cover letter for resumes samples

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

No matter where you are in your career, or what job you’re applying for, submitting a cover letter with your resume is a must . 

Done right, a cover letter will effectively complement your resume and explain to the hiring manager in more detail why you’re the right person for the job.

Writing a cover letter, however, is easier said than done. 

You have to effectively demonstrate that you’ll be able to perform the responsibilities listed in the job description and that you’d be a better fit for the company compared to other candidates. 

And unless you’re a professional writer, this can be a very hard task.

Fortunately, we created these cover letter examples to inspire you and help you get started with your own cover letter!

Let’s dive in!

21 Cover Letter Examples 

#1. career change cover letter example .

Here’s what this cover letter does right:

• Has an ideal length. This cover letter includes all the relevant information for the hiring manager without getting into too much detail.
• Relevant introduction. The candidate explains that they’re changing careers and why they want to work in this new field from the get-go.
• Explains their related experience. The candidate explains how their previous experience in retail sales can help them succeed in PR.

Check out our guide video guide to learn how to write a Cover Letter that gets you HIRED!

#2. Recent Graduate Cover Letter Example 

• Personally greets the hiring manager. The candidate has taken the time to find the hiring manager’s name and address them by it, which makes the opening of the cover letter much more personal.
• Wraps up with a call to action. The candidate wraps up the cover letter by suggesting a meeting with the hiring manager, which makes them more memorable.
• Explains why the candidate is the right person for the internship. In this cover letter for an internship , the candidate explains how they’ve previously interned in a different firm, which gives them the experience to succeed in this role.

Have you just graduated from college? Make sure to check out our guide on writing an entry-level cover letter from start to finish! 

#3. Middle Management Cover Letter Example

• Use of bullet points. The candidate presents the information in a concise and reader-friendly way, making it easy for the hiring manager to find their key achievements. 
• Formal closing. The candidate has used a formal and polite tone to conclude their cover letter, which combined with a call to action makes them look professional and passionate about getting the job. 
• Explains how the company would benefit from hiring them. The candidate outlines exactly what they could do for the company, which not only highlights their skills but also shows they’ve done their research on the company’s needs. 

#4. Business Manager Cover Letter Example

• Detailed header. In addition to the must-have contact details, this candidate has also included their professional Twitter and LinkedIn profiles, making it easy for the hiring manager to look more closely into their career. 
• Concise and to the point. This candidate has used short paragraphs and bullet points to make the cover letter easy to skim through. 
• Wraps up with a call to action. By letting the hiring manager know they’ll be contacting them soon, they’re more likely to make an impression.

Check out this article for a complete writing guide and an inspiring business manager resume sample. 

#5. Ph.D. Cover Letter Example

Here’s what this cover letter does right: 

• Attention-grabbing introduction. In the opening paragraph, this candidate explains why they’re passionate about pursuing a Ph.D. in great detail. 
• Explains the candidate’s qualifications in detail. The candidate builds on their passion by explaining how they’re also qualified for the degree because of their education history and academic achievements. 

#6. Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

• Professional and minimalistic template. This senior executive has used a professional but minimalistic template that lets their work experience do the talking. 
• Achievement-oriented opening paragraph. Right from the get-go, this candidate explains what makes them so good at their job, effectively grabbing the hiring manager’s attention.  
• Wraps up with a call to action. By suggesting to have a meeting and discussing how they can help the company meet its goals, the candidate stands more chance to make a positive lasting impression. 

#7. Architect Cover Letter Example 

• Modern resume template. This architect has picked a template that perfectly matches his industry, as it is professional and modern at the same time. 
• A personal greeting to the HR. They address the hiring manager by their first name, which helps make a better first impression. 
• Measurable achievements. By quantifying their achievements, the candidate proves their achievements instead of just claiming them.

Struggling with your architect resume ? Check out our full guide!

#8. Business Analyst Cover Letter Example 

• Detailed contact information. The candidate has listed both their LinkedIn and Twitter profiles, providing the HR manager an opportunity to learn more about the candidate.  
• Mentions what the candidate can do for the company. This cover letter doesn’t just explain why the job would be great for the candidate, but also how the candidate would benefit the company. Win-win, right? 
• Error-free and reader-friendly. It’s super important for the cover letter to have no spelling or grammatical errors and be reader-friendly. This candidate made sure they did both.

Need a resume alongside your cover letter? Check out our guide on how to write a business analyst resume . 

#9. Consultant Cover Letter Example 

• Professional cover letter template. Being an experienced consultant, this candidate has picked a professional template that doesn’t steal the spotlight from their achievements. 
• Experience and achievement-oriented. The candidate has effectively elaborated on their top achievements relevant to the job. 
• Highlights the candidate’s passion. To show they want the job, this candidate has also explained how passionate they are about their profession.

For more advice on landing a job as a consultant, check out our guide to writing a consultant resume .

#10. Digital Marketing Cover Letter Example

• Creative cover letter template. This digital marketer highlights their originality by picking a creative cover letter template. 
• Lists the candidate’s awards. The candidate has taken advantage of the cover letter to list their most noteworthy awards in the industry. 
• Concludes with a call to action. As they used a call to action to conclude their cover letter, the HR manager will be more likely to remember them.

Want to take your digital marketing resume to the next level? Check out our guide!

#11. Graphic Designer Cover Letter Example 

• Detailed contact information. The candidate has included additional contact information such as their website link, as well as their LinkedIn and Twitter profiles.  
• Ideal length. This cover letter is concise, which means that the HR manager is more likely to read it from start to finish.  
• Draws attention to the candidate’s strong points. Although this candidate is a recent college graduate, they’ve managed to effectively show that they have enough knowledge and experience to do the job right.

Read this guide to write a graphic designer resume that’s just as good as your cover letter!

#12. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Example

• Minimalistic cover letter template. The candidate picked a well-designed but minimalistic template for their cover letter. 
• Focused on skills and achievements. This cover letter is packed with the candidate’s skills and achievements, proving he can be an excellent employee. 
• Formal closing. Politeness can go a long way and the candidate has used this to their advantage to make an impression. 

Our article on how to write an administrative assistant resume can help you take your job application to the next level.

#13. Front Desk Cover Letter Example

• Modern cover letter template. This template incorporates memorable colors and clear lines, which make the cover letter very visually appealing. 
• Attention-grabbing introduction. Using an attention-grabbing intro, the candidate is more likely to make an impression. 
• Calls the HR to action. By including a call to action, the candidate is reminding the HR of their immediate availability. 

#14. Human Resources Cover Letter Example

• It is concise and to the point. The candidate doesn’t dwell on unimportant details the HR won’t be interested in. 
• Uses a traditional cover letter template. The cover letter design is more on the conventional side, which fits the industry better. 
• Highlights the candidate’s strong points. The candidate has rich work experience and they use the cover letter to elaborate on it. 

This HR resume guide can help you get your resume just right.

#15. Sales Agent Cover Letter Example 

• Attention-grabbing cover letter template. As a salesperson, this candidate knows how important first impressions are, so they’ve picked a catchy cover letter template. 
• Has an ideal length. At the same time, they’ve also made sure to keep their cover letter at just the right length. 
• Lists the candidate’s career highlights. The candidate has made perfect use of the space by mentioning their most impressive professional achievements. 

Check out this sales agent resume guide to create an attention-grabbing sales resume .

#16. Receptionist Cover Letter Example

• Modern but minimalistic cover letter template. The template’s design hints the candidate is creative but professional at the same time. 
• Uses a catchy introduction. The candidate has used an attention-grabbing opening paragraph to catch HR’s attention. 
• Concludes the cover letter formally. The candidate proves that they’re polite and well-spoken, a quality very much important for the role they’re applying for. 

Take your receptionist resume to the next level with this receptionist resume guide .

#17. Information Technology Cover Letter Example

• Mentions measurable achievements. Numbers make an impact, which is why this candidate has included measurable achievements. 
• Lists both soft and hard skills. The candidate has mentioned a great mix of soft and hard skills, showing how well-rounded they are. 
• Contains relevant contact information. The candidate’s GitHub, website name, LinkedIn, and Twitter profiles are all great additions to the resume. 

Looking for tips to help you write a great IT resume ? Check out our guide!

#18. Real Estate Cover Letter Example

• Ideal length. Short and to the point, this cover letter is bound to get noticed by the HR manager. 
• Wraps up with a call to action. This candidate reinforces the HR to call them back through a final call to action. 
• Mentions the right skills. On top of their sales accomplishments, the candidate touch upon important soft skills such as customer service and communication . 

This real estate resume guide will help you take your resume from good to great.

#19. Teacher Cover Letter Example

• Mentions relevant contact information details. This candidate has included optional (but relevant) contact information details, such as their LinkedIn, Quora, and Medium profiles. 
• Achievement-oriented. The candidate has elaborated on their achievements in more detail throughout their cover letter. 
• Highlights the candidate’s passion. For some jobs, being passionate is much more important than for others. Teaching is one of these jobs, which is why this candidate explains their passion for the job. 

Our guide on how to write a teacher resume has all the tips you need to land the job.

#20. Project Manager Cover Letter Example

• Leverages a catchy introduction. Through a catchy introductory paragraph, this candidate is sure to grab the HR’s attention and get them to read the rest of their cover letter.
• Lists measurable accomplishments. This candidate explains exactly what they’ve achieved using numbers and hard data. 
• Personally greets the HR. A personal greeting sounds much better than “Dear Sir/Madam,” and the candidate knows this. 

This guide on how to write a project manager resume can help you perfect your appication.

#21. Paralegal Cover Letter Example

• Minimalistic cover letter template. This cover letter design looks good but doesn’t steal the show from the candidate’s abilities. 
• Mentions the candidate’s academic achievements and extracurricular activities. Although the candidate is a recent graduate, they’ve used the cover letter to explain they have enough skills and achievements to do the job. 
• Lists measurable achievements. The candidate proves they did well in their internship by mentioning quantifiable achievements. 

Check out this paralegal resume guide to perfect yours.

What is a Cover Letter? 

A cover letter is a one-page document that you submit as part of your job application, alongside your resume . 

Its purpose is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, your cover letter should be from 250 to 400 words long .

A good cover letter can give the hiring manager more insight into what makes you a good candidate and help them make up their mind about whether they should invite you for an interview. A bad cover letter, though, will get ignored (at best) and lose you the job (at worst).

So, to make sure this doesn’t happen, it’s essential to know how to write a convincing cover letter.

The first thing to remember is that a cover letter is a supplement to your resume, not a replacement. Meaning, you shouldn’t just repeat whatever is mentioned in your resume and call it a day. 

Optimally, you should use your cover letter to shed more light on your skills and qualifications, as well as explain anything you didn’t have space for in your resume (e.g. a career gap or why you’re changing careers).

If you’re writing a cover letter for the first time, though, putting all this together might seem pretty tough. 

Fortunately, you can follow our tried-and-tested format to make the experience much easier:

• Header - Input your contact information.
• Greeting the hiring manager - Open the cover letter with a “Dear Sir or Madam,” or use the hiring manager’s name if you know what that is.
• Opening paragraph - Grab the hiring manager’s attention by getting straight to the point. Mention what your professional experiences are, and what role you’re applying for.
• The second paragraph - Explain why you’re the perfect candidate for the job. Mention your top 2-3 achievements, your top skills, why you want to work in that specific industry, and whatever else is relevant.
• The third paragraph - End your cover letter with a call to action. E.g. “I would love to meet personally and discuss how I can help Company X.”
• Formal closing - Something like this: “Thank you for your consideration. Best, John Doe.”

Here’s what this looks like in practice:

9 Tips to Write a Cover Letter (the Right Way)

Now that we've covered the basics, let's talk about cover letter tips . Below, we'll give you all the knowledge you need to take your cover letter from "OK" to "great."

#1. Pick the right template

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

And what’s a better way to leave a good impression than through a professional, well-formatted, and visual template?

You can simply pick one of our tried-and-tested cover letter templates and you’ll be all set!

#2. Add your contact details on the header

The best way to start your cover letter is through a header. 

Here’s what you want to include there:

• Phone Number
• Name of the hiring manager / their professional title
• Name of the company you’re applying to

Optionally, you can also include the following:

• Social Media Profiles - Any type of profile that’s relevant to your field. Social Profiles on websites like LinkedIn, GitHub (for developers), Medium (for writers), etc.
• Personal Website - If you have a personal website that somehow adds value to your application, you can mention it. Let’s say you’re a professional writer. In that case, you’d want to link to your content portfolio site or blog.

#3. Greet the hiring manager the right way

Once you’ve listed all your relevant contact information, it’s time to address the hiring manager reading your cover letter. 

A good practice here is to find the hiring manager’s name and address them directly instead of using the traditional “dear sir or madam.” This shows that you’re really invested in the company and that you took your time to do some research about the job.

So, how can you find out the hiring manager’s name?

One way to do this is by looking up the head of the company’s relevant department on LinkedIn. Let’s say you’re applying for the position of Communication Specialist at Novoresume. The hiring manager is probably the Head of Communications or the Chief Communications Office.

Or let’s say you’re applying for the position of server at a restaurant. In that case, you’d be looking to find out who the restaurant manager is.

If this doesn’t work, you can also check out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.

If you still can’t find out the hiring manager’s name, here are several other greetings you can use:

• Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
• Dear Hiring Manager
• To whom it may concern
• Dear [Department] Team

#4. Create an attention-grabbing introduction

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

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

The problem with most cover letter opening paragraphs, though, is that they’re usually extremely generic, often looking something like this: 

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

As you can probably tell, this opening paragraph doesn’t tell the hiring manager anything other than that you’ve worked the job before - and that’s not really helpful in setting you apart from other candidates. 

What you want to do, instead, is start off with 2-3 of your top achievements to really grab the reader’s attention. Preferably, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position. 

For example:

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

The second example shows how the candidate is a top performer. The first just shows that they’ve worked a sales job before.

Which one are YOU more likely to invite for an interview?

#5. Show you’re the perfect person for the job

One great thing about cover letters is that they allow you to expand more on the top achievements from your resume and really show the hiring manager that you’re the right person for the job. 

A good way to do that is to first read the job ad and really understand what skills/experiences are required, and then to ensure that your cover letter touches upon the said skills or experiences.

In my previous role as a Facebook Marketing Expert at XYZ Inc. I handled customer acquisition through ads, managing a monthly Facebook ad budget of $20,000+. As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation and management process end-to-end. This means I created the ad copy and images, as well as picked the targeting, ran optimization trials, and so on.

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

• Google Search

#6. Explain why you’re a great company fit

The HR manager doesn’t only look at whether you’ll be good at the job or not. They’re looking for someone that’s also a good fit for the company culture.

After all, employees that don’t fit in are bound to quit, sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary . 

To convince the hiring manager that you’re a great company fit, do some research on the company and find out what it is you like about them, or about working there. You want to know things like:

• What’s the company’s business model?
• What’s the company's product or service? Have you used it?
• What’s the culture like? Will someone micro-manage your work, or will you have autonomy on how you get things done?

Then, turn your top reasons for liking to work there into text and add them to your cover letter! 

#7. Wrap up with a call to action

To make the end of your cover letter as memorable as possible, you want to:

• Wrap up any points you couldn't in the previous paragraphs. Mention anything you’ve left out that you think could help the hiring manager make up your mind.
• Thank the hiring manager for their time. After all, it never hurts to be polite. 
• Finish the cover letter with a call to action. A call to action is a great way to make your cover letter ending as memorable as possible. 

#8. Write a formal closing

Once you’re done with the final paragraph, all you have to do is write down a formal “goodbye” and you’re good to go.

Feel free to use one of the most popular conclusions in a cover letter:

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

#9. Proofread your cover letter

Last but not least, make sure to always proofread each and every document that you’ll be including in your job application - cover letter included. 

The last thing you want is to be claiming you’re a great candidate for the job with a cover letter full of typos! 

For an even more comprehensive guide on how to write an impactful cover letter , check out our article ! 

Cover Letter Writing Checklist 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have some questions about cover letters? Check out the answers below:

1. How do I write a simple cover letter? 

To write a cover letter that’s simple but also professional, make sure to include a header with your personal information, a formal greeting to the hiring manager, an attention-grabbing opening paragraph, a second paragraph explaining why you’re a good candidate for the job, and a formal closing (preferably with a call to action). 

2. What are the 3 parts of a cover letter? 

The three parts of a cover letter are: 

• The introduction , namely the header, the greeting to the hiring manager, and the opening paragraph. 
• The sales pitch is usually the body of the cover letter. 
• The conclusion involves a formal closing and a signature line.

3. What makes a great cover letter?

A great cover letter should be personalized for each job you’re applying for, instead of being overly generic. It’s also preferable to address the hiring manager by their name and not use the overly-used “Dear Sir/Madam.”

To make a great first impression, you should mention 1-2 of your top achievements in your opening paragraph - the more job-specific they are, the better. Also, don’t stop at showing the hiring manager why you’re a great candidate for the job. Make sure to also talk about how you’re a good culture fit for the company.

Last but not least, wrap up your closing paragraph with a call to action to give the hiring manager a little extra something to remember you by. 

4. When is a cover letter necessary?

Unless the job ad specifically states otherwise, you should always include a cover letter with your job application .

Even if the hiring manager doesn’t read it, you will look more professional simply by including one.

And that’s a wrap! We hope our cover letter examples and writing tips will inspire you to write a cover letter that will land you your next job.

If you’re looking for more invaluable career advice and articles, make sure to check out our career blog , or any of these related articles: 

• How to Make a Resume in 2023
• Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
• Cover Letter Format (w/ Examples & Free Templates)

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The 23 Best Cover Letter Examples: What They Got Right

Published: September 21, 2023

Fun isn’t something typically associated with writing a cover letter. But the cover letter examples below show that it’s possible to have a little fun with your job search — and maybe even make yourself a better candidate in the process.

45% of job seekers don't include a cover letter when applying for a job. But this is a mistake, because your cover letter is a chance to tell the stories your resume only outlines. It's an opportunity for you to highlight your creativity at the earliest stage of the recruitment process.

Are you ready to showcase your unique skills and experience? Or are you looking for more tips and cover letter inspiration?

Keep reading for 20+ cover letter examples, then check out tips for cover letter formatting and what makes a cover letter great .

5 Free Cover Letter Templates

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

• Standard Cover Letter Template
• Entry-Level Cover Letter Template
• Data-Driven Cover Letter Template

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

Cover Letter Examples

• Standard Cover Letter Example
• Data-Driven Cover Letter Sample
• Entry-Level Cover Letter Example
• The Cover Letter That Explains 'Why,' Not Just 'How'
• The 'We're Meant for Each Other' Cover Letter
• The Cover Letter with H.E.A.R.T.
• Short-and-Sweet Cover Letter Example
• The Short Story
• The Bare Bones Cover Letter
• The Breezy Follow-Up
• The Administrative Assistant Cover Letter
• The Internship Cover Letter
• The Brutally Honest Cover Letter
• The Pivot Cover Letter
• The Graphic Design Cover Letter
• Consulting Internship Cover Letter Example
• Nonprofit Referral Cover Letter Example
• General Email Inquiry Cover Letter Example
• Post-Phone-Call Cover Letter Example
• Mission-Driven Graduate Cover Letter Example
• Short Recommendation Cover Letter Example
• Professor or Research Position Cover Letter Example
• Director Cover Letter Example
• Editorial Cover Letter Example
• Promotion Cover Letter Example
• Law Cover Letter Example

Customizable Cover Letter Examples

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

1. Standard Cover Letter Example

Download a Customizable Copy of This Cover Letter Example

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

Why We Love It

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

2. Data-Driven Cover Letter Sample

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

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

3. Entry-Level Cover Letter Example

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

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

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

Looking for more? Download the entire kit below.

5 Professional Cover Letter Templates

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

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

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

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

You may already know how to talk about how you’ll best execute a certain role in your cover letter. But there’s another question you might want to answer: Why the heck do you want to work here?

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

Image Source

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

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

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

Why This Is A Great Cover Letter

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

Further reading: Sales Cover Letter Tips

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

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

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

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

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

(Yes, the applicant was hired).

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

Read more: Customer Service Cover Letter Tips

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

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

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

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

Featured Resource: 5 Free Cover Letter Templates

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

Short Cover Letter Examples

4. the short-and-sweet cover letter.

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

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

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

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

• Who might oversee the role — that’s often included in the description, under "reports to." Address your letter to that individual.
• Figure out what problems this role is meant to solve for that person. Then, concisely phrase in your cover letter how and why your experience can and will resolve those problems.

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

Read here for more tips on how to land your dream job .

5. The Short Story

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

• Detail the experience she already has with the organization.
• Stand out to the hiring team.

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

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

6. The Bare Bones Cover Letter

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

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

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

Check out this post for more useful cover letter tips .

7. The Breezy Follow-Up

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

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

• Summarizes the expertise she has relevant to the posting
• Emphasizes that she doesn't want to simply get a job but rather help the organization accomplish their goals
• The reader gets everything they need in an organized and thoughtful manner.

8. The Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

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

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

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

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

Further reading: 15 Cover Letter Templates

9. The Internship Cover Letter

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

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

• Highlights relevant extracurriculars and affinity networks. In this case, the applicant is applying for a business analyst position, so mentioning their involvement in a FinTech group makes sense.
• Previous internships in relevant fields: Our applicant points out that they’ve interned as a Business Analyst at another firm. Pointing out that they’ve done the role before will help make their case for fit.
• Highlight other useful skills: This applicant is fluent in both English and German. If an international company or an organization needs bilingual support, knowing multiple languages is an asset.

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

Further reading for recent graduates:

• How to Find a Job After College
• Writing a Cover Letter for an Internship

Creative Cover Letter Examples

10. the brutally honest cover letter.

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

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

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

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

Further reading:

• How to Stand Out and Get Hired at Your Dream Company
• How to Find Your Dream Job

11. The Pivot Cover Letter

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

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

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

12. The Graphic Design Cover Letter

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

It’s got so much going for it:

• Pop of color
• Clean layout
• Interesting fonts

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

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

Pro tip: If you're applying for a graphic design job, share a link to your graphic design portfolio website , even if it's not an application requirement.

Job Cover Letter Examples

Next up, let’s go over some classic cover letter examples for jobs, especially if you’re applying to internships or only have a few years of experience. The below cover letters follow the golden rules and don’t deviate too much from the standard — which is ideal if you’re applying to positions in more traditional industries.

13. Consulting Internship Cover Letter Example

Many internship applicants are early on in their careers or are still in college. That means they’ve yet to gather enough experience to offer tangible proof of their ability to do the job. That means that a cover letter is the place where an internship applicant can shine.

This cover letter example highlights the applicant’s skills in a bullet-point format. That makes it easier for an overburdened hiring manager to get the essence of her points, quickly, if they’re only skimming cover letters. Not only that, but this applicant personalized the letter in every single sentence. She shares information about her prior conversations with some of the company’s employees and mentions the company’s name at every turn.

While she only has one prior consulting job, she deftly mentions the skills she developed in that role and ties them into her desired position at Quantcast Product Group.

This cover letter example does a fantastic job advertising the applicant’s soft skills in a highly scannable format — while still going heavy on the personalization. Don’t be shy to lightly play with formatting to get your point across and to imbue the letter with your passion for a company.

14. Nonprofit Referral Cover Letter Example

This cover letter example for a nonprofit job hits the ground running by right away inserting the name of one of the nonprofit’s Superintendents. That’s an excellent way to get a recruiter’s attention and make you stand out from the slush pile, even if you’re only just out of school, as is the case for this applicant.

If you’ve received an internal recommendation for a position, you’d be wise to open your letter with that information. Don’t worry about it feeling too stilted or strange — remember, hiring managers only skim letters. Your goal is to make sure they get information about you that they otherwise won’t get from your resume.

With only three full paragraphs, this cover letter example is short, sweet, and to the point. No time is wasted, and it also goes over the critical basics, such as skills and experience.

This nonprofit cover letter includes a recommendation from an internal employee at the target organization, making it more likely to stand out from the slush pile. We also love that it doesn’t skimp on the basics, such as skills, enthusiasm, and experience.

15. General Email Inquiry Cover Letter Example

Even if a job opportunity isn’t available at an organization yet, it doesn’t mean that there won’t be. You can always send a general inquiry cover letter, like the one in this example.

This email cover letter for a political campaign internship is short and sweet, but includes the critical information the campaign coordinator needs to consider the applicant for any new positions that may open up.

The best part about this cover letter is that it can be easily customized from one political campaign employer to the next. While it does include a level of personalization, it’s brief and can be easily changed to address the specific political candidate.

When sending general inquiries like this one, it’s essential to make the personalization aspect as pain-free as possible for yourself. That may mean including only one sentence or two, knowing that a general inquiry might not be replied to.

This email cover letter example hits all the right notes while keeping it brief and to-the-point. While we don’t recommend choosing this format for a formal cover letter, it works if you’re sending a general inquiry to an employer over email. It’s also a good example to follow if you’re still in college or have very little experience.

Read more: How to Write a Letter of Interest

16. Post-Phone-Call Cover Letter Example

If you get a phone call from a potential employer and they invite you to send your resume, pat yourself on the back — that is such a win. In your cover letter, be sure to mention that right away, like this example does.

A hiring manager or an executive at a company likely has a lot of tasks on their plate, which means that they may forget about your call from one week to the next. That is totally okay, which is why this example starts with a reminder that the applicant and the letter recipient spoke back on January 31st. It also has a few more details about why they started speaking in the first place.

Aside from leveraging the phone call that’s already occurred, this cover letter also does an excellent job explaining why the applicant is an ideal choice for the job. It goes into detail about skills and previous experience with a high level of enthusiasm, and includes a promise to follow up at the end.

This cover letter example includes two things that will immediately draw the recipient’s attention: A phone call they’ve already had, and a mutual contact at their organization. The job and internship search can be grueling; never be afraid to use everything you have at your disposal to improve your standing over other applicants.

Read more: How to Start a Cover Letter

17. Mission-Driven Graduate Cover Letter Example

This cover letter example from a recent B.A. graduate wowed us from the first sentence. The applicant right away explains her attained degree and her specific career interests, then dives into the aspects of her experience that make her such a great candidate.

It's so personalized to the employer’s own mission that it’s difficult to stop reading it. Even if the hiring manager isn’t a science or health professional, they would be able to effectively gauge the applicant’s suitability for the role by the expertise she shows in her cover letter alone. The applicant explains at length why she’s excited to work for that specific hospital. The organization serves Aboriginal populations, which aligns with her own values and research interests.

In the last paragraph, she summarizes what she knows about the employer in one sentence, then describes how each of her experiences supports the employer’s mission. That is an exceedingly clever and meaningful way to align yourself with an organization at a deeper level.

If you’re applying to a mission-driven organization, don’t be shy about showing your excitement and expertise. You don’t need a lot of experience to show that your values align with those of your target organization. This cover letter example is especially good inspiration if you’re making a career change, have only just a few internships under your belt, or are graduating from college.

18. Short Recommendation Cover Letter Example

Referral or recommendation cover letters don’t need to be too long, and this is a great example of that. It immediately leverages a mutual connection at the company. The mutual connection recommended that the applicant contact the hiring manager for a role, which is a piece of information we always recommend you frontload in your letter.

This specific cover letter comes from an applicant with little experience, making it a good example to follow if you’re switching careers or just out of college. Instead of talking about their experience, the applicant uses anecdotal evidence to convey their enthusiasm for working at that company.

The writer also goes over their most salient skills, such as being able to speak multiple languages. They also explain how their degree directly applies to the target role. We love that the candidate highlights their leadership abilities and makes that an effective selling point for being hired.

This cover letter doesn’t go on for too long, which we love. It’s simple and sweet and provides all the information the hiring manager needs to look more closely at the applicant’s resume and make an interviewing decision.

19. Professor or Research Position Cover Letter Example

Academic or research position cover letters might require a little more information than the typical cover letter — and this is one such example. Why is it okay to go a little longer? Because the letter is not only a way to supplement the PhD candidate’s academic CV, but to provide a writing sample for the search committee.

We love this cover letter because it expresses the candidate’s enthusiasm for teaching and explains her instructional ethos, such as providing out-of-the-classroom opportunities, championing communication, and encouraging students to step out of their comfort zone. The applicant also suggests courses she may be able to teach at the target institution, and expresses her interest in developing new courses as needed.

She also suggests how she can enhance the college’s extracurricular programming by offering study abroad courses, which shows not just an interest in teaching but adding to the school’s overall culture.

While this letter goes for a little longer than recommended, it serves as a fantastic writing sample and explains the applicant’s research background at length. If you’re applying to academic or research roles, don’t be afraid to go into detail about what most excites you in terms of research interests.

20. Director Cover Letter Example

This cover letter example — for a Director of Catering position at a university — doesn’t waste any time. The applicant right away says that they’re a strong candidate for the role, then jumps right into three salient qualifications that make him a great fit.

We love how the applicant uses bullet points and bold text to guide an overburdened hiring manager through the cover letter — and to give them permission to scan it, if needed. If the hiring manager would like more information or actual examples of the skills, they merely need to read the rest of the bullet point paragraph.

As mentioned, light formatting can be beneficial to your cover letter, as it draws the recruiter’s eyes and prevents them from having to fish for the information they’re looking for.

This short, sweet cover letter includes the critical information a hiring manager or high-level executive needs to make an interview decision. We love the use of formatting that doesn’t stray too much from regular cover letter conventions, and we like that the applicant kept all other paragraphs extremely brief.

21. Editorial Cover Letter Example

Applying for an editorial or journalistic position? Like a cover letter example we shared earlier, you can take a more storytelling approach to capture the hiring manager’s attention. This cover letter example does that effectively by telling an anecdote that directly mentions the newspaper where they’d like to work.

This immediately draws the reader in and tells them that this application isn’t random at all; the applicant would like to work at the newspaper because they’ve read it every morning. Not only that, but they have a favorite reporter on the newspaper’s staff. The applicant then jumps into the specific reason they want to take an editorial position at the Baltimore Sun.

The cover letter includes all pertinent information, such as how previous positions have equipped the applicant to take on this job. It closes with enthusiasm after keeping the reader rapt every step of the way.

The applicant uses storytelling to — you guessed it — apply for a position that needs storytelling skills. If you’re applying for a data-driven position or a graphic design position, why not showcase those skills in the cover letter itself? We like that this letter doesn’t diverge too much from cover letter conventions while still differentiating itself.

22. Promotion Cover Letter Example

In this cover letter example, the applicant already works for the employer and wishes to apply for the next position to move up in their career. We like that the letter cites the applicant’s extensive knowledge of the organization, which will no doubt give them an advantage over external applicants.

Not only that, but the applicant also references their experience before they started working at the employer and uses that information to make their candidacy even more desirable.

Lastly, this letter includes a healthy level of enthusiasm for the university and the position — something that is never extra in a cover letter.

This cover letter example does an excellent job showing the candidate’s knowledge of their current organization while stating why they’re a natural fit for the promotion. Plus, the letter includes information on the applicant’s relevant activities outside of work — if you’re involved in any organizations that might help you do your job better, be sure to include them.

23. Law Cover Letter Example

This law cover letter example jumps right into personalization, a bold move that will serve you well if you’re genuinely interested in a company and want to stand out. The applicant cites the recipient’s recent article on bond litigation, then ties that into the role they’d like to get at the law firm.

The applicant then goes into his skills and the feedback he’s received from past managers. This is an excellent way to introduce your skills without sounding dry — or even unfounded. By citing positive feedback you’ve received, you’ll imply that others have praised you for having those skills, and that you’re not only "tooting your own horn." (In cover letters, it’s absolutely okay to toot your own horn — that’s what they’re for. But if you can cite others’ remarks, that also helps.)

At just two and a half paragraphs, this letter is exceedingly short but no less effective. It’s an excellent example of how to personalize your letter quickly while still conveying the essentials of a cover letter.

This short cover letter example keeps it brief while still creating high impact. The applicant personalizes the letter immediately, cites external feedback, and conveys enthusiasm. This letter proves you don’t need to write a novel about an employer to sway the hiring manager into giving you an interview.

Now that we've shown you some excellent examples, let's talk about how you can create the best cover letter for your dream job.

What is a good cover letter?

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

What’s on a cover letter?

Before you start writing your cover letter, let's cover a few basic must-haves you'll want to include. If you’re looking for more detailed instructions, check out this guide to writing a cover letter .

Add a simple, but pleasant greeting to address the recruiter or hiring manager.

Learn more:

• Dear Sir or Madam Alternatives
• Cover Letter Greetings

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

• How to Write an Introduction
• Tips for Writing a Good Introduction Sentence

Work Experience

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

• How to Write About Your Professional Background
• Professional Bio Examples
• LinkedIn Bio Examples

In this paragraph, add a call-to-action by expressing interest in an interview. Offer your contact information and sign off.

• Email Closing Line Examples
• Tips for Writing Conclusions

What does a cover letter look like?

Besides showing off your skills and qualifications, cover letters give you the opportunity to present a clear, concise, and compelling writing sample. It shows off your personality and your ability to convey ideas.

That's a lot of information to include on a single page, so it can help to have a clear structure to start with.

Check out our fillable cover letter templates to see how you should organize the content of your cover letter.

What makes a great cover letter?

A cover letter is personal, but it also needs to help you reach a goal and help the hiring team understand how you could perform that role with their company. This complexity can make cover letters really tough to write.

Because cover letters are difficult to write, many come off as boring, basic, or confusing for hiring managers to read. But the tips below about the qualities that make a cover letter great can help you take your cover letter from basic to bright.

Start with this quick video, then keep reading for more tips:

Personalized Introduction

Begin with an introduction that's personal. It should capture the reader's attention and address your recipient by name. Then, add a compelling opening sentence that emphasizes your interest in the specific role.

Helpful Cover Letter Introduction:

"Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

In an increasingly digitized world, where customer-centric strategies are vital for business success, I am thrilled to apply for the [Job Title] position at HubSpot."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Introduction:

"To Whom it May Concern,

I am applying for the [Job Title] position at HubSpot. I have some experience in marketing and can help your clients grow their businesses."

Relevant Professional Experience

It can be tempting to use the same cover letter for every job. After all, it's about your experience, isn't it? But it's not enough to rephrase the work history in your resume.

Recruiters and hiring managers are looking to fill a specific role, so you need to show how your experience translates to their unique needs.

So, the body of a great cover letter should showcase the specific professional experiences that are relevant to the job you're applying for. Emphasize your accomplishments and skills that directly relate to what the job needs.

To speed up this part of the cover letter writing process, start by creating a list of your transferable skills . Drafting this list can help you quickly focus on the skills to highlight in your cover letter.

Then, use AI tools to summarize job descriptions and narrow in on where your experience and the needs of the role you're applying for overlap. This post is full of useful AI assistant tools if you're new to AI.

Helpful Cover Letter Experience:

"At [Company Name], I had the opportunity to assist a global ecommerce retailer in enhancing their online customer experience. By conducting in-depth market research and customer journey mapping, I identified pain points and areas of improvement in their website navigation and user interface."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Experience:

"I also worked with an ecommerce retailer to improve the customer experience. We did some surveys and training, and they were happy with the results."

Useful Examples

To make your cover letter stand out, add specific examples that show how you've solved problems or gotten results in past roles.

Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible, using data to give the reader a clear understanding of your impact.

Helpful Cover Letter Example:

"I lead a team of five content writers while increasing website traffic by 18% year-over-year."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Example:

"I have a great track record of leadership and achieving fantastic results."

Research and Company Knowledge

Hiring teams aren't hiring anyone with the skills to do the job. They're hiring a person they'll work alongside at their specific company.

So, to show that you're not just looking for any job anywhere, share your knowledge of the company's industry, values, and culture in your cover letter. Spend some time on the company website and take notes on what makes this business interesting to you and why you would want to work there.

Then, explain how your skills align with the company's mission and goals and explain how you could add to their chances of success. This will showcase your interest in the company and help them see if you are a good cultural fit.

Helpful Cover Letter Research:

"I was particularly drawn to HubSpot not only for its industry-leading solutions but also for its exceptional company culture. HubSpot's commitment to employee development and fostering a collaborative environment is evident in its recognition as a top workplace consistently. I strongly believe that my passion for continuous learning, self-motivation, and dedication to contributing to a team will make me a valuable asset to HubSpot."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Research:

"I have been inspired by HubSpot's commitment to inbound marketing and its comprehensive suite of solutions. HubSpot's dedication to providing valuable content and fostering meaningful relationships aligns with my own values and aspirations."

Clear Writing

Your cover letter needs to pack in a lot of important information. But it's also important that your cover letter is clear and concise.

To accomplish this, use professional but easy-to-understand language. Be sure to remove any grammar or spelling errors and avoid lengthy paragraphs and avoid jargon or overly technical language.

You may also want to use bullet points to make your letter easier to skim. Then, proofread your cover letter for clarity or ask a friend to proofread it for you.

• Guide to Becoming a Better Writer
• Tips for Simplifying Your Writing

Helpful Cover Letter Writing:

"In addition to my academic accomplishments, I gained valuable practical experience through internships at respected law firms.

Working alongside experienced attorneys, I assisted in providing legal support to clients. This hands-on experience helped me develop a deep understanding of client needs and enhanced my ability to effectively communicate complex legal concepts in a straightforward manner."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Writing:

"Furthermore, as a complement to my academic accomplishments, I have garnered invaluable practical experience through internships at esteemed law firms.

Throughout these placements, I actively collaborated with seasoned attorneys to conduct due diligence and furnish clients with comprehensive legal support. Notably, these experiences fostered a profound comprehension of client necessities, whilst honing my legal acumen to articulately convey intricate legal principles within a lucid and concise framework, adhering to applicable precedents and statutes of limitations."

Genuine Interest and Enthusiasm

Find ways to convey your passion for the role and how excited you are to contribute to the company you're applying to. At the same time, make sure your interest feels authentic and outline how it aligns with your career goals.

Your ultimate goal is an enthusiastic letter that feels honest and leaves a lasting positive impression.

Showing excitement in writing doesn't come naturally for everyone. A few tips that can help you boost the genuine enthusiasm in your letter:

• Record audio of yourself speaking about the role, then use voice-to-text technology to transcribe and add these sections to your letter.
• Choose your words carefully .
• Write in active voice.

Helpful Cover Letter Tone:

"I am genuinely enthusiastic about the prospect of joining [Company/Organization Name] as an accountant. My combination of technical proficiency, eagerness to learn, and strong attention to detail make me an ideal candidate for this role. I am confident that my dedication, reliability, and passion for accounting will contribute to the continued success of your organization."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Tone:

"Honestly, I can hardly contain my excitement when it comes to reconciliations, financial statement analysis, and tax regulations! Engaging in spirited discussions with professors and classmates has allowed me to foster an unbreakable bond with the fascinating world of accounting, and I'm positively bursting with enthusiasm at the prospect of applying my skills in a professional setting."

Memorable Conclusion

End your cover letter on a strong note. Summarize your top qualifications, restate your interest in the position, and express your interest in future communication.

Then, thank your reader for their time and consideration and include your contact information for easy follow-up.

To make your conclusion memorable, think about what parts of your letter you'd most like the hiring manager to keep top of mind. Then, consider your word choice and phrasing. If you're feeling stuck, this list of ways to close an email can help.

Helpful Cover Letter Conclusion:

"Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to further discuss how my qualifications align with the needs of Greenpeace. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to arrange an interview.

Together, let's make a lasting impact on our planet.

[Your Name]"

Unhelpful Cover Letter Conclusion:

"Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my qualifications further and how I can contribute to Greenpeace's mission. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to arrange an interview.

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

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

We certainly can’t guarantee that every prospective employer will respond positively — or at all — to even the most unique, compelling cover letter. But the one that’s right for you will.

So, get inspired by these examples and templates. Write an incredible cover letter that shows the hiring team at your dream job exactly who you are.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in October 2020 and has been updated for comprehensiveness. This article was written by a human, but our team uses AI in our editorial process. Check out our full disclosure to learn more about how we use AI.

Don't forget to share this post!

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15 Cover Letter Templates to Perfect Your Next Job Application

The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Cover Letter

How to Start a Cover Letter to Impress Employers [+ 14 Examples]

Eight Cover Letter Greetings for Every Situation

7 Expert Cover Letter Tips to Get the Job

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Cover Letter Templates

Click on a cover letter template, fill it online, and download in seconds. Build a professional cover letter in a few clicks . Just pick one of 18+ cover letter templates below, add ready-made content, and get the job.

Professional cover letter template with a column for contact information

Modern cover letter template with delicate icons for contact information.

Creative cover letter template with graphic elements and two columns

Perfect cover letter template with a dash of color and a structured layout

Sleek cover letter template with a light feel and color accents

Classic cover letter template in a one column layout

Two column cover letter template with contact information highlighted on the right

Clean cover letter template with plenty of whitespace and a layout that feels complete

Elegant cover letter template with a single column classic feel

Unique cover letter template with your initials on top and icons on the left

Elegant cover letter template with great readability

Two column cover letter template with a neat structure

Modern cover letter template with a clean-cut layout and two columns

Elegant cover letter template with a top-bottom structure and clean sections.

Elegant cover letter template with appealing typography and flow

Creative cover letter template with initials as the logo and delicate graphic accents

Simple cover letter template that draws attention to your title and personal story

Traditional cover letter template with minimal design, but a finished feel

Need text samples of cover letter templates?

Free cover letter template to copy and use.

Your Name Your Address Your City, State Zip Code Your Phone Number Your Email Date Hiring Manager’s/Recruiter’s Name Hiring Manager’s/Recruiter’s Title Organization/Company Name Address City, State Zip Code Dear Mr./Ms. [Hiring Manager’s/Recruiter’s Last Name]

When I found the opening for the [Position] with [Organization/Company Name] I felt as if it was addressed to me. In my current position as [Position] at [Organization/Company Name], I’ve improved [achievement] by [%] in [months/years] which resulted in [Number + Result]. I’m sure I can use my expertise to bring similar results for [Organization/Company Name].

In my current position as a [Position] with [Current Organization/Company Name], my key challenge has been [Main Responsibility]. Here are some of my recent results:

• Succeeded at expanding [Achievement] by [%] since [Year].
• Skyrocketed [Achievement] scores by [%].
• Optimized [Achievement], saving the company [$/hours] a [month/quarter/year].
• Led a team of [Number] employees to increase [Organization/Company Name] revenue by [%] in [Number] years.
• My team has scored [Achievement] [Number] months/years in a row

I know that [Organization/Company Name]’s current plans involve [Company’s Plans]. It would be an exciting opportunity for me to use [Your Skill] developing [Company’s Project].

Can we schedule a meeting [Date] to discuss my solutions for boosting [Organization/Company Name]’s [Revenue/Traffic/Customer Satisfaction] by [%] in the next quarter?

Sincerely/Best regards, Your Full Name Your Phone Number Your Email Address Your LinkedIn Account

Best cover letter templates for any situation

A cover letter for a resume or application is a brief presentation of your experience and skills in narrative form. The purpose of a cover letter is to highlight the most important information from your resume and add extra reasons why you should be hired. It’s about looks and contents. And Zety will help with both—

Professional design

These resume cover letter templates match Zety’s resume templates and give your documents a polished look. Highlight key achievements in bullet points, use color and style to draw attention to what matters to employers. Writing a cover letter feels like doing homework assignments, but not with Zety—

Ease of use

Fill in any of these professional cover letter format templates with help from our app. Simply tell the wizard a few things about yourself, and get a ready cover letter sample in a few clicks. Stop worrying about every single word you use and focus on what matters: your future job.

These user-friendly cover letter templates will save you hours of painful work. Remember the last cover letter sample you downloaded and got stuck filling out? This won't happen again. Choose between different sample cover letter layouts, click a few buttons, and you're done. Download your cover letter template in pdf or Word format.

Confidence boost

Don’t ignore your cover letter. About 20-50% recruiters expect you to write one even if they don’t read it . Writing a cover letter from scratch feels like a chore, but it doesn’t have to. You can create a cover letter for a job of your dreams in minutes. Employers will recognize you for who you are: the ideal candidate.

Proven effectiveness

A Zety resume and a cover letter is your one-two punch that will help you beat the competition. Only 20% of all applications contain cover letters and with Zety you’ll stand out as the best candidate. Creating a cover letter can be simple, fast, and is proven to get jobs. It’s surprising how little effort you need.

Why users choose our cover letter templates:

Frequently asked questions about cover letter templates, what is a cover letter for a resume.

A cover letter for a resume is a document attached to your job application that should consist of a resume and a motivation letter for a prospective employer. Together, they provide details about your past jobs, qualifications and skills. It is strongly advised to use a cover letter template matching your resume template for an optimal application. Get a professional resume template here , to go with your cover letter. Note that a cover letter for a resume can also work for a CV – here's a selection of professional CV templates (and here's the difference between a resume and a CV ).

What is the best cover letter template in 2023?

All our covering letter templates are equally adapted to modern HR trends and will appeal to recruiters. The best cover letter template is one that will allow you to write your personal details and list your strongest skills, while looking professional and simple . To pick the best cover letter template, focus on what will look perfect based on your industry, experience level, and preferences. Here's more on what a cover letter should look like in 2023.

How to format a cover letter?

While formatting a cover letter is not as complicated as finding the best resume format , you still need to follow the expected cover letter etiquette . Typically, cover letters are formatted with a lot of empty space on the page (double spaces between paragraphs), left-aligned text, and sufficient margins. For more tips, read our guide on how to format a cover letter the right way .

Do I really need a cover letter for a job in 2023?

Although resumes can be sent without a covering letter, every recruiter prefers receiving one, to have more options and details . Cover letters are not always necessary and read , but they are a serious advantage in case other candidates didn't send one.Besides, a professional cover letter shows your motivation, and allows you to say more about your projects and abilities.By sending a cover letter with your resume in 2023, you gain the lead over your competitors.

What to include in my cover letter?

A cover letter is made of several parts . The main ones are the cover letter header and the body . In the cover letter header, list the following information:

• Your phone number
• Your email address
• The name of the hiring manager

In the cover letter body, here's what should be available:

• Cover letter greetings
• Catchy cover letter opening paragraph
• Main strength and skills
• Motivation to join the company
• Closing cover letter paragraph and sign off

Those lists are not exhaustive; you can add more information for a better chance of success, such as your title or a post-scriptum. Read more about all the important things to include in a cover letter here .

How long should a cover letter be?

A cover letter should be one-page long , on a single-page cover letter template, and composed of around 4 paragraphs, along with contact information in the header. 400 words is a good limit, as more could mean no recruiter will read your document, and not enough will not make it seem worth the attempt. Depending on your experience, industry, and circumstances, the amount of information to write can vary. We encourage you to read our post on the ideal cover letter length in 2023 .

Do I need a unique cover letter for every job?

While writing a different cover letter for each job may sound tedious, it is a necessary step to increase your chances of being hired . A cover letter is impactful only when it is not generic, and when it surprises the recruiters with important and interesting details about you and your reasons to apply. Each cover letter must therefore be unique . However, you can save precious time by using our online cover letter builder , which allows you to duplicate, modify, save, and download your cover letters with just a few clicks. Besides, it offers pre-written content that you can use to write different application letters in no time.

Should I use a PDF or a Word cover letter template?

Just like your resume should be sent in PDF format , it is best to download your cover letter in PDF, too. The PDF format allows your cover letter layout to remain unchanged, whatever the device used by recruiters. Our cover letter templates all match our resume templates, and can be exported in Docx (Word), for you to modify them later, or in PDF for you to send them immediately.

Can I email my cover letter instead of sending a cover letter template?

For job offers that don't request a cover letter, and when you don't have time to write one, you can write a short cover letter directly in your email's body .Before choosing that option, we'd like to point out that our online cover letter application can generate a cover letter template with pre-written content for you, making the process faster and easier. If you still prefer to send a letter in text form rather than a cover letter template, here are all our tips on how to email a cover letter successfully.

Do you have cover letter examples for my template?

Our cover letter templates can be filled online using pre-written content. You'll only have to input your job title and generate content quickly and conveniently.Adapt what matters, and copy the rest to save time and speed up your job hunt.To help you adapt your cover letter and make it perfectly targeted, we have written hundreds of cover letter examples that you can find here .

How to make a cover letter with no experience?

A cover letter template can seem hard to fill with useful information when your resume itself is quite light on job experience and hard skills . But it is in those cases that your cover letter is even more important. Entry-level candidates can't rely on experience, and must therefore make the most of their soft skills , projects and original ideas. To start with, we encourage you to make a resume with no experience , and then write an entry-level cover letter that will complement it.

Are Zety cover letter templates free?

All our cover letter templates are free-to-use, and entirely customizable online. You don't have to pay to create as many cover letters as you want, until you are satisfied with the result.Zety follows the 'try before you buy' rule, and will never ask you for payment until you are 100% certain your cover letter template is pixel-perfect and ready to be sent to employers.

Try Zety's professional cover letter builder now

Best Cover Letter Examples for 2023

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

Popular cover letter examples

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

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

Universal cover letter example

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

All cover letters should include these six sections:

Address/Salutation:

• This belongs at the top of the document, where you include your contact info and the address of the person to whom you are writing.

Salutation:

• You should identify the person you are writing to by name .

Introduction paragraph:

• An attention-grabbing opening paragraph where you introduce yourself, mention the role you want and briefly explain what makes you qualified.

Body paragraph(s):

• One or two paragraphs that tell a story about your relevant professional experience, career growth, achievements or skills.

Closing paragraph:

• A final paragraph that restates your interest in the role, thanks the hiring manager for their time, and expresses hope for a future chat or meeting.
• A formal sign-off with your name.

Cover letter samples can inspire and show what’s needed to write your cover letter .

For even more help, use our Cover Letter Builder ! It’s a modern tool that gives easy, step-by-step guidance, features 30+ cover letter designs and provides industry-specific phrasing written by resume experts.

Cover letter examples by industry and job title

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

SEARCH BY JOB TITLE

• Accounting & Finance
• Administrative
• Construction
• Customer Service
• Firefighting
• Hotel & Hospitality
• Human Resources
• Information Technology
• Safety & Security
• Transportation

Accounting & Finance Cover Letter Examples

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

• Accounting Clerk
• Accounting Manager
• Internal Audit Manager
• Junior Accountant
• Payroll Accountant
• Revenue Manager

Administrative Cover Letter Examples

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

• Administrative Assistant
• Data Collector
• Data Entry Clerk
• Deputy Clerk
• Executive Assistant
• Office Manager
• Personal Assistant
• Receptionist

Business Cover Letter Examples

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

• Assistant Director
• Business Analyst
• Business Consultant
• General Manager
• Operations Manager
• Risk Manager
• Shift Manager

Construction Cover Letter Examples

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

• Construction Supervisor
• Crane Operator
• General Contractor
• Independent Contractor
• Manual Labor
• Site Supervisor

Customer Service Cover Letter Examples

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

• Airline Customer Service
• Call Center Representative
• Customer Service Associate
• Customer Service Manager
• Customer Service Representative CV
• Room Attendant
• Service Coordinator
• Ticket Agent

Education Cover Letter Examples

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

• Academic Dean
• Admissions Counselor
• Assistant Superintendent
• Assistant Teacher
• Director of Admissions
• Instructional Designer
• Literacy Coach
• Preschool Director
• School Guidance Counselor
• School Principal
• School Superintendent

Fire Fighting Cover Letter Examples

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

• Fire Inspector
• Firefighter

Healthcare Cover Letter Examples

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

• Assisted Living Manager
• Health Care Assistant
• Medical Billing Specialist
• Medical Interpreter
• Medical Office Assistant
• Patient Care Coordinator
• Patient Care Technician
• Patient Service Representative
• Personal Care Assistant
• Speech Therapist
• Wellness Activities Assistant

Hotel & Hospitality Cover Letter Examples

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

• Guest Service Representative
• Hotel Concierge
• Hotel Guest Service Agent
• Hotel Manager
• Hotel Receptionist
• Retail and Restaurant Associate

Human Resources Cover Letter Examples

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

• Benefits Analyst
• Compensation and Benefits
• Corporate Recruiter
• Employment Advisor
• HR Business Partner
• HR Coordinator
• HR Executive
• Human Resource Specialist
• Human Resources Generalist
• Human Resources Manager
• Organizational Development
• Recruiting and Employment
• Recruitment Coordinator
• Technical Recruiter
• Training and Development Manager

Information Technology Cover Letter Examples

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

• Chief Technology Officer
• Computer Technician
• Data Coordinator
• IT Service Manager
• Project Officer
• Service Delivery Manager
• Service Desk Analyst
• Technology Director

Janitorial Cover Letter Examples

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

• Cleaning Professionals
• Executive Housekeeper
• Housekeeper
• Housekeeping Supervisor

Marketing Cover Letter Examples

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

• Account Manager
• Advertising Operations Manager
• Analytics Manager
• Brand Manager
• Chief Marketing Officer
• Digital Marketing Manager
• E Commerce Manager
• Market Researcher
• Product Marketer
• Public Relations
• Social Media Manager

Medical Cover Letter Examples

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

• Acupuncturist
• Anesthesiologist
• Audiologist
• Cardiologist
• Clinical Research Assistant
• Dialysis Patient Care Technician
• General Practitioner
• Health And Safety Officer
• Hospital Clerk
• Medical Records Clerk
• Nursing Home Administrator
• Optical Assistant
• Pediatrician
• Phlebotomist
• Respiratory Therapist
• Ultrasound Technician

Retail Cover Letter Examples

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

• Area Manager
• Assistant General Manager
• Assistant Merchandiser
• Merchandise Associate
• Mobile Sales Pro
• Retail Assistant Store Manager
• Retail Merchandiser
• Retail Sales Associate
• Retail Supervisor
• Store Manager
• Storekeeper
• Supermarket Cashier

Sales Cover Letter Examples

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

• Automotive Salesperson
• Client Relationship Manager
• Franchise Owner
• Inside Sales Representative
• Medical Sales Representative
• Outside Sales Representative
• Regional Manager
• Sales Account Executive
• Sales and Marketing Coordinator
• Sales Coordinator
• Sales Director
• Sales Operations Manager
• Sales Representative
• Sales Supervisor
• Salesperson
• Technical Sales Representative
• Telemarketer
• Territory Sales Manager

Safety & Security Cover Letter Examples

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

• Director of Security
• Loss Prevention Manager
• Protection Officer
• Safety Coordinator
• Safety Manager
• Security Guard
• Security Officer
• Security Supervisor

Transportation Cover Letter Examples

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

• Fleet Manager
• Freight Associate
• Passenger Service Agent
• Transportation Customer Service Advisor
• Transportation Manager

Cover letter examples for every scenario

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

If you lack work experience, a cover letter can help you fill in the gaps by pointing out the skills, education and training you possess that make you an excellent fit for the role. It’s also the best place to share your enthusiasm and eagerness to learn.

Why this cover letter works:

• Establishes a personal connection to the business.
• Uses volunteer experience to support skills.
• Focuses on how the job seeker meets the needs of the shop.

A cover letter is valuable if you have limited work or internship experience. It helps you draw a direct connection between the experience and education milestones to the employer’s needs.

• Does a good job tying education to the demands of the job.
• Grabs attention by including numbers in the body paragraph.
• Expresses enthusiasm for the role.

If you have an employment gap on your resume, a hiring manager may wonder why. In this case, a cover letter is the perfect opportunity to explain. In the body of your letter, briefly mention why you stepped away from the workforce, such as a layoff, family emergency or to raise children.

• Tells a story about the candidate’s career development.
• Uses body paragraph to explain reasons for the job gap.
• Sells the gap as helping the candidate renew and improve.

When you want to make a career change, your cover letter is the space to explain your reason(s) for doing so. Keep your explanation for the change brief and highlight your passion. The bulk of your cover letter should highlight your relevant work experience and transferable skills .

• Connects skills developed in previous roles to the new one.
• Explains the job seeker’s motivation for the career change.
• Shows candidate’s personality and commitment to learning.

A cover letter is critical when seeking a promotion or transfer with your current employer. Use it to explain your motivation and why you believe you would excel in the new role.

• Mentions notable contributions, e.g., 15% revenue increase.
• Establishes a sense of devotion and passion for the company.
• Identifies top skills that make the job seeker qualified.

If you have a connection who works at the company you’re applying to or is a colleague of the hiring manager, mention it in your cover letter’s first paragraph. Your chances of getting the job will increase if someone inside the company recommends you.

• Builds trust with the hiring manager by citing reference.
• Establishes that the candidate is involved in the industry.
• Reinforces qualifications by telling a story.

If you have your eye on a company you want to work for but haven’t seen any job openings, you can use a cover letter to show your interest. Your introduction should explain why you want to work for this company in addition to selling your skills.

• Shows the candidate’s passion for inquiring about a role.
• Mentions a former colleague to create an internal reference.
• Cites top skills that the job seeker brings to the table.

Have a lead on a great role that will open in the future? There’s no need to wait for it to post on a job board. Get ahead of your job competition by reaching out with a cover letter that explains how you heard about this opportunity ahead of time.

• Establishes trust with connection to a current employee.
• Shows motivation by being ahead of the application process.
• Angles for a meeting before the interview process begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cover letter.

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

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

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

What does a cover letter look like?

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

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

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

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

How important are cover letters when applying for jobs?

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

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

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

What are three good cover letter tips to remember?

Here are three helpful cover letter tips:

• Customize your cover letter for every role. Make sure you tailor your letter to the employer’s needs based on what it says in the job post. That way, it speaks to an employer’s needs and better appeals to them. Furthermore, many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS). ATS is software that scans your resume and cover letter for specific phrases. Targeting your cover letter to the job post helps ensure that you pass an ATS.
• Go deeper than what’s on the resume. Cover letters should elaborate on key details in your resume, not repeat them. For example, instead of just restating that you are organized, you could expand on this by including a line about how you used that skill to revamp the company filing system, which increased efficiency. Turn the lifeless details of your resume into an engaging story!
• Use numbers and metrics. Including numerical metrics helps quantify your skills to a potential employer. Saying something like, “Analyzed ways to reduce costs, enhance revenues and improve profits 33%,” will help you. That’s because numbers pop out and grab the attention of the person reading your cover letter. Furthermore, they add more detail to your abilities and performance level.

What should be in a well-written cover letter?

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

• Header: The header of your cover letter contains your contact information. Include your telephone number, professional email address and links to your LinkedIn profile, personal website or online portfolio, if applicable.
• Greeting: Do your research to find the hiring manager’s name and address your cover letter to that person. If it’s not listed in the job ad, research LinkedIn or the company website to identify the right person. In a pinch, find the name of someone in the recruiting department and address your letter to that person. Avoid generic greetings, such as “To whom it may concern,” if possible.
• Opening paragraph: The opening paragraph of your letter should mention the name of the company and the job title to which you are applying. It should also briefly say why you are applying for the job. Then, you should cite the top skills that make you qualified for the role.
• Body paragraph(s): The body of your cover letter is its longest, most important section. It’s one or two paragraphs where you expand on the most relevant parts of your experience or education. Whereas in the opening paragraph, you tell the employer you’re right for the job, in these paragraphs, you should show them by using numbers or telling a story that illustrates your abilities. This is the section where you should use data and metrics in this section to detail to recruiters the impact your work has had and what you will bring to the table if hired.
• Closing paragraph: Your closing paragraph should briefly summarize your enthusiasm for the role and express hope for a future discussion. Then, thank the reader for their time. Sign off with a formal closing statement like “Regards” or “Sincerely” and your name.

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

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

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

How should I prepare my cover letter?

There are two ways to write a cover letter:

• You can do it the old-fashioned way, from scratch. That means formatting your page, brainstorming what to say, writing and then editing your document.
• Use a modern tool: Our Cover Letter Builder . It uses computer automation to make creating a resume much easier than doing it from scratch!That’s because it’s like having an expert guide you through the process. All you have to do is answer a series of easy-to-follow prompts.Best of all, our builder offers suggested prewritten text suggestions crafted by our team of career experts. They’re all targeted to the job title for which you’re applying.This extra help saves time compared to doing it the old-fashioned way. You can complete a cover letter in under 15 minutes!

See more on our FAQ Page

Create a Cover Letter with LiveCareer

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200 + Cover Letter Examples for all Jobs and Career Levels

My Perfect Resume has 200+ unique cover letter examples that you can use with our Cover Letter Builder to write a cover letter that complements your resume perfectly.

• 30% higher chance of getting a job
• 42% higher response rate from recruiters

Our customers have been hired at: * Foot Note

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

Show real interest.

Highlight key skills and achievements .

Explain why you are the best job candidate.

Perfect Letter Builder

Choose from 20+ Recommended Templates

Add Pre-Written Content

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42% Higher Response Rate from Recruiters

Professional cover letter examples by industry and job title

• Accounting cover letter examples
• Example cover letters for administrative jobs
• Professional cover letter examples for business operations jobs
• Construction cover letter examples
• Culinary cover letter examples
• Sample cover letters for customer service jobs
• Education cover letter samples
• Examples of cover letters for a job in the food service industry
• Resume cover letter examples for health care support jobs
• Hospitality cover letter examples
• Information technology job application letters
• Best cover letter examples for law
• Marketing cover letter samples
• Medical cover letter examples
• Nursing cover letter examples
• Production cover letter samples
• Retail application letter examples
• Great cover letter examples for sales jobs
• Social services cover letter examples
• Teaching cover letter examples

Accounting cover letter examples (3)

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

• Accounting Assistant
• Assistant Accountant

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

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

• Expert advice on every step.
• Professional content suggestions.
• A variety of formats to download and save your document.

Example cover letters for administrative jobs (14)

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

• Administrative Assistant
• Clerical Assistant
• Data Entry Clerk
• Data Entry Specialist
• Executive Assistant
• Office Administrator
• Office Assistant
• Office Clerk
• Office Manager
• Personal Assistant
• Practice Manager
• Receptionist
• Store Administrative Assistant

Administrative

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

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

• Professional guidance for every step in the process.
• Expert suggestions for each section.
• The ability to download and save your cover letter in multiple formats.

Professional cover letter examples for business operations jobs (11)

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

• Business Development Manager
• Business Owner
• Executive Director
• Operations Manager
• Operations Supervisor
• Owner Operator
• Shift Manager
• Vice President

Business operations

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

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

• Guidance and tools for each step. 
• Professional content suggestions for each part of your cover letter. 
• All major file formats to download and save your document.

Construction cover letter examples (4)

Use an application letter sample to highlight your strong work ethic and ability to work with specific equipment, such as forklifts or cranes. Find your construction cover letter in these examples.

• General Labourer
• Site Manager

Construction

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

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

• Expert advice on every step of the process.

Culinary cover letter examples (6)

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

• Bakery Clerk
• Kitchen Hand
• Kitchen Staff

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

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

• Guidance along the way.  
• Expert tools and content suggestions for each section of your letter.

Sample cover letters for customer service jobs (12)

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

• Customer Care Representative
• Customer Service Advisor
• Customer Service Agent
• Customer Service Coordinator
• Customer Service Manager
• Customer Service Representative
• Customer Service Specialist
• Room Attendant
• Service Advisor
• Service Coordinator

Customer service

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

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

• Professional advice along the way.
• Job-specific keywords and skills.
• All standard file formats to download and save your cover letter.

Education cover letter samples (7)

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

• Assistant Principal
• Education Assistant Director
• Educational Assistant
• Resident Assistant

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

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

• Expert guidance for writing a winning cover letter.
• Professionally written content suggestions.
• Multiple formats to download and save your cover letter.

Examples of cover letters for a job in the food service industry (7)

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

• Bar Manager
• Crew Member
• Food Service Worker
• Host/Hostess
• Service Crew

Food service

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

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

• Professional advice for every step of the process.
• Expert keywords and industry-specific phrases.
• Multiple file formats for saving your cover letter.

Resume cover letter examples for health care support jobs (13)

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

• Caregivers Companions
• Home Health Aide
• Medical Biller
• Medical Receptionist
• Occupational Therapist
• Patient Care Tech
• Patient Service Representative
• Personal Care Aide
• Personal Care Assistant
• Personal Support Worker
• Phlebotomist

Health care support

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

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

• Expert advice for each step.

Hospitality cover letter examples (3)

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

• Guest Service Agent
• Guest Service Representative

Hospitality

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

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

• Expert content suggestions.
• The ability to download and save your letter in all major file formats.

Information technology job application letters (3)

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

• Senior Project Manager
• Experienced Technical Support

Information technology

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

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

• Expert tools and guidance every step of the way. 
• Industry and job-specific content suggestions for each section of your letter.
• The ability to download and save your document in all major file formats.

Best cover letter examples for law (5)

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

• Legal Assistant
• Legal Receptionist
• Legal Secretary

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

Our cover letter builder can help you build a compelling cover letter for  job application that wins over potential employers. Our builder provides:

• All the tools and advice to craft a professional cover letter quickly. 
• Professional content suggestions for each section of your letter. 
• Multiple file formats for downloading and saving your document.

Marketing cover letter samples (6)

Our sample application letter for a job demonstrates your creativity, leadership and strategic thinking abilities while highlighting areas of focus like social media or email marketing.  

• Brand Ambassador
• Marketing Executive
• Marketing Intern
• Marketing Manager
• Product Manager

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

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

• Expert guidance every step of the way. 
• Professional content suggestions and tools for optimizing each section of your letter.
• All standard file formats to download and save your letter. 

Medical cover letter examples (9)

Go beyond standard credentials and training. Let our sample cover letters help you highlight your ability to empathize with clients and patients. Our medical cover letter examples will help you display your medical knowledge, industry achievements, licenses and certifications to stand out from the rest.  

• Clinic Administrator
• EMT Cover Letter Example
• Medical Direct Support Professional
• Medical Technologist
• Radiologic Technologist
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Surgical Technologist

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

• Professional advice every step of the way. 
• Expert tips and content suggestions.
• All standard file formats to download and save your letter.

Nursing cover letter examples (14)

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

• Experienced CNA
• Certified Nurse Assistant
• Charge Nurse
• Director Of Nursing
• Experienced Intensive Care Nurse
• Nursing Assistant
• Operating Room Nurse
• Patient Care Technician
• Perioperative Nurse
• Student Nurse

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

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

• Expert advice. 
• Industry-standard keywords and tools to optimize your cover letter.
• Multiple file formats to download and save your letter.  

Production cover letter samples (6)

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

• Assembly Line
• Forklift Operator
• Petroleum Operator
• Production Assistant
• Production Operator
• Production Supervisor

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

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

• Professional advice for each step.
• Expert tools and content suggestions for each section of your letter.  
• All standard file formats to download and save your letter.  

Retail application letter examples (10)

Provide details about job-related skills such as maintaining merchandise and interpersonal skills . Use a retail cover letter example to create an effective cover letter. 

• Assistant Store Manager
• Department Supervisor
• District Manager
• Parking Lot Associate
• Part Time Cashiers
• Regional Manager
• Retail Assistant
• Sales Supervisor
• Shop Assistant
• Store Manager

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

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

• Tools and industry-specific content suggestions for each section.
• Multiple file formats for saving your letter.

Great cover letter examples for sales jobs (10)

Give concrete examples of how you’ve helped improve a company’s bottom line. These sales cover letter examples will guide you.

• Senior Consultant
• Director Of Sales
• Inside Sales
• Lead Sales Associate
• Outside Sales Representative
• Regional Sales Manager
• Sales Associate
• Sales Executive
• Sales Specialist
• Salesperson

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

Social services cover letter examples (3)

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

• Case Manager
• Drug And Alcohol Counselor
• Group Leader

Social services

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

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

• Professional guidance along the way.
• Expert content suggestions for each area of your cover letter. 
• Multiple file formats to download and save your document.

Teaching cover letter examples (15)

Let potential employers know you have specialized knowledge, and explain how you enrich children in the classroom. Our sample cover letters for teaching positions can help!

• Adjunct Professor
• Assistant Teacher
• Elementary Teacher
• Graduate Assistant
• Kindergarten Teacher
• Master Teacher
• Preschool Teacher
• Student Assistant
• Student Teacher
• Summer Teacher
• Teacher’s Aide
• Teaching Assistant

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

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

Cover letter examples for other popular industries

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

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

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

• Expert advice throughout.
• Multiple file formats for saving your document.

Entry-level cover letter example

Notice how this entry-level cover letter example emphasizes the job seeker’s training, skills and career ambitions while also connecting them to what the potential employer needs.

Career change cover letter

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

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

• Guidance on every step.
• Expert phrases, skills and bullet points.
• All major file formats to download and save your cover letter.

Career change cover letter for a job application

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

Employment gap cover letter

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

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

• Advice on every step.
• The ability to save your document in all major formats.

Employment gap application letter sample

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

“Cold call” cover letter

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

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

• Step-by-step guidance.

“Cold call” cover letter sample

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

Professional connection cover letter

Use our Cover Letter Builder and customize this cover letter sample to expand on the skills you’ve learned on the job and what you can offer the employer now. 

Use this sample to create your own in our Cover Letter Builder, which offers: 

• Expert-approved content suggestions.

Professional connection cover letter example

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

Temporary-to-permanent employee cover letter

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

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

• Expert guidance on every step.
• Professional content suggestions for each section of your letter.
• A variety of file formats to download and save your document.

Temporary-to-permanent employee sample cover letter

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

Seeking promotion cover letter

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

Seeking promotion cover letter example

This application letter is different from other resume cover letter examples because it stresses the job applicant’s familiarity with the company’s goals, values and processes a big advantage over other applicants. Use this cover letter for seeking a promotion to build your own and advance your career.

Unadvertised position cover letter

No need to wait until a job posting is available to apply. Write a cover letter for networking and reach out to a potential employer to share your enthusiasm and what you could bring to the company. 

Our Cover Letter Builder and cover letter sample can help you expand on the skills you can bring to the table and why you should be considered as a candidate. You will also get: 

• Professional advice for every step.
• Multiple file formats to download and save your cover letter. 

Sample cover letter for an unadvertised position

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

New position with current employer cover letter

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

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

• Expert guidance along the way.
• A variety of formats to download and save your cover letter.

Job application letter for a new position with current employer

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

Referral cover letter

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

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

Referral cover letter sample

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

What to include in a cover letter

Contact information:.

List your phone number and professional email address.

Employer’s information:

Include name, title, company address and email.

Salutation:

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

Start with a relevant accomplishment like our professional cover letter sample.

Elaborate on your accomplishments and skills to show your value.

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

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

Other cover letter resources

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

• How to Position a Past Cannabis Industry Job in Your Cover Letter
• 5 Qualities That are Part of Every Successful Cover Letter
• 9 Best Cover Letter Tips for Extroverts

Get noticed with a polished cover letter

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

Cover Letter Checklist

• Does the cover letter match your resume?
• Do you have the name and title of the person you’re addressing?
• Does your cover letter heading include your current contact information?
• Include your years of experience?
• Include job-relevant accomplishments?
• Include information to show you’ve researched the company?
• Explain why you’re interested in the position?
• Does your body paragraph explain why you’re the best candidate for the role?
• Does your body paragraph state the value you bring to the company?
• Summarize what you bring to the company?
• Explain why you’re interested in the potential employer?
• Include a strong call to action?
• Does your letter expand on the information on your resume and not repeat it?
• Is your cover letter for a job application grammatically correct?
• Did you include keywords from the job description?

Cover letter examples FAQ

Why should i use your cover letter examples.

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

• They’re professionally designed to look their best: Our cover letter samples and cover letter templates are built to display your content neatly and effectively.
• Guidance and tips for every job and industry: We have an example cover letter for every job. Select any example on this page and go to our Cover Letter Builder, which supplies expert suggestions and tips for every section.
• Customize your letter for different jobs: It’s easy to update these application cover letter examples so they fit different jobs — and if you use our builder, you can save and download as many versions of your letter as you need.
• Match your perfect letter with a perfect resume: Use our Resume Builder to create resumes that complement your letter in look and layout.

Are cover letters really necessary?

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

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

Absolutely!

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

What should not be included in a cover letter?

• Spelling or grammatical errors
• Information not relevant to the job
• Personal information, such as your religious beliefs and political affiliations
• Negative comments about your current or former employer
• Overly flattering language
• Your salary or work benefits requirements

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

Should you address employment gaps in a cover letter?

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

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

How to write a cover letter for a job that gets noticed?

Here are some tips for writing great cover letters:

• Research the position and memorize the job requirements. 
• Pick a professional cover letter template from our extensive library. It’s best practice to match it to your resume template. 
• Find an example of an application letter for a job in your field for inspiration (we have more than 200 cover letter samples to choose from).
• Add your contact information to the header.
• Write the date.
• Add the recipient’s address.
• Address the hiring manager by name.
• Write a short but powerful opening paragraph to introduce yourself.
• Give details about your skills and experience in the body of your application letter.
• Write a closing paragraph encouraging them to contact you for an interview.
• Sign off professionally.
• Proofread your cover letter content at least twice.
• Use information from your resume but don’t just repeat it; instead, use your cover letter to elaborate on it.

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Cover Letter Examples

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Kellie Hanna, CPRW

Career advice expert.

Kellie is a Certified Professional Resume Writer with 20+ years of experience in digital media and is passionate about helping job seekers navigate their careers. She earned a B.A. in English and writing from Temple University.

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