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What to Expect
- A simple cover letter is typically 250 words or less and focuses on the qualifications most relevant to the job. It should be concise and tailored to the position.
- A fill-in-the-blank template can help you quickly create and customize a simple cover letter.
- Examples show how to write simple cover letters for entry-level jobs, career changes, employment gaps, internal promotions, and email applications.
- Practical tips can help you keep your cover letter focused while still showing employers why you’re a strong candidate.
Creating a cover letter doesn’t have to be complicated. A simple cover letter can highlight your strongest qualifications and enthusiasm for a role without unnecessary detail.
Use the templates and examples below for inspiration, then customize your letter for the job. You can also edit an example in our Cover Letter Generator to create a personalized cover letter in minutes.
What Is a Simple Cover Letter & How Long Should It Be?
A simple cover letter is a brief, focused introduction that highlights your most relevant qualifications for a job.
Simple doesn’t mean generic or minimal; it means focusing on the information that matters most to the employer. It follows a standard cover letter structure but leaves out unnecessary details, making it easier for a hiring manager to quickly understand your skills, experience, and interest in the role.
Typically 250 words or less, a simple cover letter should fit on one page. Aim for three or four short paragraphs that explain why you’re interested in the position, what you can contribute, and why you’re a strong match for the employer.
Fill-in-the-Blank Simple Cover Letter Template (Copy & Paste)
Use this simple cover letter template as a starting point for your application. Copy and paste the text, replace the bracketed information with your details, and tailor your skills and accomplishments to the job description.
[Your Name]
[City, State zip code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Today’s Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State zip code]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
With experience in [field or skill], I’m excited to apply for the [job title] position at [Company Name]. My background in [relevant qualification or skill] has prepared me to [specific way you can contribute to the role or company].
In my role at [Previous Company], I [specific accomplishment or responsibility, preferably with a measurable result]. This experience strengthened my [relevant skill] and helped me [positive result or outcome].
I would welcome the opportunity to bring my [key strength or skill] to [Company Name]. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my experience can contribute to your team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
For more options, explore our professional cover letter templates to find a format that fits your application.
Pair your cover letter with a matching resume template for a polished, consistent application. Our AI Resume Builder can help you create a resume that highlights the skills and experience most relevant to your target role.
Unlock the Door to Your Next Opportunity
When Should You Use a Short Cover Letter?
Use a short cover letter when you can clearly show your fit for the role without needing a lengthy explanation. It can be especially useful when:
- You have limited work experience. Focus on a few relevant skills, accomplishments, internships, or educational experiences rather than trying to fill space.
- You’re applying to multiple jobs. A simple format makes it easier to tailor each letter to the specific position while keeping your application focused.
- Your resume closely matches the role. Highlight one or two qualifications that reinforce your fit rather than repeating information already covered in your resume.
- Concise communication matters in your field. A focused letter can demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and efficiently.
Even a short cover letter should be customized for the position. Review the job description and emphasize the skills, experience, and accomplishments that are most relevant to the employer.
If a cover letter isn’t necessary or is optional, including one can give you another opportunity to show your interest in the role and highlight qualifications that aren’t fully captured on your resume.
Simple Cover Letter Examples for Any Situation
Explore the simple cover letter examples below to see how job seekers at different career stages can highlight their most relevant qualifications in roughly 250 words or less. Use these samples as inspiration, and tailor your letter to the job you’re applying for.
Basic Example
This basic cover letter example shows how a software developer with five years of experience can quickly highlight relevant technical skills and accomplishments. Notice how they focus on qualifications that demonstrate their value without repeating their entire resume and use a concise closing to reinforce their interest in the role.
Entry-Level Example
This entry-level cover letter shows how an administrative assistant with limited experience can emphasize relevant skills and potential. The applicant focuses on transferable strengths and qualifications rather than drawing attention to a lack of professional experience.
Career Change Example
This career change example demonstrates how a high school teacher transitioning to a project coordinator role can connect previous experience to a new career path. The letter emphasizes transferable skills that show how the applicant’s background can prepare them to succeed in the new role.
Employment Gap Example
This example shows how an experienced human resources generalist can address an employment gap briefly while keeping the focus on their qualifications. The applicant uses measurable accomplishments to demonstrate their value and keep attention on what they can contribute.
Internal Promotion Example
This internal promotion example shows how a content specialist can make a case for advancing to the role of senior content marketing manager. The applicant draws on two years of firsthand knowledge of the company while emphasizing accomplishments and skills that demonstrate readiness for greater responsibility.
Short Email Cover Letter Example
When applying by email, you can make your message even more concise while still highlighting your strongest qualifications. If the employer asks you to include your cover letter in the email body, include the job you’re applying for, a relevant accomplishment or skill, and a clear next step. If they request a separate cover letter attachment, follow those instructions instead.
Subject: Marketing Coordinator Application — Anika Patel
Dear Ms. Chen,
I’m applying for the marketing coordinator position at Brightside Media. In my current role, I coordinate digital campaigns across three channels and recently helped increase email engagement by 18%.
My experience in campaign planning, content development, and performance tracking aligns well with the position, and I’d welcome the opportunity to bring those skills to your team.
I’ve attached my resume for your review. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to discussing the opportunity with you.
Best,
Anika Patel
555-123-4567
anikapatel@email.com
Explore our guide on cover letter best practices for additional tips and short cover letter examples to help you craft a job application that wins interviews.
6 Tips for Keeping Your Cover Letter Simple
A simple cover letter should be easy to scan without sacrificing the information an employer needs. Use these tips to keep your letter focused, relevant, and professional.
- Use a professional format. Keep your cover letter short, but don’t sacrifice professional formatting. Use a clean layout, 1-inch margins, consistent spacing, and a readable 10–12-point standard font, such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
- Open with a clear value proposition. Start with a sentence that tells the employer what you can contribute. Skip generic openings, such as “I am excited to submit my application,” and instead lead with a relevant skill, accomplishment, or qualification.
- Focus on job-relevant information. Highlight one or two relevant skills, experiences, or accomplishments that directly relate to the job description. These might include transferable strengths, technical abilities, or in-demand skills, such as communication, data analysis, or project management. Prioritizing your strongest qualifications helps you keep the letter concise without leaving out information that matters.
- Add context to your resume. Expand on your most relevant accomplishments instead of repeating your resume. For example, briefly explain how you streamlined a scheduling process and increased efficiency by 15%.
- Use bullet points strategically. A short bulleted list can make accomplishments or qualifications easier to scan. Use bullets only when they make the information clearer, and focus each one on something directly relevant to the position.
- Choose strong action verbs. Use action verbs to communicate your contributions clearly and concisely. Words such as “led,” “created,” “improved,” and “increased” can demonstrate impact without unnecessary explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a short cover letter?
A short cover letter is a concise introduction to your qualifications, experience, and interest in a job. It typically contains the same essential elements as a standard cover letter but focuses only on the information most relevant to the position. A short cover letter should still be tailored to the job and demonstrate why you’re a strong candidate.
What are the three main things needed in a cover letter?
The three main things you need in a cover letter are an introduction, evidence of your qualifications, and a strong closing. Start by briefly explaining your interest in the role and what you can bring to the position, then highlight relevant skills or accomplishments that demonstrate your qualifications. Close by expressing your interest in discussing the opportunity and thanking the employer for their consideration.
How do you start a simple cover letter?
Start a simple cover letter by addressing the hiring manager and briefly explaining the value you can bring to the role. Instead of repeating information the employer already knows, such as the job title alone, lead with a relevant skill, accomplishment, or experience. Keep your opening to a few sentences so you can quickly move into your strongest qualifications.
What information can I leave out of my cover letter?
A good opening sentence for a cover letter quickly connects your experience or skills to the position. For example: “With five years of software development experience and a track record of improving application performance, I’m excited to bring my technical expertise to the developer role at Dogwood Development.” Tailor your opening to the job rather than using the same generic statement for every application.
What are five common cover letter mistakes?
Five common cover letter mistakes are repeating your resume, using generic language, focusing on irrelevant experience, overlooking errors, and failing to tailor the letter to the job. Keep your letter concise, and use specific examples to demonstrate your qualifications.
How can I make a simple cover letter quickly?
Start with a fill-in-the-blank template or MyPerfectResume’s Cover Letter Builder to create and customize your letter. Focus on one or two qualifications from the job description rather than trying to cover your entire work history. You can also review our guide on using ChatGPT to write a cover letter for tips and precautions from career experts.
How We Reviewed This Article
Since 2012, we have helped more than 11 million job seekers. We want to make your career journey accessible and manageable through our services and Career Center’s how-to guides and tips. In our commitment to bring you a transparent process, we present our Editorial Process.
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Simple Cover Letter
Elizabeth is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and a member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches. She is committed to helping job seekers navigate the job market and succeed in their careers.
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