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A good cover letter is crucial to making a strong first impression and standing out from the competition. It’s a chance to present yourself in more detail and showcase your enthusiasm for the role.
In this guide, you’ll find step-by-step instructions on writing a compelling cover letter, as well as professionally crafted cover letter examples and customizable templates.
Start by watching the video below and learn how to craft your cover letter effortlessly with our Cover Letter Generator—designed for easy use on any device.
Video: Learn how to write a cover letter in our cover letter builder
What Is a Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a formal introduction to hiring managers and potential employers in which you detail your past tasks and responsibilities, what you learned in your previous roles, and how you can contribute to this new role.
Your cover letter complements your resume by providing context and showcasing your motivation and suitability for the role. Your cover letter should accomplish the following:
- Introduce yourself to the hiring managers.
- Provide details about your qualifications.
- Tell employers why you want to work for them.
- Illustrate why you’re the best match for the job.
- Explain circumstances like job hopping or gaps in employment.
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What to Include in a Cover Letter
The standard cover letter format is the same as the business letter format and should include the following sections:
Your contact information: Your full name, address, phone number, and email address. Include the date you're writing the letter.
Potential employer's contact information: If you have it, include the recipient's full name, title, and company name.
Salutation: Address the letter to a specific person or department if possible (e.g., "Dear Mr. Smith," "Dear Hiring Manager," "Dear XYZ Company Team").
Introduction: State the position you are applying for and where you found the job listing. Express your enthusiasm for the role and briefly introduce yourself.
Body paragraphs: Highlight two to three key qualifications that align with the job description, provide specific examples of your impact in past roles, and summarize your interest in the role and company.
Sign-off: Close your cover letter with a professional and polite closing, such as “Best regards” or “Sincerely,” followed by your full name.
Explore our guide on what to include in a cover letter for a detailed overview of each section.
How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job Application
Step 1
Research the company
Preparation is crucial for a successful application! Begin by thoroughly examining the job description to align your professional skills and qualifications. Create a checklist highlighting:
- Noteworthy professional achievements from past role.
- Volunteer experiences that honed skills listed in the job description.
- Relevant skills encompassing both technical abilities and interpersonal strengths.
- Academic credentials, including certificates and licenses.
- Pertinent awards and distinctions.
Then, delve into researching the company to grasp its core principles. This groundwork enables you to craft a tailored cover letter that reflects your authentic interest in the company and job. Be sure to do the following:
- Familiarize yourself with the company’s culture, mission and values, which will enable you to articulate your alignment with its objectives.
- Stay informed about recent company developments through news and press releases.
- Learn the hiring manager’s name so you can address your cover letter to them.
STEP 2
Choose a cover letter template
We recommend crafting your cover letter using a professional template to ensure it’s organized effectively and optimized for applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Start with this template or browse our library of cover letter templates to find your match, and let our Cover Letter Generator do the work for you!
STEP 3
Add a professional header
Incorporate a professional cover letter header at the top of your cover letter, following the standard business letter format. The header should include:
- Your name
- Phone number
- Email address
- City and state
- ZIP code
It can be aligned to the page’s left or center as shown here:
STEP 4
Include the recipient’s contact information
First, write the current date followed by a space. Then include contact details such as the hiring manager’s name and title, email address, and the company’s address. It should look like this:
Always follow the instructions in the job listing. If a job description directs you to address your cover letter to a human resources team member or the HR department, use the information the prospective employer provides for the recipient’s address.
STEP 5
Greet the hiring manager
Address the hiring manager by name whenever possible to establish a personal connection. If you’re unsure of their gender or want to be gender-neutral, use their full name (e.g., “Dear Alex Taylor”).
If you know the hiring manager’s gender, you can use the title “Mr.” or “Ms.” (e.g., “Dear Mr. Smith” or “Dear Ms. Johnson”), but avoid titles like “Mrs.” or “Miss” to prevent assumptions about marital status.
Steer clear of informal greetings such as “Hello” or “Hi,” as well as outdated salutations like “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern.”
If you cannot find the hiring manager’s name, use “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Hiring Team” as a respectful alternative. See examples for how to address your cover letter and how not to address it below:
- Dear Lucy Garcia,
- Dear Ms. Lowe,
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear Vice President of Marketing,
- Hi there!
- Hey Mr. Jones,
- Dear Sir,
- Sam Spade:
STEP 6
Craft a compelling introduction
The opening sentences of your cover letter serve as your elevator pitch, so it’s crucial to clearly and succinctly convey why you’re the ideal candidate for the role.
Start with a compelling introduction that demonstrates your enthusiasm and aligns with the job requirements. This will capture the hiring manager’s attention and entice them to read further.
Here are some examples of how to start a cover letter to help you craft an engaging introduction that highlights your genuine interest in the position and the company.
Assert your interest in the role or company
To craft a standout cover letter, start by clearly demonstrating your enthusiasm for the position and the company.
This initial statement should confidently convey why you’re excited about the opportunity and how your skills align with the role.
“I was excited to see that Tech Solutions—a company I respect for its innovation—has an opening for an experienced lead producer.”
Emphasize your skills and experience
Kick off your cover letter with a strong introduction that highlights your most relevant skills and experiences.
Clearly articulate how these qualifications make you an excellent fit for the role, setting the stage for a compelling case.
“With seven years of experience in production for leading startup companies in Silicon Valley, I have in-depth knowledge of cybersecurity and cloud computing and know my way around artificial intelligence.”
Demonstrate your research
Highlight your knowledge of the company by referencing an intriguing fact, recent news story, or key statistic from their website.
This shows that you’ve done your homework and demonstrates your genuine interest in and understanding of the organization.
“When I saw that WILCO Services was touted in Business Magazine for being one of the most inclusive companies in the world, I knew I had to apply for the marketing associate position.”
Highlight measurable accomplishments
Showcase your qualifications by mentioning an impressive award, honor, or measurable accomplishment from a past role or two.
“As director of Visit Mass, I created tourism programs that resulted in a 30% increase in international tourists to Massachusetts in 2019.”
Tell your professional story
Tell a story about why you are applying. Discuss how your passion and motivation have driven your career choices and how they align with the position and company.
“When I was a child, I spent my days in the city parks around my neighborhood, listening to birds sing and watching squirrels jump through trees. Those days instilled a passion in me for wildlife that has intensified over the years and, combined with admiration for the animal rehabilitation programs at Prospect Park Nature Conservancy, led me to apply for the Wildlife Technician position at the conservancy.”
Mention a shared contact
If applicable, mention a shared contact that you have with the hiring manager. This can help explain who you heard about the role from and establish a personal connection with the hiring manager.
“Jayne Peck told me you had an opening on your graphics team, and I’m thrilled to apply for the role. You and I know Jayne from Volunteers for the Bay, where I volunteered on the cleanup crew in 2017.”
STEP 7
Write the body paragraphs
The body paragraphs of your cover letter should explain why you’re the best candidate for the job.
Follow the tips below to learn how to write engaging body paragraphs that keep employers interested in what you have to offer:
- If you have work experience in your target role or industry, detail your work accomplishments and use numbers to quantify the results of your actions.
- If you’re applying for your first job, connect the new opportunity with a personal or school project, extracurricular activity, or internship.
- Highlight relevant skills from your work experience and explain clearly how you can apply them to the job.
- If you think you’re a shoo-in for the company’s culture, show it! For example, if you enjoy volunteering for social justice causes and you are applying to a nonprofit organization focused on social justice, explain why the company’s mission is meaningful to you.
- If you’re changing careers, emphasize your transferable skills. Career change cover letters that emphasize transferable skills are more effective because they show prospects that you can perform the work with little or no experience.
See how this works in action:
“In my most recent role as a Marketing Coordinator at BrightEdge Solutions, I led the launch of a digital campaign that increased lead generation by 37% in just three months. I also collaborated with the sales and design teams to streamline content production, cutting turnaround time by 25% while boosting engagement across email and social platforms. My experience managing multiple campaign channels—from paid social to SEO content—has equipped me to step into a fast-paced role and make an immediate impact.
What draws me to WILCO is more than your reputation—it’s your commitment to belonging and creativity. I bring not only a strong analytical mindset but also a genuine passion for brand storytelling that resonates with diverse audiences. Whether it’s running A/B tests to optimize conversion rates or crafting messaging that reflects a company’s core values, I take pride in delivering marketing that’s both strategic and human.”
STEP 8
End strong with a closing paragraph
When you write a cover letter closing statement, make it clear to the employer that you’re excited about the possibility of working with them and that you are confident you have the expertise to be successful at the job.
Remember that you’re writing a cover letter to a specific person, so thank them for their time and consideration.
You should also encourage the recipient to follow up (e.g., “I look forward to further discussing my qualifications with you”). A call to action shows hiring managers that you’re serious about the job and confident in your qualifications.
Here are a few examples of how to write a strong cover letter closing paragraph:
“I would welcome the chance to learn more about your upcoming initiatives and explore how my skills can support your marketing goals. Thank you for your time and consideration—I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the WILCO team.”
“Thank you for your time and consideration. I’m excited about the prospect of working for the Museum of Ancient History. I look forward to discussing what I learned in my year abroad as an English teacher and how I can apply those lessons to the docent role. Feel free to contact me any time during the week.”
“I’m confident that a review of my resume and portfolio will convince you that I have the technical skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in the lead designer role at Creative Ads, LLC. I’m excited about the opportunity and would be thrilled to meet with you and your team next week to discuss my ideas for your next campaign. Please contact me this week to schedule a convenient date and time.”
Are you searching for remote jobs? Our sister company, FlexJobs, updates listings daily with verified remote jobs. Find full-time and part-time remote jobs with FlexJobs.
STEP 9
Sign off
Signing off on a cover letter professionally is crucial, as it demonstrates your attention to detail, professionalism, and respect for the hiring manager and the company.
A professional sign-off can also show that you are serious about the job and that you have taken the time to craft a well-written and thoughtful cover letter.
See how to write a proper cover letter sign-off below (and what language to avoid):
- Sincerely,
- Best regards,
- Kind regards,
- Thank you,
- Yours,
- Take Care,
- Cheers,
- Thanks!
STEP 10
Proofread your cover letter
Knowing how to write a formal cover letter isn’t all there is to making one. You’ll also need to proofread your letter at least once before sending it to a potential employer. Typos and cover letter formatting mistakes can reduce your chances of getting hired.
When you’ve finished proofreading, have someone else read it for you to be sure it’s job application-ready. You can ask a trusted friend or family member, a former colleague, or a professional mentor to read your cover letter.
Be specific about the feedback you are seeking. For example, you might ask for constructive criticism in the following areas:
- Relevance: Does your cover letter demonstrate how your skills and experience match the job requirements?
- Clarity: Is your writing clear, concise, and easy to understand?
- Tone: Is your tone professional and appropriate for the company and position you are applying for?
- Grammar and spelling: Are there any grammatical errors or spelling mistakes that need to be corrected?
- Formatting: Is your cover letter formatted properly with a clear and organized structure?
- Overall impression: Does your cover letter make a strong impression and effectively communicate your enthusiasm and interest for the position?
Alternatively, you can seek the advice of a career counselor or professional resume writer who can review your cover letter and provide constructive criticism to help you improve your application.
Make a lasting impression
How Do You Write a Cover Letter With No Experience?
Just like writing a resume without experience, writing a cover letter without work experience can feel daunting.
However, it’s as easy as focusing on your skills and education, and broadening your idea of experience to include school projects, extracurricular activities, and volunteer work.
For example, you might mention a group project you completed in school that required communication skills and teamwork.
Your cover letter should be no more than one page long. Use clear, concise language and avoid repeating information that is already in your resume.
Writing a Cover Letter That Stands Out
Writing a good, standard cover letter might not be enough to stand out among the hundreds of applicants using similar structures. However, a professional cover letter template can help with that.
Our cover letter templates frame your qualifications with the correct formatting, and they meet the latest applicant tracking system (ATS) requirements.
Our builder makes it easy to write a cover letter for a job application with the following features:
- Job-specific phrases and skills: Click to add job-specific content suggestions written by Certified Professional Resume Writers (CPRW).
- Step-by-step guidance: Get expert advice on how to write a good cover letter at every step to help you showcase your top skills and qualifications.
- Easy customization: Write a cover letter for every job application and save as many versions of it as you need.
- Multiple download formats: Save and export your cover letter as a PDF, .docx, or plain text (.txt).
- Matching templates: You can select matching cover letter and resume templates to create a polished and cohesive job application.
Cover Letter Tips From Career Advice Experts
Below are some pro tips to help you craft an effective cover letter:
- Showcase your unique professional story: Toni Frana, Career Coach advises to highlight your career story by emphasizing key accomplishments and experiences relevant to the role. Explain why you want the job at the specific company, showing your interest in the company's mission and values. This personalized approach can set you apart from other candidates.
- Address employment gaps and transitions: Jasmine Escalera, PhD suggests to use your cover letter to clarify any gaps or transitions in your employment history. Explain how these experiences have contributed to your qualifications and make you a strong candidate for the position.
- Demonstrate fit and value for the role: Clearly articulate why you are a strong fit for the role. Provide specific examples of your relevant skills and accomplishments that align with the job description. This alignment will help solidify your candidacy in the eyes of recruiters and hiring managers.
- Follow application instructions: Always adhere to the job posting's specific guidelines, whether you submit your cover letter as a PDF or include it in the body of an email. Failure to follow these instructions can result in your application being overlooked.
- Tailor your cover letter to the job: Avoid generic cover letters. Customize your content to reflect your enthusiasm for the specific job and company. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate how your skills and experiences meet the requirements.
- Avoid apologizing for lack of experience: Focus on what you bring to the table rather than what you lack. Highlight relevant experiences that showcase your skills and potential, such as volunteering, school projects, or community service.
- Avoid oversharing personal information: While explaining career changes or gaps is important, avoid sharing unnecessary personal details, such as political views, salary expectations, or unrelated hobbies.
- Maintain a professional tone: Convey enthusiasm and interest in the position, but keep your tone professional, genuine, and confident. Avoid being overly casual or too enthusiastic.
Cover Letter Examples for Popular Jobs
Get inspired by our professionally crafted cover letters for top jobs and industries. Use them with our builder to create a cover letter that effectively highlights your skills and qualifications.
ER nurse cover letter example
Administrative assistant cover letter example
Mechanical engineer cover letter example
Personal trainer cover letter example
Registered nurse cover letter example
Security officer cover letter example
Beautician cover letter example
Car driver cover letter example
Cover Letter Examples for Unique Situations
No experience cover letter example
Career change cover letter example
Employment gap cover letter example
Cold call cover letter example
Unadvertised position cover letter example
Temporary-to-permanent position cover letter example
Internal position cover letter example
Seeking a promotion cover letter example
Key Takeaways
- A cover letter is a one-page document that introduces you to the hiring manager, expands upon the information in your resume, and explains why you’re an excellent fit for the role.
- Address the cover letter to the hiring manager. If you can’t find their name, then address them as “Hiring Manager” or address the department.
- Write a cover letter introduction that immediately grabs the hiring manager’s attention and compels them to keep reading.
- Use a professionally designed cover letter template to ensure your cover letter is formatted correctly and looks professional.
- Tailor your cover letter to your target job and use keywords from the job description that accurately reflect your skills and qualifications.
FAQ
How long should a cover letter be?
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.
How do you send a cover letter by email?
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:
- Write a clear and professional subject line that includes the job title and your name.
- Compose a brief message in the body of the email, introducing yourself and stating the position you are applying for.
- Attach your cover letter and resume to the email, making sure they are properly named and labeled.
- 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.
Is a cover letter necessary?
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.
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.
Should I give examples in a cover letter?
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.
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How to Write a Cover Letter: Examples for Popular Jobs
Kellie is a career advice writer. She is committed to helping job seekers navigate the job market and succeed in their careers.
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