How to Write a Cover Letter: Examples for Popular Jobs

A cover letter should typically be one page long and no more than three to four paragraphs. Aim to concisely express your points in about 250-500 words. Explore how long a cover letter should be for additional tips and guidance.  

Hiring managers and recruiters often receive many applications, so a short, focused cover letter that quickly communicates your qualifications can help you stand out from other applicants. 

Read up on how to write a basic cover letter to browse professionally made examples and to learn how to write a simple cover letter that effectively showcases your skills and qualifications.

However, it is also important to ensure that your cover letter provides enough detail to showcase your skills and experience and convince the employer to invite you for an interview.

It’s always best practice to try to find the hiring manager’s name when writing a cover letter because it personalizes your letter and emphasizes your interest in the position by showing you’ve done your homework.

It also creates a connection with the hiring manager and conveys that you’re willing to go the extra mile, which is a quality most hiring managers want to see in prospective employees.

If you can’t find the information and you’re wondering how to address a cover letter without a name, it’s quite simple. Instead, you can write “Dear Hiring Manager,” “Dear [Role or Title],” or “Dear [Department Name].”

To send a cover letter by email, first save your cover letter and resume as separate PDF or Word documents, then follow the steps below: 

1. Write a clear and professional subject line that includes the job title and your name.
2. Compose a brief message in the body of the email, introducing yourself and stating the position you are applying for. 
3. Attach your cover letter and resume to the email, making sure they are properly named and labeled.
4. Double-check the email address of the recipient and proofread your email and attachments for any errors or typos before sending. 

It’s important to note that some employers may have specific instructions on how to submit your application, so make sure you read the job posting carefully and follow their guidelines. 

Additionally, if the employer requests that you send your application to a specific email address or through an online application system, make sure you follow those instructions.

While writing a cover letter for a job application is not always required, it is highly recommended to include one either way. A well-written cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your interest in the position. 

A cover letter provides an opportunity for you to showcase your communication skills, highlight your qualifications and experience and explain why you are a good fit for the job. 

Even if the job application does not specifically request a cover letter, submitting one can show that you are willing to go above and beyond to make a good impression and can help you differentiate yourself from other candidates.

So while not always necessary, a well-crafted cover letter can definitely improve your chances of getting hired. Explore our guide on the necessity of cover letters for more tips and examples from career advice experts.

Wondering what to write in a cover letter? Generally, cover letters should tell employers why you’re the best fit for your target job. Write about your background and how it fits the job, show your personality and explain precisely what you can do for the employer and how. 

It’s also a good idea to explain unique situations like job gaps or frequent career changes in your cover letter. Remember to include the following information in your cover letter: 

• A header with your contact information and the employer’s information if you have it.
• A professional salutation that includes the employer’s name if you have it. 
• A brief introduction explaining why you’re interested in the job. 
• One or two body paragraphs that summarize your qualifications. 
• A conclusion that reiterates your interest in the position. 
• A professional sign-off such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name. 

Overall, your cover letter should be concise, well-written and tailored to the job you’re applying for. It should demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position and your ability to make a valuable contribution to the company. We recommend trying out an AI cover letter generator to make a cover letter in minutes.

A good cover letter follows the standard business letter format. Your cover letter should be well-formatted, easy to read and professional in appearance. Remember to include the following when using the standard business format to structure your cover letter: 

• Your contact details: On the letterhead, include your full name, title, company name, full address, phone number and email address.
• Date: The date should be written below your address.
• Recipient’s contact details: Below the date, include the recipient’s full name, title, company name, full address, phone number and email address.
• Salutation: The salutation should be formal, such as “Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. [Last Name].”
• Body: The body of the letter should be divided into paragraphs, with each paragraph discussing a specific point or topic. The tone of the letter should be professional and courteous.
• Closing: The closing should be formal, such as “Sincerely” or “Respectfully,” and followed by your signature. 

Download a sample cover letter from this page to jump right into writing your cover letter rather than worrying about formatting. 

The goal of a cover letter is to convince the hiring manager that you are the right person for the job and worth considering for further evaluation.

A cover letter allows you to formally introduce yourself, demonstrate your interest in the job and highlight your relevant skills and experience. Some of the specific goals of a cover letter include:

• Providing context for your application.
• Demonstrating your qualifications and fit for the position.
• Showing your enthusiasm and interest in the role.
• Differentiating yourself from other applicants.

A well-written cover letter should grab the employer’s attention and persuade them to take a closer look at your resume and ultimately invite you for an interview.

Employers look for a well-written cover letter that demonstrates relevance, enthusiasm, attention to detail, personalization and professionalism. Here are a few key areas to keep in mind while you write your cover letter: 

• Relevance: Demonstrate that you have the relevant qualifications, skills and experience necessary to succeed in the role.
• Enthusiasm: Your cover letter should express your enthusiasm for the opportunity and explain why you are excited about the job.
• Attention to detail: Your letter should be free of errors and show your ability to communicate effectively to demonstrate that you have taken the time to write a thoughtful cover letter. 
• Personalization: Employers want to see that you have tailored your cover letter specifically to the job and the company. Demonstrate that you have done your research and understand the company’s mission, values and culture.
• Professionalism: Your cover letter should demonstrate that you are professional and have a strong work ethic. Use a professional tone and demonstrate your ability to work well with others.

Ultimately, your cover letter should indicate your relevant qualifications and your enthusiasm for the role. Remember to include new information in your cover letter rather than restating the same details from your resume. 

Yes, it is often a good idea to give examples in a cover letter to illustrate your skills, experience and accomplishments. 

Providing specific examples of projects, measurable accomplishments, or other work experiences can help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your qualifications for the job. 

You can use examples to show how you have solved problems, worked collaboratively, demonstrated leadership skills or achieved specific goals in your previous roles.

Ensure that your examples are concise and to the point and do not take up too much space in your cover letter.

Firstly, you need an attention-grabbing opening sentence that conveys your experience and your excitement for this new role. Something like: “As a passionate and results-driven marketing professional, I am thrilled to apply for the Marketing Manager position at XYZ Company.”

For the rest of that first paragraph, delve into details about you and why you’re excited for the position. It should include the following:

• Your value as a candidate: Begin your letter with a compelling statement about the top skills or qualifications that make you a great fit for the role. 
• How you learned about the position: If you were referred to the position by someone you know or if you saw the job posting on a specific website, mention it in this paragraph.
• A brief statement about your qualifications: In one or two sentences, explain why you are interested in the position and why you are a good fit for the job.

Overall, the first paragraph of your cover letter should be clear, concise and engaging to grab the hiring manager’s attention.