn’t be excessively lengthy or confusing.  

Remember, the hiring manager is going to be faced with potentially thousands of cover letters so your goal is to make sure yours is brief enough to still be read but detailed and interesting enough to make them want to learn more about you .

Speaking of standing out, this isn’t the time to get creative with fonts, designs, colored paper, or showcase your artistic talents with doodles on the margins.  

A cover letter, like every other piece of paperwork you submit to a potential employer, is a professional document and should look like one.  

Use fonts that are simple and professional like Arial , Times New Roman , or Verdana and be sure to set your font size between 10 and 12 points .

Let’s take a look at standard cover letter formatting:

• Start by first including your personal contact information.   ( You want to make sure your future boss can contact you for that interview, right? )
• Follow that by the date you are writing the letter and then the company contact information .   Be sure to separate each section with a space…it makes your letter easier to read. 

If you are mailing a hard copy of your letter, make sure when you get to the bottom and your salutation to double space .   It will give you room to sign your letter.   If you are emailing your letter, or submitting it electronically and can’t sign it with your autograph, it’s still important to leave that double space.

Here’s A Good Format Template

Your Address

City, State, Zip

Your Best Contact Phone Number

Your Professional Email

Your Personal Branding Website  

Employer Name

City, State, Zip Code

Dear Mr./Mrs. Last Name:*

PARAGRAPH 1:   Because this is your opening paragraph, you want to make sure it’s strong and draws the reader in.   Explain why you are writing.   Describe the job you are applying for, including the position and job title. 

PARAGRAPH 2:   Now we move into the actual text of the letter.   This is where you get to introduce yourself and tell your potential employer why you are qualified to do the job you are applying for.   This is your chance to let them know what you have to offer and why your skills and knowledge are perfect for the position.   Don’t forget to tailor based off your research! 

PARAGRAPH 3-4:   If needed, these are the paragraphs where you can explain away any concerns an employer might have about your ability to do the job. It’s also where you can share accomplishments , success stories, and any other bits of information that will help convince the hiring manager that they have to bring you in for an interview.

FINAL PARAGRAPH:   This is where you wrap up your letter.   Make sure to thank them for considering you for the job and let them know they should feel comfortable reaching out to you with any questions or concerns not addressed in your letter/resume.   This is also the paragraph where you let them know how you plan on following up with them.  

Finally, be sure to direct the hiring manager to your   Your Personal Branding Website so that they are able to get a feel for who you are as a person.  This simple step can land you way more interviews!

Sincerely (or any other closing comment),

Signature/Typed Signature Your Personal Branding Website

* You want to always try to address your cover letter to someone specific.   Unfortunately that information is not always available.   If you find yourself writing a letter and unsure of who to address it to, use “Dear Hiring Manager,” or “Dear Recruiter.”  

* Don’t use “To Whom it May Concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam” as those are considered outdated and you run the risk of offending someone.   You can also call the company directly to ask to whom you should address your letter.

* In some instances you can completely forgo the opening salutation and just start with a subject line, but we suggest at least making an effort to find out who to address it to.   It makes the letter much more personal and shows your dedication to the position.

NOTE: For more information please read our “how to address a cover letter” article .

“Tailoring” Your Cover Letter

Now that we’ve covered the general format of a cover letter, it’s time to dive into the content!

Let’s pretend for a moment you’re the hiring manager and you’ve just gotten this letter:

     EXAMPLE OF A BAD COVER LETTER

To Whom It May Concern,

I recently came across your job post looking for a Production Office Coordinator for the educational television series, “Wonder Kids.”   I think my skills and experience would be a good match for the position and I am submitting my resume to you in the hopes of obtaining an interview.

For the past eight years I have worked as a Production Office Coordinator on a variety of other shows, providing crucial administrative support as well as maintaining and managing the day to day operations of a busy production office.   I am familiar with all aspects of production including contracts, budgets, proper paperwork distribution, and travel coordination.   I pride myself on my organizational skills as well as my ability to run an efficient staff of over 10 employees.    

I am attaching my resume which outlines all my past work experiences as well as a detailed listing of my qualifications and skills.   I look forward to the possibility of speaking with you about this position.

Blanche D. Oatmeal

Zzzzzz. Oh, sorry. Was I napping? Ugh what a snoozer!

Although professional, this is a generic cover letter and if you ask me, pretty bland.

It reveals little about Blanche beyond the fact that she thinks she’s qualified for the job and that she’s been in the industry for over 8 years. A letter like this is the bare minimum when applying for a job… and you’re not the bare minimum .

Don’t forget, you’re the perfect candidate , and a good cover letter is a great first way to let potential employers know that!

Rather than submitting a snooze-worthy letter that will blend into every other letter the hiring manager is going to read, you’re going to tailor your letter and help make sure it really stands out.

If you’ve spent any amount of time reading our other blog posts or watching our videos, you’re probably familiar with our world-famous “ Tailoring Method “.

Now what you might not know, is that the Tailoring Method can actually apply to other parts of your interview as well, including how to write a great cover letter.

You see, there’s a tremendous amount of power in identifying what the company’s desired strengths and characteristics are for the employee they want to hire .

Because demonstrating that you have these Qualities is going to put you in the drivers seat in terms of getting an offer from your interview.

So you need to identify what those “ Qualities ” are, and infuse them into your cover letter and support them with a real example from your past (and where necessary, a success story ).

This is done by taking the time to do careful research of the company and the position .

Here, let’s spice up Blanche’s letter a bit…starting with paragraph one.

First thing you want to keep in mind is, those poor hiring managers are reading tens of hundreds of cover letters and after a while, they’re all going to start blending together…make your stand out…in a good way!

Dear Mr. Sorensen:

When I saw the job posting looking for a Production Office Coordinator for the educational television series, “Wonder Kids,” I knew I had to submit my resume. I am a hard-working and enthusiastic Production Office Coordinator with over eight years of practical hands on experience and am ready for my next adventure! I am currently looking for an opportunity to continue working within the industry and know my skills and experiences would be a good fit for the position and the “Wonder Kids” team overall.

Much better, right?

This is how you want to start a cover letter!  

Not only is it a break from the cookie cutter style cover letters that regularly flood a hiring manager’s desk, it shows that the applicant is excited to be applying for the job .  

It also lets the hiring manager know the applicant isn’t just looking for a job, but that they’re looking to be a part of a team.

The letter is also properly addressed to who is actually reading it.   Remember, “To Whom It May Concern,” and “Dear Sir or Madam” are too generic and can come across as lazy.  

While we’ve already said it is okay to use “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Recruiter,” going that extra mile can make all the difference with a weary reader.   Don’t forget, you want to stand out!

Let’s keep reading…

As a Production Office Coordinator, my skills include scheduling, contracts, paperwork distribution, and budgeting.   I’m also comfortable dealing with vendors, hiring and managing staff, and ensuring the smooth day to day operations of a busy office.   My experience has included both small and large budget companies, and as a result, I am familiar with the need to be adaptable and find myself excited by the prospect of a challenge.

Again, personal , engaging , and dynamic . This letter helps the hiring manager know that the applicant is ready for any challenge and that they’re adaptable.

Now we get into the meat of the letter and where you can brag a bit about what you bring to the table.  Let’s say that through her research, Blanche discovered that the company she’s interviewing with really values someone who excels in (has the “ Quality “) “attention to detail.”

Well, she better darn make sure she highlights that Quality and supports it with an example or examples from her past .

I am proud of my attention to detail and as a result of my experiences with companies of different sizes and budgets, have been able to develop skills not normally associated with the more traditional Production Office Coordinator role, including graphic design, managing social media and web development.   I enjoy working with a wide variety of people and am a multitasker, diligent self-starter and eager team player. 

Nicely done, Blanche!  

A little bit of subtle bragging while showcasing something the applicant is proud of accomplishing for the company overall without coming across as arrogant or too boastful.

The next paragraph is where you can engage the company on a one on one level and show how much research you’ve done on them and their current projects .

I also wanted to take this opportunity to let you know that my interest in working for you extends beyond my desire to simply be a Production Office Coordinator.   I grew up on the show “Wonder Kids” and consider them to be a huge part of my early education.   I am a strong believer in quality children’s programming and have always felt that “Wonder Kids” provided not only entertainment, but educational value as well.   If hired, I would be proud to be a part of the “Wonder Kid” family and help continue that legacy for future generations.

The applicant is letting the hiring manager know that they’re not just blindly applying to the company but that they genuinely know a bit about them and that they have a passion for what the company does .

Okay, Blanche, time to bring it home.

Thank you for taking the time to review my resume and consider me for this position.   You can contact me with any questions by emailing me at [email protected] or by calling me at 555-555-5555.   I would also love if you could take a look at my website, blancheoatmeal.com.  

I look forward to the possibility of discussing this exciting opportunity with you.

When an applicant wraps up their letter this way, they’re outlining the next steps they hope the company will take (contacting them for an interview) and ensuring that the information they need to do that is right there in front of them.

By making it easy for them and including phone numbers and other contact information, a perfect candidate is empowering the employer to take the action the candidate wants.  

By including their personal branded website , the applicant is also inviting the hiring manager to get to know even more about them and what they bring to the table.

When wrapping up your letter with follow up information, tread lightly but confidently.   Whatever you do, don’t push too hard in this paragraph. You don’t want to appear manipulative or controlling.

Remember, you want a job interview…not a restraining order 😉

Warmest regards,

blanchedoatmeal.com

Now that is a great example of a cover letter that will get a hiring managers attention!

By keeping it short and sweet, you’re not overwhelming them with a ton to read…but at the same time by making it engaging, tailored , and personal, you’re ensuring that it stands out and highlights you in a positive way.

In our opinion this a wonderful example of how to end a cover letter that you should take into consideration when working on yours.

A good cover letter closing will leave a great taste in the hiring manager’s mouth and will go a long way to securing an interview.

If after sending your cover letter and your resume you don’t hear from the company in a couple of days, a quick “wanted to be sure you had received my application” email is an entirely appropriate follow-up, even without telling them that you will be following up first.

If you do end up needing to write a follow-up note, you absolutely should slip in a line like “I really think my (skills and talents that are relevant to the job) would be great for (the company), and want to make sure my application didn’t get lost or submitted incorrectly.”

You can also throw in something again about why you want to work at that company – mention some company values or exciting projects to show that you’ve done your research and are really interested in them specifically.

Sample Cover Letter Used Above

Here is the complete cover letter as written above if you would like to download it...

Top 10 Cover Letter Tips & Hacks

• SHORT AND SWEET:   Your cover letter should never go over a single page.   Keep it clean and concise.   Keep your sentences focused and avoid using flowery words.
• KNOW WHAT YOU WANT AND GO FOR IT:   Make sure you let your potential employer know exactly what you are bringing to the job.   They have a need and you are there to fill it.   Tell them how you are going to accomplish that.
• TAILOR! TAILOR! TAILOR!:   Don’t be vague or generic.   Make sure your letter is clearly targeted to the job you are going for as well as the company you want to be hired by.   Do your research ahead of time.
• COVER LETTERS ARE LIKE SNOWFLAKES – NO TWO ARE ALIKE:   Unless you’re launching a direct mail campaign, make sure you’re fine tuning each and every cover letter you sending out so it focuses on the specifics of the job you are applying for. 
• KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE:   Make sure you are addressing your letter directly to the proper individual.   Do your research and find out who will be reading it…and absolutely make sure you have the proper spelling of their name.   If you can’t get a name, make sure to address it “Dear Hiring Manager,” or “Dear Recruiter.”   Don’t use “To Whom it May Concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam” as those are considered outdated. 
• PROOFREAD!:   The fastest way to end up in the circular file is by submitting a sloppy letter.   Double check to make sure your spelling and grammar are correct.    
• THE KEY TO SUCCESS LIES WITH KEYWORDS:   Pay careful attention to what is said in the job postings.   Look for key words and phrases in the description and make sure to echo those in your letter but don’t overstuff your letter. 
• BE PROFESSIONAL:   Keep the focus of your letter on the job you are applying for.   Introduce yourself but don’t go into too much detail or bring up anything unrelated to the job.   Do not speak badly of past employers or trash talk prior jobs.
• LINK IT UP:   Make sure your letter includes a link to your personal branded website.   A cover letter is a great introduction into who you are and what you can bring, and by including a link to your personal website, you’re allowing a potential employer to really explore everything you potentially can bring to the position.
• FOLLOW UP!:   Demonstrate your dedication to the position by making sure to follow up on all your contacts if possible.   Don’t become annoying, but at the same time, if you don’t reach out, you run the risk of being forgotten.

Common Mistakes

We’ve covered what what should be in a cover letter, but what should you NOT put in your cover letter?

• Rule number one of cover letters is…proofread. Proofread. Proofread. Oh, and then proofread it again. We don’t care if you’re writing the cover letter to end all cover letters. If you’re serious about a job you’re applying for…take the time to read your letter before you send it off. This includes making sure that not only are you spelling things correctly and that your grammar and punctuation is spot on, but that you’re also double checking the basics like the company name and the position you’re applying for.
• Lying about your past experiences or over inflating what you’ve done. Everyone’s allowed to brag a bit in their cover letter…as long as it’s true. Don’t lie to the company or yourself. If a company has nothing that appeals to you, you wouldn’t enjoy working there – and they’d rather not have you – so why bother applying?
• Talking about why you quit your last job. Remember, this is sort of like a blind date. Nobody wants to hear about your ex…and absolutely DO NOT TRASH YOUR PAST EMPLOYERS.
• Salary requirements. Save that for the interview.
• Getting too personal. The letter is a great way to introduce yourself, but remember…keep it about the position and keep it professional. The paragraph where you talk about the company can contain tidbits about you (I grew up watching the “Wonder Kids”) but don’t let it get too personal (After my alcoholic parents divorced and my father left the country to join the Amsterdam Travelling Cat and Flea Circus, the “Wonder Kids” were the only steady and constant positive in my life.) Save that for your therapist.

The Different Types of Cover Letters

As a job seeker, you need to be aware that there are different types of cover letters that align to the different ways jobs are posted and how you’re involved in the application process .  

In most cases, the basic cover letter layout we went over earlier in this article can be used as a solid foundation for whatever you write…but we’re here to help you rise above the competition which means making that extra effort. 

You’re the Perfect Candidate and that means ensuring that your cover letter is exactly right for whatever type of posting you come across.

So let’s take a look at what you might come across in your job-seeking travels.

Job Posting

A job posting is when an employer advertises an opening within their organization that they would like to fill.  

This can be anything from a notice in a newspaper , to a posting on the company website . 

Make sure you read the posting carefully and pay close attention to the description of the job.  

This is when you will begin to start tailoring your cover letter!

Try to figure out exactly what Qualities (skills and abilities) the company values and make sure you highlight these in your cover letter.

As you go through the post, identify the key words and phrases that are used .  

When you write your cover letter, make sure you use these keywords and phrases (but don’t just copy and paste the ad word for word). 

As always, do your research beforehand and use that information to help tailor your letter and showcase how you would be a welcome addition to their team.

Application Cover Letter

For many entry level positions, the application process is fairly simple and straight forward.  

You’ll go into wherever it is you want to work and ask for an application.  

They’ll hand you a pre-printed form and you’ll sit down and fill it out before turning it back in.  

Many job seekers who are applying for these types of positions will simply turn in their application after filling them out. 

Submitting a well written cover letter along with your application will make you stand out to a prospective employer.  

You’re showing them that you are willing to do the work to get the job and that can go a long way towards getting hired.  

It’s also a great idea for individuals who are new to the job market and might not have prior employment history . 

You always want to start out your letter with a personal salutation, so if possible, when picking up an application, ask for a few days to fill it out before returning it as well as the name of the individual who will be reviewing it.  

While most employers are happy to let you take an application and bring it back later, there is always the possibility you will be asked to fill it out on the spot.   For situations like this, always make sure you bring a copy (or two) of a pre-prepared cover letter and resume with you so you can hand them in all together . 

Before heading out to pick up applications, make sure you have a few letters already typed up and pre-tailored to the locations you plan on applying to.  

Yes, it means taking a bit more time at the beginning of your application process, but it will be well worth it and again demonstrates to the employer that you are invested in the position.

Online Application Cover Letter

Many companies these days utilize online job posting websites like Brass Ring and Monster to advertise available positions.  

While this might seem like a convenience for you (hey, you can apply for jobs in your living room while wearing your pajamas all day!) it actually means your odds of getting an invitation to interview is going to be tougher than it would be if you were mailing in your information.

Why?   Three little letters…ATS.

What’s ATS?

ATS , or Applicant Tracking System , is a computer based screening program used to filter applicants.  

The program scans thousands of applications and quickly discards those that don’t fit the specific algorithm it’s been programmed with.  

While that might sound like a great way to streamline the hiring process, it also means that whatever you submit has to be carefully crafted to ensure that it makes it through this robotic filter.  

If not done properly, your submission could be discarded before ever being seen by a living human being…and we definitely don’t want that!

The first thing you want to do is wrap your head around the idea that you are going to first be facing a robot and that it’s been programmed to get rid of you.   Okay, maybe not you specifically (we’ll save the Terminator analogies for another post) but certainly your application.

So how do you beat the bot?   By thinking like one.

Start by reading the job description carefully.  

Because the computer is going to be programmed to select only the candidates that perfectly match what the company is looking for, you need to make sure you are the right fit.  

Re-read the posting until you clearly understand exactly what the company is looking for and that you are absolutely able to fill that spot with the skills , qualities , experience and education you have. 

Tailoring your letter is something you should do for every position you apply for, but when it comes to online applications that are likely to be run through ATS, it’s absolutely vital.  

You want to make sure that your cover letter is specific to the job you are applying for.

Clearly state the title you are applying for and verify that it matches the title in the posting .  

Pay extra attention to the details of the position and the description of the job.   Many of the key words the bot is programmed to respond to will be in there.  

Use those same descriptions and key words in your cover letter and resume, but do it judiciously.  

Try not to repeat them more than two times.   Stuffing your letter with keywords might seem like an easy way to guarantee success, but it’s more likely to result in your application being flagged by the program and rejected . 

Make sure to carefully check your letter for spelling and grammar errors.  

This is a basic rule you should follow no matter what, but in this case, it’s even more crucial that your submission material is flaw free.  

While a human can read a letter and usually figure out what you mean regardless of tiny problems or a misspelled word here or there, a bot is looking for exact matches…not “close enough.”  

Keep this in mind when using acronyms as well.   To avoid the risk of an acronym being rejected by the bot, use both the acronym as well as the spelled out words. 

Ultimately you want your application to make it through ATS and into the hands of an actual human.  

It’s a delicate balancing act between being specific enough to pass ATS and still engaging enough to catch the attention of the hiring manager.   It’s tough, but it can be done!

Cold Call Cover Letter

A cold call cover letter is a letter you send out along with your resume to a company you want to work for that has NOT advertised any openings .  

Generally this is something you do when you find a company that you really want to work for but they don’t have any openings that fit your skills or they’re not soliciting for applicants. 

Applying for a job that doesn’t exist can be a risky venture, but it can also be a smart one.  

If you’re the Perfect Candidate (and you are!) you could potentially gain early consideration for an opening that comes up down the road.   Best case scenario, they think you’re so absolutely amazing that they find a job for you! 

Keep in mind, you’re not the only person on this planet who has submitted a cold call cover letter and resume, and you’re asking a company for a job that doesn’t exist…which means you have to make sure beyond a shadow of a doubt that whatever you send in is absolutely perfect.

Remember, the company is NOT asking for people to submit to them , so you need to figure out what it is that you offer that makes you worth considering.   What can you bring to the table that they don’t already have and why should they take the time to look at your materials?

The first step for cold contacting a company is doing your research.  

Of course, as a student of The Interview Guys , you’re already well versed in the art of researching, but when it comes to a cold contact like this, you have to go above and beyond in your digging.  

You want your cover letter to contain knowledge of specific current situations within the company and how you can help .  

Just writing to a company and telling them how much you love them and want to work for them very rarely results in a job offer.  

You’re more likely to get a thank you note and a package of free corporate bumper stickers than an offer of employment. 

Open your letter with a solid salutation addressed to a specific individual.  

Because this is a cold contact, it’s absolutely imperative that you address your letter to exactly the right person.   You want to make sure that your information ends up with whoever is most likely to hire you.  

Open your letter with a generic salutation and you run the risk of it being either immediately tossed or passed onto someone who can’t do anything with it except send you that package of corporate bumper stickers.  

Make sure during your research that you determine exactly who should receive your information and address it to them.

The body of your letter is going to be critical to your success in this adventure.   You want to make sure that you open with a paragraph so strong, so focused, so dynamic, that whoever is reading it can’t help but keep reading.   You want the first paragraph your intended audience reads to hook their attention and draw them in, and this will come from your research. 

Have you found something in your digging that indicates that the company has a need you can fill?  

Are they preparing for an expansion and you know they’re going to need someone with your skills in the very near future?  

Is there an aspect of their business that is lagging and you know you can help strengthen it? 

** SIDE NOTE :   Make sure you are careful when addressing a failure within a company, even if you are offering them a solution.   You want them to see you as a viable answer to their problem, not an annoying upstart pointing out their flaws.  

It’s a delicate balance, but we have faith in you!

Follow up your opening paragraph by expanding on your key strengths and skills and how you plan on using them to benefit your target company .  

Try to include achievements and examples of how you’ve succeeded in the past and be prepared to back it up with proof should they reach out to you . 

Another great way to help strengthen your chances of securing an interview (and possibly a job) is to mention any connections you have to the company.  

Be sure you let whoever you are name dropping know that you’re doing this…you want to make sure if they get asked about you they have nothing but good things to say about you!   It’s a good idea to put this information early in your letter.   People are much more likely to read your letter if they see that you have a personal connection.

Close your letter out with options on how to move forward to the next step.  

While your ultimate goal with your letter and resume is a job interview, you might not feel comfortable straight out asking for one in a cold call situation.   Of course, if you are…more power to you…but if you feel that a softer approach is called for, try asking instead for information about their hiring practices, job fairs, a tour of the company or even for an informational interview .

What’s an informational interview?

An informational interview is one where you sit down with someone who works in a career or job you want to learn more about.   You’ll learn about what they do, what skills they need to have in order to succeed in their position and what it’s like to work where they work.  

It is NOT an interview for a job…but it could potentially lead to one down the road as whoever you are doing the interview with is now personally acquainted with you.

Remember, the key to success with a cold call cover letter depends on a number of factors including timing and how well you understand the company you are submitting to as well as how thorough your research is. 

Recruiter’s Ad Cover Letter

Many companies these days have turned their entire employee hiring process over to executive search firms staffed by highly trained recruiters.  

These recruiters might work with a number of companies (their clients) and are usually focused on a very specific category of job placement (e.g., engineers, paralegals, etc.).  

The recruiters will often place ads which allows them to pull together large numbers of qualified job candidates.  

Then they’ll go through those candidates and present the best of the best to their clients in the hopes that one of them (or more) will be hired.

To put it bluntly (and in keeping with our blind date analogy) recruiters are the matchmakers of the job world.   The companies tell the recruiters who they are looking for and the recruiters go through the piles of candidates they have on hand and try to find the best fit. 

When you respond to an ad placed by a recruiter and submit your cover letter and resume, you’re not usually submitting it for a specific job…rather you’re providing them with your information and skill set in the hopes that it matches up with a job assignment or opening they get from their corporate clients…and that means you have to take a totally different approach to how you write your cover letter.

Because a recruiter is looking for a specific set of skills to fill open positions , they will almost always start by first looking at your resume before ever looking at your cover letter.

Hang on, if they’re looking at my resume and ignoring my cover letter, then why even include one?

Don’t worry…your cover letter will get looked at…just not right away…which is why the information contained within it needs to be a little different than the information you would normally put into a cover letter.

If after reading your resume a recruiter decides you are a good fit for the position, they’ll turn to your cover letter for more information about you…and what they’re looking for is fairly specific .

A cover letter to a recruiter needs to quickly answer questions they might have about your eligibility and willingness to do the job they are pitching you for .  

You want to use your cover letter to explain what you can do, what you are qualified to do, and what you require in order to accept the job if it’s offered to you.

Start your letter out with a personal salutation.   You are essentially going to be represented by your recruiter so it’s a good idea to know who is passing your information around.

Your first paragraph should be a quick introduction into what you are and what you do.   They need to know what you are currently doing and where you are doing it.   You should also include in this section why you are looking for a new job and what you hope to get out of establishing a relationship with your recruiter.

The second paragraph should outline your skills and accomplishments as well as your background.   This is the paragraph where you lay out exactly why you believe you would be an asset to the recruiter’s clients. 

The third paragraph should cover the jobs and industries you are looking for employment in.   It’s also the paragraph where you discuss your salary history as well as your current salary range requirements. 

** SALARY SIDE NOTE :   Normally with cover letters you do NOT want to include salary information.   We’ll discuss this more in depth later on in this article, but for now, be aware, this is one of the few times when it’s not only acceptable, it’s necessary.

Make sure you also include whether or not you’d be willing to travel or relocate.  

Finally, make sure you include your availability and when you would be able to start a new job if offered.

Recruiter Cold Call Cover Letter

Submitting a cold call cover letter and resume to a recruiter is a lot like submitting a cold call cover letter to a company; you’re reaching out to someone who is not soliciting for applicants in the hopes of being considered for a position that may or may not exist .

When we went over Recruiter Ad cover letters, we told you that the recruiters would look at your resume first and your cover letter second…which in that scenario is true.  

In this scenario, where you are reaching out to them rather than responding to an ad or solicitation they’ve generated, they are absolutely going to look at your cover letter first…if for no reason other than to figure out who you are and why you’re contacting them. 

The best way to ensure that your letter and information gets a serious look is by doing your research on the recruiter you are contacting ahead of time.  

Recruiters are usually very specific about who they’re looking for and what they’re recruiting for, so it’s important that you contact someone who represents the field you are qualified to work in.

The first paragraph is where you introduce yourself.   Let the recruiter know who you are and what you are/what you do.   You also want to let them know what you would like to do and what sort of job you are looking for and why you are looking for a new job.   Make sure you are specific and provide any details you think might help them in matching you with the right company should an opportunity arise.

The second paragraph should outline your skills and accomplishments as well as your background.   This is the paragraph where you lay out exactly why you believe you would be an asset to the recruiter’s clients and should be included in their pile of potential pitches.   It’s also the paragraph where you let the recruiter know clearly what type of work you are interested in, be it full time, part time, permanent or freelance.   Make sure you decide ahead of time and stick with it.   A recruiter needs to know your level of commitment to the jobs they are submitting you for.

The third paragraph is where you discuss your salary history as well as your current salary range requirements. 

** SALARY SIDE NOTE PART DEUX :   As we said above with Recruiter Ad Cover Letters, discussing your salary in a cover letter is normally not done.   We’ll discuss this more in depth later on in this article, but for now, be aware, this is one of the few times when again it’s not only acceptable, it’s necessary.

Finally, make sure you include your availability and when you would be able to start a new job if offered. 

With a recruiter cold call letter, you don’t normally include how you plan to follow up with them.  

Recruiters are incredibly busy and are highly trained in what they do.   Although you might be tempted to reach out to them, hold off.   Bothering them isn’t going to get you anywhere.  

If they see something in you that warrants their attention, they will reach out to you.

Direct Mail Campaign Cover Letter

A Direct Mail Campaign is where a job seeker sends out hundreds of letters and resumes to potential employers in the hopes of securing an interview or position.  

Although similar to the Cold Call Cover Letter in that you are submitting to companies that aren’t currently advertising positions, it’s a much less focused process and involves you sending the same cover letter and resume out to everyone in the hopes that someone responds back.

When you do a Direct Mail Campaign Cover Letter, you want to avoid anything that would specifically apply to one company over another.  

Because you’re sending this same letter out to multiple companies, you want to be general enough for it to apply broadly, but not so general that it works against you.

Your cover letter should start out by introducing the reader to who you are and what you do as well as what job you are seeking. 

The next paragraphs should detail your skills and experience with the job you are seeking and why you are qualified to do it.

Finally, be sure to wrap your letter up with information on how the company can contact you if interested. 

**A WORD OF CAUTION WITH DIRECT MAIL CAMPAIGNS:   While it might seem like this method is more efficient than targeting and tailoring your information for specific companies and jobs, it can also work against you.   Most hiring managers can quickly recognize a direct mail letter and will discard it as ‘spam.’

Referral Cover Letter

A Referral Cover Letter is one you send after someone who works with the company or has contacts within the industry refers you .  

It is similar to any other company cover letter with the exception of the opening paragraph.

Make sure to introduce yourself and also mention the individual who referred you to the company or position.  

If possible, include anything specific your contact has told you about the position or the person you are reaching out to .

Once you have finished your introductory paragraph, use the rest of your letter to discuss your skills , education , background , training … anything that will help to show that you are a good fit for the position .

Finally make sure you close your letter with your plans for following up with them and how they might contact you with any questions.

Blind Posting Cover Letter

A blind job posting is one in which a company posts a job opening but decides to remain anonymous.  

A company might decide to blind post for a high profile position they don’t want to call attention to so as not to appear lacking in leadership.  

Other times it’s meant to build excitement and mystery to help increase the number of applicants. 

Submitting to a blind listing means tailoring your letter to the company is going to be difficult…but it doesn’t have to be impossible…and that extra bit of sleuthing can help really elevate your application above the rest of the entries. 

A good place to start is by taking a closer look at the posting.   Is there a fax number or email included?   Sometimes you can get lucky, and with a bit of internet digging, trace those backwards to find out what company those are attached to .   The same goes for a physical address or P.O. Box.

Look for key phrases as well.  

Is the company referencing anything specific like “we have been ranked number one in employee retention and satisfaction for the past five years.”?  

Type that phrase into your favorite search engine and see what pops up. 

Of course, the goal of figuring out who the company is isn’t so you can reveal how smart you are in your letter…rather, it’s to help with your tailoring process.  

Proving you’re a master detective could potentially backfire…especially if you’re wrong.   Instead of bragging about your digging skills, use what you learn to help show why you’re a perfect fit for the job.

How do you address a cover letter for a blind posting?  

Ideally you want to make sure your letter is personal and that means addressing it to a specific individual, but in a situation like this, you have to consider other options.  

In the event you figure out exactly what company is hiring for…and there is absolutely NO DOUBT about their identity, then you could potentially go online, look at their website and see who is overseeing hiring…but we’re going to strongly caution you against this.   Again…you could be wrong…or worse…look creepy and stalkerish.  

This is one instance when using “Dear Hiring Manager” is perfectly acceptable.

Once you get this all done, it’s time to tackle the content of your letter.   Again, because this is a blind posting, it’s going to be tough tailoring your information.  

That means you have to pay extra close attention to exactly what the posting says.  

Go over it carefully and pay attention to exactly what the company is looking for.  

Make sure you highlight exactly how you fit what they’re looking for and include examples demonstrating your skills, knowledge and experience .  

If the posting contains specific instructions, be sure to follow them to the absolute letter.   This is a good thing to do no matter what, but in a blind posting, it can be the make or break.

In a normal job posting where you know who you are applying to, your closing paragraph should always include how you plan on following up with the company.  

Unfortunately with blind job postings, that’s not possible.   Regardless, you want to make sure your final paragraph is strong and lets the hiring manager (whoever they are) know that you are looking forward to the possibility of discussing the position in greater detail at an in person interview.

Internship Cover Letter

An internship is a great way to get your foot in the door and learn more about a company/career you are thinking of pursuing.  

Just because it’s an internship and not an actual job doesn’t mean you shouldn’t treat it just as seriously.

Make sure when you’re addressing your letter that you’re sending it to the right individual.   Many times with internships they’re facilitated by the educational institution you’re attending and will provide you with specific contact information.  

If you are securing your own internship and not receiving university assistance with the process, make sure you do your research ahead of time and find out who will be reading your letter. 

Start out your letter by clearly stating your intent to secure an internship so there is no confusion and your letter ends up in the wrong pile…or worse, the trash.

Always include your educational background information ; what you’re studying and where .

As you continue into the body of your letter, don’t allow yourself to be intimidated by your lack of “work” experience.   When applying for an internship, it’s okay to have less experience than someone who is employed in the field you are entering.   In fact, it’s expected!  

An internship is an opportunity to learn.   Including a paragraph about what you hope to take away from this internship and how it will help you achieve your long term goals is a great way to show enthusiasm and set you apart from the crowd .

No Prior Work Experience Cover Letter

If you’re just entering the job market or a recent graduate, it can be intimidating writing cover letters without any experience.  

Not to worry!

It’s still absolutely essential to send out a cover letter…we just have to tailor it a bit differently. 

Writing a cover letter for an entry level position, or to a job you have no experience in is very similar to the letter you would write as an intern.   It’s perfectly fine to highlight your non-employment related experiences… if they are relevant to the job.

For recent graduates, make sure to include where you went to school and how what you’ve studied relates directly to the job you are applying for .

Volunteer experiences ,  internships ,  related classes , projects ,  leadership experiences ,  extracurricular activities  and your skills that pertain to the position you’re applying for all can and should be mentioned in your cover letter .

A lack of experience doesn’t mean you’re allowed to have a lack of knowledge about what you’re applying for and the company you’re applying to.  

That means you still have to do your research!  

Make sure you know everything you can about the company . Visit their website . Read their blog . Get inside their corporate heads and figure out how you and what you bring are the perfect fit !

If the job posting has buzzwords, be sure to include those in your letter and make sure they relate to the skills you’ve got.

Finally, as with any and all cover letters, be honest, be succinct, be professional.

Check out our new blog post that covers 12 great cover letter examples!

 Let’s Talk About Salary, Baby

As promised, we’re going to quickly discuss if and when you should bring up salary requirements in your cover letters.

Generally you DO NOT and SHOULD NOT include this information in your cover letters (with the exception of the two Recruiter specific letters we discussed above).  

If an employer does not require you to include any salary information (including history, requirement or range) then don’t put it in there.  

There is a time and a place for the salary discussion and we cover that in our article “ How To Negotiate Salary During The Interview Process. ” 

If an employer asks you for your salary information but doesn’t require it, hold off on passing that information on until it becomes an actual requirement.

But what do you do if an employer says you must include this information in order to apply?  

One way to tackle this tricky subject is to give a salary range.   Make sure you do your research ahead of time to determine what your job is worth and be sure to make your range realistic.   Also make sure that you are able to be flexible within that range should your employer decide to negotiate. 

Another way to answer this question is to state that your requirements are negotiable and that you are willing to factor in things like benefits and the actual position itself.

No matter what you put down, be sure to state clearly that your salary requirements are flexible and open to discussion. The last thing you want to do is lock yourself into a rate that is so high you lose the job or so low you find yourself being offered far less than what you’re worth .

Keep in mind that although most employers have a salary range for a position already figured out before you even walk through the door, it’s not set in stone.   If you are the Perfect Candidate (and you are!) a good employer will figure out how to pay more for you if they feel that will get you to accept the job…  

This won’t happen, however, if you lock yourself into a number too early in the game.    

So why is it okay to tell a recruiter my salary history and range but not a potential employer?

When you give an employer salary information, you are limiting your ability to negotiate.   Without the ability to negotiate, you run the risk of being offered or accepting a job for less than you deserve.

A recruiter, however, needs to know your salary information so they can use that information when pitching you for jobs to their clients.  

A recruiter is paid only after they fill a position for a client, and that fee is covered by the client themselves.  

Usually that fee amounts to a percentage of whatever the first year’s compensation for the new employee ends up being which means it’s in the recruiter’s best interest to try to get you as high a rate as possible. 

Recruiters also need to know this information so they can avoid pitching you for jobs that are lower than your range .  

It doesn’t do them any good to have an employer offer to hire you and have you turn it down because you aren’t happy with the salary. 

However, to prevent yourself from being locked into a situation where you are again faced with being offered too little or asking for too much, keep your answers in range form and base those numbers off of real world examples and your research.

Cover Letter Samples

Ok, so we’ve basically covered everything you could ever need to know about cover letters.   But I know what you might be thinking…

“Can I get a cover letter sample or two please Mike?   I’m basically an expert now but it would be much easier if I could just start with a cover letter template.”

Look, we covered a ton of stuff in this article so I don’t blame you.   So what we decided to do is enlist the help of our friends over at vault.com who have a treasure trove full of great cover letter samples that you can use as a guideline for your own letter.

But here’s the deal.   Hiring managers are smart AND have access to these websites as well, so you don’t want to simply choose a sample cover letter and then just completely rip it off.   Take the time to make it your own, because it will pay off in the long run.

Copying a cover letter example word for word will only make you sound like someone other than yourself, and that is not what we are trying to do here!

Ok so Vault separates their cover letter templates into four distinct categories, so go ahead and click the link below that applies to your situation the most:

Cold Call Cover Letters

Direct mail cover letters, response to ad cover letters, referral letters.

Those four categories above should give you enough examples of cover letters to get you prepared for writing your own!

If after sending your cover letter and your resume you don’t hear from the company within a couple of days, a quick “wanted to be sure you had received my application” email is an entirely appropriate follow-up, even without telling them that you will be following up first.

If you do end up needing to write a thank you note , you absolutely should slip in a line like “ I really think my (skills and talents that are relevant to the job) would be great for (the company), and want to make sure my application didn’t get lost or submitted incorrectly. ”

You can also throw in something again about why you want to work at that company – mention some company values or exciting projects to show that you’ve done your research and are really interested in them specifically.

And don’t forget to study as many cover letter examples as you can!  Especially the cover letter example that we laid out for you in detail in this article.

So there you have it!   How To Write a Cover Letter 101 .  

By following what we’ve laid out here for you, your cover letter is going to be a single paged professional introduction aimed at getting you in the door and on your way to an interview .  

By using our tailoring method and infusing the body of your letter with keywords and the qualities the employer is looking for, you’ll be positioning yourself for a spot at the top of their list of potential candidates.

Just remember, dating analogies aside, it’s probably a good idea to leave the flowers and chocolates at home.

FREE : "Perfect Cover Letter" PDF CHEAT SHEET

Get our handy "Perfect Cover Letter" cheat sheet.

In it you'll get a step-by-step process that will let you craft the perfect cover letter.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE CHEAT SHEET

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 .

Copyright © 2024 · TheInterviewguys.com · All Rights Reserved

• Our Products
• Case Studies
• Interview Questions
• Jobs Articles
• Members Login

How to Write a Cover Letter [Full Guide & Examples for 2024]

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

You’ve perfected your resume.

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

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

But then, before you can send in your application and call it a day, you remember that you need to write a cover letter too.

So now, you’re stuck staring at a blank page, wondering where to start...

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

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

We're going to cover:

What Is a Cover Letter?

• How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter, Step by Step
• 15+ Job-Winning Cover Letter Examples

Let’s get started.

A cover letter is a document that you submit as part of your job application, alongside your resume or CV.

The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, it should be around 250 to 400 words long .

A good cover letter is supposed to impress the hiring manager and convince them you’re worth interviewing as a candidate.

So, how can your cover letter achieve this?

First of all, it should complement your resume, not copy it. Your cover letter is your chance to elaborate on important achievements, skills, or anything else that your resume doesn’t give you the space to cover. 

For example, if you have an employment gap on your resume, the cover letter is a great place to explain why it happened and how it helped you grow as a person. 

If this is your first time writing a cover letter, writing about yourself might seem complicated. But don’t worry—you don’t need to be super creative or even a good writer .

All you have to do is follow this tried and tested cover letter structure:

• Header. Add all the necessary contact information at the top of your cover letter.
• Formal greeting. Choose an appropriate way to greet your target audience.
• Introduction. Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph and explain your interest in the role.
• Body. Elaborate on why you’re the best candidate for the job and a good match for the company. Focus on “selling” your skills, achievements, and relevant professional experiences.
• Conclusion. Summarize your key points and wrap it up professionally.

Now, let’s take a look at an example of a cover letter that follows our structure perfectly:

New to cover letter writing? Give our cover letter video a watch before diving into the article!

When Should You Write a Cover Letter?

You should always include a cover letter in your job application, even if the hiring manager never reads it. Submitting a cover letter is as important as submitting a resume if you want to look like a serious candidate.

If the employer requests a cover letter as part of the screening process, not sending one is a huge red flag and will probably get your application tossed into the “no” pile immediately.

On the other hand, if the job advertisement doesn’t require a cover letter from the candidates, adding one shows you went the extra mile.

Putting in the effort to write a cover letter can set you apart from other candidates with similar professional experience and skills, and it could even sway the hiring manager to call you for an interview if you do it right.

Need to write a letter to help get you into a good school or volunteer program? Check out our guide to learn how to write a motivation letter !

How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter

Now that you know what a cover letter is, it’s time to learn how to write one!

We’ll go through the process in detail, step by step.

#1. Choose the Right Cover Letter Template

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

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

Just choose one of our hand-picked cover letter templates , and you’ll be all set in no time!

As a bonus, our intuitive AI will even give you suggestions on how to improve your cover letter as you write it. You’ll have the perfect cover letter done in minutes!

#2. Put Contact Information in the Header

As with a resume, it’s important to start your cover letter with your contact details at the top. These should be in your cover letter’s header, separated neatly from the bulk of your text.

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

• Full Name. Your first and last name should stand out at the top.
• Job Title. Match the professional title underneath your name to the exact job title of the position you’re applying for. Hiring managers often hire for several roles at once, so giving them this cue about what role you’re after helps things go smoother.
• Email Address. Always use a professional and easy-to-spell email address. Ideally, it should combine your first and last names.
• Phone Number. Add a number where the hiring manager can easily reach you.
• Location. Add your city and state/country, no need for more details.
• Relevant Links (optional). You can add links to websites or social media profiles that are relevant to your field. Examples include a LinkedIn profile , Github, or an online portfolio.

Then it’s time to add the recipient’s contact details, such as:

• Hiring Manager's Name. If you can find the name of the hiring manager, add it.
• Hiring Manager's Title. While there’s no harm in writing “hiring manager,” if they’re the head of the department, we recommend you use that title accordingly.
• Company Name. Make sure to write the name of the company you're applying to.
• Location. The city and state/country are usually enough information here, too.
• Date of Writing (Optional). You can include the date you wrote your cover letter for an extra professional touch.

#3. Address the Hiring Manager

Once you’ve properly listed all the contact information, it’s time to start writing the content of the cover letter.

The first thing you need to do here is to address your cover letter directly to the hiring manager.

In fact, you want to address the hiring manager personally .

Forget the old “Dear Sir or Madam” or the impersonal “To Whom It May Concern.” You want to give your future boss a good impression and show them that you did your research before sending in your application.

No one wants to hire a job seeker who just spams 20+ companies and hopes something sticks with their generic approach

So, how do you find out who’s the hiring manager?

First, check the job ad. The hiring manager’s name might be listed somewhere in it.

If that doesn’t work, check the company’s LinkedIn page. You just need to look up the head of the relevant department you’re applying to, and you’re all set.

For example, if you’re applying for the position of Communication Specialist at Novorésumé. The hiring manager is probably the Head of Communications or the Chief Communications Officer.

Here’s what you should look for on LinkedIn:

And there you go! You have your hiring manager.

But let’s say you’re applying for a position as a server . In that case, you’d be looking for the “restaurant manager” or “food and beverage manager.”

If the results don’t come up with anything, try checking out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.

Make sure to address them as Mr. or Ms., followed by their last name. If you’re not sure about their gender or marital status, you can just stick to their full name, like so:

• Dear Mr. Kurtuy,
• Dear Andrei Kurtuy,

But what if you still can’t find the hiring manager’s name, no matter where you look?

No worries. You can direct your cover letter to the company, department, or team as a whole, or just skip the hiring manager’s name.

• Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
• Dear Hiring Manager
• Dear [Department] Team
• Dear [Company Name]

Are you applying for a research position? Learn how to write an academic personal statement .

#4. Write an Eye-Catching Introduction

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

Hiring managers get hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of applications. Chances are, they’re not going to be reading every single cover letter end-to-end.

So, it’s essential to catch their attention from the very first paragraph.

The biggest problem with most opening paragraphs is that they’re usually extremely generic. Here’s an example:

• My name is Jonathan, and I’d like to work as a Sales Manager at XYZ Inc. I’ve worked as a Sales Manager at MadeUpCompany Inc. for 5+ years, so I believe that I’d be a good fit for the position.

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

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

Instead, you want to start with some of your top achievements to grab the reader’s attention. And to get the point across, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position.

Your opening paragraph should also show the hiring manager a bit about why you want this specific job. For example, mention how the job relates to your plans for the future or how it can help you grow professionally. This will show the hiring manager that you’re not just applying left and right—you’re actually enthusiastic about getting this particular role.

Now, let’s make our previous example shine:

Dear Mr. Smith,

My name’s Michael, and I’d like to help XYZ Inc. hit and exceed its sales goals as a Sales Manager. I’ve worked as a Sales Representative with Company X, another fin-tech company , for 3+ years, where I generated an average of $30,000+ in sales per month and beat the KPIs by around 40%. I believe that my previous industry experience, passion for finance , and excellence in sales make me the right candidate for the job.

The second candidate starts with what they can do for the company in the future and immediately lists an impressive and relevant achievement. Since they’re experienced in the same industry and interested in finance, the hiring manager can see they’re not just a random applicant.

From this introduction, it’s safe to say that the hiring manager would read the rest of this candidate’s cover letter.

#5. Use the Cover Letter Body for Details

The next part of your cover letter is where you can go into detail about what sets you apart as a qualified candidate for the job.

The main thing you need to remember here is that you shouldn’t make it all about yourself . Your cover letter is supposed to show the hiring manager how you relate to the job and the company you’re applying to.

No matter how cool you make yourself sound in your cover letter, if you don’t tailor it to match what the hiring manager is looking for, you’re not getting an interview.

To get this right, use the job ad as a reference when writing your cover letter. Make sure to highlight skills and achievements that match the job requirements, and you’re good to go.

Since this part of your cover letter is by far the longest, you should split it into at least two paragraphs.

Here’s what each paragraph should cover:

Explain Why You’re the Perfect Candidate for the Role

Before you can show the hiring manager that you’re exactly what they’ve been looking for, you need to know what it is they’re looking for.

Start by doing a bit of research. Learn what the most important skills and responsibilities of the role are according to the job ad, and focus on any relevant experience you have that matches them.

For example, if you’re applying for the position of a Facebook Advertiser. The top requirements on the job ad are:

• Experience managing a Facebook ad budget of $10,000+ / month
• Some skills in advertising on other platforms (Google Search + Twitter)
• Excellent copywriting skills

So, in the body of your cover letter, you need to show how you meet these requirements. Here’s an example of what that can look like:

In my previous role as a Facebook Marketing Expert at XYZ Inc. I handled customer acquisition through ads, managing a monthly Facebook ad budget of $40,000+ . As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation and management process end-to-end. I created the ad copy and images, picked the targeting, ran optimization trials, and so on.

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

• Google Search

Our example addresses all the necessary requirements and shows off the candidate’s relevant skills.

Are you a student applying for your first internship? Learn how to write an internship cover letter with our dedicated guide.

Explain Why You’re a Good Fit for the Company

As skilled and experienced as you may be, that’s not all the hiring manager is looking for.

They also want someone who’s a good fit for their company and who actually wants to work there.

Employees who don’t fit in with the company culture are likely to quit sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary , so hiring managers vet candidates very carefully to avoid this scenario.

So, you have to convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about working with them.

Start by doing some research about the company. You want to know things like:

• What’s the company’s business model?
• What’s the company’s product or service? Have you used it?
• What’s the company’s culture like?

Chances are, you’ll find all the information you need either on the company website or on job-search websites like Jobscan or Glassdoor.

Then, pick your favorite thing about the company and talk about it in your cover letter.

But don’t just describe the company in its own words just to flatter them. Be super specific—the hiring manager can see through any fluff.

For example, if you’re passionate about their product and you like the company’s culture of innovation and independent work model, you can write something like:

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

I really admire how Company XYZ strives for excellence in all its product lines, creating market-leading tech. As someone who thrives in a self-driven environment, I truly believe that I’ll be a great match for your Product Design team.

So, make sure to do your fair share of research and come up with good reasons why you're applying to that specific company.

Is the company you want to work for not hiring at the moment? Check out our guide to writing a letter of interest .

#6. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Finally, it’s time to conclude your cover letter.

In the final paragraph, you want to:

• Wrap up any points you couldn't make in the previous paragraphs. Do you have anything left to say? If there’s any other information that could help the hiring manager make their decision, mention it here. If not, just recap your key selling points so far, such as key skills and expertise.
• Express gratitude. Politely thanking the hiring manager for their time is always a good idea.
• Finish the cover letter with a call to action. The very last sentence in your cover letter should be a call to action. This means you should ask the hiring manager to do something, like call you and discuss your application or arrange an interview.
• Remember to sign your cover letter. Just add a formal closing line and sign your name at the bottom.

Here’s an example of how to end your cover letter :

I hope to help Company X make the most of their Facebook marketing initiatives. I'd love to further discuss how my previous success at XYZ Inc. can help you achieve your Facebook marketing goals. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at the provided email address or phone number so that we may arrange an interview.

Thank you for your consideration,

Alice Richards

Feel free to use one of these other popular closing lines for your cover letter:

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

Cover Letter Writing Checklist

Once you’re done with your cover letter, it’s time to check if it meets all industry requirements. 

Give our handy cover letter writing checklist a look to make sure:

Does your cover letter heading include all essential information?

• Professional Email
• Phone Number
• Relevant Links

Do you address the right person? 

• The hiring manager in the company
• Your future direct supervisor
• The company/department in general

Does your introductory paragraph grab the reader's attention?

• Did you mention some of your top achievements?
• Did you use numbers and facts to back up your experience?
• Did you convey enthusiasm for the specific role?

Do you show that you’re the right candidate for the job?

• Did you identify the core requirements for the role?
• Did you show how your experiences helped you fit the requirements perfectly?

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

• Did you identify the top 3 things that you like about the company?
• Did you avoid generic reasons for explaining your interest in the company?

Did you conclude your cover letter properly?

• Did you recap your key selling points in the conclusion?
• Did you end your cover letter with a call to action?
• Did you use the right formal closing line and sign your name?

15 Cover Letter Tips

Now you’re all set to write your cover letter! 

Before you start typing, here are some cover letter tips to help take your cover letter to the next level:

• Customize Your Cover Letter for Each Job. Make sure your cover letter is tailored to the job you're applying for. This shows you're not just sending generic applications left and right, and it tells the hiring manager you’re the right person for the job.
• Showcase Your Skills. Talk about how your skills meet the company’s needs. And while your hard skills should be front and center, you shouldn’t underestimate your soft skills in your cover letter either.
• Avoid Fluff. Don’t make any generic statements you can’t back up. The hiring manager can tell when you’re just throwing words around, and it doesn’t make your cover letter look good.
• Use Specific Examples. Instead of saying you're great at something, give an actual example to back up your claim. Any data you can provide makes you sound more credible, so quantify your achievements. For example, give numbers such as percentages related to your performance and the timeframe it took to accomplish certain achievements.
• Research the Company. Always take time to learn about the company you're applying to. Make sure to mention something about them in your cover letter to show the hiring manager that you're interested.
• Follow the Application Instructions. If the job posting asks for something specific in your cover letter or requires a certain format, make sure you include it. Not following instructions can come off as unattentive or signal to the hiring manager that you’re not taking the job seriously.
• Use the Right Template and Format. Choose the right cover letter format and adapt your cover letter’s look to the industry you’re applying for. For example, if you’re aiming for a job in Law or Finance, you should go for a cleaner, more professional look. But if you’re applying for a field that values innovation, like IT or Design, you have more room for creativity.
• Express Your Enthusiasm. Let the hiring manager know why you're excited about the job. Your passion for the specific role or the field in general can be a big selling point, and show them that you’re genuinely interested, not just applying left and right.
• Address Any Gaps. If there are any employment gaps in your resume , your cover letter is a great place to mention why. Your resume doesn’t give you enough space to elaborate on an employment gap, so addressing it here can set hiring managers at ease—life happens, and employers understand.
• Avoid Quirky Emails. Your email address should be presentable. It’s hard for a hiring manager to take you seriously if your email address is “[email protected].” Just use a [email protected] format.
• Check Your Contact Information. Typos in your email address or phone number can mean a missed opportunity. Double-check these before sending your application.
• Mention if You Want to Relocate. If you’re looking for a job that lets you move somewhere else, specify this in your cover letter.
• Keep It Brief. You want to keep your cover letter short and sweet. Hiring managers don’t have time to read a novel, so if you go over one page, they simply won’t read it at all.
• Use a Professional Tone. Even though a conversational tone isn’t a bad thing, remember that it's still a formal document. Show professionalism in your cover letter by keeping slang, jargon, and emojis out of it.
• Proofread Carefully. Typos and grammar mistakes are a huge deal-breaker. Use a tool like Grammarly or QuillBot to double-check your spelling and grammar, or even get a friend to check it for you.

15+ Cover Letter Examples

Need some inspiration? Check out some perfect cover letter examples for different experience levels and various professions.

5+ Cover Letter Examples by Experience

#1. college student cover letter example.

Check out our full guide to writing a college student cover letter here.

#2. Middle Management Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a project manager cover letter here.

#3. Team Leader Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a team leader cover letter here.

#4. Career Change Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to a career change resume and cover letter here.

#5. Management Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a management cover letter here.

#6. Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing an executive resume here.

9+ Cover Letter Examples by Profession

#1. it cover letter example.

Check out our full guide to writing an IT cover letter here.

#2. Consultant Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a consultant cover letter here.

#3. Human Resources Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a human resources cover letter here.

#4. Business Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a business cover letter here.

#5. Sales Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a sales cover letter here.

#6. Social Worker Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a social worker cover letter here.

#7. Lawyer Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a lawyer cover letter here.

#8. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing an administrative assistant cover letter here.

#9. Engineering Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing an engineer cover letter here.

#10. Receptionist Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a receptionist cover letter here.

Need more inspiration? Check out these cover letter examples to learn what makes them stand out.

Plug & Play Cover Letter Template

Not sure how to start your cover letter? Don’t worry!

Just copy and paste our free cover letter template into the cover letter builder, and swap out the blanks for your details.

[Your Full Name]

[Your Profession]

[Your Phone Number]

[Your Email Address]

[Your Location]

[Your LinkedIn Profile URL (optional)]

[Your Personal Website URL (optional)]

[Recipient's Name, e.g., Jane Doe],

[Recipient's Position, e.g., Hiring Manager]

[Company Name, e.g., ABC Corporation]

[Company Address]

[City, State/Country]

Dear [Recipient's Name],

As a seasoned [Your Profession] with [Number of Years of Experience] years of industry experience, I am eager to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With my experience in [Your Industry/Sector] and the successes I've achieved throughout my education and career, I believe I can bring unique value and creativity to your team.

In my current role as [Your Current Job Title], I've taken the lead on more than [Number of Projects/Assignments] projects, some valued up to $[Highest Project Value]. I pride myself on consistently exceeding client expectations and have successfully [Mention a Key Achievement] in just a [Amount of Time] through [Skill] and [Skill].

I've collaborated with various professionals, such as [List Roles], ensuring that all [projects/tasks] meet [relevant standards or objectives]. This hands-on experience, coupled with my dedication to understanding each [client's/customer's] vision, has equipped me to navigate and deliver on complex projects.

My key strengths include:

• Improving [Achievement] by [%] over [Amount of Time] which resulted in [Quantified Result].
• Optimizing [Work Process/Responsibility] which saved [Previous Employer] [Amount of Time/Budget/Other Metric] over [Weeks/Months/Years]
• Spearheading team of [Number of People] to [Task] and achieving [Quantified Result].

Alongside this letter, I've attached my resume. My educational background, a [Your Degree] with a concentration in [Your Specialization], complements the practical skills that I'm particularly eager to share with [Company Name].

I'm excited about the possibility of contributing to [Something Notable About the Company or Its Mission]. I'd be grateful for the chance to delve deeper into how my expertise aligns with your needs.

Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

The Heart of Your Job Search - Creating a Killer Resume

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

After all, your cover letter is meant to complement your resume. Imagine going through all this effort to leave an amazing first impression in your cover letter, only for the hiring manager to never read it because your resume was mediocre.

But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered here, too.

Check out our dedicated guide on how to make a resume and learn everything you need to know to land your dream job!

Just pick one of our resume templates and start writing your own job-winning resume.

Key Takeaways

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

• A cover letter is a 250 - 400 word document that’s meant to convince the hiring manager that you’re the best candidate for the job.
• Your job application should always include a cover letter alongside your resume.
• To grab the hiring manager’s attention, write a strong opening paragraph. Mention who you are, why you’re applying, and a standout achievement to pique their interest.
• Your cover letter should focus on why you’re the perfect candidate for the job and why you’re passionate about working in this specific company.
• Use the body of your cover letter to provide details on your skills, achievements, and qualifications, as well as make sure to convey your enthusiasm throughout your whole cover letter.
• Recap your key selling points towards the end of your cover letter, and end it with a formal closing line and your full name signed underneath.

At Novorésumé, we’re committed to helping you get the job you deserve every step of the way! 

Follow our career blog for more valuable advice, or check out some of our top guides, such as:

• How to Make a Resume in 2024 | Beginner's Guide
• How to Write a CV (Curriculum Vitae) in 2024 [31+ Examples]
• 35+ Job Interview Questions and Answers [Full List]

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

Make your career move.

• Our Vision and Mission
• Who We Work With
• Where We Work
• Meet the Team
• Testimonials
• Multinational Companies
• Universities & Colleges
• Government Agencies & Embassies
• Multilateral Organizations
• International Non-Profits
• Relocation & Mobility Companies/DSPs
• Individual Job Seekers/Expatriates
• International Career e-Platform
• Interactive Career Tools
• Career Coaching
• Global Career Training
• International Career Help Desk
• Passport Career Associates Program (PCA)
• Global Career Blog

You’re 6 Steps Away From the Perfect International Cover Letter

Posted on Dec 9, 2015 | 0 comments

Imagine: You’re German, and you’re moving with your spouse to the United States. She has a job waiting for her there, but you need to find one too or you’ll lose your mind. You’ve been applying to a few positions, but after submitting your resume and cover letter, no one has called you for an interview. Wondering what’s going wrong? Does this sound a lot like your situation? Let me walk you through the steps you need to take to write the perfect international cover letter that will get your application noticed and earn you that interview.

1. Know the format.

Before digging into the content, you’ve got to know the right format for your cover letter and the norms in the country in which you are trying to get a job. In the U.S., cover letters of more than one page are never read in their entirety. If you’re lucky, your potential employer is going to read the first and last paragraphs of your cover letter even when it is one page. Also, looking “different” from others in your cover letter format is rarely to your advantage as it makes you stand out as someone “who doesn’t know how things work here.”

2. Figure out what you have that they want.

Come up with three reasons that you are the right person for the job. Look at the job description to figure out what they are looking for and then list (yes, actually write them down!) them. This is the main content of your cover letter. Write one paragraph on each of these topics. Extra points if one of these paragraphs has to do with your position as an expat, a speaker of a certain language that’s important to your future employer, or your nationality.

3. Research to find out why they need you.

This is commonly referred to as the employer’s “pain points.” What’s going on currently in their marketing department that might need tweaking that the company already knows about. Have they been vying with another company for the top position for the last five years? Have they lost a few major clients in the last few years? What is going on with them and how can you fix it? Knowing this will allow you to truly connect with your potential employer in your cover letter. Your potential employer will see that YOU are the person who can help them with their problems.

4. Tell them what you’ll do for them.

In the first paragraph, you’ll want to write three sentences. The first sentence has to do with what position you are applying for. The second is optional, in case you’d like to add in another piece of info. The most important sentence in your cover letter is the third sentence, because it reveals what you possess that they need (Step 2) and why they need you (Step 3) and it’s likely to be a sentence that they actually read on your cover letter. Here’s an example:

Let’s say that our German friend’s three reasons are:

1. Ten years of marketing experience at a major international marketing firm. 2. German speaker able to respond to key German clients such as Volkswagen and Audi. 3. Expat who brings a new perspective and creative ideas.

Most cover letters’ introductory paragraphs look something like this:

I’m applying for the senior marketing manager position I saw advertised in The London Times. I’m very interested in this position as it will help me advance in the marketing world and I like the business model of your company.

Blah. No employer is going to give you a job because you want to advance in the marketing world. They’ll be happy that you like their business model, but so do a lot of other people. So that introduction paragraph on your cover letter is probably going to get you tossed in the “do not interview” pile. Sorry.

If our German friend writes an intro paragraph that’s powerful, he’s going to land himself in the “call for an interview pile.” And here is exactly how he’s going to do it.

I’m applying for the senior marketing manager position at Company X. I have long admired X’s business model and am thrilled at the opportunity to work for you. My extensive marketing experience at Y international marketing firm, superior language ability in German and English, as well as my creative ideas are sure to elevate X’s marketing strategy and position X firmly as the top marketing firm in the United States.

See that? Even if the reader doesn’t read another word in the cover letter, this guy is getting called for an interview. He has three characteristics that Company X wants and he knows what Company X needs from him (to get them into the top spot).

6. Make sure they can contact you.

In your closing paragraph, you’re probably going to say something like:

I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to X’s marketing team in an interview. If you have any additional questions about my qualifications or would like to schedule an interview, please contact me at phone or email.

Don’t put a phone number in another country. If you live in Germany and you’re trying to get hired in the U.S., make the small investment to get a U.S. phone number with a service like Skype, Vonage, or Ooma. No one wants to make an international call to contact you. Also, don’t use your email address from your current job. Even if your employer told you that was okay, using that address looks bad because you’re looking for another job on company time.

6. Have a native speaker edit it.

I don’t care if you’ve been speaking English/Spanish/French/German/Swahili for the last ten years of your life. Errors on paper are much more glaring than spoken errors. The native speaker may not find a single thing wrong with your letter, but don’t skip this step if you’re serious about your job search.

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT WRITING AN INTERNATIONAL COVER LETTER?

Passport Career provides more detailed career information and extensive resources about networking, finding a job, internship, alternative career opportunities as well as information on writing CVs, cover letters and interviews. If your organization, embassy, university/college, library, or other institution would like access to our country portfolios (15,000+ pages of expert content for 80+ countries and 250+ cities) to share with your students, employees, spouses/partners, and others managing a national or international career transition, please click here to contact us (or send email to: [email protected]) regarding a free, live, online demo and details on how to obtain a license to access Passport Career.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Subscribe to Our Blog

From the blog.

• Being “On Time”: Consider the Country
• Top 5 Reasons to Intern in Canada
• Coliving spaces: Housing of the 21st Century

Blog Categories

• Cross-Border Education (15)
• Expat Lifestyle (52)
• Global Alternatives to Employment (10)
• Career Considerations (5)
• Career Tools & Resources (6)
• Corporate/Private Sector (1)
• Global Job Search (63)
• International Resume/CV Tips (17)
• Interviewing Globally (16)
• Networking Internationally (32)
• Portable Careers (22)

Want more information? Have questions? We want to hear from you! Contact us for a free demo and to learn more about gaining access to Passport Career.

Quick Links

• Client Industries
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

© 2018 Passport Career, LLC. All rights reserved. Featured Slider Image Credit: www.Bigstock.com.

Share this post with your friends!

• About Us Get to know Workwide Recruit
• How it works See how easy the process is
• Guides & Stories
• For Employers

Already have an account?

Don’t have an account? Sign Up

Writing a Cover Letter That Stands Out for international jobs

Mar 10, 2021 by Monica Garcia

Now that you have perfected your CV , you are ready to dive into your cover letter! This document works as a complement to your CV and will help you stand out even more in the pile of job seekers. It is also a way for you to naturally include your skills and accomplishments while telling the recruiter or hiring manager some more details about you as a person. 

Not every job ad requires you to add a cover letter but, in some cases, the company you are applying to might want you to include it. This letter should not tell your life story or describe your hobbies but should describe your professional career and highlight why you want the position you are applying for, and why you think you would be the right fit for it.

Tailor the cover letter for the job you are applying for

Just like with your CV, you want your cover letter to be unique to every job you apply for! Even if it is tempting to re-use an old version of the letter, you should tailor it for every new position. This will be a bit more time-consuming, but since it will be personalized for the company, it can make a considerable difference in the end. 

In the letter, we recommend avoiding generic sentences like “Dear sir/madam, I am excited to apply for this role". This does not show the recruiter that you are interested in that specific role. Do some extra research on who will read the cover letter and address it specifically to that person. For example: “Dear Janet Andersen, I saw that you are looking for a new customer support agent at Number One Gaming, and I am very interested in the role ”. 

What to include in a cover letter

Since most recruiters will probably only skim it, your cover letter doesn’t have to be longer than half a page. Having about three paragraphs is enough if you use them wisely. As mentioned before, this document should focus on your character, personality, and what accomplishments you have made in your career. Bring up previous jobs or internships that are relatable to the position you want, and mention qualifications, diplomas, or volunteer work that strengthens you as a valid candidate. 

You can search and download a template if you are unsure about the structure or design of your cover letter. However, make sure you personalize it and make it your own. 

1. Start strong

The first paragraph of your cover letter needs to grab the attention of the recruiter straight away. In other words, it has to be captivating, inviting them to read more. Try to think outside of the box . Instead of the classic “Hello, I want to apply for this job” try something like; “I have always loved problem-solving, and if I may say so myself I am immaculate at it. In fact, that is why I was attracted to a job within customer service in the first place”. 

After a strong opening, continue to explain why you are writing this letter. For example, you found the available position, and you were immediately intrigued. Then, give a clear motivation as to why you believe you would be an excellent fit for the role. Highlight the skills and qualities that you have and that you think the company needs. Since you have probably already done this in your CV, this is your chance to explain it more thoroughly. 

2. Why this job?

The most important part of your cover letter is to include why you are applying for that job . The company wants to know why you are passionate about what they do and how you could fit in their team. Research about the company to find out more about their mission, vision, and goals. You may relate to how their story or how they came up with that business idea, or you feel like the direction they are taking the business is in line with your plans for your career. This part has to be genuine and personal so that the employer can tell that you are interested in their company and what it represents. 

Something else that is important to do is to add some of the key terms and phrases that are used in the description of the job ad. If the company is looking for someone efficient, social, and a fast learner - you should include all of these words somewhere in your cover letter when you describe yourself or your skills. 

You can also add a sentence or two to explain why you want to work in the country where the job is. Maybe because you know the language, or it has always been your dream to live and work there. Explain that you are open to new adventures and that moving to another country is not a problem for you. 

3. Finish it with a thank you 

Finally, you want to add a closing paragraph with a final sales pitch and a summary explaining why you are genuinely interested in the role and that you would be happy to discuss it further in an interview . 

At the very end, thank the employer for taking the time to read your CV and cover letter and mention you look forward to hearing from them.  

Quick tips for your cover letter

• Format and presentation - your cover letter should be neat and tidy, use the same font as in your CV and make sure it’s uncluttered and has all the proper paragraphs. 
• Check for grammar or spelling mistakes - it’s easy to miss even the most obvious mistakes when you’ve stared at the same document for a while, so make sure someone else reads your cover letter before you send it out. 
• Use examples - Add your portfolio - if you have examples of previous work you have done, you can add them here to back up your claims. 
• If you feel stuck - sometimes it might be hard to know what words or phrases you should use to describe yourself, and you might feel like it comes off as bragging. A tip is to ask a colleague to give you some examples - how would they describe you and sing your praises?  

What to avoid in your cover letter

Just as in your CV, there are some elements that you should avoid when it comes to your cover letter. Here are some examples: 

Giving too much praise - You should not focus only on how good that company is and how well they do. Find areas of improvement and tell them how you can help. For example, it might be the case that the company is not so strong on social media. Then you could mention how you increased your current company’s visibility on Facebook or Instagram. 

Don’t add all your education - If you don’t have any work experience yet, you might think you need to add all your previous education to your cover letter. However, you should instead focus on your achievements and add your most recent educational accomplishments. Think of skills you learned from your education and find a way to connect them to the required skills for the role. 

Being too formal or too enthusiastic - The tone of voice in your cover letter is relevant, but sometimes it can be tricky to know which one is better to use. However, even if you want to sound professional, you should avoid being overly formal in your letter. You want to come across as likable and approachable and not sound like a robot. On the other side of the spectrum, you should also avoid being too enthusiastic or informal. 

If you don’t have any work experience yet 

Many candidates feel like they have to include an apology or an explanation for not having work experience. A sentence like “Although I only have limited experience in this field, I am excited to learn more” is a great way to explain that you don’t meet all the requirements yet, but you are willing to make up for it !

In other words, it is about focusing on your strengths rather than your weaknesses! Maybe you have studied abroad and can bring this up. For example, you can phrase it differently; “I know already what it is to move and live abroad, and I am ready to take the next step in my career”. If you make it to the interview stage and get asked about the previous experiences, you can elaborate your answer based on this point and be honest about how you plan to translate the skills you have for the position. 

Applying for a job today takes some extra effort from your side, but if you are willing to put in the time, you will be rewarded in the end. Having the perfect cover letter will get you miles ahead of other applicants, and if you manage to find a unique way to describe yourself and your skills, you pretty much have the job in the bag. Think of it as a puzzle where every piece must fit - the structure, the powerful introduction, describing yourself and your skills, the length, and the closing paragraph.  

And when you are finished, check out the open positions we are listing here to find your next job abroad. Good luck! ?.

Share this:

You might also want to read

Our Top 10 Tips to Finding Friends Abroad

Let’s face it, moving abroad, where everything is unfamiliar, can feel like a bit of a maze. You’re struggling with...

• Living & Working abroad

Live and Work in Madrid as an Expat

Welcome to the beating heart of Spain – Madrid! This bustling metropolis offers a unique blend of rich culture, historical...

• English (UK)
• Português (BR)
• Cover Letter

How to Write a Cover Letter for Any Job [2024 Guide]

A cover letter can make or break your entire job application. Discover how to write a cover letter that will impress any recruiter.

Many people think that writing a cover letter is daunting and anxiety-inducing, but the truth is that more than half of employers prefer candidates with cover letters. Missing a cover letter means missing a lot of interviews. Having a bad cover letter means...almost the same. 

If you don't know how to write a cover letter, do not worry. We'll teach you how to write a good cover letter. The one employers want to see and will get you a lot of job interviews. 

This guide will show you:

• How to write a cover letter for a job application that stands out.
• A cover letter sample that will get you more interviews.
• How to write a cover letter for different types of jobs. 
• A full step-by-step guide to writing a cover letter quickly and painlessly

Save hours of work and get a cover letter like this. Pick a template, fill it in. Quick and easy. Choose from 20+ cover letter templates and download your cover letter now.

Create your cover letter now

What users say about ResumeLab:

I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your cover letter.” Patrick I love the variety of templates. Good job guys, keep up the good work! Dylan  My previous cover letter was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful! George

Want to see cover letter examples for a specific positions? Feel free to check out these articles:

• Business Cover Letter
• Consulting Cover Letter
• Customer Service Cover Letter
• Digital Marketing Cover Letter
• Human Resources Cover Letter
• Internal Position Cover Letter
• Internship Cover Letter
• IT Cover Letter
• Marketing Cover Letter
• No Experience Cover Letter
• Non-profit Cover Letter
• Project Management Cover Letter
• Social Work Cover Letter
• Teacher Cover Letter

Looking for a different cover letter example? See Cover Letter Examples for all professions . 

How to Write a Cover Letter—Example

Jennifer J. Amato

Customer Service Specialist

89 Westfield Road

Anytown, CA 92301

552-993-0888

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/jenny-j-amato

Anytown, 1/10/2021

Mr. James Stipe

Head of Product

3015 Round Table Drive

Anytown, CA 90544

Dear Mr. Stipe,

When I found the opening for the Senior Customer Service Specialist with ABC Bank I felt as if it was addressed to me, personally. In my current position as CSR at Acme Corp, I’ve boosted customer retention by 37% in 9 months and raised the mean NPS from 7.9 to 8.8. I’m sure my expertise can translate into similar results for ABC.

I realize that the major upcoming challenge for your Customer Service Team will be to assist other teams in launching the new AI-based platform for Personal Internet Banking. While working at Acme, I:

• Planned and supervised online and phone surveys prior to the redesign of our internet banking platform.
• Oversaw collaboration with colleagues in a cross-departmental project team of customer service reps, data analysts, and software developers to design a consumer-insight-driven product.
• Trained 46 customer service agents in resolving customer queries related to the new online banking platform; after the launch of the platform, these agents had a 97% satisfaction rating on average.

I love that your Customer Service Team operates with one goal in mind only: to maximize the business opportunities by finding and implementing tailor-made solutions for all customers. It perfectly reflects my core professional value: the drive to connect every customer with personalized support at every step of their consumer life journey.

When can we schedule a call to discuss solutions for boosting ABC’s Customer Satisfaction Scores by 20% in the next Fiscal Year?

P.S. I’d also value the opportunity to tell you how I raised customers’ satisfaction rates with my team by 48% above the company average.

After reading this cover letter, Mr. Stipe couldn’t resist inviting Ms. Amato to a job interview. Yours can be just as effective. Let’s start with the basics:

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a one-page document that’s a part of your job application alongside your resume. In your cover letter, you get a chance to introduce yourself, set yourself apart from all the other candidates, and prove you’re the best person for this job.

A cover letter isn’t just a retelling of the facts you share in your resume. It gives a glimpse of your personality while showcasing your professional achievements in greater detail. It should also show your passion for the specific job you’re applying for—otherwise, the recruiter will think you don’t really want the job and move on to the next candidate.

In short, a cover letter is a document that can make or break your entire job application. Let’s see how to write one that’s guaranteed to become a success: 

How to Write a Cover Letter

Many people—even seasoned professionals—aren’t quite sure how to write a cover letter. So, if the very thought of writing it makes you anxious, you’re definitely not alone. But you’re not doomed to dedicate half of your day to anxious guesswork along the lines of “How do I even get started?”

Effective cover letters follow a clear underlying structure that you can easily borrow:

• Opening paragraph that grabs the reader’s attention
• Paragraph that shows why you’re the best candidate
• Another paragraph that demonstrates your passion for this specific job at this specific company
• Call to action
• P. S. (optional)

If you include all these elements in your cover letter, you’ll be a lot closer to getting your dream job than you think.

Now, let’s go through all these elements. Here's how to write a successful cover letter:

1. Stick to the Proper Cover Letter Format

Your cover letter should follow the best practices for writing business letters.  Keep your cover letter short and to the point—in fact, your entire cover letter shouldn’t be longer than 350 words. Yes, that doesn’t look like much, but it’s a good cover letter length to aim for.

Pick a professional, easy-to-read font, set the line spacing to 1 or 1.15, and align your paragraphs to the left . This formatting is easy on the eyes and won’t give the recruiter a headache.

Recruiters are busy people, remember? Add an extra line between paragraphs so that your cover letter is easy to scan within a few seconds.

Not sure how to format your cover letter and choose the best layout? Check out our guide to cover letter formatting or, even better, use our cover letter builder that does the job for you.

Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.

CREATE YOUR COVER LETTER NOW

Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here .

2. Write a Professional Cover Letter Header

Writing a cover letter heading sounds simple, but if you happen to get it wrong, your job application is doomed.

Fortunately, writing cover letter headers is easy. Just follow this template:

[Your First and Last Name]

[Your Job Title]

[Phone Number]

[Email Address]

[LinkedIn Profile URL]

[Location / Date of Writing]

[Hiring Manager’s First and Last Name]

[Hiring Manager’s Professional Title]

[Name of Company]

[Company Street Address]

[City, State, Zip Code]

You can also add links to other online profiles that are relevant for your job. For example, you can link to your GitHub if you’re a software developer. If you’re an illustrator, add a link to your portfolio on Behance.

Expert Hint: Double-check your cover letter header for typos—no hiring manager wants to see their name misspelled! Also, make sure your contact info is the same as the info you give in your resume header.

3. Open a Cover Letter with a Killer First Paragraph

Done with the header? Good, let’s move on to the next step.

Start with a simple, professional greeting . If you’re applying for a corporate job, opt for “Dear Mr./Ms. Lastname”. If your dream employer has a more relaxed company culture, you can write “Dear Firstname” instead.

Can’t find the hiring manager’s name in the job ad? Research the company’s website, do a quick search on Google or LinkedIn… or just call the company and ask who’s responsible for the hiring process.

If you still can’t find out their name, write “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Hiring Team”. This greeting isn’t as great as addressing a letter to a specific person, but it’s still better than “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To whom it may concern”.

Now it’s time to write the first paragraph. Your main goal here is to grab the reader’s attention and make them read on. Here are some ways to start a cover letter :

• Tell a brief story of your key achievement
• Drop a name
• Mention the company’s recent achievement and compliment them on it

Let’s look at some examples.

How to Write a Cover Letter: Opening Paragraph

In this opening paragraph, the candidate shares two epic achievements and promises to bring similar value to the company she’s applying to.

Hi there, 

In response to your Senior Customer Service Specialist opening, I’d like to submit my application. With 7+ years of experience in customer service, I know I would be a perfect fit for the position.

First , “Hi there” isn’t the best way to address a hiring manager at a bank.

Second , simply having 7+ years of experience doesn’t automatically make you qualified for a specific job.

Third , this intro is simply boring. HR people see those clichés dozens of times every day, and, unless they’re extremely bored and have nothing else to do, they won’t read the rest of the letter.

4. Prove You’re the Best Person for This Job

Our candidate, Jennifer, is applying for a Senior Customer Service Specialist position with The ABC Bank.

Her prospective employer has specific plans: they’re launching a new AI-based, customized platform for personal internet banking . She researched the bank’s website, read the job ad once again, and identified that the employer is specifically looking for:

• A skilled Customer Service Specialist , obviously
• Someone experienced in developing customer surveys to analyze insights
• An employee good at collaboration with members from other teams

In the next paragraph of her cover letter, Jennifer shows two things:

• She’s researched the company and knows what project she’ll be working on.
• She has a history of professional achievements that clearly match the ideal candidate’s profile.

Here’s how she did it:

How to Write a Cover Letter: Second Paragraph

I realize that the major upcoming challenge for your Customer Service Team will be to assist other teams in launching the new AI-based platform for Personal Internet Banking . While working at Acme, I:

See how she gives specific, highly relevant proof? This is how you should write your own cover letter. 

Now, let’s look at what another candidate wrote:

In my career, I’ve performed a wide array of customer service duties. I was responsible for providing assistance to customers via phone, email, and fax, performing general clerical duties, filing, data entry, billing, as well as recognizing and resolving documentation errors.

OK, so they did customer service stuff. Were they good at it? Just listing a bunch of responsibilities doesn’t prove you were actually good at any of them. After all, someone was responsible for making the Titanic unsinkable!

5. Let Your Cover Letter Show Why This is Your Dream Job

In the next paragraph of your cover letter, show why you’re passionate about working for this particular company. Why?

Well, no one wants to hire a person who doesn’t care about their job.

Here are some ways to show your passion:

• Compliment the employer on an award they won or some other recent achievement
• Demonstrate that you share the company’s values
• Make it clear that you’d be honored to be a part of such an excellent team

How to Write a Good Cover Letter: Examples

Jenny wrote the following:

You may need to look at the company’s website to learn more about its values. But you always do your research before applying for a job, don’t you?

Also, make sure you tailor this paragraph to every job offer you’re applying to. Don’t be like this person:

This one screams, “I’VE ALREADY COPIED AND PASTED THIS A MILLION TIMES AND I’M NOT GOING TO STOP!”

If you just copy and paste generic phrases like this, recruiters will just assume that you don’t care about this specific job offer. So they won’t care to invite you to an interview either.

6. End Your Cover Letter with a Powerful Call to Action

What’s the point of your cover letter? To persuade the reader to take action and invite you to a job interview. And the best way to get someone to act is… by asking them. Yep, it’s that straightforward.

Ask the reader to schedule a call or a meeting, and offer to talk about the value you can bring to the company.

What to Write in a Cover Letter: Sample Call to Action

Jenny clearly means business. She’s confident, straightforward, and eager to help the employer achieve specific, measurable results. Looks like the right person for the job.

This doesn’t even look like a call to action. Rather, it’s yet another boring cliché—the recruiter will probably just yawn and move on to the candidate.

7. Sign off Like a Pro

You’re almost done! Now’s the time to end your cover letter . Write something like “Sincerely” (or any other classic closing formula for business letters ) and then add your full name.

If you’ve got a scanned version of your handwritten signature, paste it into the document for that cool, ultra-professional look. After that, repeat your contact information. This is a common practice in business letters and makes it easier for the reader to contact you immediately.

Here’s what it looks like for Jenny:

8. Add a Tasty P. S.

Now you know how to write a cover letter. But if you want to put an extra cherry on the cake, add a P. S. under your sign-off.

In the P. S., promise to tell the reader a story about one of your most impressive achievements. They won’t resist inviting you, even if it’s just to hear the story.

Expert Hint: You may be tempted to put a joke in the P. S., but that’s very risky. The joke might fall flat and ruin your entire job application. Stay professional throughout your entire cover letter.

9. Make Sure Your Resume is as Good as Your Cover Letter

We've covered all the information you need to write in a cover letter. But, your cover letter, no matter how amazing, is just one half of your job application. Your resume needs to be just as good, so give it some love, too.

We've prepared a dedicated guide on how to write a resume . It'll show you step-by-step instructions, similary to this one. 

With ResumeLab’s resume builder you’ll write your resume in a flash. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Improve your resume in our resume builder now .

CREATE YOUR RESUME NOW

Nail it all with a splash of color, choose a clean font, highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You’re the perfect candidate and we’ll prove it. Just pick one of 21 resume templates and get started now .

You’ve just read a ton of information, so let’s recap. Here’s how to write a cover letter for any job or internship:

• Start with a professional cover letter layout and formatting (use our cover letter builder or a free MS Word cover letter template)
• Create a header and make sure it’s perfectly error-free
• Craft an attention-grabbing first paragraph
• Give specific examples showing that you’ve the right person for this specific job
• Show your passion for the company
• Add a call to action
• Sign off like a pro
• Surprise the reader with a P. S. (optional)

Got questions about how to write a great cover letter? Need assistance with writing your cover letter for a job? That’s what the comments section is for. Get in touch and I’ll respond right away.

About ResumeLab’s Editorial Process

At ResumeLab, quality is at the crux of our values, supporting our commitment to delivering top-notch career resources. The editorial team of career experts carefully reviews every article in accordance with editorial guidelines , ensuring the high quality and reliability of our content. We actively conduct original research, shedding light on the job market's intricacies and earning recognition from numerous influential news outlets . Our dedication to delivering expert career advice attracts millions of readers to our blog each year.

How to Write a Cover Letter: Frequently Asked Questions

How to write a good cover letter.

Here are some tips for writing a successful cover letter:

• Keep it  short  and to the point
• Pick a professional  cover letter template
• Tailor your cover letter to a specific job offer —never send out generic cover letters!
• Craft a  strong opening paragraph
• Explain how you'll  bring value  to the company
• Show  passion
• Close with a  compelling call to action

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a one-page document that you send in with your resume . Here's what to include in a cover letter : additional information about your achievements and skills, proof that you're the best candidate for this job, and proof of your passion for this specific company.

Use a cover letter builder to craft a cover letter that follows all best practices.

What do employers look for in a cover letter?

Here's what employers want to see in your cover letter:

• Clear , to-the-point writing
• Solid  proof  that your skills and achievements will bring value to the company
• A genuine  passion  for this specific company and this specific role
• Your understanding of the company's  values
• Signs that you've  researched  the company before applying

Check out more  cover letter writing tips .

How to address a cover letter without a name?

If you can't find the recruiter's name in the job ad or on the company website,  opt for "Dear Hiring Team" or "Dear Hiring Manager" .

Take care to avoid outdated, impersonal phrases like "Dear Sir or Madam" or "To whom it may concern". Learn more in the dedicated guide to  addressing cover letters .

How to format a cover letter?

Format your cover letter like you would format any business letter:

• Your contact info
• The date and your location
• The recruiter's contact info
• Business salutation (Ideally "Dear Mr./Ms...")
• Opening paragraph
• Closing paragraph
• Sign-off ("Best regards" followed by your name will do just fine)
• Optional P. S.

For more information on page margins, fonts and layout, check out our guide on cover letter formatting . Or head straight to a cover letter generator that will take care of the formatting.

Is a cover letter the same as a resume?

A resume provides an overview of your career and education, usually in the form of bullet points. A cover letter, on the other hand, provides context and explains why you're the best candidate. To make sure your job application is successful, submit both a resume and a cover letter. Use a resume builder and a matching cover letter builder for a consistent look.

Is a cover letter necessary?

Short answer: yes . More than 70% of recruiters prefer candidates who do send a cover letter, even if the job ad says it's optional.

Unless you're applying via an online form where you can't upload a cover letter, always make sure to include one . Use a cover letter builder to make the writing process quick and painless.

How long should a cover letter be?

200–350 words . This is a good cover letter length to aim for—just enough to put your message across without unnecessary fluff.

Olga is a career expert with a background in teaching. At ResumeLab, she writes actionable guides to help job-seekers highlight their unique strengths and unlock their career potential.

Was it interesting? Here are similar articles

Free Cover Letter Templates for Word to Start With

Unlock your dream job with free, editable Word cover letter templates! Discover a collection of expertly designed templates with pro tips. Download now for a winning application!

Mariusz Wawrzyniak

Career Expert

General Cover Letter That’s Not Generic: Free Samples (2024)

A resume is just another sheet of paper without a cover letter to show your human side. Use these 3 generic cover letter samples to write your own non-general cover letter fast.

Tom Gerencer

20+ Modern Resume Templates [Examples for 2024]

You’ve just come across a modern resume template treasure trove. Now, take your time, look around, pick the modern resume you like most, and make a job-winning resume.

4 Cover Letter Examples (Plus Tips on How to Write Yours)

We love having examples. It’s so much easier to decorate a cake, build a model, or yes, even write a cover letter when you know what the end product could look like. So that’s what we’re going to give you—all the cover letter examples and tips you need to make yours shine (unfortunately we’re not experts in cake decorating or model building). 

You'll see that writing a cover letter is all about highlighting your relevant skills, professional experience, and accomplishments, while emphasizing your interest for the role in an engaging manner.

Want to get right down to business? Skip ahead to:

1. The traditional cover letter example

2. the impact cover letter example, 3. the writing sample cover letter example, 4. the career change cover letter example, bonus cover letter examples, a few more cover letter tips, why bother with a cover letter at all.

We bet when you see a job listing that says “ cover letter optional ,” you breathe a sigh of relief, gleefully submit your resume, and move on. But you’re truly doing yourself a disservice by not including a cover letter (or by writing one that’s super generic or formulaic).

“When you’re writing a resume you’re oftentimes confined by space, by resume speak, by keywords—you’re up against a lot of technical requirements,” says Melody Godfred, a career coach and the founder of Write in Color who’s read thousands of cover letters over the course of her career. “In a cover letter you have an opportunity to craft a narrative that aligns you not only with the position you’re applying to but also the company you’re applying to.”

Whether you’re writing a cover letter for a data scientist or marketing manager position, an internship or a senior-level role, a startup or a Fortune 500 company, you’re going to want to tailor it to the role, company, and culture. A strong, customized cover letter will help you explain your value proposition and stand out from the stack of applicants. 

If there’s a gap in your resume , you have the opportunity to explain why it’s there. If you’re changing careers, you have the chance to describe why you’re making the switch. If your resume is pretty dull, a cover letter helps you show some personality . And yes, cover letters still get read.

Deep in the job search, or just browsing? These open jobs on The Muse could be your ideal next step »

What do I write in a cover letter? The 3 basic elements

You'll notice from our cover letter examples that the body of your text can vary a lot depending on factors like the position you're applying for, your career stage, and the type of cover letter requested by the hiring manager. For instance, a writing sample cover letter is different from a traditional professional cover letter (we'll get there soon.)

However, there is some information that you can't leave out. It's important to highlight your most relevant experience, skills, and qualifications for the role in any type of cover letter. Plus, make sure to write an engaging first paragraph to grab the reader's attention, and an effective final paragraph, ideally followed by a call to action, in order to leave a lasting positive impression.

You could say that cover letters are a little like puzzles. When you put each component in its proper place (and remove any parts that don’t fit), you create a complete picture. Even though that picture is always different, the types of pieces are basically the same. We've broken down these three key elements for you:

1. An engaging opener

How you start a cover letter is everything. Your opening lines influence whether someone keeps reading—and you want them to, right? “Starting with something that immediately connects you to the company is essential—something that tells the company that this is not a generic cover letter,” Godfred says. “You have to say something that tells the employer, ‘I wrote this just for you.’”

It can be a childhood memory tying you back to the company’s mission. It can be a story about the time you fell in love with the company’s product. It can be an anecdote from another job or experience showing how hard of a worker you are. Whatever you decide to open with, make it memorable.

2. A clear pitch

Use the next few paragraphs of your cover letter to “hit them with the strongest results you have that are aligned with the opportunity,” Godfred says. Ryan Kahn , Muse career coach and founder of The Hired Group , calls this your pitch. In other words, the part where you’re “selling yourself for the position and why you’re qualified for it.”

Additionally, Godfred says, “If you’re someone who’s transitioning careers, and you need to explain that transition, you do it there.”

This section should have a balance of soft and hard skills . Talk about your experience using Salesforce or doing SEO work, but also highlight your ability to lead teams and communicate effectively.

“Companies are embracing authenticity, they’re embracing humanity, they’re looking for people who are going to fit their culture,” says Godfred. “So what are your values? What do you stand for? These values should be as much a part of your cover letter as the super specialized hard skills.

3. A great closing line

Your closing line could include your next steps or a call to action, Kahn says, such as “ I welcome the opportunity to speak with you more about how I can contribute to the team ,” or, “ I would love to schedule a time for us to discuss this role and my experience. ” But more importantly, “You want to make sure that you’re gracious and thanking them,” he says. While seemingly cliché , it never hurts to end on a simple, “ Thank you for your consideration. ”

Does that sound a bit overwhelming? Don’t panic! We’ve got examples of four types of cover letters below: a traditional cover letter , an impact cover letter , a writing sample cover letter , and a career change cover letter . So let’s take a look at these examples, why they work, and how you can use them to craft your own.

A traditional cover letter is similar to what you’d come up with using position-based cover letter templates . It moves in reverse chronological order through your career history, highlighting parts of your past jobs that make you well suited for this position.

You might want to use this type of cover letter if:

• You’re applying to a more formal company (like a law firm or major healthcare company ) or a more conventional role (like a lawyer or accountant).
• You want to play it safe and conservative with your application materials.

What does the job description say?

Imagine you’re applying to a paralegal job opening at a law firm. The job description might include:

Responsibilities

• Draft routine legal documents for review and use by attorneys
• Coordinate and organize materials and presentations for legal proceedings
• Research legal and related issues and report findings and conclusions to team
• Provide overall legal administrative support to the legal team
• Maintain calendars and ensure timely filings

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent of relevant education and work experience
• Strong communication skills (oral and written)
• Strong organizational , multitasking, and prioritization skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and LexisNexis
• Trustworthy, positive, energetic, and optimistic attitude with a willingness to roll up your sleeves

The cover letter example

Here’s an example of a traditional cover letter you could write for this role—keeping things strictly professional but without sounding too boring or jargon-y:

Dear Ms. Jessica Sanchez,

In my five-year career as a paralegal, I have honed my legal research and writing skills, and the attorneys I’ve worked with have complimented me on my command of case law and litigation support. Spiegel Law Firm’s 20 years in practice proves that the firm has strong values and excellent attorneys, and I’d be eager to join such a talented team.

I currently serve as a paralegal for Chandler, Chandler, and Greene, where I work closely with the partners on a number of high-priority cases. During my time here, I implemented a new calendar system that ensures timely filing of court papers. This system has prevented missed deadlines and allowed for better organization of internal and client meetings.

Previously, as a paralegal for the Neuerburg Law Firm, I received praise for my overall support of the legal team and my positive attitude. While working there, I came up with and implemented a plan for digitizing their old files while still ensuring security and privacy. This led to more efficiency when preparing for client meetings and legal proceedings.

My further qualifications include a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University, a paralegal certificate, and training in LexisNexis, Westlaw, and Microsoft Office Suite.

I would love the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your legal team. Thank you in advance for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Chase Broadstein [email protected] (222) 222-2222

Download this example

Why this works

This cover letter example is short, sweet, and to the point. It shows the candidate has a knack for getting things done in a thorough and timely manner and a track record for helping out wherever needed. The opening lines also express a genuine interest in this specific firm. Plus, there are some important keywords in there like “calendar system,” “bachelor’s degree,” “paralegal certificate,” and “LexisNexis.”

The impact cover letter puts your accomplishments front and center rather than organizing your paragraphs by past roles. You might use a cover letter like this if:

• You’re applying for roles where you’re expected to deliver on certain goals or results (for example, if the jobs involve sales quotas or marketing metrics).
• You haven’t followed a straightforward career path and your past job titles don’t show the extent of your qualifications.
• You want your personality to stand out a bit more than it might in a traditional cover letter.

What does the job description say

Imagine you’ve come across an opening for an email marketing manager . Part of the job description states:

• Manage email marketing strategy and calendar, including copywriting, optimization, monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on campaigns
• Improve campaign success through conversion optimization, A/B testing, and other experiments
• Collaborate with the design team to ensure brand guidelines are followed in emails
• Partner and collaborate cross-functionally with sales, product, product marketing, and data teams
• 3+ years in email marketing
• Experience with Constant Contact, Google Analytics, HTML, CSS, Photoshop, and Microsoft Excel, a plus
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written) and an eye for copyediting
• Strong interpersonal , relationship-building, and stakeholder management skills
• Excellent project management, problem-solving , and time management skills, with the ability to multitask effectively

Here’s an example of an impact cover letter where the writer’s hard skills and successes stand out:

Dear Russ Roman,

I have a problem. See, my inbox currently (and embarrassingly) hosts 1,500 unread emails—including newsletters from at least 50 different brands.

But this problem only fuels my passion for creating emails that are worth opening. Because from my perspective, as someone who can barely get through their own stack of mail, that’s a true win.

I’ve been following Vitabe for years, and can proudly say that I open every single email you send to me. I’m a sucker for a good subject line—“Take a Vitamin-ute—We’ll A-B-C You Soon” being my favorite—and the way your email content feels both fun and expert-backed really speaks to me. This is why I’m thrilled to submit my application for a role as email marketing manager at your company.

I have over four years of experience working in the email marketing space. In my current role at Westside Bank, I was able to implement new email campaigns centered around reengaging churned clients. By analyzing data around the types of clients who churn and the engagement of our current email subscribers, as well as A/B testing headlines and newsletter layouts, we were able to increase email subscribers by 15% and convert 30% of those subscribers to purchase our product, a significant increase from the previous year. 

I also launched a “Your Credit Matters” newsletter focused on educating our clients on how they spend and manage their credit—which became our highest performing campaign in terms of open-rates and click-through to date.

Previously, as a member of the marketing team at Dream Diary Mattresses, I collaborated with the sales and product team to understand how I could best support them in hitting their quarterly goals. One specific project involving creating personalized emails for customers drew more people to come back to our site after 30 days than direct paid ad campaigns, leading to a 112% increase in revenue from the last quarter.

I take the content I write and the calendars I manage seriously, editing and refining beyond detail-oriented and into meticulous territory, and I feel my experience and drive would greatly help Vitabe further develop their email program for success.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Lad Miller [email protected] (987) 654-3210

This sample cover letter concisely highlights the applicant’s most significant, relevant achievements. By adding context to how their projects were created, monitored, and completed, they’re able to show just how results-driven they are and how they’ve successfully leveraged some of the skills the company is looking for.

One thing worth noting: This person didn’t include keywords such as Constant Contact, Google Analytics, HTML, CSS, Photoshop, or Microsoft Excel—all of which are listed in the job description. But those skills are most likely in their resume already, and leaving them out gives them the space to discuss specific projects and tell a story not visible on other parts of their job application.

For roles where written communication is key, such as PR, copywriting , or journalism jobs, your cover letter will likely be the first writing sample your future employer sees. So it’s just as important to show your skill set in action through eloquent writing.

• Writing or editing is a key component of the role you’re applying to.
• You want to show off your creativity.

Here’s part of a job description for a staff writer position:

• Pitch and write articles, reporting on timely issues and trends
• Collaborate with editorial and other teams to launch each digital issue and other special projects on schedule
• Evaluate content performance and digital trends on a daily basis to constantly adjust pitches and packaging
• Utilize CMS tools, strategically select photos and videos, and request original graphics to optimize all written content for maximum engagement
• At least 2-3 years of experience creating content at a digital-first outlet
• Strong writing and reporting skills, and the ability to write clearly and quickly
• Familiarity working in a CMS and with analytics tools such as Google Analytics
• Deadline-driven, strategic thinker with a knack for crafting click-y headlines
• Strong collaborator who thrives in fast-paced environments

Have fun with this one, but triple-check for spelling and grammar mistakes, and make sure you’re showing off your best writing. Here's the cover letter sample:

Dear Tai Chen,

Since I could walk, I’ve been dancing. And since I could read, I’ve been glued to Arabesque Weekly. At one point, you featured one of my local heroes—a ballerina who struggled with an injury early in her career and went on to become a principal dancer at Pacific Northwest Ballet—and I plastered the article above my childhood bed. It’s still there today.

That article—and so many others you’ve published—taught me that dancing was about more than just pirouettes and arabesques and that the right kind of writer can shed light on aspects of the art that make it surprising, impactful, and universal. I can be that writer.

As an editorial assistant at TheImprovGroup.com for the past two and a half years, my main responsibility was to get all of our content ready to go live on the site. This included fact-checking, proofreading, adding in HTML where necessary, and finding photos, videos, and GIFs that would complement the content and optimize audience engagement. 

As I tinkered with each post, I became intimately familiar with our internal CMS. Reviewing every single article we published and following reactions and engagement helped me gain a deep understanding of what makes a piece really land with our audience.

But by far my favorite aspect of this role has been writing. Each week, I pitch and write at least one article, from 250-word news items to 900-word advice pieces to even longer profiles, features, and personal essays. I love the challenge of developing pitches that align with the trends we see in the data, reflect with the company’s brand and mission, and allow me to flex my creative muscles.

Collaborating with my team to form the best content library we can has been a dream come true. I would be so excited to use my experience to help Arabesque Weekly achieve its goals. And I hope to one day write a story that another little dance lover tapes to their wall forever.

It would be an honor to be a part of your editorial team, and I look forward to the possibility of discussing the opportunity with you.

Hoping to be your next staff writer,

Marlee Wood [email protected] (555) 666-4433

This candidate is clearly passionate about this specific publication and leads with a unique personal anecdote tied to the company’s mission that demonstrates their ability to tell stories in a compelling way. There are relevant keywords and phrases, sure, but they’re not just thrown in there. Their voice comes through in every sentence, proving this person knows how to communicate effectively and creatively.

Cover letters can play a big part in helping career changers prove their qualifications—especially when it’s unclear how their skills transfer over to this new field.

You might write a career change cover letter if:

• You want to highlight the transferable skills you have that relate to the job description.
• You want to explain why you’re making the switch and what’s driving you toward this specific industry, company, or position.

Imagine you’re someone who has experience supporting a sales team as an administrative assistant , and you’re now looking to become a sales representative. You come across a job posting that includes:

• Develop new sales techniques and strategies to build pipeline and hit team goals
• Coordinate with other teams to increase lead-generation efforts
• Assist in the processing of new business, including contacting customers to finalize sales and service transactions
• 1-3 years of successful sales experience
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
• Ability to work independently to plan, set priorities, and effectively organize work
• Proven ability to be persuasive, persistent, and confident in closing a sale

Typically, this type of cover letter should include a compelling narrative about your career change and how you can transfer your past experiences to this new role. Here’s how you might translate your past experience over to this new (and exciting) prospect:

Dear Maria Russo,

The head of sales at Sunshine Inc. was in a bind. She needed six client meetings scheduled, 18 service transactions processed, and a summary of the team’s new lead generation campaign drafted before getting on a flight to Austin—in three hours. So she turned to her cool-headed, sales-savvy administrative assistant for help. That assistant was me. Not only did I execute everything on her to-do list, I did it all before her plane left the ground.

For three years, I worked in lockstep with a busy, growth-oriented sales leader to support the business development team. As the sole administrative assistant in the department, I balanced a swath of competing priorities, ranging from coordinating meetings and inputting data to contacting customers, finalizing transactions, and creating promotional materials. This role helped me develop a comprehensive understanding of the sales cycle, sales strategy, and pipeline growth.

Like many others, my career path hasn’t been entirely straightforward. After leaving Crabapple Media, I enrolled in a local coding bootcamp. Six months later, I emerged with a certificate in computer programming and a certainty that I did not want to be a coder. But education is never wasted. I’m now an aspiring sales representative with experience supporting a thriving sales team and extensive knowledge of the tech space.

Here’s a little bit more about how my experience would translate into this role:

• At Crabapple Media, I assisted in coordinating three annual sales strategy rollouts, yielding an average increase in pipeline of 26% YoY.
• At Sunshine Inc., I supported 12 independent team members in their lead-generation efforts. I also assisted in processing an average of 300 sales transactions every quarter.
• I thrive in busy, ever-changing environments that require me to communicate clearly and concisely. Supporting a high-volume team and a busy executive helped me to hone these skills—I typically sent more than 200 emails a day!

I would, of course, love to schedule a time for us to discuss this role and my experience, and I truly want to thank you for considering me.

All the best,

Olu Abiola [email protected] (123) 456-789

The opener draws you in and makes you want to learn more. It toots the person’s horn, but in a way that’s substantiated. Then, the next couple sections explain their experience in the sales space and other relevant qualifications, before eventually tying that back to why they’re applying to this specific job. 

Similar to the impact cover letter, the author lists some of the more important qualities they bring to the table, doing a bit of keyword inclusion and resume gap explaining along the way.

To further guide you, check out some more cover letter examples:

• Pain point cover letter example
• Internship cover letter example
• Recent graduate cover letter example
• (Another) career changer cover letter example
• Stay-at-home parent returning to work cover letter example
• Sales cover letter example
• Email marketing manager cover letter example
• No job description or position cover letter example (a.k.a., a letter of intent or interest)
• Example cover letter with no experience

Let’s break down one of our example cover letters real quick

All three professional cover letter examples have some key elements that make them great and able to grab the hiring manager's attention. Check out this handy infographic that breaks down our impact cover letter:

Here are a few more tips to help the cover letter process:

Start with a “brain dump” 

If you’re staring at a blank page, Godfred always recommends that her clients start by getting all their ideas on the page without paying attention to length. Then “ask yourself how you can cut half of it,” she says. You’ll likely find that repeated information and very generic phrases are the first to go. (If it’s still too long, here are some tips for getting your cover letter down to one page .)

Don’t just repeat your resume

You only have so much space to get your point across, so focus on the information that isn’t stated elsewhere rather than simply regurgitating your resume. A good cover letter should complement your resume, so use the opportunity to elaborate your skills and qualifications further, as well as your accomplishments and why you're a good fit for that position.

Focus on quality over quantity 

Target the jobs you’re most closely drawn to and qualified for and give them all your energy, rather than trying to churn out hundreds of cover letters, Kahn says. You may not be able to apply to as many jobs, but you’ll have a better response rate.

Remember the ATS 

Much like your resume, an applicant tracking systems, or ATS , will be sifting through your cover letter. So you’ll want to scatter relevant keywords from the job description throughout your pitch where it makes sense.

Don’t stress over formatting 

You may see flashy cover letter examples across the internet, but for the most part, it just isn’t necessary. An ATS can’t read text that has been formatted beyond using bold, italics, underline, and color, so keep your font and layout simple—especially if you’re submitting your cover letter through an online portal.

Don't forget your contact information

Include your contact information on every page, including your name, phone number, and email. “Imagine you come across a cover letter and you print it out with a bunch of applications to review and it doesn’t have the person’s contact information on it,” Godfred says. “You never want to put yourself in a situation where you’re the right person and they can’t find you.”

Edit your cover letter before submitting

Never submit a cover letter right after you finish writing it—there could be critical errors that you didn't notice while typing. Take some time away from your text, then revisit it like you're reading someone else's letter. Be sure to double-check all the information you've included, paying special attention to:

• The company's name
• The hiring manager's name
• The job title
• Your contact information
• Basic grammar and spelling

You're ready to go

If you've come this far, you're equipped with all the information you need to craft a great cover letter. Hopefully these cover letter examples help as you go to tackle your own. Remember: This is just one small step in the process! Take your time, but learn to move on when you’ve given it your all.

Amanda Cardoso contributed to the latest version of this article.

How to craft a strong resume and cover letter to teach abroad

As you already know, creating a positive first impression is key to landing any job, and nabbing a coveted position to teach abroad is no different . However, if you’ve never applied to an international school before, you may have no clue how to impress a potential employer and increase your chances of nabbing a job offer.

No worries, we’ve got the inside scoop. Follow the tips below to maximize your odds of landing a teaching job abroad—and start a thrilling new chapter in your life!

Let’s start with the resume

Let’s start off with learning how to draft an unbeatable resume. We recommend writing your resume first because it’s essentially the blueprint for your cover letter, as it features relevant work experience, skills, and education. If you try to write your cover letter first, you’re bound to forget some key details!

Now, it’s important to clarify that the ideal teaching resume isn’t a resume at all. Rather, it’s a curriculum vitae (or CV), named after the Latin phrase that means “the course of one’s life”.

A CV is longer than your standard resume and it contains a greater level of detail. This distinction is important because newbie teachers often lack traditional teaching experience . Writing a CV, instead of a resume, allows you to expand on the reasons why you would be an exceptional teacher, such as academic honors, volunteer experience, and language skills.

Basic Information

In the United States or Canada, you would never disclose your gender or marital status on a CV. However, other countries don’t necessarily have the same privacy laws or customs as North America, so be prepared to get personal on your teaching CV. Also, factors such as your age, are important in determining whether you would qualify for a work visa so it’s understandable that schools will need to know this information upfront.

Information you may need to disclose on your CV will vary from country to country, but it could include:

• Citizenship and nationality
• Marital status
• Any valid work or residency visas

Certain countries, especially in Asia, are keen to see what their future teachers look like. So, including a headshot-style photo on your CV is a great way to get your application noticed. It’s best to have your photo taken professionally. However, if funds are tight, a friend with a good quality camera will suffice.

Put your TEFL certification first in the “education” section on your CV . Write down the accredited institution that awarded your certificate and how many hours it took to complete.

Next, include your education information, starting with your most recent school. Most international schools require teachers to hold a Bachelor’s degree , so make sure that your education information is clearly noted.

Work Experience

Let’s get into the meat of your CV: your career experience . Start with your most recent position and list your current and past jobs, while clearly stating the employment dates, each company’s name, and its location. Don’t hesitate to include volunteer positions and less formal work—like working as a babysitter, au pair, or camp counselor—especially if you’re in your early 20s and new to the working world. Any experience you have working with children counts!

Go into detail about your responsibilities, along with any accolades you may have earned, with your prospective employer in mind. Shine a spotlight on any information related to teaching, childcare, mentoring, or even working in an international milieu. These details could give you an edge over the competition.

Skills, awards, and extracurriculars

To further enhance your CV, consider adding separate sections for “skills”, “awards”, and “extracurricular activities”. Prospective employers, for instance, want to know if you speak any foreign languages, if you mentor children or volunteer with non-profit organizations, or if your academic or personal accomplishments have been awarded.

Any additional information that demonstrates that you are an independent, well-rounded candidate is applicable here. After all, besides having teaching chops, you must be able to navigate the potential obstacles that arise when you uproot your life to move abroad. Show them how ready you are!

Your next step is writing your teacher cover letter

How to write a cover letter for a teaching job

Now that your resume is ready to impress, let’s tackle your cover letter for teaching . The following list includes certain topics and information that you should address:

• Lead with the position you’re applying for. In the first sentence of your cover letter, you should clearly state which teaching job you want to be considered for. Don’t make the hiring manager—or your future boss!—hunt around for it.
• Ditch the “Dear Sir/Madam” opening. Never assume gender when you’re writing a cover letter. If you can’t find who to address it to, simply start with “Dear Hiring Manager” and go from there.
• Keep it brief. If your cover letter doesn’t fit on one page, you need to do some editing. A single page is enough space to include everything you need to say.
• Make it personal. Don’t write a generic cover letter with the intention of submitting it to multiple international schools. Recycling a cover letter may speed up the application process, but it won’t give a potential employer the impression you’re enthusiastic about their school or that you have anything special to offer them.
• Don’t get flowery. Keep in mind that the person reading your cover letter may not be a fluent speaker of English. So, aim to express yourself in clear, concise language.
• Highlight your relevant experience. Ask yourself, “Why am I the ideal candidate to teach at this school?” Lead with your teaching experience , followed by your knowledge of other countries, such as whether you’ve traveled or lived abroad. Then, discuss your interest in teaching and how their particular school could benefit from hiring you. Make them a pitch they can’t turn down!
• State your English proficiency. Be sure to include in your cover letter that you’re a fluent English speaker, if you are. Some schools also like to know what accent you have (for example, British vs. North American).
• Disclose your availability. Let your prospective employer know when you would be available to begin working. For instance, if you’re finishing up your Bachelor’s degree and won’t be done exams until May, make those dates clear.

Putting on the final touches

At this point, your CV and resume should look polished and professional. Follow these three final steps before you click the submit button:

• Check for spelling errors. Carefully edit your cover letter and CV yourself with the help of a spellcheck program. Afterward, ask a trusted friend to read over your application for errors.
• Skip the unusual fonts. If you’ve typed up your application in a non-traditional font, do yourself a favor by pressing CTRL+A and switching to a professional typeface like Arial or even Times New Roman. Trust us, it makes a difference.
• See how your application looks IRL. To ensure your formatting is A-OK, print out your resume and cover letter before applying. Having a hard copy of your application gives you a clear idea of how it will appear to a potential employer. After all, even if you’re submitting online, the school abroad will likely print out the applications to review them.

On a closing note, happy job hunting! With the help of this guide, we hope you’ll soon be embarking on the life-changing adventure of teaching abroad.

Enjoyed this article? Don't forget to share.

Latest Posts

Recommended for you:

• Skip to Content
• Skip to Footer

Resume Genius

The World's Smartest Resume Builder

Monday to Friday, 8AM – 12AM (Midnight) and Saturdays and Sundays, 10AM – 6PM EDT (866) 215-9048

Cover Letter Examples

Cover Letter Examples for All Job Applications and Situations

Before you start writing a cover letter , the best way to prepare is to check out examples of good cover letters.

As featured in *

Our list of 200+ cover letter examples is perfect for all job seekers, whether you need to write one for a specific life situation (like a career change) or you’re looking for an industry-specific sample.

Our free-to-use cover letter builder can make you a cover letter in as little as 5 minutes. Just pick the template you want, and our software will format everything for you.

What does a great cover letter include?

Not sure what a cover letter is or what to include on yours? A cover letter, also known as a cover page , is made of the following five parts:

• Salutation: A professional greeting that addresses the hiring manager by name
• Introduction: An attention-grabbing opening paragraph that introduces yourself and your intention to apply for the open role
• Body paragraph(s): One or two paragraphs describing your relevant professional experience, achievements, skills, and education
• Closing paragraph : A final paragraph that contains a call to action (CTA) asking the hiring manager to invite you in for an interview
• Sign-off : End your cover letter with a professional sign-off (like “Sincerely, [Your Name]”)

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

Your street address, City, State | Email | Phone number

Today’s date Employer name Company Name Street address City, State

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

Opening Paragraph (Introduction)

Your cover letter opening should contain a self-introduction. Write about who you are, where your expertise lies, where you found the job posting, and why you want to apply for the job.

Body Paragraphs

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

• You can include a bulleted list of your accomplishments
• Make sure to use numbers or percentages to emphasize your bullet points (e.g. “Increased online revenue by 13%”)
• Do some research about the company and find out what their current activities and goals are
• Explain how you can help them achieve those goals

Closing Paragraph

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

1. General cover letter example

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

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

• used the hiring manager’s name (showing that effort was put into locating it)
• mentioned where they found the job posting  (HR managers love this)
• highlighted relevant experience , establishing her ability to do the job

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

General cover letter example (text version)

Dear Ms. Doe,

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

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

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

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

Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Why this is a good example of a cover letter

In the cover letter example above, the candidate is concise and direct . They convey much of what a cover letter should say in the opening paragraph, like their amount and type of experience, plus where they found the job.

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

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

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

Write your own call to action to show you’re serious about the job, and willing to make the first move if necessary.

2. Entry-level cover letter example

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

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

Entry-level cover letter example (text version)

Dear Mr. Jacobson,

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

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

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

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

What makes this a good cover letter

This killer cover letter sample stands out because the applicant emphasizes their enthusiasm about the opportunity from the very first sentence.

Beyond their enthusiasm, the candidate also shows that they’re   qualified . They quickly (and convincingly) market their professional strengths , including relevant hard skills (Linux, backend coding) and soft skills (precision, attention to detail).

Employers know they’re taking a risk by hiring a recent graduate . Showing some passion is especially important for new grads because they don’t have the work experience to win the job yet.

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

3. Professional cover letter example

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

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

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

Professional cover letter example (text version)

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why this is a good cover letter

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

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

4. Creative cover letter example

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

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

Creative cover letter example (text version)

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

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

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

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

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

Warm regards,

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

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

However, don’t make your application memorable for the wrong reasons (like including too many dad jokes or being overly informal). It’s important to strike the right tone for the company you’re applying to.

Finally, the candidate keeps the focus on their professional qualifications by listing specific accomplishments from their previous job, and explains how these accomplishments are relevant to the position.

5. Career change cover letter example

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

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

• One reason (or more) for the career change
• An example of a transferable skill in action
• Proof of commitment to the new field

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

Career change cover letter example (text version)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Finally, it’s clear the writer of this cover letter is committed to the new job . They even worked on their skills to prepare for this change in profession.

Taking a 150-hour course and volunteering are both great signs our candidate is dedicated to switching industries.

6. Cover letter for promotion example

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

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

• It emphasizes your managerial or higher-level skills
• It focuses on your dedication to your current company

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

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

Cover letter for promotion example (text version)

Dear Mrs. Lasker,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Job-specific cover letter examples

Our large collection of job-specific cover letter examples is sure to have a cover letter for you. Download all of these sample cover letters for free and customize them to fit your needs.

College Student

High School Student

Human Resources

Customer Service

Administrative Assistant

Click your industry below to find examples for different jobs:

Accounting & Finance

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

• Account Manager Cover Letter
• Accountant Cover Letter
• Accounting Intern Cover Letter
• Accounts Payable Cover Letter
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Cover Letter
• Administrative Assistant Cover Letter
• Clerical Cover Letter
• Executive Assistant Cover Letter
• Front Desk Cover Letter
• Office Administrator Cover Letter
• Office Assistant Cover Letter
• Office Manager Cover Letter
• Personal Assistant Cover Letter
• Receptionist Cover Letter
• Secretary Cover Letter
• Assistant Manager Cover Letter
• Business Development Cover Letter
• Executive Cover Letter
• McKinsey Cover Letter
• Operations Manager Cover Letter
• Product Manager Cover Letter
• Program Manager Cover Letter
• Property Manager Cover Letter
• Public Relations Cover Letter
• Real Estate Agent Cover Letter
• Supervisor Cover Letter
• Business Analyst Cover Letter
• Consulting Cover Letter
• Data Analyst Cover Letter
• Project Coordinator Cover Letter
• Scrum Master Cover Letter
• Architecture Cover Letter
• Construction Project Manager Cover Letter
• Construction Worker Cover Letter
• Project Manager Cover Letter
• Welder Cover Letter
• Budtender Cover Letter
• Cashier Cover Letter
• Grocery Store Cashier Cover Letter
• Retail Manager Cover Letter
• Retail Sales Associate Cover Letter
• Store Manager Cover Letter
• Call Center Representative Cover Letter
• Customer Service Cover Letter
• Sales Cover Letter
• Sales Manager Cover Letter
• CFO Cover Letter
• Creative Director Cover Letter
• Event Coordinator Cover Letter
• Event Planner Cover Letter
• Graphic Designer Cover Letter
• Photographer Cover Letter
• Production Assistant Cover Letter
• Video Editor Cover Letter
• Academic Advisor Cover Letter
• Assistant Principal Cover Letter
• Coaching Cover Letter
• Librarian Cover Letter
• Library Page Cover Letter
• School Counselor Cover Letter
• Hospitality (Hotel Front Desk) Cover Letter
• Hostess Cover Letter
• Housekeeping Cover Letter
• Server Cover Letter
• Waiter/Waitress Cover Letter
• Civil Engineer Cover Letter
• Electrical Engineer Cover Letter
• Engineering Cover Letter
• Mechanical Engineer Cover Letter
• Network Engineer Cover Letter
• Software Engineer Cover Letter
• Bank Teller Cover Letter
• Bookkeeper Cover Letter
• Finance Cover Letter
• Financial Advisor Cover Letter
• Financial Analyst Cover Letter
• Investment Banking Cover Letter
• Acting Cover Letter
• Artist Cover Letter
• Model Cover Letter
• Music Cover Letter
• Barista Cover Letter
• Bartender Cover Letter
• Chef Cover Letter
• Fast Food Cover Letter
• Food Service Cover Letter
• Line Cook Cover Letter
• Restaurant Cover Letter
• Restaurant Manager Cover Letter
• Dental Assistant Cover Letter
• Dental Hygienist Cover Letter
• Dentist Cover Letter
• Dietitian Cover letter
• Healthcare Cover Letter
• Personal Trainer Cover Letter
• Physical Therapist Cover Letter
• Physician Assistant Cover Letter
• SLP Cover Letter
• Interior Design Cover Letter
• Human Resources (HR) Cover Letter
• Recruiter Cover Letter
• Cyber Security Cover Letter
• Data Scientist Cover Letter
• Help Desk Cover Letter
• Information Technology (IT) Cover Letter
• IT Project Manager Cover Letter
• System Administrator Cover Letter
• Technical Cover Letter
• CIA Cover Letter
• FBI Cover Letter
• Legal Assistant Cover Letter
• Paralegal Cover Letter
• Stay at Home Mom Cover Letter
• Custodian Cover Letter
• Electrician Cover Letter
• Janitor Cover Letter
• Mechanic Cover Letter
• Communications Cover Letter
• Digital Marketing Cover Letter
• Marketing Assistant Cover Letter
• Marketing Coordinator Cover Letter
• Marketing Cover Letter
• Marketing Intern Cover Letter
• Marketing Manager Cover Letter
• Social Media Cover Letter
• Case Manager Cover Letter
• Medical Assistant Cover Letter
• Medical Receptionist Cover Letter
• Medical Scribe Cover Letter
• Occupational Therapist Cover Letter
• Pharmacist Cover Letter
• Pharmacy Technician Cover Letter
• Phlebotomist Cover Letter
• Veterinary Assistant Cover Letter
• Veterinary Technician Cover Letter
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Cover Letter
• Entry Level Nurse Cover Letter
• New Grad Nurse Cover Letter
• Nurse Practitioner Cover Letter
• Nursing Cover Letter
• School Nurse Cover Letter
• Babysitter Cover Letter
• Camp Counselor Cover Letter
• Caregiver Cover Letter
• Child Care Cover Letter
• Nanny Cover Letter
• Social Worker Cover Letter
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Cover Letter
• Firefighter Cover Letter
• Police Officer Cover Letter
• Security Guard Cover Letter
• Security Officer Cover Letter
• Academic Cover Letter
• Biology Cover Letter
• Computer Science Cover Letter
• Postdoc Cover Letter
• Research Assistant Cover Letter
• Science Cover Letter
• Cosmetologist Cover Letter
• Esthetician Cover Letter
• Hair Stylist Cover Letter
• Makeup Artist Cover Letter
• Massage Therapist Cover Letter
• College Student Cover Letter
• Cover Letter for Internship
• High School Student Cover Letter
• Recent Graduate Cover Letter
• Art Teacher Cover Letter
• Elementary Teacher Cover Letter
• Paraeducator Cover Letter
• Preschool Teacher Cover Letter
• Special Education Cover Letter
• Substitute Teacher Cover Letter
• Teacher Assistant Cover Letter
• Teacher Cover Letter
• Tutor Cover Letter
• Delivery Driver Cover Letter
• Flight Attendant Cover Letter
• Truck Driver Cover Letter
• Amazon Cover Letter
• Inventory Specialist Cover Letter
• Logistics Coordinator Cover Letter
• Supply Chain Analyst Cover Letter
• Supply Chain Cover letter
• Warehouse Manager Cover Letter
• Warehouse Worker Cover Letter
• Designer Cover Letter
• Front End Developer Cover Letter
• Full Stack Developer Cover Letter
• Java Developer Cover Letter
• Programmer Cover Letter
• UX Designer Cover Letter
• Web Developer Cover Letter
• Copywriter Cover Letter
• Journalist Cover Letter

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

Frequently asked questions about cover letters

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

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

Three things you should include in a cover letter are:

• An introduction – tell employers who you are and what kind of experience you have.
• Your qualifications – convince employers you’re the right person for the job by highlighting your qualifications, accomplishments, and skills.
• A convincing conclusion – restate your excitement about the position and urge the employer to contact you.

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

How do you write a simple cover letter?

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

• Opening: start with “Dear” and the hiring manager’s name.
• First paragraph: write a short introduction that states what job you’re applying for and what kind of background you have.
• Second paragraph: describe your current (or most recent) role and some of your greatest accomplishments at that job.
• Third paragraph: highlight your skills that are relevant to the job you want.
• Fourth paragraph: close out with a call to action restating your interest in the job and encouraging the employer to contact you.
• Sign off: end with a formal closing like “Sincerely,” and sign or write your name.

How important is a cover letter?

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

According to a recent survey on cover letters , 68% of hiring managers view cover letters as important, fairly important, or very important in the hiring process.

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

How do you build a cover letter?

There are three ways you can build a cover letter:

1. Use a professional cover letter generator tool

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

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

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

2. Write it from scratch

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

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

3. Use a cover letter template

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

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

Additional cover letter FAQs

• Should you introduce yourself in a cover letter?
• What do employers look for in a cover letter?
• What are the three types of cover letters?
• Do cover letters need an address?
• Can a cover letter be two pages?
• Should I attach a cover letter or write it in the email?

Click to rate this article

4.2 Average rating

Corissa Peterson, CPRW

Related Articles

Cover Letter Help

Geoffrey Scott, CPRW

Rebecca Tay, Ph.D.

Ida Pettersson

Emily Crowley

Eva Chan, CPRW

Thanks for downloading our free template!

Would you leave us a review?

We hope we’ve helped you on your path to career success. If you have time, a quick review would really make our day (it'll only take 15 seconds). Thanks again, and good luck!

Sample Cover Letter With No Experience in Field (And How to Write Yours)

By Biron Clark

Published: November 10, 2023

Cover Letters | Recent Grads

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

Writing an articulate cover letter is challenging for all job seekers. But if you have little or no work experience in a field, the stakes are higher. It’s more challenging to prove your value when you don’t have a series of professional accomplishments to back up your assertions. On the bright side, you probably have more to offer an employer than you realize. You just have to package your strengths the right way.

In this article, you’re going to learn how to write a cover letter for a job with no experience in that field. And we’ll look at a full sample after going through the steps.

Let’s get started…

How to Write a Cover Letter With No Experience

1. the main purpose of your cover letter with no experience.

The purpose of a cover letter is to complement your resume and convince more employers to interview you. You may refer to your resume when writing a cover letter for a job application, but you must expand upon points made in the resume when writing the cover letter.

The cover letter should breathe life into the points made in the resume, and create a compelling—or even emotional—narrative around your career hopes and aspirations . It’s your chance to tell your story and show that you have the passion and the drive to come into a job and make a difference.

And at the end, it should ASK for the interview. We’ll talk about that coming up. Let’s get started by going through how to write a cover letter with no experience, step-by-step…

2. Cover Letter Contact Information

When beginning a cover letter for a job application, start with your contact details in the top left-hand corner of the page. Include your name, city of residence, phone number, and email address. (To preserve your privacy, do not include your physical address). You should also include your LinkedIn URL. Next, write the name of the company you’re applying to, and its city of residence.

3. Your Salutation

Ideally, you address your reader by name in your salutation. Internet sleuthing may reveal the name of the hiring manager. If you can’t find a name, you have two options: call the organization and ask to learn more about the position, or write “Dear ” or “Dear Hiring Manager.”

This isn’t ideal, though. You should really only be sending a cover letter if you know the hiring manager’s name and have some specific information about the position. So if you know nothing specific about the hiring manager or job, and the company hasn’t asked for a cover letter specifically, then you probably don’t need to send it .

4. Cover Letter Introduction

Use this section of your cover letter to introduce yourself and share your enthusiasm and why you applied for the position .

Start with your name and provide some background on your strengths. Always identify the position you’re seeking and how you learned about it. If someone at the company told you about the job, then mention that person’s name (only after asking their permission, though). Aim for one to two sentences in your Introduction—keep it short, sweet, and precise.

Example Cover Letter Introduction with No Experience in the Field:

“Hello, my name is Grace Addington, and I’m a goal- and detail-oriented civil engineering graduate from Petaluma College. I was excited to learn about the Junior Engineer internship at Bay Area Rapid Transportation through my former classmate Katie Heinz.”

5. Body Paragraphs

Here comes the most critical part of writing a cover letter with no experience. The purpose of your body paragraphs (one to two brief paragraphs, tops) is to prove that you’re the best candidate for the position. Seeing as how you have little or no previous professional work experience to fall back on, you’ll want to place emphasis on soft skills —attributes of a personal nature that say a lot about your work ethic and ability to work in sync with others. Or, if you have job-related skills (AKA hard skills) from another type of role, point out how those skills will help you transition into this next job and succeed quickly.

That’s what hiring managers are looking for! So while it’s great to write about soft skills and put together a cover letter talking about how you’re willing to learn their job… it’s much better to point out any hands-on experience that you have. So if you’re able, always highlight that first and foremost.

For example, if you had an internship, worked in an unrelated field, did a few academic projects while studying, gave a presentation, etc., those are still valuable pieces to put on your resume AND in your cover letter.

Your resume likely already consists of part-time jobs or school activities or memberships in school associations that maybe aren’t 100% related to the job you’re going after.

Look closer, though—you’ve probably garnered skills in these experiences that can carry over to the job you’re applying for. Below are two examples of cover letter body paragraphs that hone in on two key phrases noted in a job advertisement as requirements: “strong interpersonal skills” and “positive work ethic.” You should be able to figure out pretty quickly which example hits the mark.

Let’s look at two sample paragraphs now from cover letters with no experience in a field:

“I am Twig & Twine’s ideal office manager. As my resume states, I served as an RA at my dorm. I know how to manage an array of things.”

“You’re looking for a candidate with strong interpersonal skills and a positive work ethic. While serving as an RA at Porter College’s main dormitory, I planned monthly social events for over 200 students, settled two to five student disputes per week, and mentored a select group of students in Composition. The experience taught me, rather quickly, how to efficiently multi-task, and how to effectively settle conflicts of all types in a calm, level-headed manner. I feel confident stating that I can bring these talents to Twig & Twine’s office manager position.”

The second example takes the duties that likely appeared in the RA position on the resume and then digs deep, illustrating how the tackling of those duties turned into accomplishments, and led the applicant to grow the crucial skills needed for the office manager position.

One last thing about body paragraphs—remember to frame your message around the employer’s needs, and not yours. Focus on what you can bring to the job, and how your talents will translate into success for the company. That’s important in any cover letter, and becomes even more crucial in a cover letter with no previous work experience.

6. Concluding Your Cover Letter

End your cover letter by reiterating why you’re the best candidate and express your interest once again in the position. And ask them for the interview! It’s surprising but most job seekers don’t do this, and it’s been shown to improve your chances of getting a call to come in for an interview!

So conclude your cover letter by thanking the reader for the time they took to review your application, and tell them you’d like to find a time to meet for an interview to see if it might be a good fit to work together. To close, sign off formally. Try “Respectfully yours” or “Sincerely.”

7. Proofread Everything

Before sending out your new cover letter, read it out loud to catch errors quickly. Ask a trustworthy person to read it as well. Nothing stops you from getting interviews faster than an obvious typo or error in your cover letter or resume, and you only have to check once, but make sure you’re checking it thoroughly!

8. Save it as a PDF

Once the content is finalized, save it as a PDF and title it “ Cover Letter” to prevent confusion. Voila! You’re done. If you follow the tips above, you’ll have a great cover letter with no experience so you can get interviews and job offers in this new field!

Sample Cover Letter With No Experience in Field:

Next, let’s look at a full sample of a cover letter that explains why you’d fit well in a role ( and why you chose to apply for this type of role ):

Dear Name, I’m writing to you regarding the Sales Associate job posting, which I believe reports to you. I can offer 5+ years of experience working directly with customers over the phone and in person, primarily in customer support. Although I haven’t worked directly in sales, my customer support experience has helped me build skills in communication, persuasion, and problem-solving, which I believe will translate well into selling software subscriptions for your firm. I’m motivated to transition into sales to continue challenging myself and growing in my career, and I’ve always enjoyed a challenge, which I think working in sales will provide me. I’ve attached my resume for your review. If any of the above sounds interesting, I’d welcome the chance to talk on the phone this week. Thanks for considering my note today. Best regards, Your Name

This cover letter is upfront and clear that you have no experience in the field of sales, but shows that you’re willing to learn and excited to learn this new job. That’s essential!

You don’t JUST want to say you’re willing to learn, though. You want to PROVE that you’ll be able to learn. That’s why this letter also mentions the experience you have that is most similar. In the case of the example above, it’s the customer service experience and communication skills.

While this person may not have sold anything to customers, they still interacted with customers directly, which will be seen as a plus.

One other thing you should always point out if possible: Experience working in the same industry. So if you’ve never done sales, but you did customer support in the exact same industry as the employer, that’s a huge plus… because it means you’ll have less learning needed on the job!

Other Articles That May Help You:

• 3 more tips for writing a cover letter that stands out.
• General tips for how to get a job with no experience.
• How to write the perfect resume “Summary” section with no experience.

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

Continue Reading

How to Write a Graphic Designer Cover Letter (3 Examples)

How to write a paralegal cover letter (2 examples), how to write a medical assistant cover letter (3 examples), how to write a research assistant cover letter (3 examples), how to write a software engineer cover letter (3 examples), how to write a hr cover letter (4 examples), how to write a data analyst cover letter (3 examples), how to write a bartender cover letter (3 examples), 3 thoughts on “sample cover letter with no experience in field (and how to write yours)”.

This really helped me

Thanks for this! Really helpful for me as a new graduate and non native English speaker. I’ve started using the steps here and am planning on sending a lot of applications this week to see how it works.

Thank you for the examples. I hav ea little bit of experience so I’m not writing the cover letter with absolutely no work experience but this still is helpful and seems to work for me.

One hiring manager told me that the reason they chose to call me was my cover letter.

Comments are closed.

• Online Degrees
• Find your New Career
• Join for Free

How to Write a Cover Letter When You’re Changing Careers (Sample + Tips)

As a career changer, you need to help recruiters understand why you’re moving away from your former line of work and what you want to achieve in your new career path..

You will inevitably change jobs throughout your career as you seek more responsibility, growth, or even a higher salary. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average employee stays at each job for around four years [ 1 ]. However, for career changers—or those interested in exploring an entirely new path or industry—making that switch can sometimes involve unique challenges. 

Even so, making a career change has become an increasingly popular move. More than half of workers in the United States anticipated looking for a new opportunity in 2022 [ 2 ]. Changing careers can allow you to find more meaningful work, better align your career path with your larger goals, and move into a more energizing role.  

When you draft your cover letter to apply for a job in a new line of work, you must take time to explain your larger objectives. In this article, we’ll review specific information you can feature in your cover letter to help recruiters understand your goals and reasons for changing careers. 

Learn more: How to Plan for a Career Change: Step-by-Step Guide

How to write a career change cover letter

A cover letter is a chance to expand upon the bullet points outlined in your resume . It’s a space where you can explain your interest in the role and company, highlight your experience and skills, and sell a recruiter on the overall fit you’d make. 

But a career changer needs to do all of that and more. You also need to help recruiters and hiring managers understand why you’re moving away from your former line of work, what you want to achieve in your new career path, and any transferable skills that will help make your transition smooth. 

Let’s review four key pieces of information you can weave into your career change cover letter.  

1. Clarify your career change context

Explaining why you’re interested in changing careers and how the role you’re applying to fits within your larger career aspirations can preemptively contextualize your story. Plan to include a career change objective somewhere in your cover letter, much like you would a resume objective to provide a summary of a person’s experience and goals. Don’t be afraid to build a sense of personality so recruiters can better connect you with your objective.  

What this looks like: I’ve spent the last six years translating complex topics for various users as a technical writer. But in that time, I’ve realized that what drives me is the user’s experience. It’s the lightbulb moment behind my career change to UX design . I believe I’ll make a strong addition to your team because my work has largely put the user front and center, and now I’m interested in focusing on a different facet of that goal. 

2. Specify the value of your certificates, courses, or trainings

It costs over $4,000 to hire an employee, according to the Society for Human Resources Management [ 3 ]. That’s all the more reason why recruiters and hiring managers want to find the right candidate. It can be costly otherwise. Help explain what you’ve done to prepare for your career change by highlighting any professional certificates or trainings you’ve completed to prepare you for your new line of work. 

What this looks like: In order to familiarize myself with the tools and processes used in data analysis, I completed the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate , which taught me SQL and R, and trained me to clean and visualize data. Thanks to this preparation, I feel confident that I will make a strong addition to your team from the very start.  

3. Bring attention to your transferable skills 

Transferable skills are “portable,” in that you take them from job to job. They include problem-solving, critical thinking, attention to detail, and more. Show recruiters that you have important skills to help you do the job so they can understand the unique value you’d bring to their company.  

It can also help to find out the key technical skills the job requires and spend time learning what you can, especially when it comes to important software or tools. 

What this looks like: As a software developer, I regularly relied on my problem-solving skills to think through complex issues. I’ll bring that same skill, as well as my attention to detail, listening, and decision-making, to ABC High School as the new algebra teacher. 

4. Highlight your past achievements 

Any time you can highlight what you’ve managed to accomplish in your past roles, you help a recruiter see your potential in a new role. Where possible, summarize any moments that showcase your strengths and illustrate your work ethic or character. 

What this looks like: I pride myself on being a team player and a problem-solver. As a social media manager at Company X, I identified a better program to help my team schedule content. Using that tool improved my team’s efficacy, leading to our most successful quarter. 

Why is a cover letter important when changing careers?

The idea of a career path can sometimes be rigid, suggesting that people only follow one specific track. Although that perspective is starting to shift, it’s still prevalent. You can help recruiters and hiring managers understand more about your interest in a role by explaining why you’re changing careers and what you’ve done to streamline your transition. 

It helps to align your cover letter with a resume objective, which can be especially useful for career changers. An objective on your resume is a place where you can contextualize your larger career aims, quickly summarizing what you’re hoping to achieve in your next role. Repeat that same information in your cover letter and expand on it slightly to give your application materials more cohesiveness.  

Read more: How to Use Resume Sections to Shape Your Professional Story

Build job-ready skills with a Coursera Plus subscription

• Get access to 7,000+ learning programs from world-class universities and companies, including Google, Yale, Salesforce, and more
• Try different courses and find your best fit at no additional cost
• Earn certificates for learning programs you complete
• A subscription price of $59/month, cancel anytime

Career change cover letter sample

It's common practice nowadays to submit your cover letter digitally. In that case, include some of your contact information in the top left corner so recruiters can easily see how to get in touch.

Thomas Bennett

Nashville, TN

(555) 555-1234

[email protected]

Dear Ms. Tufte,

I’m writing to apply for the project manager role at Company X. I initially began my career as a marketing coordinator and eventually moved into email marketing , where I was responsible for strategizing and developing new campaigns. But in that time, I realized how much I thrived when managing our quarterly campaigns from start to finish. That’s why I’m interested in segueing into project management. 

Knowing that, despite my experience, I still needed to learn more specifically about project management, I completed the Google Project Management Professional Certificate . Over six months, I’ve learned Agile project management as well as how to create product documentation, among other key skills. I believe this training, along with my previous experience, will help me transition to a project management role at Company X and make a big impact.   

I’m an organized problem-solver with a sharp eye for detail, all important project management skills. I believe my previous work in email marketing provided hands-on training in managing projects, albeit without the official title. I identified new tools to help my team create more effective quarterly campaigns. As a result, we increased our click-through rate (one of our key metrics) to 1.87 percent, bringing it closer to the industry standard—an immense achievement. 

I’m proud of the foundation I gained through marketing, but in realizing where my true passion lies, I’m keen to transition into a project management role with more growth opportunities. I appreciate your consideration. 

Tips for strengthening your cover letter 

Much like you would for a standard cover letter, you can strengthen your cover letter as a career changer using the following tips: 

Tailor your letter for each role.

You should tailor your resume for each role you apply to, and the same goes for your cover letter. Research the company, find out about aspects of their work that interest you, and insert those details into your cover letter. You should also tailor your experience and skills, highlighting each job's most relevant skills and accomplishments. 

Get specific.

Your cover letter should expand upon your resume rather than repeating the same information. One way to do this is by giving details about your past achievements. When possible, quantify your impact with numbers and explain how these accomplishments make you uniquely qualified for this new role.

Use action words. 

Build action words into your resume and your cover letter. Rather than more staid words that don’t capture your unique story or responsibilities, action verbs can liven up your cover letter and make it more enticing to read. Find verbs that succinctly and accurately depict your previous experience.

Start advancing your skills today

Brush up on your cover letter writing skills by taking the University of Maryland’s free course, Writing Winning Resumes and Cover Letters . Or develop important skills for an in-demand career with a Professional Certificate from industry leaders like Google, Meta, and IBM. Most certificate programs take less than seven months to complete, and you can start for free with a seven-day, all-access trial.

Article sources

US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “ Employee Tenure in 2020 , https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/tenure.pdf.” Accessed April 26, 2024.

CNBC. “ The Great Resignation is Likely to Continue , https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/25/great-resignation-55-percent-are-looking-to-change-jobs-over-the-next-year-.html.” Accessed April 26, 2024.

ADP. “ Calculating the True Cost to Hire Employees , https://www.adp.com/spark/articles/2019/07/calculating-the-true-cost-to-hire-employees.aspx.” Accessed April 26, 2024.

Keep reading

Coursera staff.

Editorial Team

Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...

This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

{{ item.label }}

Cover letter templates and examples for 2024.

Many job seekers overlook the potential impact of a cover letter, but it’s often the key to securing that coveted interview and ultimately landing a new job or project. Writing a compelling cover letter is your opportunity to showcase your enthusiasm, reveal a bit of your personality, and highlight the unique skills that make you the best candidate for the position.

Table of Contents

• The value of a well-written cover letter 
• The benefits of using a cover letter template 

4 tips for customizing a cover letter template

Cover letter templates to use, the value of a well-written cover letter.

A great cover letter serves as a bridge between your resume and a job posting. It highlights how your skills and work experience align with the role requirements and needs of the organization.

This commonly under-used professional document allows you to:

• Expand upon the information in your professional resume
• Offer meaningful context around your most relevant strengths
• Share specific examples of key accomplishments
• Illustrate how your skills and achievements relate to the job 

Investing time in creating a thoughtful and tailored cover letter shows prospective employers and clients that you’re serious about the opportunity and willing to go the extra mile. 

But for many job seekers, getting started is the hardest part. By using a professional cover letter template as a foundation, you can more quickly:

• Develop a customized, persuasive pitch
• Effectively communicate your value to potential employers or clients
• Express your strong interest in the opportunity 

In the coming sections, we’ll share free cover letter templates and examples to help you capture a hiring manager’s attention.

The benefits of using a cover letter template

The best cover letter templates offer a structured framework for developing a well-organized document. Our cover letter templates can save you time and give you a significant jump start. Rather than beginning from scratch, you can focus your efforts on customizing the content to fit your specific situation and the requirements of the particular job.

Cover letter templates can help you with the following:

Structure and organization

Templates give you a clear structure for your cover letter, with sections for:

• Customized salutation
• Opening paragraph
• Body paragraphs
• Closing paragraph and sign-off

A template can help you organize your thoughts so that your letter flows logically and seamlessly from point to point—you won’t need to worry about your cover letter design or formatting.

Professionalism

Good cover letter templates meet the expectations of potential employers or clients by adhering to standard business letter formatting conventions. By utilizing a template, you aid in making sure that your cover letter is as polished, persuasive, and professional as possible.

Customization

While templates provide a general framework, they’re easily tailored to fit your unique circumstance. Whether you’re applying for a couple dream jobs or an array of opportunities, starting with a good cover letter template can help you be consistent in your job applications. Modify the language, add or remove sentences or paragraphs as needed, and adjust the tone to fit each company you contact.

Confidence boost

Writer’s block is common. And penning a letter about yourself can be especially challenging and intimidating. Knowing that you have a solid foundation to build upon can relieve some of the stress associated with the cover letter writing process.

Customizing a sample cover letter or template is critical. You’ll want to tailor the following based on your experience and the job you’re applying to:

• Your language and tone
• The accomplishments and abilities you spotlight
• Specific industry terms

Doing so will help you create a narrative that resonates with the recipient. Consider these tips:

1. Thoroughly research the company and position 

Before customizing your cover letter template, thoroughly research the company. This can include:

• Visiting the company’s website and LinkedIn page
• Reading their mission statement
• Exploring their products, services, and leadership profiles 

Look for information about the company’s organizational culture, values, and goals, too. Review their LinkedIn profile page and do some additional web sleuthing to learn about their primary competitors. This research will help you better understand what the company seeks in a candidate. It will also allow you to target your language and examples to fit the company’s needs, tone, and brand worldview.

2. Dig into the job description

Make note of the key qualifications, skills, and responsibilities listed. Use this information to highlight how your experiences and abilities fit the role. Incorporating relevant industry-specific verbiage throughout the cover letter is also helpful. 

Using keywords from the job ad in your cover letter (when applicable, of course) can help your letter pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) that scan for relevant terms and qualifications. By incorporating keywords from the job description, you increase the chances that your application is recognized as a match for the position. 

3. Win the name game

If possible, address your cover letter to the hiring manager or project manager by name. This personal touch shows your attention to detail—and it’s attention-grabbing. If the job post doesn’t include a contact name, visit the company website or LinkedIn to try to find the right person. If you can’t find a name, use a professional salutation such as "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear [Department] Team." 

4. Slow down and proofread

Before submitting your customized cover letter, thoroughly proofread your document for clarity, conciseness, and typos. (Be sure to triple-check the job title, hiring manager’s name and spelling, and company name.) It’s all too easy to make mistakes if you move too quickly. Read your letter aloud, as this can help you notice any awkward or unclear sentences. 

Make sure your letter is to the point, avoiding overly lengthy paragraphs or repetitive information. Consider asking a trusted friend, family member, or mentor to edit your cover letter and provide feedback. You could also work with a professional cover letter writer on Upwork for additional support.

The following cover letter templates can help you create a cover letter tailored to your specific career stage and situation. 

Cover letter templates by career stage

General cover letter template A versatile template suitable for customizing to a wide array of industries and positions. When personalized appropriately, this cover letter format can be adapted to showcase your unique skills, experiences, and qualifications for each role you target. ‍

Entry-level cover letter template Ideal for recent college graduates or those with more limited work experience, focusing heavily on transferable skills and academic achievements. ‍

Mid-career cover letter template Intended for professionals with at least several years of experience, emphasizing career progression and key achievements.  ‍

Career change cover letter template Designed for those looking to break into a different field, highlighting transferable skills, adaptability, and passion for the new industry.

Cover letter by role

The following role-specific cover letter templates can help you align your application with the core requirements and responsibilities of the position, demonstrating your industry-specific skills, knowledge, and expertise.

• Virtual assistant cover letter template
• AI developer cover letter
• UX designer cover letter template
• Bookkeeper cover letter template
• SEO specialist cover letter template

‍ If you are communicating with a hiring manager for a job through the Upwork platform, please note that sharing your personal contact information, such as email address, phone number, or LinkedIn profile, is not permitted in cover letters or at any time prior to the start of a contract. Additionally, all pre-contract communication should take place through the Upwork Messages feature. Learn more about using Upwork Messages here , and see more details on sharing information on Upwork here .

Author Spotlight

Upwork is the world’s work marketplace that connects businesses with independent talent from across the globe. We serve everyone from one-person startups to large, Fortune 100 enterprises with a powerful, trust-driven platform that enables companies and talent to work together in new ways that unlock their potential.

Read more about The Upwork Team

Get This Article as a PDF

For easy printing, reading, and sharing.

Latest articles

Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Welcome to the Purdue Online Writing Lab

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

The Online Writing Lab (the Purdue OWL) at Purdue University houses writing resources and instructional material, and we provide these as a free service at Purdue. Students, members of the community, and users worldwide will find information to assist with many writing projects. Teachers and trainers may use this material for in-class and out-of-class instruction.

The On-Campus and Online versions of Purdue OWL assist clients in their development as writers—no matter what their skill level—with on-campus consultations, online participation, and community engagement. The Purdue OWL serves the Purdue West Lafayette and Indianapolis campuses and coordinates with local literacy initiatives. The Purdue OWL offers global support through online reference materials and services.

Social Media

Facebook twitter.