How it works
Transform your enterprise with the scalable mindsets, skills, & behavior change that drive performance.
Explore how BetterUp connects to your core business systems.
We pair AI with the latest in human-centered coaching to drive powerful, lasting learning and behavior change.
Build leaders that accelerate team performance and engagement.
Unlock performance potential at scale with AI-powered curated growth journeys.
Build resilience, well-being and agility to drive performance across your entire enterprise.
Transform your business, starting with your sales leaders.
Unlock business impact from the top with executive coaching.
Foster a culture of inclusion and belonging.
Accelerate the performance and potential of your agencies and employees.
See how innovative organizations use BetterUp to build a thriving workforce.
Discover how BetterUp measurably impacts key business outcomes for organizations like yours.
A demo is the first step to transforming your business. Meet with us to develop a plan for attaining your goals.
- What is coaching?
Learn how 1:1 coaching works, who its for, and if it's right for you.
Accelerate your personal and professional growth with the expert guidance of a BetterUp Coach.
Types of Coaching
Navigate career transitions, accelerate your professional growth, and achieve your career goals with expert coaching.
Enhance your communication skills for better personal and professional relationships, with tailored coaching that focuses on your needs.
Find balance, resilience, and well-being in all areas of your life with holistic coaching designed to empower you.
Discover your perfect match : Take our 5-minute assessment and let us pair you with one of our top Coaches tailored just for you.
Research, expert insights, and resources to develop courageous leaders within your organization.
Best practices, research, and tools to fuel individual and business growth.
View on-demand BetterUp events and learn about upcoming live discussions.
The latest insights and ideas for building a high-performing workplace.
- BetterUp Briefing
The online magazine that helps you understand tomorrow's workforce trends, today.
Innovative research featured in peer-reviewed journals, press, and more.
Founded in 2022 to deepen the understanding of the intersection of well-being, purpose, and performance
We're on a mission to help everyone live with clarity, purpose, and passion.
Join us and create impactful change.
Read the buzz about BetterUp.
Meet the leadership that's passionate about empowering your workforce.
For Business
For Individuals
How to write a great cover letter in 2024: tips and structure
A cover letter is a personalized letter that introduces you to a potential employer, highlights your qualifications, and explains why you're a strong fit for a specific job.
Hate or love them, these brief documents allow job seekers to make an impression and stand out from the pile of other applications. Penning a thoughtful cover letter shows the hiring team you care about earning the position.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to write a cover letter — and a great one, at that.
What is a cover letter and why does it matter?
A professional cover letter is a one-page document you submit alongside your CV or resume as part of a job application. Typically, they’re about half a page or around 150–300 words.
An effective cover letter doesn’t just rehash your CV; it’s your chance to highlight your proudest moments, explain why you want the job, and state plainly what you bring to the table.
Show the reviewer you’re likable, talented, and will add to the company’s culture . You can refer to previous jobs and other information from your CV, but only if it helps tell a story about you and your career choices .
What 3 things should you include in a cover letter?
A well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out to potential employers. To make your cover letter shine, here are three key elements to include:
1. Personalization
Address the hiring manager or recruiter by name whenever possible. If the job posting doesn't include a name, research to find out who will be reviewing applications. Personalizing your cover letter shows that you've taken the time to tailor your application to the specific company and role.
2. Highlight relevant achievements and skills
Emphasize your most relevant skills , experiences, and accomplishments that directly relate to the job you're applying for. Provide specific examples of how your skills have benefited previous employers and how they can contribute to the prospective employer's success. Use quantifiable achievements , such as improved efficiency, cost savings, or project success, to demonstrate your impact.
3. Show enthusiasm and fit
Express your enthusiasm for the company and the position you're applying for. Explain why you are interested in this role and believe you are a good fit for the organization. Mention how your values, goals, and skills align with the company's mission and culture. Demonstrating that you've done your research can make a significant impression.
What do hiring managers look for in a cover letter?
Employers look for several key elements in a cover letter. These include:
Employers want to see that your cover letter is specifically tailored to the position you are applying for. It should demonstrate how your skills, experiences, and qualifications align with the job requirements.
Clear and concise writing
A well-written cover letter is concise, easy to read, and error-free. Employers appreciate clear and effective communication skills , so make sure your cover letter showcases your ability to express yourself effectively.
Demonstrated knowledge of the company
Employers want to see that you are genuinely interested in their organization. Mention specific details about the company, such as recent achievements or projects, to show that you are enthusiastic about joining their team.
Achievements and accomplishments
Highlight your relevant achievements and accomplishments that demonstrate your qualifications for the position. Use specific examples to showcase your skills and show how they can benefit the employer.
Enthusiasm and motivation
Employers want to hire candidates who are excited about the opportunity and motivated to contribute to the company's success. Express your enthusiasm and passion for the role and explain why you are interested in working for the company.
Professionalism
A cover letter should be professional in tone and presentation. Use formal language, address the hiring manager appropriately, and follow standard business letter formatting.
How do you structure a cover letter?
A well-structured cover letter follows a specific format that makes it easy for the reader to understand your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position. Here's a typical structure for a cover letter:
Contact information
Include your name, address, phone number, and email address at the top of the letter. Place your contact information at the beginning so that it's easy for the employer to reach you.
Employer's contact information
Opening paragraph, middle paragraph(s), closing paragraph, complimentary close, additional contact information.
Repeat your contact information (name, phone number, and email) at the end of the letter, just in case the employer needs it for quick reference.
Remember to keep your cover letter concise and focused. It should typically be no more than one page in length. Proofread your letter carefully to ensure it is free from spelling and grammatical errors. Tailor each cover letter to the specific job application to make it as relevant and impactful as possible.
How to write a good cover letter (with examples)
The best letters are unique, tailored to the job description, and written in your voice — but that doesn’t mean you can’t use a job cover letter template.
Great cover letters contain the same basic elements and flow a certain way. Take a look at this cover letter structure for ref erence while you construct your own.
1. Add a header and contact information
While reading your cover letter, the recruiter shouldn’t have to look far to find who wrote it. Your document should include a basic heading with the following information:
- Pronouns (optional)
- Location (optional)
- Email address
- Phone number (optional)
- Relevant links, such as your LinkedIn profile , portfolio, or personal website (optional)
You can pull this information directly from your CV. Put it together, and it will look something like this:
Christopher Pike
San Francisco, California
Alternatively, if the posting asks you to submit your cover letter in the body of an email, you can include this information in your signature. For example:
Warm regards,
Catherine Janeway
Bloomington, Indiana
(555) 999 - 2222
2. Include a personal greeting
Always begin your cover letter by addressing the hiring manager — preferably by name. You can use the person’s first and last name. Make sure to include a relevant title, like Dr., Mr., or Ms. For example, “Dear Mr. John Doe.”
Avoid generic openings like “To whom it may concern,” “Dear sir or madam,” or “Dear hiring manager.” These introductions sound impersonal — like you’re copy-pasting cover letters — and can work against you in the hiring process.
Be careful, though. When using someone’s name, you don’t want to use the wrong title or accidentally misgender someone. If in doubt, using only their name is enough. You could also opt for a gender-neutral title, like Mx.
Make sure you’re addressing the right person in your letter — ideally, the person who’s making the final hiring decision. This isn’t always specified in the job posting, so you may have to do some research to learn the name of the hiring manager.
3. Draw them in with an opening story
The opening paragraph of your cover letter should hook the reader. You want it to be memorable, conversational, and extremely relevant to the job you’re pursuing.
There’s no need for a personal introduction — you’ve already included your name in the heading. But you should make reference to the job you’re applying for. A simple “Thank you for considering my application for the role of [job title] at [company],” will suffice.
Then you can get into the “Why” of your job application. Drive home what makes this specific job and this company so appealing to you. Perhaps you’re a fan of their products, you’re passionate about their mission, or you love their brand voice. Whatever the case, this section is where you share your enthusiasm for the role.
Here’s an example opening paragraph. In this scenario, you’re applying for a digital marketing role at a bicycle company:
“Dear Mr. John Doe,
Thank you for considering my application for the role of Marketing Coordinator at Bits n’ Bikes.
My parents bought my first bike at one of your stores. I’ll never forget the freedom I felt when I learned to ride it. My father removed my training wheels, and my mom sent me barrelling down the street. You provide joy to families across the country — and I want to be part of that.”
4. Emphasize why you’re best for the job
Your next paragraphs should be focused on the role you’re applying to. Highlight your skill set and why you’re a good fit for the needs and expectations associated with the position. Hiring managers want to know what you’ll bring to the job, not just any role.
Start by studying the job description for hints. What problem are they trying to solve with this hire? What skills and qualifications do they mention first or more than once? These are indicators of what’s important to the hiring manager.
Search for details that match your experience and interests. For example, if you’re excited about a fast-paced job in public relations, you might look for these elements in a posting:
- They want someone who can write social media posts and blog content on tight deadlines
- They value collaboration and input from every team member
- They need a planner who can come up with strong PR strategies
Highlight how you fulfill these requirements:
“I’ve always been a strong writer. From blog posts to social media, my content pulls in readers and drives traffic to product pages. For example, when I worked at Bits n’ Bikes, I developed a strategic blog series about bike maintenance that increased our sales of spare parts and tools by 50% — we could see it in our web metrics.
Thanks to the input of all of our team members, including our bike mechanics, my content delivered results.”
5. End with a strong closing paragraph and sign off gracefully
Your closing paragraph is your final chance to hammer home your enthusiasm about the role and your unique ability to fill it. Reiterate the main points you explained in the body paragraphs and remind the reader of what you bring to the table.
You can also use the end of your letter to relay other important details, like whether you’re willing to relocate for the job.
When choosing a sign-off, opt for a phrase that sounds professional and genuine. Reliable options include “Sincerely” and “Kind regards.”
Here’s a strong closing statement for you to consider:
“I believe my enthusiasm, skills, and work experience as a PR professional will serve Bits n’ Bikes very well. I would love to meet to further discuss my value-add as your next Director of Public Relations. Thank you for your consideration. I hope we speak soon.
Tips to write a great cover letter that compliments your resume
When writing your own letter, try not to copy the example excerpts word-for-word. Instead, use this cover letter structure as a baseline to organize your ideas. Then, as you’re writing, use these extra cover letter tips to add your personal touch:
- Keep your cover letter different from your resume : Your cover letter should not duplicate the information on your resume. Instead, it should provide context and explanations for key points in your resume, emphasizing how your qualifications match the specific job you're applying for.
- Customize your cover letter . Tailor your cover letter for each job application. Address the specific needs of the company and the job posting, demonstrating that you've done your homework and understand their requirements.
- Show enthusiasm and fit . Express your enthusiasm for the company and position in the cover letter. Explain why you are interested in working for this company and how your values, goals, and skills align with their mission and culture.
- Use keywords . Incorporate keywords from the job description and industry terms in your cover letter. This can help your application pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and demonstrate that you're well-versed in the field.
- Keep it concise . Your cover letter should be succinct and to the point, typically no more than one page. Focus on the most compelling qualifications and experiences that directly support your application.
- Be professional . Maintain a professional tone and structure in your cover letter. Proofread it carefully to ensure there are no errors.
- Address any gaps or concerns . If there are gaps or concerns in your resume, such as employment gaps or a change in career direction, briefly address them in your cover letter. Explain any relevant circumstances and how they have shaped your qualifications and determination.
- Provide a call to action . Conclude your cover letter with a call to action, inviting the employer to contact you for further discussion. Mention that you've attached your resume for their reference.
- Follow the correct format . Use a standard cover letter format like the one above, including your contact information, a formal salutation, introductory and closing paragraphs, and your signature. Ensure that it complements your resume without redundancy.
- Pick the right voice and tone . Try to write like yourself, but adapt to the tone and voice of the company. Look at the job listing, company website, and social media posts. Do they sound fun and quirky, stoic and professional, or somewhere in-between? This guides your writing style.
- Tell your story . You’re an individual with unique expertise, motivators, and years of experience. Tie the pieces together with a great story. Introduce how you arrived at this point in your career, where you hope to go , and how this prospective company fits in your journey. You can also explain any career changes in your resume.
- Show, don’t tell . Anyone can say they’re a problem solver. Why should a recruiter take their word for it if they don’t back it up with examples? Instead of naming your skills, show them in action. Describe situations where you rose to the task, and quantify your success when you can.
- Be honest . Avoid highlighting skills you don’t have. This will backfire if they ask you about them in an interview. Instead, shift focus to the ways in which you stand out.
- Avoid clichés and bullet points . These are signs of lazy writing. Do your best to be original from the first paragraph to the final one. This highlights your individuality and demonstrates the care you put into the letter.
- Proofread . Always spellcheck your cover letter. Look for typos, grammatical errors, and proper flow. We suggest reading it out loud. If it sounds natural rolling off the tongue, it will read naturally as well.
Common cover letter writing FAQs
How long should a cover letter be.
A cover letter should generally be concise and to the point. It is recommended to keep it to one page or less, focusing on the most relevant information that highlights your qualifications and fits the job requirements.
Should I include personal information in a cover letter?
While it's important to introduce yourself and provide your contact information, avoid including personal details such as your age, marital status, or unrelated hobbies. Instead, focus on presenting your professional qualifications and aligning them with the job requirements.
Can I use the same cover letter for multiple job applications?
While it may be tempting to reuse a cover letter, it is best to tailor each cover letter to the specific job you are applying for. This allows you to highlight why you are a good fit for that particular role and show genuine interest in the company.
Do I need to address my cover letter to a specific person?
Whenever possible, it is advisable to address your cover letter to a specific person, such as the hiring manager or recruiter. If the job posting does not provide this information, try to research and find the appropriate contact. If all else fails, you can use a generic salutation such as "Dear Hiring Manager."
Should I include references in my cover letter?
It is generally not necessary to include references in your cover letter. Save this information for when the employer explicitly requests it. Instead, focus on showcasing your qualifications and achievements that make you a strong candidate for the position.
It’s time to start writing your stand-out cover letter
The hardest part of writing is getting started.
Hopefully, our tips gave you some jumping-off points and confidence . But if you’re really stuck, looking at cover letter examples and resume templates will help you decide where to get started.
There are numerous sample cover letters available online. Just remember that you’re a unique, well-rounded person, and your cover letter should reflect that. Using our structure, you can tell your story while highlighting your passion for the role.
Doing your research, including strong examples of your skills, and being courteous is how to write a strong cover letter. Take a breath , flex your fingers, and get typing. Before you know it, your job search will lead to a job interview.
If you want more personalized guidance, a specialized career coach can help review, edit, and guide you through creating a great cover letter that sticks.
Ace your job search
Explore effective job search techniques, interview strategies, and ways to overcome job-related challenges. Our coaches specialize in helping you land your dream job.
Elizabeth Perry, ACC
Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.
3 cover letter examples to help you catch a hiring manager’s attention
Chatgpt cover letters: how to use this tool the right way, how to write an impactful cover letter for a career change, write thank you letters after interviews to stand out as job applicant, send a thank you email after an internship to boost your career, character references: 4 tips for a successful recommendation letter, tips and tricks for writing a letter of interest (with examples), use professional reference templates to make hiring smoother, what is a letter of intent examples on how to write one, similar articles, 5 tips for reentering the workforce, anxious about meetings learn how to run a meeting with these 10 tips, how to write a job application email that gets a reply, how to write a letter of recommendation (with examples), stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..
3100 E 5th Street, Suite 350 Austin, TX 78702
- Platform Overview
- Integrations
- Powered by AI
- BetterUp Lead™
- BetterUp Manage™
- BetterUp Care®
- Sales Performance
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Case Studies
- Why BetterUp?
- About Coaching
- Find your Coach
- Career Coaching
- Communication Coaching
- Life Coaching
- News and Press
- Leadership Team
- Become a BetterUp Coach
- BetterUp Labs
- Center for Purpose & Performance
- Leadership Training
- Business Coaching
- Contact Support
- Contact Sales
- Privacy Policy
- Acceptable Use Policy
- Trust & Security
- Cookie Preferences
View Premium CV Package
How to Write a Cover Letter in 2022 (With 6 Cover Letter Examples)
Posted by CV Nation on Dec 11, 2021
The ultimate guide to writing a cover letter to land jobs in 2022, with 6 cover letter examples and everything you need to know to impress recruiters.
When applying for jobs, you will usually be required to submit a cover letter. Recruiters use cover letters to assess your suitability for jobs and learn about your experiences, skills and achievements.
An effective cover letter can help you stand out from the crowd and make a positive impression on recruiters.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to prepare a cover letter for any job that does exactly that. We’ll also show you six great cover letter examples.
What is a Cover Letter?
Cover letters, often referred to as motivation letters, are introductory letters that usually accompany your CV when applying for jobs.
Cover letter are usually one-page in length, expressing why you’re applying for the job and highlighting your skills, experiences and achievements.
How to Structure Your Cover Letter
When writing your cover letter, follow our six-step process to ensure you cover all the key points and sell yourself as effectively as possible.
Take a look at the cover letter examples in this guide to see how we have used this formula to create engaging, effective cover letters.
Here is our six-step cover letter writing process:
1. Introduction
2. overview of knowledge and expertise, 3. unique value proposition (uvp), 4. why you want to work for the company, 5. key skills, 6. polite ending and call to action.
Let’s take a look at these steps in detail:
Start your cover letter with a concise introduction that explains who you are and why you’re applying for the job.
Provide a brief overview of your knowledge, experience and expertise. Use this paragraph to draw attention to what you bring to the table.
Your Unique Value Proposition (UVP) is what makes you unique. Demonstrating your UVP can set you apart from other candidates and convince recruiters you’re the right person for the job.
Identify your UVP by thinking about what makes you unique, then convey this in your cover letter.
Convey why you want to work for the company. This is where you can use your research to show how you are aligned with the company’s values and culture.
Showcase a few of your key skills to show what you can bring to the table.
Bring your cover letter to a close by thanking the reader for their time and including a concise call to action. This will usually be for the recruiter to get in touch with you to discuss your application in more detail.
Cover Letter Example
One of the keys to writing a great cover letter is research. By researching the company you’re applying to work for, you’ll be able to tailor your cover letter and show how you’re aligned with the company’s culture and values.
How do you conduct research into companies?
To conduct research into the company you’re applying to work for, examine the company’s website. You may want to take a look at their ‘About Us’ or ‘Careers’ pages. This will help you learn about their culture and what it’s like to work for them.
Additionally, you could view the company’s social media accounts and the job description to learn more about their culture and values.
Email Cover Letters
If you’re submitting a cover letter in the body of an email, you will need to format it slightly different to cover letters that are attached to emails or submitted as a document.
Email cover letters do not need to include the address of the company you’re applying to work for. You also do not need to include your name at the top of the cover letter, as is demonstrated in some of the cover letter examples in this guide.
Here is an example of an email cover letter:
Email Cover Letter Example
How to Write a Cover Letter with No Experience
If you’ve got no experience in the profession that you’re pursuing a job in, focus on your transferable skills and experiences.
For example, if you’re applying for a customer service job but have no customer service experience, you could focus on your communication skills and your experiences working with customers.
Here is an example cover letter for someone with no experience:
Cover Letter Example - No Experience
How to Professionally Format Your Cover Letter
Line spacing.
Using appropriate line spacing between paragraphs ensures your cover letter is professional in appearance and easy to read.
Letters that don’t use line spacing often appear as one huge block of text. Most recruiters won’t even read these letters, so make sure to utilise your word processor’s line spacing feature.
To add spacing to your cover letter in Microsoft Word, highlight the text, click ‘Layout’, then add 8 pt. spacing in the ‘After’ section.
This will ensure your paragraphs are easily distinguished from each other. It will also optimise your recruiter’s reading experience, which can only be a positive thing!
Margins are the blank spaces at the edges of your cover letter. The size of your margins will depend on the amount of content in your cover letter.
If you have a lot of content to include, your margins should be narrower, which would give you more space. If you have a shorter cover letter, your margins should be wider.
Ideally, you should be aiming for margin sizes of between 1.7 cm (0.66”) and 2.5 cm (0.98”).
3. Fonts & Fonts Sizes
Select a common, easy to read font, such as Calibri, Times New Roman and Arial. Avoid using overly creative fonts. Such fonts will make your cover letter look unprofessional and difficult to read.
For most fonts, including Times New Roman, Calibri and Arial, you should choose a font size of between 10.5 pt. and 12 pt.
Further Cover Letter Tips
Don't exceed one page.
Unless you’ve been specifically asked to submit a longer cover letter, don’t exceed one page in length. Long cover letters make for a poorer reading experience and recruiters may not read your cover letter if it’s too long.
Proofread your cover letter
Ensure to proofread your cover letter to iron out any spelling and grammatical errors. Errors in your cover letter can make you look unprofessional and have a negative impact on your job applications.
Give your document a professional title
When saving your cover letter, make sure to give it a simple, professional title. Examples of professional titles for your cover letter include ‘Cover Letter’ or ‘My Cover Letter’.
Avoid unprofessional titles such as ‘coverletter023432’. When recruiters see such titles on documents, they may instantly see you as unprofessional.
State that your CV is attached/enclosed
If you’re submitting your CV along with your cover letter, state that you’ve enclosed the CV. To do this, include the abbreviation ‘Enc.: CV’ at the bottom of your cover letter, as demonstrated in the cover letter samples in this guide.
Share this post
← Older Post Newer Post →
- Skip to Content
- Skip to Sidebar
- Skip to Footer
Resume Genius
The World's Smartest Resume Builder
Monday to Friday, 8AM – 12AM (Midnight) and Saturdays and Sundays, 10AM – 6PM EDT (866) 215-9048
Blog Cover Letter Help How to Write a Cover Letter
How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job in 2024
Picture this: you’ve already made a resume that highlights your experience and you’re about to submit a job application. But before you can continue you see the phrase that every job seeker dreads: “cover letter required.”
As featured in *
Learn what a cover letter looks like
How to write a cover letter
Good cover letter example
Tips for improving your cover letter
Nobody enjoys writing cover letters, but if you’re job hunting you’ll need to write the best cover letter possible to make a strong positive first impression on employers.
1. Learn what a good cover letter looks like
Cover Letter Template (Text Version)
(Today’s Date)
(Hiring Manager’s Name) 123 Company Address Company’s City, State, Zip Code (xxx) xxx-xxxx [email protected]
Dear (Mr./Ms./Mx.) (Hiring Manager’s Last Name),
I’m writing to express my interest in the open position of Communications Specialist at AudioSonic. With 4+ years of experience in social media, public relations, and communications strategy, I’d be a valuable addition to your team.
As a performance-driven professional with proven expertise in internal and external communications, I’m sure I will excel at the internal and external operations handled in this role. Below are some achievements that illustrate my suitability:
• Managed 4 brand websites and 3 social media accounts for BASF for 2+ years • Attracted a daily average of 10 new customers to BASF by developing creative content to promote the brand • Streamlined internal communications SOP at W. L. Gore & Associates, increasing operations efficiency by 10%
Moreover, I’m adept at building productive relationships with colleagues, making me an ideal person to have working on high-pressure projects. Previous employers have described my interpersonal and organizational skills as instrumental to their teams. I hope to offer the same value to AudioSonic.
Thank you for taking the time to review my application. I’d love the chance to speak with you in person about the position. You can reach me by phone any weekend or weekday evening after 6pm.
Don’t have time to write a cover letter? No worries — you can also make a cover letter quickly using online tools or a cover letter template .
Our free-to-use cover letter builder can make you a cover letter in as little as 5 minutes. Just pick the template you want, and our software will format everything for you.
If you’re ready to jump in, follow these seven simple steps to make a cover letter that leaves a lasting impression on employers:
2. List your contact details
Underneath your name in your cover letter header , list the following contact information:
- Email address
- Phone number
- Mailing address (optional)
- Linkedin profile link (optional)
- Portfolio or website link (optional)
- Pronouns (optional)
3. Address the hiring manager by name
Here’s how the top half of your cover letter should look.
After your header, include the date and the company contact information in this format:
Name or job title of the person or team you’re writing to Company name Company’s street address Company’s phone number Hiring manager’s email address
Next, address your cover letter to the hiring manager — by name if possible.
A standard cover letter salutation includes the hiring manager’s last name, and begins with “Mr.”, “Ms.”, or another relevant professional title.
Just remember that greetings like “ To Whom It May Concern ” and “ Dear Sir or Madam ” are old-fashioned and make your cover letter feel generic, so avoid using them.
If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, you can address your cover letter without a name by using their job title or something like Dear [Department Name] Director.
Here are some acceptable greetings you can use on your cover letter:
Ways to open your cover letter
- Dear Jane Smith
- Dear Ms. Smith
- Dear Accounting Department
- Dear [Company Name] Recruiter
4. Write an attention-grabbing opening paragraph
Start your cover letter with an informative, direct introduction.
In the first one or two sentences, mention the position and organization you’re applying for, where you found the position, and why you’re excited about the opportunity. Check out this example of an effective cover letter introduction:
Example of a good cover letter introduction
Your opening paragraph should encourage the employer to read the rest of your cover letter.
Highlight your passion
You can make your introduction even more engaging by adding some personality, or by including a career highlight. Here’s a sample cover letter for a job application highlighting the jobseeker’s passion for the role.
As a teenager, I would cut my friends’ hair because of my passion for haircare. Eventually, many of my friends and family would come exclusively to me when they needed their hair cut. Today, if anything, I’m even more passionate about hair care, which is why I’m applying for the open Stylist role at Grateful Dreads.
Showing personality in your cover letter helps employers understand what motivates you.
Just be sure to strike the right tone for your industry or field. For instance, if you’re applying for a job in law or finance, keep your writing formal.
Mention any referrals or contacts you have at the job
If you received a referral to the job by a current employee, your introduction is the place to mention it. Include a referral in your cover letter by quickly stating their name and your connection to them. This is a great way to quickly win over a hiring manager.
Your Personal Trainer, Augusta Maine, informed me about your open Executive Diary Secretary role and encouraged me to apply.
5. Explain why you’re qualified for the job
Your second and third paragraphs should convince employers that you’re the right person for the job.
Use these paragraphs to market yourself by discussing your relevant work experience, skills, and achievements.
Some things to include in your cover letter that highlight your value to employers include achievements , awards , and expertise . Here’s how you can add these elements:
If you’ve received compliments from management or colleagues for your work, you can add them to your cover letter:
The managing partner of the law firm, Olympia Washington — one of my references — informed me that without my research skills, we wouldn’t have been able to guarantee such a good result for our clients in a class-action suit against an eldercare facility that had been overcharging its residents.
If you lack professional work experience and are writing an entry-level cover letter or a career change cover letter , you should instead highlight details like your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, or volunteer work.
6. Relate your experience to the company’s needs
Close your cover letter by restating your interest in the job and explaining how your experience fits into the needs of the company.
For example, if you’re applying to work at a company that’s seeking to break into a new market that you have experience in, you should highlight this experience in your writing.
I noticed in The San Antonio Express-News that you’re expanding Los Pollos Sobrinos into neighboring New Mexico. As a supervisor at Big Kahuna Burger, I’ve onboarded 20+ new employees, and I’m sure I could help you rapidly grow and train your team.
If you’re not sure what the goals or needs of the company are, find out by doing some research online. Take note of the products or services they offer, what their work culture is like, and if they have any future goals.
The job ad is also an excellent place to learn more about what the company is seeking and find relevant cover letter keywords to include.
AI tools can help identify keywords to include in your cover letter. Check out our list of the best AI cover letter generators to learn more.
7. Finish with a concise closing paragraph and sign-off
When writing a cover letter closing , be polite and confident, and continue to market yourself as the best candidate for the job.
First, restate your excitement about the job opportunity. Then, encourage the hiring manager to interview you (remember to mention when you’re available), and thank them for their time:
Finally, wrap up your cover letter with a professional closing salutation. The standard closing is “Sincerely” but here are some more options:
- Best wishes,
- Respectfully,
- Kind regards,
- Best regards,
- Yours truly,
Then, make two spaces below the salutation, and type your full name.
For some professional (but optional) flair, sign your cover letter either with a scan of your signature or by using software like DocuSign .
8. Check your cover letter’s content and formatting
Proper cover letter spacing and other formatting details ensure your application looks professional. A well-written cover letter is normally:
- 200–350 words ( short cover letters are easier to skim)
- single-spaced
- US Letter (USA) or A4 (elsewhere) page size
- Left-aligned (except for your contact details, which can be centered)
Take a look at the checklist below before you submit your application to make sure your cover letter is formatted correctly.
If you’re writing an email cover letter you don’t have to worry as much about formatting, but you should still make sure to be consistent with your use of font sizes and include your contact information at the end.
Cover letter example that successfully landed our content manager his job
When you’re trying to figure out how you want to write your cover letter, sometimes what’s most helpful is seeing an example that actually worked .
Here’s a cover letter our very own content manager , Conrad Benz , submitted to land his first role at Resume Genius:
Successful Cover Letter Example (Text Version)
Geoffrey Scott Resume Genius (866) 215-9048 [email protected]
Dear Mr. Scott,
I’m delighted to formally submit my application for the Content Writer position at Resume Genius. With my extensive experience writing and editing content for a large audience, I’m confident that I’d be a valuable asset to your team.
Previously, I worked in American politics as a finance intern at End Citizens United PAC, and then subsequently as a lead strategist at Mothership Strategies – a digital fundraising firm based in Washington, D.C.
At Mothership Strategies, I was responsible for brainstorming, writing, editing, and coding content for our clients’ email fundraising programs. On a day-to-day basis, my workload entailed researching relevant topics like new legislation, then quickly producing engaging online content around hot-button issues with the goal of convincing readers to donate to a given cause.
While there, I gained considerable experience not only drafting content for donor email lists, but also brand building – both skills I’m confident would be put to good use at Resume Genius. I regularly worked with clients to develop a specific online voice for their organization or candidate, and produced email content consistent with this voice. In addition to writing content myself, I was also tasked with managing a small team of two editors to ensure everything we put through the door was polished and consistent with the standards set by both the clients and the company.
Before working at Mothership Strategies, I interned for five months at End Citizens United PAC, where I worked closely with staff members across the organization. During my time as an intern, I was responsible for proofreading and editing official press releases, drafting social media content, and assisting the finance team in tracking and reaching out to donors. I was also tasked with maintaining the PAC’s official Facebook and Twitter presence, from which I gained my first real professional experience in mass communications.
The Content Writer position at Resume Genius would give me a chance to continue pursuing my passion for writing in an exciting new environment. I’m confident that my professional experience will allow me to contribute immediately, and that my unique perspective cultivated during my time in politics will ensure I produce valuable, effective content for the users that land on ResumeGenius.com. I’m available for an interview and to start as soon as possible – thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to speaking with you further about this opportunity!
Warm Regards,
Conrad Benz
Geoff Scott , Hiring Manager at Resume Genius, provided several reasons he found Conrad’s cover letter effective:
Conrad immediately touches upon his relevant experience in the first paragraph, which makes me want to continue reading. It’s important to note that he claims to have extensive experience writing and editing, and also proves his ability to string sentences together coherently, which I appreciate. I like that Conrad focuses first on his most relevant experience, because it makes a more compelling case for him as a candidate. In the closing paragraph, Conrad’s statement of interest in pursuing his passion for writing holds more weight because he’s already used the preceding paragraphs to establish his experience effectively.
In his cover letter, Conrad did an excellent job of describing how his past experiences and the skills he developed translated to the Content Writer position, what interested him about the role, and the value he would add to the team.
However, if we were to suggest one area for improvement in retrospect – it would be to include some quantified achievements that demonstrate the scope of Conrad’s experience and maximize the impact of his cover letter.
Additional cover letter examples
Want to see some more cover letter examples ? Check out the industry-specific examples below:
Office Manager Cover Letter
Retail Sales Associate Cover Letter
Video Editor Cover Letter
Engineering Cover Letter Example
Bartender Cover Letter Sample
Elementary Teacher Cover Letter Example
Extra tips for writing a good cover letter
Here are some additional tips to help you create the best version of your cover letter:
Highlight your research
You’ve probably spent some time looking into your target company by now, so use your cover letter as an opportunity to showcase what you’ve learned.
A little research goes a long way toward showing employers that you’re committed and genuinely interested in the role.
Here are some company-related tidbits you can mention:
- Founding or origin story
- Reputation and position in the industry
- Notable successes or growth
- Measurable impact
- Future goals
- Challenges to overcome
Don’t forget to tie in why you find their mission motivating or how you can contribute. Here’s an example:
“I’m inspired by EcoPower Solutions’ impressive track record in advancing sustainable energy, shown by the remarkable reduction of carbon emissions by 15% over the past year. Your dedication to environmental stewardship aligns seamlessly with my passion for clean energy, and I’m enthusiastic about contributing to the company’s future impact. My experience in implementing energy-efficient solutions that led to a 20% increase in operational efficiency perfectly complements your commitment to driving positive environmental change.”
Simplify your writing
Your cover letter should be easy to read, confident, and friendly. Remember: you’re addressing another person, not a robot.
To instantly improve your writing tone:
- Use contractions like “don’t” instead of “do not”
- Avoid overused buzzwords and phrases like “dynamic,” “think outside the box,” and “go-getter”
- Choose simple words like “helpful” instead of “advantageous”
Here’s a comparison between a friendly writing style and an overly formal one:
Excited and professional
I’m thrilled to apply for the customer service position at [Company Name]. Having been a customer service representative for 5+ years at Walmart, I’m confident I can quickly apply my experience using Zendesk and Salesforce to make a positive impact on [Company Name]’s bottom line.
It is with great interest that I apply for the open customer service position posted by your company on Indeed. I possess the requisite skill set to ably perform the customer service duties described in the job requirements.
Proofread carefully
Typos and grammatical errors in your cover letter will leave a negative impression on employers.
Here are two quick tricks professional editors use to catch mistakes:
- Read your writing out loud : Reading your letter aloud forces you to consider every word, sentence, paragraph, and punctuation mark. Plus, you’ll more easily notice hard-to-read sentences, and can then simplify them.
- Change the font : A new font forces your brain to process something that seems new. Switching your cover letter to a different cover letter font and font size can help you notice mistakes you’d otherwise miss.
After you’ve read your cover letter out loud, have someone else read it over. They can provide helpful feedback like whether your letter is clear and well-argued, or vague and filled with cliches. They’ll also (hopefully) notice any small grammar and spelling errors you missed.
Save time using online software
If you’re short on time, try using a web application to quickly make a convincing letter that follows the right cover letter format .
There are several powerful cover letter builders online that you can try out. In this video, we’ll walk you through our own cover letter generator , so you can create your own letter in a few quick steps.
Frequently asked questions about how to write a cover letter
Still unsure about something? Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about writing a cover letter:
Are there templates for my cover letter?
Yes, you can find many cover letter templates online, but not all of them are free. Try browsing our library of 200+ free cover letter templates for every professional to find one that works for you.
What’s the best opening sentence for a cover letter?
The best opening sentence for a cover letter is one that briefly states:
- What position you’re applying for
- How you came across the job
- Why you’re interested
- How your experience aligns with the role
An opening sentence needs to make it clear what position you’re seeking and provide a quick introduction that highlights why you’re a good fit. For example:
“Drawn by Content Forward’s innovative marketing approach, I’m enthusiastically applying for the Marketing Coordinator position posted on your website, and am confident that my diverse digital marketing experience aligns seamlessly with the role.”
What makes a good cover letter?
A good cover letter expands upon the information in your resume, providing context for your skills and accomplishments. The best cover letters also give employers insight into your personality so they can determine if you’d be a good cultural fit for the company.
What should you not say in a cover letter?
What you shouldn’t say in a cover letter is anything that makes you seem negative . For example, avoid talking about why you hate your job , or complaining about your current employer.
Instead, focus on what you learned in your current position that will help you succeed in your next role.
Should you include salary requirements in a cover letter?
No, you shouldn’t include salary requirements in your cover letter unless the company requests it.
If the salary you state is too high, the employer might reject your application before you get the opportunity to explain why your skill set and experience warrant a higher salary.
How do you write a general cover letter for a resume?
You write a general cover letter for a resume by highlighting the skills that make you a competitive candidate in your target industry without including any specific details about the job you’re applying for.
However, keep in mind that tailoring your cover letter to each position you apply for will increase your chances of landing a job. We recommend against using a general cover letter unless you really need to save time.
What should be included in a cover letter?
The following elements should be included in a cover letter:
- A header that includes your name and contact information
- A professional salutation using the hiring manager’s name (if possible)
- An opening paragraph that presents your interest and key qualifications
- Body paragraphs that support your key qualifications with specific achievements
- A closing paragraph that includes a call to action
- A professional sign off
Additional cover letter FAQs:
- Does a resume need a cover letter?
- What is a cover letter?
- How do I include a referral in a cover letter?
- How do you write salary requirements in a cover letter?
- What is an enclosure in a cover letter?
- Should you use a template for a cover letter?
- Does a CV include a cover letter?
- Can a cover letter be two pages?
- Do cover letters need an address?
- Do I need to sign a cover letter submitted electronically?
- Should you put a photo on a cover letter?
Corissa Peterson, CPRW
Career Advisor & Senior Content Writer (CPRW)
A dedicated member of the Resume Genius team with a passion for the career space, Corissa is always looking for ways to create useful resources for job seekers, from writing job-specific resume samples to crafting in-depth articles on how to ace interviews. Corissa graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a B.A. in Philosophy and a certificate in Peace and Conflict Studies. Corissa’s articles have been published on Diversity Jobs, Recruiter.com, Teachstone, and Jobillico, among others, and her career advice has been featured in Bloomberg Businessweek, GOBankingRates, and UpJourney. You can connect with her on LinkedIn.
How to Write a Cover Letter
Click to rate this article
4.8 Average rating
Related Articles
Cover Letter Help
Conrad Benz, Hiring Manager
Geoffrey Scott, CPRW
Rebecca Tay, Ph.D.
Ida Pettersson
Emily Crowley
Eva Chan, CPRW
- SUGGESTED TOPICS
- The Magazine
- Newsletters
- Managing Yourself
- Managing Teams
- Work-life Balance
- The Big Idea
- Data & Visuals
- Reading Lists
- Case Selections
- HBR Learning
- Topic Feeds
- Account Settings
- Email Preferences
How to Write a Cover Letter That Sounds Like You (and Gets Noticed)
- Elainy Mata
Do the research, start off strong, and emphasize your value.
- EM Elainy Mata is a Multimedia Producer at Harvard Business Review. ElainyMata
Partner Center
Cover Letters
Crafting a great cover letter can set your application apart and help you get your foot in the door. But where to start? We've got tips, templates, and examples to get you going—from great opening lines to real samples that actually worked.
Featured Articles
by Regina Borsellino
How to format a cover letter that’ll get you an interview.
Your Quick Guide to Cover Letter Headings
by Alyse Maguire
4 cover letter examples (plus tips on how to write yours), recently published.
by Amanda Cardoso
How to write a cover letter with no experience (examples included).
How to Close a Cover Letter in 2024 (With Tips and Examples)
What’s a Letter of Interest and How’s It Different From a Cover Letter?
125+ Words to Describe Yourself in a Job Interview, Resume, and More
What’s the Ideal Length for a Cover Letter? —Plus Tips to Get Yours There
by The Muse Editors
30 genius cover letter openers recruiters will love.
by Lily Zhang
Here are 15 possible reasons you’re not getting hired—and how to fix them.
by Stav Ziv
The top jobs, remote roles, industries, and cities for entry-level candidates in 2021.
by Erica Sweeney
6 tips to stand out and land a new job during the “great resignation” (because you’re not the only one looking).
The (Simple) Guidelines You Should Follow When Naming Your Resume and Cover Letter Files
No, Analytical Skills Aren’t Just for Analysts—Here’s How to Show Yours Off in a Job Search
by Kate Ashford
8 essential tasks to jump start your 2021 job search.
5 Reasons You Should Write a Cover Letter—Even When the Job Description Says It’s Optional
by Jaclyn Westlake
7 ways job searching will be different in 2021 (and how you can adapt).
Finally, an Answer To: Are Cover Letters Still Necessary?
The Ultimate Guide to Soft Skills in the Workplace and Your Job Search
by Heather Krasna
The best ways to talk about your covid-19 layoff in a resume, cover letter, or interview (with examples).
Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills: What the Heck Is the Difference?
by Meredith Pepin
Dear recent college grads, here's how to write a great cover letter.
The 46 Best Cover Letter Examples: What They Got Right
Published: May 22, 2024
I’ve sent plenty of cover letters throughout my career, so I know it isn’t usually fun to write one. Fortunately, the cover letter examples I painstakingly gathered 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.
I was shocked upon learning 45% of job seekers don’t include a cover letter when applying for a job. I definitely don’t recommend following the crowd on this matter because your cover letter is a chance to tell the stories your resume only outlines.
![→ Click here to access 5 free cover letter templates [Free Download]](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/53/3f347702-d7e9-4e59-9fe4-be4cd7bad191.png "how to cover letter 2022")
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 40+ cover letter examples, then check out tips for cover letter formatting and what makes a cover letter great.
.png "how to cover letter 2022")
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
Download Free
All fields are required.
You're all set!
Click this link to access this resource at any time.
Table of Contents
Customizable Cover Letter Examples
Best cover letter examples, short cover letter examples, creative cover letter examples, job cover letter examples, career cover letter examples, what’s on a cover letter, what makes a great cover letter.
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
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.
I’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 I’ve discussed here — then, have even more by getting creative with your cover letter composition.
I 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!
Related articles.
![How to Write an Internship Cover Letter [Expert Advice & Examples]](https://www.hubspot.com/hubfs/Copy%20of%20Featured%20Image%20Template%20Backgrounds-Aug-21-2023-02-03-52-3390-PM.png "how to cover letter 2022")
How to Write an Internship Cover Letter [Expert Advice & Examples]
How to Start a Cover Letter That Gets You Your Dream Job
General Cover Letter: 15 Cover Letter Templates to Perfect Your Next Job Application
Is a Cover Letter Necessary in 2024?
![Letter of Interest Tips, Templates & Examples [A 2023 Guide]](https://www.hubspot.com/hubfs/letter%20of%20interest.png "how to cover letter 2022")
Letter of Interest Tips, Templates & Examples [A 2023 Guide]
The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Cover Letter
Eight Cover Letter Greetings for Every Situation
7 Expert Cover Letter Tips to Get the Job
Marketing software that helps you drive revenue, save time and resources, and measure and optimize your investments — all on one easy-to-use platform
- Skip to main content
- Skip to footer
Resume Companion
Home Cover Letter Help Cover Letter Format
Cover Letter Format: How to Format a Professional Cover Letter
Knowing how to write a cover letter will only get you so far. Specifically, you also need to know how to format a cover letter .
How you personally format your cover letter says a lot about you, your professionalism, and ultimately what kind of employee you will be. Your cover letter format could mean the difference between landing that interview, and having your application tossed into the trash.
With this in mind, let’s get into the specifics on proper cover letter formatting .
If you need additional help, have a look at our cover letter templates or cover letter examples for inspiration when completing your application.
- Cover Letter Heading
- Cover Letter Salutation
- Letter Body
- How to End a Cover Letter
- Cover Letter Layout & Aesthetics
- Cover Letter Format for Emails
- Cover Letter Format Example
- Free Cover Letter Templates
1. Cover Letter Heading
Your cover letter heading is where you provide basic information about yourself to the hiring manager. In a simple cover letter, this information will be displayed somewhere toward the top of the document in plain text.
Alternatively, many creative and modern cover letter templates feature graphics and icons in the headers with various fonts and colors.
Below we’ve outlined the absolute must-haves for your heading:
Contact Information
Regardless of the template you use, your cover letter header should include the following personal information:
- Name : your full name should be displayed prominently at the top of your cover letter in a large font size.
- Address : traditionally, job applicants would provide their full home address. However, in 2022, simply listing your city and state is enough for most hiring managers.
- Phone number : include your full phone number, along with your country/area code, if applicable.
- Email address : a professional email address, such as [email protected], is an absolute must for your cover letter.
- LinkedIn profile : LinkedIn has become a huge part of the hiring process, so it’s important that you include a link to your profile.
- Job title : although not a necessity, including your current job title (when applicable) tends to exude an air of professionalism to prospective employers.
Once you’ve entered the information above into your cover letter heading, it should look something like this:
Date & Employer Contact Information
It’s an artefact of the days when applicants would actually mail their cover letter to prospective employers, but including the date and employer contact information at the top of your cover letter is still common practice.
Include the following pieces of information directly below the header, left-aligned, and toward the top:
- Application date
- Hiring manager’s name
- Company name
- Company street address
- Company city, state, and ZIP code
Be sure to add a line break (aka some space) between the application date and the hiring manager’s name.
If you’re feeling edgy or extra-contemporary, you can omit the employer’s address and name, adding simply the application date, followed by a simple greeting for the hiring manager.
2. Cover Letter Salutation
Ideally, you should address your cover letter directly to the hiring manager of the position you’re applying for by name. You can usually find their name in the job description or on the company website. If you can’t find it, don’t panic – try calling the company and asking for the hiring manager’s name.
If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, you’ll need to use a professional, generic greeting, such as:
- Dear Hiring Manager
- Dear Accounting Department
- Dear Accounting Team
- To Whom It May Concern
Many career websites these days advise against using “To Whom It May Concern” to address a cover letter, but the reality is that hiring managers are too busy to worry about your greeting. Any of the above generic greetings is perfectly acceptable and professional.
3. Letter Body
The body of your cover letter should consist of only three paragraphs: the intro, the hard sell, and the call to action (CTA).
Cover Letter Intro
Knowing how to start a cover letter is an essential part of any job application. The opening paragraph of your cover letter, which we call the intro, should do the following:
- Get the hiring manager’s attention
- Introduce yourself
- Specify the position you’re applying for
- Describe where you found out about the job opening
- Touch on why you’re the ideal candidate for the role
Additionally, if you’re writing a cover letter with no experience , your intro should also include a sentence about why you’re passionate about the position.
Check out how our candidate wrote a simple, yet effective intro paragraph in the example below.
Cover Letter Intro Paragraph Example:
| My name is Megan Johnston, and I am a recent accounting graduate with extensive internship experience in preparing invoices, analyzing financial data, and managing payroll at Fortune 500 companies. I found this job posting on LinkedIn and believe I would be a great choice for Smith & Roberts Accounting’s entry-level accounting position. |
If you’ve been referred to the role by a current employee of the prospective company, or a mutual contact of the hiring manager, be sure to mention it in the first paragraph of your cover letter. A strong referral can help you get the opportunity for an interview, so it’s important to disclose this information early on.
The second paragraph is where you’ll sell yourself to the hiring manager, delving into your experience, accomplishments, skills and qualifications. Use the experience and requirements listed in the job posting to tailor this section to align with what the company is looking for.
The hiring manager will have already reviewed your resume, so don’t waste their time repeating information. Instead, connect the accomplishments and qualifications on your resume to the goals of the company.
Take a look at how the candidate below artfully sells their relevant skills and experience.
Cover Letter Hard Sell Paragraph Example:
| I noticed in your job description that you want a candidate that can work independently and requires very little supervision. With 5+ years of digital marketing experience, I can assure you that I am completely familiar with the routines and scheduling associated with outreach, social media campaigns, ad campaigns, traffic reports, and even content calendars. This familiarity, coupled with my various marketing certifications, make me an ideal fit for this role. |
Research Paragraph
If you really want to impress the hiring manager, do some research into your potential employer, the current state of their industry, the company’s position in the market, and if possible, their future plans. You can add a short paragraph after the hard sell which details how you’ll fit into their game plan. Use this opportunity to explain how your involvement will propel the company forward and contribute toward their future goals.
The last paragraph, which we call the CTA, is where you’ll tie everything you want to say together with a strong conclusion that does the following:
- Thanks the hiring manager for their consideration of your application.
- Restates your most important contact information, for example, your phone number and email address.
- Briefly reiterates what makes you the best candidate for the position.
- Provides a compelling call-to-action – a line that prompts the hiring manager to send you a meeting invitation for an interview.
Check out the below candidate’s professional cover letter closing paragraph.
Cover Letter CTA Paragraph Example:
| I am thrilled at the prospect of working with Smith & Roberts Accounting and would like to come in for an interview as soon as possible. Please contact me at (423)135-8789 or via email at [email protected], so we can arrange a meeting. Thank you for your time and consideration; I look forward to hearing from you. |
A strong CTA section will leave a last impression of you in the hiring manager’s mind, so be sure to spend time on it and craft something that expresses the message you want to get across.
4. How to End a Cover Letter
The last part of a good cover letter is the closing (valediction or sign-off). It’s where you have the opportunity to sign off on the cover letter and say farewell to the hiring manager.
If you are just entering the job market and have little to no experience to elaborate on in your cover letter, you could write a shorter one (less than 150 words), but you’ll have to take extra care to ensure it’s polished and reads well.
6. Cover Letter Format for Emails
Most (it not all) cover letters these days are sent digitally – either via email or submitted to a company’s hiring software platform.
If you’re able to submit your cover letter using an upload button or a file attachment, there’s no need to make any changes to your document – it will be viewed the way you’ve intended.
However, if have to send your cover letter in the body of an email (i.e., not as an attachment), you’ll need to make the following changes to your letter:
Related Articles
Cover Letter Examples for Job Seekers
March 13, 2020 | By Lauren McAdams
Cover Letter Tips: Proven Advice, Guidelines & Examples
March 20, 2022 | By Lauren McAdams
- How to Write a Cover Letter
February 24, 2020 | By Lauren McAdams
Do I Need a Cover Letter? Are Cover Letters Necessary?
February 27, 2020 | By Lauren McAdams
How to Address a Cover Letter in 2020
March 10, 2020 | By Lauren McAdams
How Long Should a Cover Letter Be in 2020?
April 14, 2020 | By Lauren McAdams
How to Start a Cover Letter (Examples Included)
March 5, 2020 | By Lauren McAdams
Cover Letter Templates for Google Docs
- Resume Builder
- Resume Templates
- Resume Examples
- How to Write a Resume
- Resume Formats
- Resume Help
Cover Letters
- Cover Letter Builder
- Cover Letter Examples
- Cover Letter Templates
- Cover Letter Format
- Cover Letter Help
- Scholarship
- Terms & Conditions
- Privacy Policy
12 Great Cover Letter Examples
Mike Simpson 0 Comments
By Mike Simpson
There comes a time in nearly every job seekers life when you plop yourself down in front of the computer and say to yourself…
“Okay, it’s time to find a couple good cover letter examples I can use to help me start writing my cover letter…”
So you do a quick Google search, grab the first three cover letter samples you can find, copy a paragraph from each one, and then you’re off to the races feeling like now all you have to do is “click send” a few times and the interviews will simply start rolling in.
Consider this a gentle wake-up call.
FREE BONUS PDF CHEAT SHEET : Get our "Perfect Cover Letter" Cheat Sheet that gives you a Step-by-Step Process that will help you produce a perfect cover letter.
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR CHEAT SHEET
Why Your Cover Letter Is So Important?
In this ultra-competitive job market, it’s just not good enough to “Frankenstein” together a cover letter from the various bits and pieces you find online.
Because hiring managers have “been there, done that.” In other words, they’ve seen it all before.
Not only that, but they want to find candidates that are unique, interesting, and take the time and make the effort to present the best version of themselves.
Your cover letter is your first impression, and therefore, you want to craft the best darn cover letter your hiring manager has ever seen.
So you want to take the time and select the cover letter example that is “tailored” to your situation… in other words, the example cover letter that fits your personality, skills and abilities the best.
Example cover letters are kind of like shoes.
Sure, you might absolutely love that pair of Air Jordan IV’s that are still fresh in the box in your closet from 1989, but you might want to have a second thought before you consider wearing them to a wedding with a tuxedo.
Or perhaps you’ve got a pair of high heels that make you feel like you could walk into a business lunch at the Four Seasons and walk out having sold your company for a billion dollars?
Would you feel the same way if you showed up at the start line for the half marathon you signed up for with those same heels on?
Okay, ridiculous examples aside, I hope you can begin to see my point.
There is not one example cover letter for every situation … no “one-cover-letter-fits-all” solution in 2022.
You have to carefully evaluate your situation and decide which cover letter example is going to suit you the most.
What kind of work are you looking for?
Full-time? Or part-time? There’s a cover letter for that.
Are you sending a cover letter in the mail or by email? There’s a cover letter for that too.
There are all kinds of situations that warrant a slightly different cover letter, and it’s imperative that you figure out which one fits you best.
But don’t worry. To help, we’ve compiled a list of 12 of the most common cover letter examples and provided you with an example of a cover letter for each one that should give you a leg up on the competition for 2022.
So take a look at the examples and carefully decide which one fits your situation the most.
Before you dive in, a word to the wise…
Don’t just grab the one that fits you best, change the contact information and then start sending it out. As I said before, hiring managers are pretty smart and will be able to tell that you haven’t taken any time to make it your own.
If you want to get job interviews from your cover letter (and at some point, job offers as well!), you need to “tailor” the cover letter to demonstrate your skills , abilities and relevant experience .
12 Common Cover Letter Examples
Without further ado, here are 12 of the best cover letter examples for nearly every situation you could find yourself in along with a brief description of what makes the style of cover letter unique.
1. Cover Letter Sample For Part-Time Work
If you have no intention of applying for a full-time position, it is very important that you let the hiring manager know this in your cover letter. After all, if you don’t mention this right up front, anything that comes after this will be a total waste of time, and hiring managers value their time more than anything.
On a side note, you should never really be applying for a full-time position when you are only available as a part-time worker. The company has very specific needs, so don’t think they are going to change the entire nature of the position to accommodate your availability.
2. For A New Graduate
Cover letters for new graduates can often be tricky, because generally speaking, new graduates don’t usually have much experience.
So how can you still put yourself forward as a good candidate without experience? You want to focus the cover letter around your skills and abilities, the extra-curricular work you’ve accomplished and your knowledge of the company (and passion for the industry) you’re applying to.
3. When You Have Been Referred
There isn’t anything overly difficult about writing a cover letter when you have been referred by someone else, but the most important thing to know is where you should bring up the referral.
Generally speaking, it is always best to mention your referral in the opening paragraph, because it acts as an attention grabber for the hiring manager.
You’re hoping they’ll think to themselves something along the lines of, “Oh, this person was referred by Jim. I like Jim…he’s a straight shooter. If this person is good enough for Jim, he’s good enough for me. I’m going to bring him in for an interview…”
4. Cold Call Cover Letter Example
The cold call cover letter is appropriate when you are applying to a position that is not necessarily listed on a job board or advertised anywhere. And for that reason, it can be a little tricky.
You really need to blow the hiring manager away in order for them to grant an unsolicited interview request, so there a re a few key things to remember. Most importantly, you really have to do your research and demonstrate that you know the company and position inside out.
After that, it really pays to address the letter to a specific person. Simply writing “To Whom It May Concern” is a great way to have the letter filed under G (for those keeping track that’s the Garbage).
Finally, this letter needs to be all about “pizazz”. Since the reader wasn’t expecting to receive this, you really need to catch their attention and sell yourself, but most importantly, quickly demonstrate how you will add value to their company.
5. For An Email Submission
Please please PLEASE be careful with this one.
Just because a job posting says “submit your cover letter and resume via email” , doesn’t necessarily mean that you can just put these documents in the body of an email.
More often than not, the posting will give further instructions that include attaching your cover letter and resume to an email. Anyone who doesn’t follow this step has a ZERO chance of being brought in for an interview.
Why? Because you can’t follow simple directions.
Now, if there is no stipulation and you determine that using the email body to send your cover letter is okay, then general cover letter writing rules apply.
Where you want to focus your energy is on the subject line. Don’t just write whatever comes to mind as a throwaway and whatever you do, don’t leave it empty! Be clear and concise about what is included in the email and identify the position you are applying for.
6. For A Recruiter
Recruiters are no different than hiring managers, in that they are essentially looking for the same things from your cover letters. What impresses a recruiter the most is when you take the time to tailor your cover letter to a specific posting rather than simply sending them a general letter inquiring about “miscellaneous opportunities”.
7. Someone Changing Careers
Generally speaking, if you are changing careers, you’ll be short on experience. So similarly to the “New Graduate” cover letter, you’ll want to put the focus on your reasons for making the career change along with your relevant skills and abilities and how your experience in your past career will translate to your new career.
And remember, enthusiasm goes a long way. Hiring managers get excited about applicants that really show a desire to succeed in the role and industry they are applying to.
So make sure you do your research and know the position and industry inside out so that you are easily able to show how enthusiastic you are about the opportunity and how determined you are to get started on your new career path.
8. A Great Example of a Cover Letter For An Academic
The trick with an academic cover letter is to avoid rambling on and on and on about everything you’ve accomplished. The reality is, you still need to fall within the “one-page rule” (although some institutions will allow for a second page, you better make darn sure that this is the case!), so t he trick is to be clear and concise and highlight your accomplishments without coming across as an encyclopedia.
One other thing to consider is the nature of any research you have done and how you want to convey that in your cover letter.
Quite often people spend too much time talking about what it is they study or plan on studying without ever getting into the “why” of it all.
Be specific about your intentions and don’t assume that the person on the other end of your cover letter is an expert in your field.
9. For An Internship
There really isn’t a huge difference between writing a cover letter for an internship and writing a cover letter for a job opening. You still need to list your qualifications, skills and abilities. You still need to explain how you add value to the company. You still want to sell yourself.
But one thing you want to keep in mind, is even though this internship might be a springboard to YOUR career or education, you don’t want this to be the focus of your cover letter.
The name of the game is still to put the company’s needs ahead of your own.
You’re not their first intern and you won’t be their last, so don’t write your cover letter thinking that their concern is how the internship will help with your placement in your next opportunity.
Add value. Period. This is what they really want to hear from you in your cover letter.
10. Direct Mail
A direct mail cover letter is similar to a cold call cover letter, the main difference being you are not applying to a single company with a single position in mind. Instead, you are “blanketing” as many companies you can at once and therefore trying to send out a general cover letter that can work for them all.
Because of this, we don’t recommend this strategy to our students. It is generally pretty ineffective and a waste of your time or resources.
There is rarely a time when “tailoring” your resume to a specific company and position is not the most effective strategy. However, if you are really short on time (and possibly ambition), here is an example of a direct mail cover letter you can reference.
11. Responding To an Advertisement
The only really distinguishing feature of this type of cover letter is that the opening paragraph generally includes a statement such as “I’m responding to your advertisement I saw in the…”
The rest of the cover letter generally follows the principles of other successful cover letters. However, if you find yourself going through the classifieds in your local newspaper and simply sending off cover letters to whomever has an ad posted, do make sure that you do some research on the company before you send out your cover letter.
Sending one cover letter out for multiple advertisements is a good way to ensure that you won’t be getting too many interviews in the coming days or weeks.
12. When You’re Unemployed
The worst thing you can do when writing an cover letter after you’ve been unemployed for some time is to lie.
Why? Because eventually, the lies you tell in the cover letter will come home to roost at some point in the interview process, meaning you’ll just end up having wasted everyone’s time.
Having said that, if there are some less-than-attractive reasons for your unemployment, don’t make those reasons the focus of your cover letter. You want to keep it positive.
It’s okay to admit fault in certain situations if you can show that you’ve have learned from the tough times and have changed for the better as a result of these struggles.
Transition to focusing on your skills and abilities, and more importantly, your passion and desire for re-entering the workforce. If you have experience from your past that will clearly add value to this new position, than don’t be afraid to clearly demonstrate the connection.
And if you spent your time being unemployed trying to better yourself (for example, taking a class or volunteering), then shift the focus to that.
Putting It All Together
So there you have 12 good cover letter examples for 2022 that will help you get started on crafting a winning cover letter.
Remember that the most important thing for you to accomplish with your cover letter is to demonstrate how you add value to the company you are applying to, and you want to make sure this never gets lost when you get caught up in trying to sell yourself.
And remember, you’re not on your own! Once you’ve chosen your cover letter example you can head over to How to Write a Cover Letter 101 and get great tips on how to right all parts of your cover letter.
Best of luck to you!
FREE : "Perfect Cover Letter" PDF CHEAT SHEET
Get our handy "Perfect Cover Letter" cheat sheet.
In it you'll get a step-by-step process that will let you craft the perfect cover letter.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE CHEAT SHEET
Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.
His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.
Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .
About The Author
Mike simpson.
Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .
Copyright © 2024 · TheInterviewguys.com · All Rights Reserved
- Our Products
- Case Studies
- Interview Questions
- Jobs Articles
- Members Login
60+ Cover Letter Examples in 2024 [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.
40+ More Cover Letter Examples and Guides
Couldn’t find a cover letter example for your field? Do not worry.
Below you can find a number of other cover letter examples for different fields and industries:
- Acting Cover Letter Examples
- Accounting Cover Letter Examples
- Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Examples
- Architecture Cover Letter Examples
- Attorney Cover Letter Examples
- Barista Cover Letter Examples
- Bartender Cover Letter Examples
- Business Cover Letter Examples
- Business Analyst Cover Letter Examples
- College Student Cover Letter Examples
- Computer Science Cover Letter Examples
- Construction Cover Letter Examples
- Consultant Cover Letter Examples
- Customer Service Cover Letter Examples
- Data Analyst Cover Letter Examples
- Data Entry Cover Letter Examples
- Dental Assistant Cover Letter Examples
- Digital Marketing Cover Letter Examples
- Elementary Teacher Cover Letter Examples
- Engineering Cover Letter Examples
- Executive Assistant Cover Letter Examples
- Finance Cover Letter Examples
- Graphic Design Cover Letter Examples
- Healthcare Cover Letter Examples
- Human Resources Cover Letter Examples
- IT Cover Letter Examples
- Law Cover Letter Examples
- Management Cover Letter Examples
- Marketing Cover Letter Examples
- Mechanical Engineering Cover Letter Examples
- Medical Assistant Cover Letter Examples
- Nurse Practitioner Cover Letter Examples
- Physician Cover Letter Examples
- Project Manager Cover Letter Examples
- Receptionist Cover Letter Examples
- Retail Cover Letter Examples
- Sales Cover Letter Examples
- Social Work Cover Letter Examples
- Software Engineer Cover Letter Examples
- Substitute Teacher Cover Letter Examples
- Teacher Assistant Cover Letter Examples
- Team Leader Cover Letter Example
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 Write a Resume
- Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
- Cover Letter Format (w/ Examples & Free Templates)
To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.
How to Write an Effective Cover Letter in 2023 | Beginner’s Guide
how to do a cover letter? or how to begin a cover letter? this is a query. Many people look for it Job hunting sucks. Perusing through online job listings, refining your…
Cover Letter Help - How to Write an Effective Cover Letter in 2023 | Beginner’s Guide
- Cover Letter Help
how to do a cover letter? or how to begin a cover letter? this is a query. Many people look for it Job hunting sucks. Perusing through online job listings, refining your resume, as well as preparing for grueling interviews—none of it is fun. For many, the most daunting part of the process is crafting…
Sarah Reynolds
Content specialist.
how to do a cover le t ter? or how to begin a cover letter? this is a query. Many people look for it
Job hunting sucks. Perusing through online job listings, refining your resume , as well as preparing for grueling interviews—none of it is fun. For many, the most daunting part of the process is crafting a cover letter. There’s so much conflicting advice out there; it’s difficult to know where to start.
Don’t fret, though. We’ve got your back. Writing a cover letter is not as hard as it sounds.
In this blog, we’re going to teach you how to write a cover letter that will land you the job of your dreams .
But first, the basics…
What Exactly is a Cover Letter? (and Why is it Important?)
A cover letter, or a covering letter as some might call it, is a one-page document that you send as part of your job application (alongside your CV or Resume).
Its core purpose is to expound on the information highlighted in your resume while infusing your personality. On average, your cover letter should be no more than 400 words .
A cover letter takes the reader on a guided journey of some of your greatest career and life achievements. But it doesn’t stop there. It also explains why you’d be a good fit for the company.
A well-written cover letter ignites the interest of the HR manager and gets them to read your resume.
On the other hand, a poorly crafted cover letter leaves the potential employer shaking their head in irk, cursing out loud for wasting their time, and eventually binning the resume that you poured your heart out to write.
You don’t want that happening, or do you? That’s why it’s important to learn how to write a cover letter—a convincing one.
If it’s your first time writing a covering letter, the whole thing can seem even more daunting. No need to freak out, though. Writing a good cover letter is as easy as spelling out A, B, C.
All you have to do is adopt the following proven format:
- Header – Provide contact details.
- Greetings – Exchange pleasantries with the hiring manager.
- Introduction – Pique the interest of the reader straight away with 2-3 of your top achievements.
- Middle paragraphs/Body – Explain why you’re the ideal candidate and the perfect fit.
- Concluding paragraph – Recap everything. Restate why you feel you deserve a shot at the company.
- Final formal salutations – End with a formal sign-off.
We’ll explain these in detail below (along with some cover letter examples). So keep reading.
How to Write a Convincing Cover Letter that Gets You the Job: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that the basics are out of the way, we’re going to guide you through the process of writing the perfect cover letter, step by step.
There’re some cover letter examples in there too, so read on.
Step 1: Do Your Research First
Before you begin writing, find out more about the organization and the specific job you want.
Of course, you should carefully read the job description, but also scour through the firm’s website, employee LinkedIn profiles, as well as its executives’ Twitter feeds.
Why is this research important? You ask. Well, it helps you customize your cover letter since sending a generic one is a no-no.
The research will also help you decide on the tone. If it’s a conservative organization, like an insurance company, you might want to keep your covering letter’s tone formal. But if it’s a creative agency, like an art studio, you might take more risks.
Step 2: Begin Your Cover Letter with a Header
Once you’re done with the research, go ahead and craft your covering letter.
As with the resume, start by writing out your contact information. Ideally, this section should be left-aligned or centered.
Here, you want to include all the important personal information, including:
- Your full name
- Phone number
- Email address
- LinkedIn profile link (optional)
- Portfolio or website (optional)
Below your contact information and left-aligned, include the date as well as the company contact details, such as:
- Name of the hiring manager
- Company address
- Company phone number
- Hiring manager’s email address
And here’s what you shouldn’t include in this section:
- Your city of residence/ address: These details should appear in your resume, not the covering letter.
- Unpresentable email: Ensure your email is professional enough. An email address that reads something like “[email protected]” will get your cover letter (and resume) dumped straight away. To avoid such a scenario, stick to the “[first name] + [last name] @email provider.com format.”
Step 3: Greet the Recruiter/ HR Manager (By their Name)
Remember the research you did in Step 1? It’ll come in handy here.
It’s 2021. Greetings like “Dear Sir or Madam” and “To Whom It May Concern” no longer apply. Besides, you want to show your future boss that you did your research and are really looking forward to joining the company.
So, use greetings like Dear (Name of the Hiring Manager) .
If you can’t figure out who the hiring manager is, take a guess—a good guess. For instance, if you’re applying for a sales position, address the head of the sales department by name instead.
If you’ve scoured all over the internet and can’t find anyone’s name, address your cover letter to the department. For example, “Dear Sales Department” would be fine.
Here are more specific examples of Opening Salutations:
- Dear John Wick
- Dear Mr. Wick
- Dear Sales Department
- Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
Step 4: Open With an Eye-Catching Introduction
Job seekers typically write themselves into the covering letter with “I am applying for job Y that I saw in Z place.” That’s not the way to go.
Instead, start with an attention-grabbing introduction. Open with a punchline—why this job is exciting to you as well as what you bring to the table.
Chances are, the recruiter or hiring manager is reading hundreds, perhaps thousands of applications. So, you want to capture their attention from the word go.
That said, don’t try to be funny. Humor can often fall flat. Stay away from clichés, too. Once you state your name, say something direct as well as dynamic. Then complement it with 2-3 of your top achievements.
Here’s how a good introduction should look like:
“My name is John and I’d like to help Company Z hit and supersede their digital marketing goals. I’ve worked for Company X, a soft drinks company, for over 5 years. As the lead digital marketing specialist, I generated a 200% uplift in organic traffic to the website (beating the projections by 150%). I believe the combination of my experience, skillset, as well as industrious personality, make me the ideal candidate for the job.”
See the difference between this example and all the generic introductions you’ve written in the past?
Now that you know what to include in the introductory paragraph, let’s dive into the body. This part is divided into two sections: the first is for explaining why you’re the ideal candidate for the job, and the next is for proving that you’ve got what it takes to work for the company.
So, let’s do this thing…
Step 5: Prove That You’re the Right Person for the Job
Do you know who else has similar skills and work experience? All the other applicants you’re competing with. That’s why you need to set yourself apart.
Setting yourself (and your cover letter) apart doesn’t necessarily mean showing off more of your top achievements. Rather, it means explaining how you’ll fulfill the exact responsibilities posted in the job ad.
So, open up the ad as well as identify which of the requirements are the most important.
Assuming that you skim through the job ad and see that the top requirements for the digital marketing specialist position are:
- Experience in boosting conversion rates for social media ad campaigns
- Some skills in redesigning landing pages
- Excellent lead generation skills
Now, in this section, you need to discuss how you fulfill these requirements. So, here’s how that would look for our previous example:
“In my previous role as a lead digital marketing specialist at Company X, I created an effective paid Facebook advertising campaign which generated 2,000 website visits. In addition, I increased e-commerce sales by 20% in 3 months by redesigning all landing pages.
Other than social media advertising, I’ve also seen tremendous success in other aspects of digital marketing:
- Customer experience
- Lead generation
- Online spending
- Web traffic
Step 6: Explain Why You’re the Perfect Piece for the Company’s Jigsaw
Once you’re done with Step 5, you might be thinking—I’m the hot favorite for the job. I don’t really need to write anything else since I’ve already shown that I’m competent , skilled, as well as experienced. Now all that’s remaining is to wrap it all up and hit that SEND button.
Hold your horses, buddy. You’re not quite there yet.
The recruiter needs more than just job experience to draft you in. They’re also looking for an applicant who blends well with their corporate culture .
After all, someone who’s unhappy at their job is bound to quit sooner or later. This ends up costing the firm big time, especially in terms of recruitment as well as training. Some studies also estimate the average replacement cost of a salaried employee to be six to nine months’ salary . It’s a bullet most employers would want to avoid at all costs.
So, in short, convey enthusiasm. Enthusiasm brings out personality. Convince the hiring manager that you’re really passionate about working for them, and you can’t wait to get started.
How do you achieve this? Again, the research you did in Step 1 comes in handy. If you did your job well, this section should be a walk in the park.
But if you didn’t, here’s what you’d want to include:
- What’s the company vision and mission?
- What’s the business model?
- What do they sell? Have you bought it?
- What’s the corporate culture like?
Ultimately, you also need to find out what it is about the company that sets your heart on fire . Then put it down in words.
The end result should read something like:
“I’d love to work for your company. Who wouldn’t? You’re the industry leader, setting standards that others only follow. As a visionary, self-driven, industrious individual who likes to lead from the front, I truly believe I and Company Z will be a perfect match.”
One more thing…
Avoid sounding too generic. Do away with the fluff, as it’ll be a huge turn-off for the hiring manager.
Step 7: Wrap it All Up With a Short, Punchy Closing Paragraph
When crafting your cover letter closing, be courteous, confident, as well as continue to vouch for yourself.
It’s also important to finish up your cover letter in a strategic and thoughtful fashion, so be sure to:
- Thank the hiring manager for their time.
- Summarize why you’d be a good hire
- Reiterate your excitement about the job opportunity
- Finish with a CTA (call-to-action)
Here’s an excellent cover letter closing example:
“Thank you for spending time reviewing my application. I strongly believe that my skills, qualifications, as well as sheer zeal, make me an ideal candidate for the position of digital marketing specialist at Company Z. I’m extremely excited to join your vibrant team and look forward to discussing how I can help you achieve your digital marketing goals.”
Step 8: Sign-Off Formally
Once you’re done with the call to action, all you have to do is write down a formal “goodbye,’ and you’re all set.
You can use one of the many known formal salutations:
- Best regards,
- Respectfully,
- Kind regards,
You’ve done it! Against all odds, you’ve learned how to make a cover letter for a resume—so, congrats. But before hitting that SEND button, proofread with a tool like Grammarly just in case some errors slipped your eyes. Better yet, get a friend to read the letter out loud as you listen keenly for any blips, errors, as well as awkward phrases.
Principles to Remember: The Do’s and Don’ts When Writing a Cover Letter
Here’s a quick recap of things to remember when writing a cover letter.
- Be succinct – A hiring manager should be able to read your covering letter at a glance.
- Have a strong introduction that piques the reader’s attention straight away.
- Only share accomplishments that relate to the job ad. Anything else is fluff.
Don’t:
- Go overboard with the tone – Be mature and professional
- Try to be funny – too often, it comes back to bite you in the face
- Send a generic cover letter – make sure each section is customized to the core
1- how to address cover letter without name
For many hiring professionals, using the salutation “Dear Hiring Manager” is the best option when a name is not available. It is preferable to use this generic greeting rather than none at all, as it demonstrates adherence to cultural customs and professionalism.
2- should you introduce yourself in a cover letter
Yes, you should include a cover letter with your introduction. Declare your name, the position you’re looking for, and how you found out about it. For instance: In order to be considered for the open Account Manager position posted on LinkedIn, my name is Henry Applicant.
3- difference between cover letter and resume
The facts—who, what, when, and how—are stated in a resume. In contrast, a cover letter gives you the chance to discuss your qualifications for the position. To convince employers that you’re a good fit for the job at hand, this paper offers some color and personality.
So, What’s Next in Your Job Hunt? (Hint: It’s time to Craft a Killer Resume!)
You might know how to write a cover letter, but if your resume is whack, you might as well forget about ever landing a job—let alone your dream job.
Don’t let a mediocre resume shutter your dreams. Create a killer resume to accompany that excellent cover letter. If that sounds like a hard thing to do, we can help.
At StylingCV, we’re committed to helping you land the job of your dreams. Our cutting-edge resume builder works as smart as you do. What are you waiting for? Create your free resume now!
Related articles
How To Write a Resume In 2023 | The Ultimate Beginner's Guide
The 10 Most common interview questions and answers 2023
Build your resume in 10 minutes.
Use professional field-tested resume templates that follow the exact ‘resume rules’ employers look for. Create My Resume
Hundreds of Resume Templates
Choose from hundreds of professionally designed and ATS-friendly resume templates Build Your Resume Fast and Easy.
Want Free Resume Templates?
Cover Letter Format Guide For The Year 2022
In the year 2022, evolution has touched everything, including the cover letter formats. The fact that cover letters are not what they used to be is both alarming and satisfying.
Alarming because the need to write a good cover letter keeps changing and it is hard to keep up. And satisfying because it is good to see that the same thing does not repeat.
However, cover letter writing is far from being predictable even now. One has to do a lot to come out on top.
Let us talk about what kind of cover letter formats will work better in 2022.
As mentioned earlier, standards are continually changing where the cover letter format is concerned.
Hiring managers no longer want to see boring content in long paragraphs. On the other hand, they prefer short and clear sentences in simple language.
Where the cover letter format is concerned, the usual beginning, middle, and end remain the same. However, the way to write has changed somewhat.
Cover Letter Format Guide 2022
Start your cover letter in 2022 by including the date followed by your contact info at the top left of your cover letter.
Address the letter to the hiring manager by name such as “Mr. John Doe.”
Begin your cover letter with a standard salutation, such as “Dear Mr. Doe.”
First Paragraph
The beginning of the cover letter no longer requires one to write clichéd sentences such as “This is with reference to your ad in the newspaper” .
Even typical information such as how you heard about the opening, not necessarily in the conventional way.
Instead, you may begin with a story or an event. Introduce your skills and qualifications. Show how the role aligns with your career goals.
Divide the main body of the cover letter into 2 to 3 paragraphs.
Writing short sentences in the cover letter body will help a hiring manager hold on to the information that you provide.
Of course, being specific will also help tremendously. Talking about your skills and accomplishments at this point will work in your favor.
Consequently, you will be considered as an excellent person to hire, and obviously, the hiring manager will give your resume a viewing.
Last Paragraph
The closing is as important as the beginning and the main body.
That is because you need to say goodbye proactively, making the hiring manager think that he will hear from you again. Leave a number.
Besides, tell him that you will call them to set up an interview date and time.
The year 2022 is expected to be full of opportunities – you have to take advantage. The first thing to remember is that a good cover letter format in 2022 will help you obtain your dream job.
Short sentences, as well as short paragraphs, will go a long way in making the best cover letter.
Equally important is including only relevant information. Similarly, avoid duplication of your resume.
Once you have all these covered, you are good to write a cover letter that is sure to make a positive impact.
- How to Write the Best Cover Letter in 2022? Complete Guidance
- Best Cover Letter Example for a 16-Year-Old [+6 Tips]
- Beginner Cover Letter Format
- 2 Lube Technician Cover Letter Samples [+Format]
Leave a Reply Cancel reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Notify me of new posts by email.
- Knowledge Base
- Free Resume Templates
- Resume Builder
- Resume Examples
- Free Resume Review
How to address a cover letter?
I'm sure that you had to create a cover letter at some point in your job search. And like most other job seekers, you probably came across this problem: "How to address a cover letter?"
Most of the time, you have no idea who is going to read the cover letter.
So, how to address a cover letter without a name?
Hiring managers get roughly 100-200 resumes every day. And, they are already under a lot of pressure to sort the resumes.
On top of that, if they get cover letters that do not have proper formatting and do not address the hiring manager in the cover letter header, mark my words; they will surely throw your resume away.
In a resume cover letter, minute details make or break your chance of being hired.
So, you need to make sure that you know how to address cover letter correctly.
Don't worry!
In this blog, we will tell you everything you need to know about:
- Who to address cover letter to?
- How to address a cover letter without a name?
- How to find out who to address a cover letter to?
- How to address an email cover letter?
- How to address a cover letter for internal position?
- What should you not do when addressing a cover letter?
- Example of Proper Cover letter address format?
- Some common question about how to address cover letter
Who to Address a Cover Letter To?
Ideally, you need to address your cover letter to hiring managers , not the recruiters .
In many job postings, the name or email address of the hiring manager is given.
If you are lucky enough to find such job listings, then you are sorted. You can write a personalized cover letter addressing the hiring manager directly.
Unfortunately, not many job listing sites give the name and email address of the contact person.
Do not quit and send the cover letter without a name.
Go to the company website/about page and see if it has the list of staff.
That way, you can probably get the hiring manager's name or someone from the talent acquisition department to whom you need to address your cover letter.
The critical aspect is to do a lot of research .
Suppose you still don't find any name or contact information of anyone in the hiring department. In that case, you can also address your cover letter to someone in authority in other departments, such as the senior manager or the head of the department you are applying for.
It is a hundred times better to address your cover letter to someone in the organization than not addressing it at all.
At least, this way, they will understand that you are not throwing rocks in the dark. You have done your research and have good ideas about the organization.
Also Read: How to write a stellar cover letter in 2022?
How to Address a Cover letter Without a Name?
There are plenty of generic cover letter salutations you can use in your cover letter. These generic cover letter salutations eliminate the need to know the name of the contact person.
The only drawback is that you have no option to personalize your cover letter.
A survey conducted by Saddleback College has seen that only 8% of hiring managers are ok with a cover letter without name. But 92% of hiring managers prefer to have some address in the cover letter.
- Dear Hiring Manager (40%)
- Dear Sir/Madam (27%)
- To Whom It May Concern (17%)
- Dear Human Resources Director (6%)
However, we don't recommend you to use to whom it may concern in your cover letter address.
Instead, the best general salutation can be "Dear Hiring Manager."
If you want to personalize the address, you can address your cover letter to the specific department you are applying for. For example, "Dear Digital Marketing Department."
How to Address Cover Letter When You Don't Know Hiring Manager's Gender?
There will be times when you will find the gender-neutral name of the hiring manager. In that case, altogether avoid using gender-specific cover letter addresses. Instead, address with their both name and last name in the salutation like this:
- Dear John Doe,
- Dear Charlie Brown ,
- Dear Taylor Paisley,
Hiration Pro Tip : In this type of gender-neutral name, you can search for the person on Linkedin to find out their gender. Alternatively, you can search on the company page or call the company reception to get more information about the hiring manager.
How to Address Cover Letter When You Know Hiring Manager's Gender?
If you know the hiring manager's gender, things will be much easier for you. For men, you can address the hiring manager with "Mr.," but things get a bit tricky for female hiring managers.
Imagine this,
You have addressed the hiring manager with "Miss.," and if she turns out to be married, it will not look good on your part. You definitely do not want to offend your hiring manager.
Instead of "Miss" or "Mrs.," use " Ms.," which does not focus on their marital status.
- Dear. Ms. Moore,
- Dear Miss Jane,
- Dear Mrs. Black,
Should You Address the Hiring Manager With Only Their First Name?
If you know the hiring manager personally, only then can you use their first name to address the cover letter. Else, address the letter with their full name.
How to Use Professional Titles When Addressing a Cover Letter?
If the hiring manager has a professional or academic title, don't forget to address them by their title. You can write the full title like this:
- "Dear Doctor Taylor,"
Or you can use the abbreviated form like this:
- Dear Dr. Taylor ,
- Dear Sgt. Park,
- Dear Prof. Hoverman,
- Dear Principal Fury,
Also Read: How long should a cover letter be?
How Do You Find Out Who to Address a Cover Letter To?
If you don't find the hiring manager's name and contact information on the job description, don't just leave it like that! Do some research and put some effort into finding the name and email id of the hiring manager.
It may take some extra effort, but it shows that you are interested in this job. This section will tell you everything you need to know about finding the hiring manager's name and to who you address a cover letter.
Call the Company
Calling the company to ask for a hiring manager's details is the best way to accurately determine the hiring manager's name and number.
- Call the company desk
- State who you are and why you are calling
- Tell that you are applying for a job position and confirm who the hiring manager is for addressing in the cover letter.
- Most of the time, the hiring manager will happily give you the information you need.
Tip : When taking their name, ask for the spelling of the hiring manager's name. You do not want to screw up the spelling.
If the company desk refuses to give information for any reason, don't worry; we have four other ways in our arsenal.
Network With People Working With Prospective Employer
The second best way to get the hiring manager's name and contact information is to connect with your prospective employer's employees.
This way, you can ask your connection to refer you to the hiring manager or ask for the hiring manager's contact information when a job becomes available.
It is easier than you think.
Just do a quick Linkedin search and see the employers active on Linkedin.
Now, slowly start engaging with the person you want to connect with.
After a couple of days, send them a personalized connection request and slowly build a rapport.
You do not want to ask right out for reference after introducing yourself. Instead, add some value to the conversation, and show genuine interest in them.
This process takes some time, but the connection you will make with these people will take you a long way in your professional journey.
Read the Job Description Carefully
It is a sad truth that most job seekers do not read the job description carefully. In this way, they miss vital information and potentially the hiring manager's contact name and details.
Most of the job descriptions contain the email address of the hiring manager at the end. And you can easily find the name of the contact person with the email address.
Most professional email ids contain the name of the person and the company name. For example, [email protected] has two parts- Judy.M and hiraiton.com.
And if you search on Google by the first part of the email address "Judy.M" and the company name, there is a high chance that you will find the Linkedin profile of the respective person. And you can get to know other information about them as well.
Find Out Who Will Become Your Superior or Manager
Many job descriptions include the details about the reporting manager. In such cases, you need to address your cover letter to the reporting manager.
You can find more information about the reporting manager by a quick Linkedin search with the reporting manager's job title and the company.
If the company is larger, there may be multiple individuals with the same job title. In that case, you can further narrow down your search by location.
Do an Online Search
Another easy way to search for the hiring manager is by simply doing a Google search. Google will show you the most relevant results for your search query. Example: See in this example how the first result itself answered your question.
Also Read: How to address a cover letter without name?
How to Address a Email Cover Letter?
We live in a digital age now.
Nowadays, most candidates send email cover letters to the hiring managers. And hiring managers get 100s of email cover letters daily.
To stand out from these 100s of email cover letters, you need to make sure your email cover address is perfect.
1. Subject Line of Email Cover Letter
The first thing the hiring manager will see is your email cover letter subject line. So, never leave the subject line blank.
Hiring managers sort the email cover letters by the job title. And if your cover letter does not have a subject line, it will not show in the hiring manager's list.
Here is an example cover letter subject line :
Subject line: Job Application for Video Editor Position, Ref: Hanna Moore
2. Address the Cover Letter in the Correct Way
The rules of a formal cover letter and an email cover letter salutation are similar. You can refer to the previous section of this blog to know more about it. Here is an example of an email cover letter address
- "Dear Mr. Doe,"
Note : Recent trends have seen many job seekers do not include "Dear" in the salutation. You can do that too. There is nothing wrong with it.
Also Read: How to start a cover letter for maximum impact?
How to Address a Cover Letter for Internal Position?
If you address the cover letter to higher management or hiring manager, always use their name to address in the cover letter.
luckily, since it's an internal position, you can easily find the name of the person by asking your colleagues.
What Not to Do When Addressing a Cover Letter
Even if you did everything right on your resume and cover letter, starting it wrong may cost you a chance to get a call for an interview.
Let's see what you should not do when addressing a cover letter.
Do Not Address the Cover Letter to the Recruiter
" Recruiters do not read cover letters. "
Recruiters only sort the resumes by keywords and forward the same to the hiring managers.
This is the golden rule you need to keep in mind when addressing a cover letter. Always address the cover letter to the hiring manager.
Do Not Address the Cover Letter to an Ex. Hiring Manager
Company websites do not get updated regularly. If a hiring manager leaves the company, you may still find their name and contact information on the website or other third-party websites. So, be extra careful when addressing a cover letter.
Spelling the Hiring Manager or Company Name Wrong
Do not sabotage your first impression by making a spelling mistake on the hiring manager's name or the company name. It demonstrates a lack of attention to detail.
Do Not Start With a Bland Greeting
Avoid using to whom it may concern cover letter address. It is very generic and shows utter laziness on your part. It projects that you did not put much effort into writing the cover letter.
Example of a Cover Letter Address Format
Here is an example of a proper cover letter address format:
Frequently Asked Questions
How to address a cover letter to a large company.
If you have to address a cover letter to a large company, and you don't know the hiring manager's name, you can always address the cover letter to the department you are applying job to. For example:
- Dear Finance Department
- Dear Marketing Team
- Dear Customer Service Department
Can I get creative with my cover letter address?
There is no restriction on being creative with addressing a cover letter. It is essential to research and understand who your audience is and if he/she will appreciate your creativity.
For example, if you do something creative with your cover letter salutation to apply in a creative field, it will get the hiring manager's attention.
On the other hand, if you apply for a technical position, you might hold off from showing your creativity on the cover letter address.
Should a cover letter address the company location?
It is a traditional practice to include the company address in the cover letter. Primary because it is a formal document, it would be better to add the company address before starting your cover letter.
Should a cover letter header include the candidate's address?
The candidate's address is an essential part of the cover letter. If not the whole address, at least City, Country should be mentioned in the cover letter. Example:
- "Pine Bluff, AR"
This helps the hiring manager sort the candidates based on location.
Also, the Application Tracking Softwares sort the resumes and cover letters based on their locations. And if your location is not mentioned in the cover letter, it might get unnoticed by the ATS software.
Should a cover letter header, and resume header be the same?
Ideally, your cover letter header should be the name of the role you are applying for. And resume heading should be your current job title. For example, if you are currently working as a data analyst, your Resume headline should be something like:
- "Jr. Data Analyst."
And you are applying for a Data Scientist position, then your cover letter heading should be,
- "Data Scientist"
There is no hard and fast rule, but this is the approach we at Hiration follow, and it has been working for our clients.
You can also write the same heading for the cover letter and resume if you like. It has some added advantages. If the cover letter gets misplaced, it will be a lot easier to trace it back to the resume.
How to write the intro to a cover letter?
If you want to hook the hiring manager to read your cover letter, you need to write a professional intro explaining why you are applying and what role you are applying for.
You need to remember that hiring managers are often dealing with recruitment for more than one position. And it will help them if you specifically mention what role you are applying for.
Key Takeaways
With that, we have come to the end of this blog. By now, you should get all of your questions answered. But still, if you have any questions regarding how to address a cover letter and who to address a cover letter, let's go over the key takeaways of the blog:
- Do not send the cover letter without addressing someone.
- If you do not know who to address, call the company desk or go to LinkedIn to search the hiring manager's name.
- If you do not know the name, you can address the cover letter with "Dear Hiring Manager,"
- Alternatively, you can address the cover letter to the head of the department you are applying for. For example: "Dear Sr. Marketing Manager,"
- Make sure to use accurate professional and academic titles with the name of hiring managers.
- Do not use "To whom it may concern." It is old-fashioned and does not impress the hiring manager nowadays.
Go to Hiration career platform which has 24/7 chat support and get professional assistance with all your job & career-related queries. You can also write to us at [email protected] and we will make sure to reach out to you as soon as possible.
Share this blog
Subscribe to Free Resume Writing Blog by Hiration
Get the latest posts delivered right to your inbox
Stay up to date! Get all the latest & greatest posts delivered straight to your inbox
Is Your Resume ATS Friendly To Get Shortlisted?
Upload your resume for a free expert review.
- Resume Templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
- Resume Examples Nurse Student Internship Teacher Accountant View all
- Resume Builder
- Cover Letter Templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
- Cover Letter Examples Nursing Administrative Assistant Internship Graduate Teacher View all
- Cover Letter Builder
Free online cover letter generator
Create the best cover letter now.
Our online cover letter instruments allow you to generate a detailed, passionate and informative appeal within minutes. No more agonizing over creative sentences, doubting your writing style or worrying about emotional perceptions. Powerful web tools and recruiter expertise are here to help!
Use our tech tools to write truly next-level cover letters and resumes . In a digital world, it’s important to stay competitive. Old-school methods have their place and charm, but if you want to land that dream job – it makes sense to get an edge over the other candidates.
Want to test out more beautiful designs? Quickly adjust the formatting? Easily generate multiple cover letters for several employers? This is now possible with our builder in record time and no technical knowledge required.
Our cover letter template designs and samples have been carefully crafted to maximize their visual and textual impact. You want recruiters to fall in love with your professional story before they even meet you. That’s what we aim to help you with.
Proven cover letter templates
Why our cover letter builder helps you getting the ideal job.
Finally, you don’t have to build anything from scratch. That’s always the most difficult part. And now it’s the part you can just skip. Our free cover letter templates are ready to use and fill in with minimal effort. The attention-grabbing beautiful designs and organized structure have been tested and vetted. All our cover letter templates have been approved by recruitment experts.
Recruiters and hiring managers still emphasize poor grammar and typos as a dominant reason for rejecting applications. Don’t be a part of that statistic. We’ve taken care of combining all the tools you need in one place - including a spell-checker. No need to use multiple software or online tools - the perfect cover letter build unites them all!
Go beyond just files and documents. Actually control and analyze your application process in one powerful dashboard. Our job tracker helps you monitor every stage of the job hunt. It provides a bird’s eye view of your successful tactics, as well as possible improvements. Add jobs to your shortlist to pursue later. Keep tabs on your offers. Stay on top of scheduled interviews, follow up on completed ones and more.
Reviewed by the community. Trusted by professionals
How to build a cover letter.
It used to be the case that you needed creative writing skills to build an amazing cover letter. And time. Lots of time. Now, all you need is the perfect online builder - and you’re good to go!
Go to our varied collection of beautifully designed cover letter templates and pick one that suits you! We have created templates and samples that align with jobs, industries and professional image goals. All you need to do is consider which one strikes your fancy and is appropriate for your potential employer.
Add your contact information, as well as any needed (and appropriate) personal data the employer requires. Our well-designed templates make sure your info won’t get overlooked and your documents don’t get lost due to boring visuals. After all, your cover letter is your ambassador.
Save tons of time, condensing the long journey of a convincing professional appeal to several minutes and keystrokes. You can use our free guiding samples that show mock-up cover letters, written by hiring professionals based on years of experience. With all the technical and guiding support - this won’t take long!
Tailor the design, structure and formatting of your cover letter in a couple of clicks. The template and other aspects of your document can be adjusted as you see fit. And what’s more, you can experiment as long as you want - our online and offline sync features mean you won’t lose any of your changes even if you lose your internet connection.
Whether your employer uses an Applicant Tracking System or prefers email, whether they use Mac or PC - we’ve got you covered. Make use of PDF files to perfectly preserve your beautiful cover letter formatting.
Land that dream job now!
- Online Undergraduate Students
- Online Graduate Students
- Prospective Students
- First Generation
- International
- Persons With Disabilities
- Military-Connected
- Student Parents
- Accounting & Finance
- Architecture & Construction
- Arts, Media & Communications
- Business Management & Administration
- Counseling & Social Work
- Community Impact
- Education & Training
- Government & Public Administration
- Health Science
- Information Technology
- Law & Policy
- Operations & Logistics
- Create a Resume / Cover Letter
- Expand Your Network / Mentor
- Explore Your Interests / Self Assessment
- Negotiate an Offer
- Prepare for an Interview
- Prepare for Graduate School
- Search for a Job / Internship
- Linkedin Learning
- Labor Market Insights
3 Keys to Writing Cover Letters That Stand Out
- Share This: Share 3 Keys to Writing Cover Letters That Stand Out on Facebook Share 3 Keys to Writing Cover Letters That Stand Out on LinkedIn Share 3 Keys to Writing Cover Letters That Stand Out on X
3 Keys to Writing Cover Letters That Stand Out was originally published on Vault .
It's a myth that high quality job openings are few and far between thanks to Covid. The truth is, despite the economic uncertainty created by the pandemic, there are many great openings out there. And to get them—or, at least, have a chance at getting them—you first need to capture the attention of hiring managers. And the best way to do that is to write compelling cover letters. So here are the three keys to writing cover letters that stand out.
1. Convey your personality, quirks and all.
Showcasing your uniqueness and allowing your personality to shine through in your cover letters can magnetize hiring managers, sending instant messages that you might be the candidate they're looking for. The secret to achieving this is to use specific details, rather than vague ones.
For example, the following was recently used by an applicant when applying for a Head of Marketing position (shortly after sending this, the candidate was interviewed and then hired):
“I have a passion for data and analytics. I enjoy spending (a little too much time) geeking out in Google analytics, advertising platforms, and BI tools (Tableau and Looker), digging deep into data to identify opportunities that can be leveraged to drive growth and inform testing strategies for campaigns, websites, and products.”
Now compare the above to the below (which has less personality and fewer details, and thus would likely not stand out):
“I am well versed in data analytics, and I am experienced with Google analytics, BI Tools, and other advertising platforms. I have a proven ability to inform testing strategies for campaigns for websites and products.”
Here's another example of cover letter phrasing that captures the attention of hiring managers:
“I'm rather obsessed with personal organization. I read three organizational blogs on my own time, and I've organized my desktop folders into color-coded sub-categories. My friends laugh at me for saying things like, ‘An organized space equals an organized mind,' but I don't like wasting time looking for things.”
Now compare that to this less specific phrasing:
“I have a proven track record of being organized, and I have a passion for it. I have a proven knack for keeping files organized on an ongoing basis, and I have put organizational processes and procedures in place for my department. The bottom line is organization is always my highest priority.”
2. Prove your level of dedication to your profession.
Another way to stand out is to illustrate specific things about your dedication to your field. In the following example, a candidate showcases her dedication to her profession, proves that she spends a lot of time thinking about driving results in her field, and shows that she takes concrete steps in order to be a high quality contributor in her field. All of which goes a long way when it comes time for hiring managers to decide which candidates to interview.
“I believe that a good marketing strategy requires seeking out the latest trends and staying one step ahead of the competition. I've attended the Traction conference two years in a row and completed the 2018 Reforge Growth Series, a highly credible and exclusive course that only accepts 10 percent of applicants and is built by leaders from Hubspot, Uber, and other firms. Through these professional developments, I've opened my mind to uncommon marketing methods, and I pride myself on thinking outside the box to develop strategies that create sustainable, low-cost customer acquisition loops that lead to long-term positive ROI.”
Now compare the above to the below, which is less detailed and includes less specific phrasing:
“I have the skills and requirements for this position, and I believe I would complete every task asked of me to the highest standard expected. My background and experience make me an excellent fit for this position for many reasons. I am very interested in marketing, and I think I would be a great asset to the team.”
3. Include concrete, quantitative results that show your value.
In any written application, you'll need to showcase some form of quantitative results to stand out. Note that even if you don't have a lot of shiny results in your career yet (or even any relevant experience—which is okay!), you can still use words to capture someone's attention with what you have done. And if you do have a record of achieving quantifiable results, then by all means include them, like in the below:
“I developed several Google ad campaigns that were worth more than $500,000 and that resulted in high-level customers. Also, through testing and optimization, I increased newsletter sign-ups by more than 200 percent.”
Now compare that to this bland sentence:
“I have experience in Google ad campaigns, as well as experience in testing and optimization.”
A final note
When trying to convey your personality, get across your dedication, or communicate your value, there's a big difference between saying you're a good fit for the job and actually showing it.
So, when writing your cover letters, try to hold these words in mind: I know you (the hiring managers) don't know me, so let me show you exactly why I'm completely invested, committed, and passionate about doing this specific type of work. And let me show you the specific reasons why hiring me, over all other candidates, would be beneficial to you.
If you hold all this in mind, the right details and words will flow right out of you—and into your cover letters.
Natalie Fisher is best known for helping professionals land their ideal roles and achieve explosive salary growth (even with little experience). If you want to dive deeper on the topic of your career mindset and become a person who knows exactly how to land their dream job offer, listen to her on the podcast Get a Six Figure Job You Love .
- Online Degree Explore Bachelor’s & Master’s degrees
- MasterTrack™ Earn credit towards a Master’s degree
- University Certificates Advance your career with graduate-level learning
- Join for Free
How to Address a Cover Letter
Learn how to address a cover letter under different circumstances and how to find a contact to send the letter to when you don’t have a name.
![[Featured Image]: A woman with curly hair and in a yellow blouse is examining a cover letter she is working on.](https://d3njjcbhbojbot.cloudfront.net/api/utilities/v1/imageproxy/https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/4oWBnC8CAXVLREKNjo6CNX/ad73ec7aa21b54d256b65474775cdb3c/GettyImages-1173944186.jpg?w=1500&h=680&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive&auto=format%2Ccompress&dpr=1&w=1000 "how to cover letter 2022")
When you're applying for a job or contacting an employer speculatively, the format of your cover letter will vary depending on whether you have a named contact and the reason for your letter. It's important that you address a cover letter correctly, as it's the first thing the reader will see. It needs to be professional and create a good impression.
What is a cover letter, and why is it important?
A cover letter is a document sent with your CV or application for a job opening. A great cover letter shows your reason for applying. It also pulls together all the main evidence supporting why you're the best person for the job, as outlined in your CV, application, and other supporting documents.
Each cover letter you write is highly tailored to the position you’re applying for and the hiring company. It should address essential criteria and elaborate on important points in your CV. Consider your cover letter to be your sales pitch. A great cover letter invites a recruiter to read your CV or application.
Who do you address a cover letter to?
Your cover letter should be addressed to the person responsible for recruitment. If you don’t know the person's name, there are ways to find out. Finding the name can be the difference between your letter being read or lost in the pile, so follow the guidelines below to make sure you address your cover letter most effectively.
Addressing a cover letter with a name
This is the best start if you have a name for your recipient. This means the letter will likely be delivered to the right person rather than lost or sent to someone without the power you need.
A cover letter is a formal document that should be addressed as such. The most professional way to do this is with "Dear." For example:
Dear Mr. Miller
Dear Ms. Jones
Dear Dr. Sullivan
If you don’t know the person’s gender or preferred pronouns, you can use their first name. For example: "Dear James Miller." Don’t include a comma or colon after the greeting.
Addressing a cover letter to a recipient with a professional title
If the recipient of your cover letter has a professional title, always include it. Someone with a PhD will be a doctor rather than a Mr/Ms. This also makes things easier if you need help deciding which personal pronoun to use.
Addressing a cover letter without a named recipient
It's worth finding one when deciding who to address a cover letter to when you don’t have a name. This is covered in more detail in our ‘First steps in determining a recipient’ section below.
If you absolutely can’t find a name, address your cover letter to the appropriate department within the company or organisation. For example, "Dear [Department] Hiring Team". You can use that if you know the job title of the person you need to send your letter to, and it’s just their actual name that eludes you. For example: "Dear Head of [Department]" or "Dear Director of [Department]".
Addressing a speculative cover letter
When writing a speculative cover letter that isn't in response to a job posting, the principles are much like the above. You may or may not know the name of the person you're trying to reach. If you do, so much the better. Include the name.
The difference with a speculative letter is that a mutual connection may have given you the name of the appropriate recipient. If this is the case, mention that connection in your introduction. For example:
Dear Mr Morris
My former employer, Jenny Lee of Brandenburg and Associates, gave me your details after your new customer service department was developed.
Addressing a cover letter sent by email
Addressing a cover letter to send via email slightly differs from a printed one. A printed letter would include the recipient's address and the date, which is unnecessary in an email, as the letter will be the body of the email.
However, your email still needs to be as professional as a traditional cover letter. Formally address the letter, as you would in a printed cover letter.
The subject line and an email cover letter are important to notice amid the hundreds of emails a recruiter might receive. Include your name, the job title you’re applying for, the reason for contact, and what is included in the documents you're sending. An example would be:
Helen Williams – Marketing Manager Position – CV and cover letter
If you have a recipient’s name but you're sending your email to an "info" address, you can include "FAO" (for the attention of) in your title:
FAO Mark Booth—Helen Williams—Marketing Manager Position
How to find the right recipient
If you don’t have a recipient for your cover letter, you'll need to do some research. You might even have a name but not an email address. Here are some tips for hunting down elusive contacts and their addresses.
Research websites
Check out the company website and social media sites. Use Google to piece together what you know and find details on lesser-known websites such as About pages. For example, if you know the desired department to contact, you can search for "Head of Marketing for [Department]" and see what it brings up.
If you have a name but no contact address, you can search for your contact: "Mr. Jones, Head of Marketing at [Company]." If you need a contact email address, you may find a social media page.
Call the company
The good old-fashioned telephone is an excellent way to find a contact for your cover letter. Call the company, explain why you are calling, and ask them to whom best to send your cover letter and CV.
Check LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a great tool for finding people thanks to its built-in and highly effective search function. You can search by the person's name if you have one, and for a more advanced search, you can add the company and location. If you find the person you’re looking for, you will see a "Contact info" link on their profile under their name, so you can attempt to message them and ask.
If you don’t have a name, you can search the company and see who is listed as an employee. If the person you want isn’t listed, you may be able to contact someone in a related department, such as HR, and ask for assistance. You may even be able to get an introduction from a mutual connection.
Formatting your cover letter
The format of your letter is as important as who you send it to. Once you’ve tracked down the most appropriate recipient, you will want the rest of the letter to stand out, too.
Address and date
Your letter should be professionally formatted with your name, address, phone number, and email address in the top left. On the next line down, add the date. Then, on the left, add the name and address of the recipient. Under that, address the recipient with "Dear [Name]" on the left of the page as well.
If you send your letter digitally, which is far more common nowadays, it should be in the body of the text. At the top, you need to include the date, your city or town, country or province, phone number, and email address, but not the recipient's name and address.
Cover letter template
Using a cover letter template can be very helpful. Generally, cover letters follow the same format (aside from the address at the top) and should ideally be no longer than a page, whether printed or emailed. Feel free to download this cover letter template for your use.
Get started.
When deciding how to address a cover letter and who to send it to, your efforts in finding the right person and formatting your cover letter professionally can help you get the interview you're looking for. For further help crafting cover letters that get you noticed, you can check out the Writing Winning Resumes and Cover Letters course offered by the University of Maryland on Coursera.
Keep reading
Coursera staff.
Editorial Team
Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...
This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Visually Match Your Resumé. The heading of your letter should correlate with your resumé, the font should be the same and the paper (if you're printing it) should also be the same. Along with your resume, your cover letter is part of a pair, and this pair should be visually consistent.
Step 2: Add your contact info. At the top of your cover letter, you should list out your basic info. You can even copy the same heading from your resume if you'd like. Some contact info you might include (and the order to include it in): Your name. Your pronouns (optional) Your location (optional) Your email address.
Cover letter format. Your cover letter should be one page long and use a simple, professional font, such as Arial or Helvetica, 10 to 12 points in size. Your letter should be left-aligned with single spacing and one-inch margins. Jenn shares her advice on how and why to write a cover letter.
1. Personalization. Address the hiring manager or recruiter by name whenever possible. If the job posting doesn't include a name, research to find out who will be reviewing applications. Personalizing your cover letter shows that you've taken the time to tailor your application to the specific company and role. 2.
How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter #1. Choose the Right Cover Letter Template #2. Put Contact Information in the Header #3. Address the Hiring Manager #4. Write an Eye-Catching Introduction #5. Use the Cover Letter Body for Details #6. Wrap It Up and Sign It Cover Letter Writing Checklist 15 Cover Letter Tips 15+ Cover Letter Examples 5 ...
The ultimate guide to writing a cover letter to land jobs in 2022, with 6 cover letter examples and everything you need to know to impress recruiters. When applying for jobs, you will usually be required to submit a cover letter. Recruiters use cover letters to assess your suitability for jobs and learn about your experiences, skills and achievements. An effective cover letter can help you ...
Respectfully, Kind regards, Best regards, Yours truly, Then, make two spaces below the salutation, and type your full name. For some professional (but optional) flair, sign your cover letter either with a scan of your signature or by using software like DocuSign. 8. Check your cover letter's content and formatting.
How to Write a Cover Letter That Sounds Like You (and Gets Noticed) by. Elainy Mata. May 10, 2022. EM. Elainy Mata is a Multimedia Producer at Harvard Business Review. ElainyMata.
Cover Letters. Crafting a great cover letter can set your application apart and help you get your foot in the door. But where to start? We've got tips, templates, and examples to get you going—from great opening lines to real samples that actually worked.
Follow these guidelines: Make your cover letter single-spaced. Add a space between each section: contact information, salutation, opening paragraph, middle paragraph, closing paragraph and complimentary closing. (There's no need to indent any of your paragraphs.)
Place your name, city, state, ZIP code, phone number and email address in your cover letter heading. Your email address should be professional like "[email protected]," and not personal like "[email protected]." Include links to your LinkedIn profile or professional online portfolio if you have one.
6. 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.
It's 2022, and you'll most likely be submitting your cover letter to the company's hiring software platform, or by email. If so, simply type out your first and last name, leaving some spacing under the closing. Alternatively, you can use a signature generator to add an e-signature at the bottom of the document.
Step 9: Stay Formal in the Closing Salutation. Once you've written the body of your cover letter, you just need to put a formal closing at the very end. Write "Sincerely" and follow it with your full name. Adding your handwritten signature is optional (recommended for more formal cover letters).
Add value. Period. This is what they really want to hear from you in your cover letter. 10. Direct Mail. A direct mail cover letter is similar to a cold call cover letter, the main difference being you are not applying to a single company with a single position in mind.
Make sure there are no grammar or punctuation errors. Read it aloud to see if it flows naturally. Look at a printed copy to ensure there is no unusual formatting. Ensure you have the addresses ...
To start your cover letter, introduce yourself. This means including your full name, your specific interest in the position and the reasons you've chosen to apply. If you got a referral to the job from another party, ensure to mention this in the first paragraph. 2. Mention your skills and qualifications.
How to Begin - Addressing the Cover Letter. A) Your name and job title comes on top. The job title is not a sacrosanct rank assigned to you from the heavens above. You have a certain level of flexibility wherein you can tailor the same as per the requirements of the job.
Consultant Cover Letter Example #10. Digital Marketing Cover Letter Example #11. Graphic Designer Cover Letter Example #12. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Example #13. Front Desk Cover Letter Example #14. Human Resources Cover Letter Example #15. Sales Agent Cover Letter Example #16.
Cover letters in 2022 are getting more and more personalized, unlike the resume. Personalization in terms of cover letter writing is translated as using the employer's name directly and being frank, straightforward, and confident yet formal in stating the ways you intend to benefit the prospective employer.
Step 2: Begin Your Cover Letter with a Header. Once you're done with the research, go ahead and craft your covering letter. As with the resume, start by writing out your contact information. Ideally, this section should be left-aligned or centered.
Start your cover letter in 2022 by including the date followed by your contact info at the top left of your cover letter. Address the letter to the hiring manager by name such as "Mr. John Doe.". Begin your cover letter with a standard salutation, such as "Dear Mr. Doe.". First Paragraph.
Along with knowing how to write a cover letter that targets the job you want, is the appearance of it. This is another important part of creating your letter so that it has a clean and ...
3. Win the name game. If possible, address your cover letter to the hiring manager or project manager by name. This personal touch shows your attention to detail—and it's attention-grabbing. If the job post doesn't include a contact name, visit the company website or LinkedIn to try to find the right person.
And if your cover letter does not have a subject line, it will not show in the hiring manager's list. Here is an example cover letter subject line : Subject line: Job Application for Video Editor Position, Ref: Hanna Moore. 2. Address the Cover Letter in the Correct Way.
Create the best cover letter now. Our online cover letter instruments allow you to generate a detailed, passionate and informative appeal within minutes. No more agonizing over creative sentences, doubting your writing style or worrying about emotional perceptions. Powerful web tools and recruiter expertise are here to help!
And the best way to do that is to write compelling cover letters. So here are the three keys to writing cover letters that stand out. 1. Convey your personality, quirks and all. Showcasing your uniqueness and allowing your personality to shine through in your cover letters can magnetize hiring managers, sending instant messages that you might ...
Your letter should be professionally formatted with your name, address, phone number, and email address in the top left. On the next line down, add the date. Then, on the left, add the name and address of the recipient. Under that, address the recipient with "Dear [Name]" on the left of the page as well.
NCN News - Monday, June 24, 2024 _____ WEBSITE STREAM: https://ncnguyana.com/2023/ NCN TV ACROSS GUYANA: Ch. 11 - Georgetown Ch. 13 & 8 -...