Cover Letter Examples for Job Seekers in 2022
Create a first-class cover letter that gets you the job interview, using cover letter samples for over 500 jobs written and designed by our experts.
A cover letter is a “sales pitch” in which you quickly introduce yourself to the employer and provide details about your top strengths and accomplishments. It’s an extension of your resume, where you can give employers a better sense of your personality, attitude and how well you fit with the company.
There are three important aspects that you should include when writing a cover letter and you will find them in our cover letter examples. These touch points:
Inform the employer of your interest in the job.
Highlight key skills and achievements from your background.
Explain why you believe you’re the right person for the job.
A sample cover letter for a resume is an excellent source of inspiration, as it will help you get an idea of what you can write in yours. Start by looking at cover letter examples for your job and industry, and note what’s written in them.
If you find the perfect sample cover letter, easily edit it using our Cover Letter Builder.
What to include in a cover letter
All our cover letter samples have the following six key elements —
make sure yours does, too, and use our prewritten text in each job
cover letter sample as a guide for how to write yours.
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Our cover letter formats page also features important tips on organizing and formatting your letter.
Entry-level cover letter example
A simple cover letter should focus on your skills, education and willingness to learn in a new position.
Use our Cover Letter Builder to create a cover letter that will help jump-start your career with:
- Expert advice throughout.
- Professional content suggestions.
- Multiple file formats for saving your document.
Entry-level cover letter example
Notice how this example of an application letter emphasizes the job seeker’s training, skills and career ambitions while also connecting them to what the potential employer needs.
The cover letter sample starts with the job seeker explaining their interest in the position. They don’t introduce themselves because their name is already on the contact information. Instead, they briefly touch on their experience and then dive into what skills they can bring to the table to show the hiring manager that they’re perfect for the job.
Career change cover letter sample
This modern cover letter example can help showcase the changes you’ve made to move forward in your career. It will also help highlight your transferable skills and career accomplishments.
Make this letter your own in our Cover Letter Builder, which includes:
- Guidance on every step.
- Expert phrases, skills and bullet points.
- All major file formats to download and save your cover letter.
Career change cover letter sample
Career change cover letters require a bit more strategy. It’s not just about writing what makes you unique but explaining how your previous jobs in another industry will help you excel at this new opportunity. When you’re changing careers, you want to make a bridge between one job and another.
Follow the lead of this sample cover letter by highlighting skills you’ve developed in previous jobs that can carry over to the new one and give some insight as to why you think you can be effective in your new career. Remember: Make connections and keep them relevant.
Employment gap cover letter example
A cover letter is the best tool to explain a time period without employment. This example shows you how to approach the subject while keeping the attention on your skills and qualifications.
You can edit this cover letter in our Cover Letter Builder, which provides:
- Advice on every step.
- Professional content suggestions.
- The ability to save your document in all major formats.
Employment gap cover letter example
If you’ve been away from full-time work for long stretches, it’s good to explain to employers what you’ve done during that time (e.g., part-time contract work, started a business or volunteered). If the reason behind your employment gap is personal, such as extended parental leave or an illness, you don’t have to give any details.
“What if my unemployment gap is because I was laid off or fired?” Don’t talk about it in your cover letter. The recruiter or hiring manager will see your unemployment gap in your resume and ask questions. If you were laid off or fired, keep your answer diplomatic — trash-talking a former employer is not a good look.
As shown in this example cover letter, if you mention your employment gap, keep your explanation concise and focus on the skills and experience that make you a good fit for the job.
“Cold call” cover letter sample
Make a confident approach with this cold call cover letter example. Let your skills and qualifications speak for themselves while you make a connection with an employer.
Edit this cover letter with ease in our Cover Letter Builder, which provides you with:
- Step-by-step guidance.
- Expert content suggestions.
- A variety of formats to download and save your document.
“Cold call” cover letter sample
“Cold call” cover letters are written when a company doesn’t have open positions. Imagine that, like the candidate in this cover letter example, you have always wanted to work for a newspaper, but you see that they’re not currently hiring. To get their attention, send them your resume and a “cold call” cover letter.
This sample cover letter works perfectly because the first paragraph shows that the candidate has done her “homework” on the company; she mentions reading about their mission, vision and high standards. Further down, she proves how her skills match the company’s goals and what she can offer to help meet them.
Professional connection cover letter example
Did someone within the company recommend you for the position? If so, write a cover letter that centers around your professional connection and state in your opening paragraph who recommended you, as shown in this resume cover page example.
One of the most important aspects of every cover letter is the opening line; you only have a few seconds to catch the recruiter’s attention. So make sure you hit all the right marks by saying what position you’re applying for, who recommended you and your professional relationship with that person.
Temporary-to-permanent employee cover letter sample
Make it official. Use a modern resume template to transition into a permanent position. Bring to the table the achievements you’ve reached, what you’ve learned so far and how your skills have helped the success of your temporary employer.
Use our Cover Letter Builder to create an effective letter that takes you from a temp to a permanent employee with:
- Expert guidance on every step
- Professeional content suggestions for each section of your letter.
- A variety of file formats to download and save your document.
Temporary-to-permanent employee cover letter sample
If this is your situation and you’re looking for the perfect cover letter example to use as a base, you’ve come to the right place!
Writing this type of cover letter shows the hiring manager why you’re a valuable team member and worth keeping around. This sample cover letter takes advantage of the candidate’s knowledge and experience with the company. It lays out specific contributions while also pointing out how they can provide even more value as a full-time employee.
You know the company and you have the skills to continue growing. Follow this sample cover letter to clearly and effectively state your case.
Seeking promotion cover letter example
You’ve impressed your employer with your skills and achievements and now you want more. Use this contemporary cover letter to state your case, bring attention to your accomplishments and expand on what you could do in a higher position.
With the help of our Cover Letter Builder, you can create an effective cover letter with:
- Professional guidance along the way.
- Expert-approved content suggestions
- All major file formats to download and save your document.
Seeking promotion cover letter example
Similar to the other resume cover letter examples, the opening paragraph clearly states what the candidate is interested in and their years of experience. In this case, the candidate has worked at the company for six years and is seeking a promotion based on their skills and experience.
Follow the lead of this example cover letter, and stress your familiarity with the company’s processes and goals — you have a big advantage over other applicants. Focus on what you have done in your current role and how you can successfully fulfill the new responsibilities with your knowledge.
Unadvertised position cover letter sample
No need to wait until a job posting is available to apply. Reach out to a potential employer and share your enthusiasm and what you could bring to the company.
Our Cover Letter Builder can help you expand on the skills you can bring to the table and why you should be considered as a candidate.
- Professional advice for every step.
- Expert content suggestions.
- Multiple file formats to download and save your cover letter.
Unadvertised position cover letter sample
No posted job description to refer to? No problem. Use this cover letter example for a job application that isn’t advertised as a basis to explain how you heard about the role and share your enthusiasm about joining the team. Make sure you mention a few of your great skills and accomplishments.
“But isn’t this the same as a ‘cold call’ cover letter?” Not exactly. A cover letter for an unadvertised position means that you know they’re hiring, but the company isn’t advertising it. A “cold call” cover letter is for the occasions where you don’t know if they’re hiring, but you want them to know you exist just in case they might open a position in the future.
New position with current employer cover letter example
A modern cover letter includes your career progress, goals reached while at the company and the knowledge acquired through experience. Find new footing in your career by adding a cover letter to your application.
Create an effective cover letter with our Cover Letter Builder, which will help with:
- Expert guidance along the way.
- Job-specific keywords and skills.
- A variety of formats to download and save your cover letter.
New position with current employer cover letter example
Though you have your foot in the door, you still need to put your best foot forward with a cover letter and resume that emphasize your value. Like this sample letter of interest for a job with the same employer, start by discussing your accomplishments and then mention how you will benefit your employer on future projects.
The key to writing this type of cover letter is not to assume that the hiring manager knows your accomplishments just because you work at the same company. Treat it like you would a position in another organization and guide them through your time at the company.
Referral cover letter sample
You’ve made an impression on your previous employers and they’re willing to back it up. With this classic cover letter, you can expand your skills and what you can bring to a new employer.
Our Cover Letter Builder will help you craft a great cover letter with the referrals to back it up and:
- Expert advice on every step
- Professional content suggestions
- A variety of formats to download and save your document.
Referral cover letter sample
When done correctly, telling the employer that someone in the company referred you lets them know you’re someone they can trust. Use our referral cover letter sample to do this correctly and catch their attention the right way.
Start by using your referral’s full name and explain your connection to them. Briefly discuss why they referred you to the position and dive into your qualifications without repeating the same information on your resume.
Other cover letter resources
The following articles are a great source of information to make our cover letter examples your own:
Categories
Accounting cover letter example- Administrative cover letter example
- Business operations cover letter example
- Construction cover letter example
- Culinary
- Customer service cover letter example
- Education cover letter example
- Food service cover letter example
- Healthcare support cover letter example
- Hospitality cover letter example
- Information technology cover letter example
- Law cover letter example
- Marketing cover letter example
- Medical
- Nursing
- Production cover letter example
- Retail cover letter example
- Sales cover letter example
- Social services cover letter example
- Teaching
Accounting cover letter examples
For an accounting job, follow our employment cover letter examples to emphasize your practical software and number-crunching skills and your ability to work with others and multitask.
Accounting
You’ve made an impression with your analytical acumen and your critical thinking skills. These cover letter examples show how to expand on those strengths.
Our Cover Letter Builder will help you craft a great cover letter that tells employers who you are and what you can bring to the table. We offer:
- Expert advice on every step.
- Professional content suggestions.
- A variety of formats to download and save your document.
Administrative cover letter examples
A keen eye for detail, good organization and communication skills, and proficiency with specific software programs are all musts for this job — and what you’ll find in these great cover letter examples.
- Administrative Assistant
- Clerical Assistant
- Data Entry Clerk
- Data Entry Specialist
- Executive Assistant
- Office Administrator
- Office Assistant
- Office Clerk
- Office Manager
- Personal Assistant
- Practice Manager
- President
- Receptionist
- Store Administrative Assistant
Administrative
Your ability to multitask is unparalleled. These cover letter examples will help you show employers what makes you a cut above the rest.
Use our Cover Letter Builder to write a perfect cover letter. Our builder provides:
- Professional guidance for every step in the process.
- Expert suggestions for each section.
- The ability to download and save your cover letter in multiple formats.
Business operations cover letter examples
Like these cover letter examples for a job in business operations, focus on your ability to coordinate teams and processes and your superior communications skills.
Business operations
Your technical proficiency is as strong as your decision making and problem-solving abilities. Our cover letter examples for business operations will help you to stand out from the crowd.
Our Cover Letter Builder will help you to quickly and easily create a cover letter that gets noticed. We provide:
- Guidance and tools for each step.
- Professional content suggestions for each part of your cover letter.
- All major file formats to download and save your document.
Construction cover letter examples
Use an application letter sample to emphasize a strong work ethic and collaboration skills and your ability to work with specific equipment, such as forklifts or cranes.
Construction
You’re deterous, organized and you can solve problems on the fly. Our construction industry cover letter examples will help you expand on your toolkit and knowledge, so hiring managers know you’re the one for the job.
Our Cover Letter Builder will help you create the perfect cover letter that tells employers who you are and why you want to work for them. Plus, we provide:
- Expert advice on every step of the process.
- Professional content suggestions.
- All major file formats to download and save your document.
Culinary cover letter examples
Enthusiasm, experience in fast-paced work environments, and knowledge of food preparation and kitchen management are key areas to cover in your letter. Select the job cover letter sample that best fits your needs and get inspired by its content.
Culinary
Make a great impression on hiring managers with our culinary cover letter examples. We’ll help you align your agility in the kitchen with your attention to detail and customer service acumen.
Our Cover Letter Builder will help you build the perfect cover letter and provide:
- Guidance along the way.
- Expert tools and content suggestions for each section of your letter.
- A variety of formats to download and save your document.
Customer service cover letter examples
Use one of our customer service employment cover letter examples as a guide to stress your commitment to communicate with and assist people and your ability to work as part of a team.
Customer service
Our customer service cover letter examples can help you get the job you want. We’ll show you how to describe your experience, showcase interpersonal skills and display your personality to impress potential employers.
Create an effective cover letter with our Cover Letter Builder. We provide:
- Professional advice along the way.
- Job-specific keywords and skills.
- All standard file formats to download and save your cover letter.
Education cover letter examples
These are good cover letter examples to follow if you want to highlight your proficiency with specific teaching subjects, education apps and software, and intangible strengths such as flexibility, communication and patience.
Education
Get inspired with these professionally crafted education cover letter samples. We will show you how to effectively express your passion for the job, convey your knowledge and show your top strengths.
Use our Cover Letter Builder to make the perfect education cover letter. Our builder offers:
- Expert guidance for writing a winning cover letter.
- Professionally written content suggestions.
- Multiple formats to download and save your cover letter.
Food service cover letter examples
Show off any experiences you have in fast-paced work environments where teamwork is a necessity and your ability to handle both managers and customers, like our expert-written cover letter examples for a job in the food service industry.
Food service
You’re a patient mulitasker with exceptional communication skills. Let our cover letter examples for the food service industry show you how to tell your professional story in a way that hiring managers want to read.
Our Cover Letter Builder can help you expand on the skills you bring to the table and so potential employers know what makes you the best candidate for the job. We give you:
- Professional advice for every step of the process.
- Expert keywords and industry-specific phrases.
- Multiple file formats for saving your cover letter.
Health care support cover letter examples
Elaborate on your training and experience in health care situations and programs. Similar to our cover letter samples, try to include an anecdote about services you’ve provided to patients.
Health care support
Make the best impression on potential employers by using our cover letter examples to display your skills and knowledge in a way that says “I’m the best candidate.”
With the help of our Cover Letter Builder, you can create an effective cover letter with:
- Expert advice for each step.
- Professional content suggestions.
- All major file formats to download and save your document.
Hospitality cover letter examples
Use a sample cover letter for a resume as inspiration to show how you’ve ensured customer satisfaction in previous positions and any practical skills that can help you do the job, such as knowledge of payroll software.
Hospitality
These hospitality cover letter examples will inspire your to make the most of your exceptional customer service skills, organizational abilities and professional achievements.
With the help of our Cover Letter Builder, you can make the best impression with:
- Professional advice along the way.
- Expert content suggestions.
- The ability to download and save your letter in all major file formats.
Information technology cover letter examples
Explain your top computer system maintenance and management capabilities, like our cover letter samples, and give examples of how you’ve successfully improved IT operations in previous jobs.
Information technology
Use our information technology cover letter examples to show the achievements and technical acumen you bring to the table.
Our Cover Letter Builder is the best way to craft an effective letter. We offer:
- Expert tools and guidance every step of the way.
- Industry- and job-specific content suggestions for each section of your letter.
- The ability to download and save your document in all major file formats.
Law cover letter examples
A good cover letter — and the best cover letter examples — will provide a rundown of your top experiences in handling legal affairs, performing important research, or handling documentation and administration at a firm or office.
Law
Our cover letter samples for the law profession will help you plead your case that there’s no one better for the job.
Use our cover letter builder to build a compelling cover letter that wins over potential employers. Our builder provides:
- All the tools and advice to craft a professional cover letter quickly.
- Professional content suggestions for each section of your letter.
- Multiple file formats for downloading and saving your document.
Marketing cover letter examples
Like our cover letter samples, talk about how you’ve applied creativity, leadership and strategic thinking to marketing plans and campaigns, and focus on areas of specialty such as social media or email marketing.
Marketing
These marketing sample cover letters will inspire you to display your industry strengths and work experience so that hiring managers want to know more.
Our Cover Letter Builder is the best way to craft an effective letter. It provides:
- Expert guidance every step of the way.
- Professional content suggestions and tools for optimizing each section of your letter.
- All standard file formats to download and save your letter.
Medical cover letter examples
Go beyond standard credentials and training. Do like our sample cover letters and highlight your experiences in health care settings and your ability to relate to clients and patients.
Medical
Our medical cover letter examples will help you display your medical knowledge, industry achievements licenses and certifications to stand out.
Our Cover Letter Builder is the best way to craft a perfect medical cover letter. We offer:
- Professional advice every step of the way.
- Expert tips and content suggestions.
- All standard file formats to download and save your letter.
Nursing cover letter examples
Emphasize your interpersonal and communication skills, areas of expertise and best experiences caring for others in your nursing resume cover letter.
Nursing
Use our nursing cover letter samples for inspiration. We’ll help you express your compassion for others, display your ability to multitask, and showcase your attention to detail. Hiring managers won’t want to look away.
Use our Cover Letter Builder to create a cover letter quickly and easily. We offer:
- Expert advice.
- Industry-standard keywords and tools to optimize your cover letter.
- Multiple file formats to download and save your letter.
Production cover letter examples
Similar to our sample letter of interest for a job in production, convince employers you’re the right person for the job by showcasing your ability to work well with others and handle administrative and organizational tasks.
Production
Use these production sample cover letters to see how to best emphasize your work achievements and greatest strengths.
Our Cover Letter Builder is the best way to craft an effective letter. We offer:
- Professional advice for each step.
- Expert tools and content suggestions for each section of your letter.
- All standard file formats to download and save your letter.
Retail cover letter examples
Provide details on your retail resume cover letter on job-related abilities, such as maintaining merchandise and point-of-sale systems, and interpersonal skills such as customer service and multitasking abilities.
Retail
Our retail cover letter examples are inspiring. Use them to help you write a perfect cover letter that compels hiring managers to learn more.
Use our Cover Letter Builder to craft a compelling cover letter quickly and easily. We provide:
- Expert advice for each step.
- Tools and industry-specific content suggestions for each section.
- Multiple file formats for saving your letter.
Sales cover letter examples
Give concrete examples of how you’ve helped improve a company’s bottom line through your sales efforts, and like our cover letter samples, feature any abilities you have with sales tracking software.
Sales
Use these production sample cover letters to see how to best emphasize your work achievements and greatest strengths.
Our Cover Letter Builder is the best way to craft an effective letter. We offer:
- Professional advice for each step.
- Expert tools and content suggestions for each section of your letter.
- All standard file formats to download and save your letter.
Teaching cover letter examples
Give recruiters an idea of your approach to education, your knowledge of specific online learning software, and how you handle children in various teaching environments. Just follow one of our cover letter examples for a job in teaching.
Teaching
Our sample cover letters for teaching will inspire your to display your presentation skills, interpersonal skills and in-depth subject matter expertise so that potential employers can’t look elsewhere.
Use our Cover Letter Builder to craft a compelling cover letter with ease. Our builder provides:
- Professional advice along the way.
- Job-specific keywords and skills.
- All standard file formats to download and save your cover letter.
Cover letter examples for other popular industries
Say hello with the best cover letter
Use our cover letter examples as inspiration to write a perfect cover letter with our Cover Letter Builder. We guide you through each section of your cover letter and provide expert phrases you can include in just a few clicks.
Cover letter examples FAQ
What makes our cover letter examples right for you?
- They’re professionally designed to look their best: Our cover letter samples and cover letter templates are built to display your content neatly and effectively.
- Guidance and tips for every job and industry: We have an example cover letter for every job. Select any example on this page, and you’ll go to our Cover Letter Builder, which supplies expert suggestions and tips for every section.
- Customize your letter for different jobs: It’s easy to update these application cover letter examples so they fit different jobs — and if you use our builder, you can save and download as many versions of your letter as you need.
- Match your perfect letter with a perfect resume: Use our Resume Builder to create resumes that complement your letter in look and layout.
Are cover letters really necessary?
The short answer is yes. According to the Society of Human Resources Management, a cover letter demonstrates your genuine interest in the job and company. It’s also an opportunity to discuss your accomplishments, introduce yourself more personally, and make a more detailed case for why the employer should be interested in you. This is why we have hundreds of cover letter examples for jobs in dozens of industries — you can find the inspiration you need to write a letter that makes an impact.
Should you write a different cover letter for each job application?
Absolutely!
Every job application and company is different. Like a resume, you should use a sample cover letter to tailor your letter to the job you’re applying for and the employer you’re directing that letter to. You want to ensure that what you write and your tone align with the company culture, values and, most importantly, the job application.
What should not be included in a cover letter?
- Spelling or grammatical errors
- Information not relevant to the job
- Personal information, such as your religious beliefs and political affiliations
- Negative comments about your current or former employer
- Overly flattering language
- Your salary or work benefits requirements
Review our library cover letter examples for jobs in various industries to get a good idea of what to write in your cover letter. If you want to learn more about other mistakes you should avoid, check out our article The 5 Biggest Cover Letter Mistakes.
Should you address employment gaps in a cover letter?
Employment gaps due to personal reasons (such as an illness or a family matter that needed attending) don’t have to be discussed in detail in your cover letter. Neither do gaps caused by your former employer firing or laying you off.
Instead, follow our employment gap cover letter example on this page, and write about your skills, qualifications and relevant experiences and how excited you are about this new opportunity. Just be prepared to discuss employment gaps during the job interview phase. If you can show you were busy with other important pursuits or trained on new skills during your time off, mention them in your letter.
More cover letter help
How to Write a Killer Cover Letter Conclusion
Use these tips to finish your letter as strong as you start it.
9 Best Cover Letter Tips for Extroverts
Yes, even “showing off” can be good, as long as you know how to do it.
Social services cover letter examples
Choose an example cover letter and emphasize your ability to interact with others positively, and note any training and certifications you’ve had in specialized areas such as mental health or substance abuse work.
- Group Leader
See all social services cover letter exampleSocial services
Our social services cover letter samples will help you expand on your experience and core qualifications so that you can display your compassion, patience and top-notch listening skills.
Use our Cover Letter Builder to craft a cover letter that gets noticed. We provide: