how to write a business application letter for a job

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Business Cover Letter Samples & Examples That Worked in 2024

Creating a business cover letter that's convincing enough to provoke interest and spark curiosity requires a certain finesse. It's definitely not a walk in the park, but with the right guidance, you can pen an excellent cover letter that stands out. 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll expose you to the secrets of crafting a compelling business cover letter that gets results. Filled with useful tips, examples, and well-articulated guidelines, this guide promises to be your trusty companion in your job hunt journey.

Now, let’s delve into:

• Formatting your business cover letter properly
• Writing an effective header
• Crafting a compelling cover letter headline
• Customizing the greeting of your cover letter
• Building a strong introduction for your business cover letter
• Making your business skills and accomplishments stand out
• Writing a persuasive conclusion
• Avoiding common mistakes on a business cover letter
• Average salary and job outlook for business professionals
• Business resources for job seekers

1. How to properly format your business cover letter

A well-structured business cover letter goes beyond impressive content. Equally crucial is how you package your message, here's how to do it right:

• Consistent font and size: Stick to a single, professional font type throughout your cover letter. Typical business-standard fonts include Times New Roman, Arial, and Calibri at font sizes 10-12.
• Appropriate margins: Set 1-inch margins on all sides to give plenty of white space, making your letter easier to read.
• Single spacing: Ideally, keep the body of your cover letter single-spaced with a space between each paragraph. 
• Contact information: At the top-left corner of your cover letter, include your full name, address, phone number, and email address. For email cover letters, this information can go after your signature.
• Clear sections: Divide your cover letter into clear sections — introduction, body, and conclusion. This gives it a coherent and professional structure.

Lastly, don't forget to proofread your letter to catch any errors or typos. Remember, your business cover letter is your first impression. Make it count!

Keeping these formatting tips in mind will ensure your business cover letter is both smooth to read and easy to navigate.

Create your cover letter fast with artificial intelligence.

2. how to write an effective business cover letter header.

The header of your business cover letter sits at the topmost part of the document. It contains crucial contact details and sets the tone for your letter. So, what exactly should your header contain ? Let's delve in.

Your header should include:

• Your full name
• Your mailing address
• Your phone number
• Your professional email address
• Date of the letter
• Full name and title of the hiring manager
• Company name
• Company mailing address

Now, let's have a look at a couple of examples to differentiate the correct and incorrect ways of formatting:

Incorrect business cover letter header example

[email protected] 1234567 ABC Company Today’s date

Why is this a weak header? It lacks essential information such as your full name, your and the employer's address, and the proper positioning of these details. It's also missing the hiring manager's name and lacks structure.

Correct business cover letter header example

John Doe 167 My Street My City, State, Zip Phone: (123) 456-7890 Email: [email protected] [Today’s Date]

To: Ms. Jane Smith ABC Company 123 Their Street Their City, State, Zip

Why is this a strong cover letter header? In this example, all necessary information is included. The contact information for both the jobseeker and hiring manager is well laid out with clear structure, making it easy for the recruiter to reach out if necessary. 

Remember that the header sets the stage for your business cover letter. And so, it’s definitely worth spending some time getting it right!

3. How to write a compelling cover letter headline

After shaping a professional header, let's focus on the next crucial element: your cover letter headline . This component, particularly important in email applications, serves as your letter's "front door," enticing the reader to enter and explore further. Here's how to make it impactful:

• Be brief but compelling
• Clearly state your intent, including the job title or reference number if available
• Be professional — avoid using slang, jargon or overly casual language

Now, let's look at a few examples of weak and strong cover letter headlines:

Weak business cover letter headline examples

• Job Application
• Resume Attached
• Ready to Get to Work!

Why are these incorrect? They lack specificity. These examples don't mention the role you're applying for and are overly generic ("Job Application", "Resume Attached"). What’s more, "Hello! Ready to Get to Work!" is simply too informal and unprofessional. 

Strong business cover letter headline examples

• Certified SEA Specialist John Doe Applying for Digital Marketing Role
• Bilingual Customer Service Professional for Account Manager Role
• Project Manager with 5 Years in Tech Seeking New Challenges

Why are these examples correct? These headlines are not only concise but also indicative of what's to come in the letter body. They mention the role targeted, offer a quick peek into the candidate's qualifications or unique selling points (certification, bilingual skills, industry specific experience), and thus add an intriguing layer to the professionalism. 

Remember, a powerful headline is essentially your “elevator pitch” — it should succinctly celebrate your most relevant strengths and hint at the potential value you could bring to the role.

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4. How to customize the greeting in your business cover letter

Personalizing the greeting in your business cover letter is more than just a polite formality — it's a subtle yet powerful way to convey respect and show that you've put in the effort to research the company . 

Why is it important? A personalized greeting creates a connection, demonstrating that you're not just sending a generic application but you've taken the time to tailor your letter to this specific job and company. 

But where do you find the name of the hiring manager? Here are some sources:

• The job listing: Sometimes, the name of the hiring manager may be given in the job advertisement.
• Company website: Many companies have a team page on their website where they list key personnel.
• LinkedIn: This professional networking site is a treasure trove of such information.
• Call or email: If you can't find the information online, it may be worth making a quick phone call or sending an email to the company to ask.

Let's look at examples of personalized greetings

• Dear Hiring Manager Nelly Johnson,
• Dear Mrs. Johnson,
• Dear Nelly Johnson,

Now, what if you've searched everywhere and still can't find a name ? Here are some general, yet respectful, greetings you could use:

• Dear Hiring Manager, — It's direct and applicable to any job application.
• Dear [Company Name] Team, — Best used when you're unsure who'll be reading your cover letter, but know it'll be a team. 
• To Whom It May Concern, — A traditional phrase for unknown recipients. Use it sparingly, as it can appear overly formal or outdated.

Remember, the goal of a personalized greeting is to start the letter on a respectful note, conveying your attention to detail and respect for the reader.

5. How to write a strong introduction to your business cover letter

The opening lines of your business cover letter carry a weighty task. They serve as a gateway into your professional story and set the stage for what's to follow. This section, typically includes:

• A quick introduction of yourself, comprising a brief overview of your professional and academic history
• A clear statement on why you're applying for this particular role
• A mention of a mutual connection, if applicable

Let's delve into examples showcasing what to avoid and tips for both experienced professionals and fresh graduates:

Incorrect business cover letter introduction example

I'm writing to apply for the Business Analyst position. I have a degree in Business and I’d love to get this job.

Why is this a weak intro? This introduction lacks enthusiasm and fails to convey any unique skills or reasons why the candidate wants the specific job.

Correct introduction for an experienced professional

As a seasoned Business Analyst with a Master’s in Business Analytics and over 10 years of experience in improving operational efficiency, I was excited to find the opening at XYZ Corporation. Having long admired your commitment to innovation, I am eager to contribute my strategic insights and implement solutions that drive growth.

Why is this a strong cover letter introduction? This example showcases the candidate's qualifications, explains why they are applying, and reflects an understanding of the company's values, showing both purpose and passion.

Swinging the spotlight over to fresh graduates now, let's examine how your intro can become a dynamic showcase of your academic prowess and enthusiasm for professional growth:

Business cover letter introduction for a fresh graduate

Greetings, my name is Susan and as a recent Business Graduate from ABC University, top of my class, I am eager to apply my theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. The entry-level Business Analyst role at XYZ Corporation seems like the perfect opportunity because of your focus on mentorship and professional growth.

Why is this a great opening? Fresh graduates may not have much professional experience, but this intro turns that into a positive. It highlights academic credentials, explains why the specific role is appealing, and showcases understanding of the company's ethos.

Remember, your introduction isn't just about stating who you are. It's about grabbing attention, sparking interest, and compelling the hiring manager to continue reading.

6. How to highlight your top business skills and accomplishments

The heart of your business cover letter lies in its body — it's where the spotlight falls on your skills, achievements , and qualifications.

Format it as a concise and easy-to-read narrative, spanning one to two paragraphs. Make use of bullet points to showcase multiple achievements, but keep it down to a maximum of three to five. Your aim is to make a strong case for why you are the right person for the job.

When highlighting your skills , focus on those most relevant to the position you're applying for and which align with the main requirements listed in the job ad. 

Some relevant skills for a business professional might include

• Strategic planning
• Project management
• Financial acumen
• Business development
• Analytical thinking
• Collaboration & team leadership
• Excellent communication

When it comes to achievements, quantify them wherever possible. Use numbers , percentages, or other specific metrics to demonstrate the impact you've made.

Cover letter body paragraph example for an experienced professional

In my role as Business Development Manager at ABC Corp, I implemented strategic initiatives that resulted in a 20% increase in annual revenue. My passion for fostering profitable relationships helped secure four major account contracts. I also led a team that successfully introduced a new product line, which boosted our market share by 15%.

Now, if you're a newbie without extensive experience, don't fret. Focus on your academic achievements, internships, or voluntary work that demonstrate transferable skills. Mention relevant coursework, projects, or case studies you've worked upon during your studies.

Cover letter body paragraph example for a fresh graduate

During my final year at XYZ University, my group won the top prize in the business strategy competition. We formulated a comprehensive go-to-market strategy for a hypothetical product, which was praised for its innovation and detailed understanding of market dynamics. Additionally, my internship at DEF Ltd. allowed me to work on a potentially disruptive business model and honed my analytical skills.

Remember, the body of your cover letter should not just echo your resume; it should supplement it with a narrative that brings out your passion, personality, and professional strengths .

7. How to craft a persuasive conclusion for your business cover letter

Wrapping up your business cover letter with a strong conclusion is as essential as a dynamic opening. It's your final pitch, your closing argument that reinforces your interest in the role and leaves a lasting, positive impression.

Your conclusion should include:

• A reiteration of your interest in the role and the company
• How and when you can be reached. This could be your email address, phone number, or both
• A statement suggesting when you would like to hear from them, if applicable
• Your plan to follow up
• A formal and polite sign-off

Remember, the aim of this closing part is to reinforce your eagerness for the role, politely push for the next steps, and provide easy ways for the employer to contact you.

Here's an example of a strong cover letter conclusion

In conclusion, I'm excited about the opportunity to bring my unique mix of experience, skills, and passion to XYZ Corp as your new Business Analyst. I'm ready to leverage my analytical abilities and strategic insights for the growth and success of your team. 

You can reach me at [email protected] or (123) 456-7890. I hope to hear from you by next week, but if I don’t, I will take the initiative to follow up. 

Thank you once again for considering my application. 

Sincerely, 

[Your Name]

In essence, a conclusion is the ribbon that ties your cover letter together, creating a neat, persuasive, and memorable package for the recruiter. Make it count!

8. How to avoid common mistakes on a business cover letter

Despite good intentions, many business professionals unwittingly fall into traps that weaken their cover letters . But with a little caution, these common missteps can be avoided. Let's explore:

• Using a generic template: While templates can be handy, if used indiscriminately, they rob your cover letter of individuality. Solution: Customize your letter for each application, reflecting the specific role and company values.
• Repeating your resume: Your cover letter should complement your resume , not replicate it. Solution: Use your cover letter to share your story, explain context, or delve deeper into key achievements.
• Neglecting company research: Failing to demonstrate an understanding of the company shows a lack of initiative. Solution: Do your homework about the company and articulate why you're a good match for not only the role, but also the company culture.
• Making it all about you: While it’s important to showcase your skills and qualifications, the cover letter should balance this with how you'll add value to the company. Solution: Make the connection between your abilities and the company's needs clear.
• Overlooking typos/mistakes: Even the smallest typo can suggest a lack of attention to detail. Solution: Proofread your cover letter multiple times. Consider using proofreading tools or having someone else review it for a fresh perspective.
• Being overly formal: While maintaining a professional tone is crucial, an overly formal tone can make your letter seem impersonal. Solution: Use a conversational but professional tone to add warmth to your writing.
• Writing lengthy paragraphs: Large blocks of text can deter the reader. Solution: Break down content into shorter paragraphs or bullet points for ease of reading.

Remember, an effective business cover letter is not just error-free, but also personalized, focused, and reflective of your professional brand.

9. Average salary and outlook for business professionals

For those angling their career compass towards business and financial sectors, the future looks promising. Drawing from the freshest data, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a growth rate in this sector that outpaces the average across all professions from 2022 through 2032.

This positive trend signals a sea of job opportunities in the industry. The numbers speak volumes, with a whopping 911,400 job openings predicted annually on average in these fields.

Rewarding compensation comes hand in hand with these opportunities. As of May 2022, business and financial professionals could expect a median annual wage of $76,850 . As a comparison, this figure notably surpasses the median yearly wage for all occupations, which is pegged at $46,310. 

In a nutshell, for those looking at a career in business, the rising job prospects coupled with lucrative salaries make this sector a promising and fulfilling path to consider in the foreseeable future.

10. Essential business resources for job seekers

In the competitive landscape of business, having a stellar resume and cover letter is just the starting point. To stay ahead, you need to tap into resources that can help you not only land your dream job but also pioneer your ongoing professional journey. Here are a few resources you should be considering:

• LinkedIn: This professional networking platform is a treasure trove for job seekers, from connecting with potential employers to exploring job postings. What’s more, you can now turn your LinkedIn profile into a polished resume within a few seconds.
• Job boards: Job boards such as Indeed or Glassdoor allow you to search for vacancies across industries and locations, offer company reviews, and even provide estimates on salary expectations.
• Industry-related groups and forums: Joining groups and forums related to business and finance can give you insights into what's new in your field and who's hiring — for instance, groups on Facebook , Reddit , or LinkedIn .
• Professional associations: Being a part of associations such as the American Business Women’s Association or Business Professionals of America can offer networking opportunities, job listings, and professional development resources.
• Local chamber of commerce: Your local Chamber of Commerce can provide valuable networking opportunities, workshops, and information about local businesses. 
• Career fairs: Attending career fairs puts you in direct contact with potential employers. Be prepared with your "elevator pitch" about who you are and your qualifications.
• Online webinars and workshops: E-learning platforms such as Coursera , Udemy , or SkillShare  offer various business and finance related webinars and workshops. These platforms not only help you hone your skills but also often feature job opportunities, allowing industry professionals to connect directly with potential employers.

Remember, it’s vital to stay agile and open to opportunities in today’s dynamic business world. These resources can provide you with the edge you need to navigate the business career landscape successfully, keeping you informed, connected, and ready to seize opportunities with both hands.

Business Cover Letter FAQ

How long should my business cover letter be.

Keep your business cover letter concise and impactful; ideally, it should be no more than one page long and contain three to four short paragraphs.

Should I include a photo on my business cover letter?

No, it's typically not recommended to include a photo on your cover letter. Stay professional by focusing on your skills and qualifications.

What if the job advertisement does not ask for a business cover letter?

Even if not explicitly requested, it's a good idea to include a cover letter. A well-written cover letter provides an opportunity to showcase your motivation, skills and qualifications in a personalized narrative.

Should I use business jargon in my cover letter?

While it's good to demonstrate your knowledge of the industry, avoid using excessive jargon. Keep your language clear, professional, and accessible — remember, the person reading your letter might not be familiar with industry-specific terminologies.

Should I use the same cover letter for every job application?

No, it's important to tailor each cover letter to the specific job you are applying for. Highlight skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job at hand, and take the opportunity to show your knowledge of and interest in the specific company.

Julia Belak

Julia is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) and an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Career Coaches (PARWCC™). She is also a passionate translator and graphic designer. Julia holds degrees in translation and interpretation and has international work experience in various countries across Europe, as well as in China and Panama. Julia formerly taught academic writing and contributed as a graphic designer to outlets such as The Business of Business. You'll often find her with a book in one hand and a specialty coffee in the other, always on the lookout for new insights.

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3 cover letter examples to help you catch a hiring manager’s attention

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What’s a cover letter?

What does a cover letter include, 3 cover letter samples to make your own, 3 more tips for a winning cover letter, letter for success.

You studied the job application, polished your resume, and are ready to hit “send.” But before you do, you need to craft a cover letter to support your candidacy. 

A hiring manager’s job is to quickly gauge whether you have the know-how to fit the roles and responsibilities of a job. And they also want to know if you possess soft skills that bring value to company culture and the business as a whole. Every document you send to a potential employer should prove you’re the best person for the job. 

Your resume or CV showcases your professional development based on skills and work experience. But the best resumes are concise, with bullet points that lead the reader to the most important information. You often don’t have enough space to truly express your value.

A good cover letter is an opportunity to highlight your experience and display your workplace personality . It gives a hiring manager a taste of what it’ll be like to work with you — and going the extra mile shows you’re genuinely interested in the job description.

To help you write a successful application for your dream job, here’s information around cover letters plus three cover letter examples to adapt to your needs. 

A professional cover letter is a document you submit to a hiring manager or recruiter with your application. It’s a persuasive letter that dives deeper into your skills and experience. 

But an effective cover letter should do more than just copy and paste the content of your resume. It describes how you’ll use those skills on the job. You can highlight your most relevant personal achievements and speak directly about the value proposition you’ll bring to the company.

Think of your cover letter like a movie trailer. It should make an engaging first impression , tell an exciting story , and entice the hiring manager to learn more about you. 

Many people dread writing cover letters . They take time to compose, and you never know if hiring managers will actually take the time to read them. But submitting one at all shows the company that you’re serious about earning a position , proving you’re a high-quality applicant who cares about the job.

Most professional emails and letters follow the same format, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Typically, a cover letter is between 250 and 400 words and fits onto one page. 

You can send a cover letter in three ways: as an email attachment, in the body of an email, or as part of an online application. Pay careful attention to the instructions in the job posting .

Some companies may prefer a specific file attachment for easy internal sharing, and sending the right format tells the hiring manager you have an eye for detail and take direction. 

Here’s an example of what you’ll find in a basic cover letter template:

Header with contact information: Let your reader know who you are, with your full name and professional email address at the top of the page. You may include additional information like a personal website or LinkedIn profile , location, and contact information like a phone number. 

Opening paragraph: Begin with a professional salutation . Research the company and try to find the hiring manager or recruiter's name to demonstrate professionalism and due diligence. Your opening paragraph should be a quick show of gratitude that thanks them for their time and consideration. 

Body: Your second and third paragraphs should tell an engaging story introducing you as a person and an employee.

This might include a relevant anecdote about why you’re interested in the company and a personal achievement that connects the role to your professional development goals .

Always tie in skills and keywords from the job posting, and consider researching the company’s core values and wrapping them into the text. 

The closing sale: Your final paragraph should reiterate your main selling points, demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job, and thank the person for their consideration. Conclude with an appropriate email sign-off . 

Professional communication should be short and to the point, whether you’re writing an out-of-office message , letter of interest , or promotion announcement . Developing a cover letter format that self-promotes your best qualities without losing your reader’s attention requires careful, purposeful writing. 

To write your own, here are three examples to edit based on your needs and the new job's requirements:

1. Simple cover letter template for an entry-level job

This basic application letter tells a hiring manager or recruiter what they need to know about your potential, even without years of experience.

It shows off important soft skills like enthusiasm, initiative , and goal-setting that provide insights into the type of worker you are. This cover letter also highlights necessary information and your unique value proposition. 

[your name]

[email address]

Dear [hiring manager’s name], 

I hope this letter finds you well. Thank you for considering me for the [position] at [company name]. As a recent college graduate with a [degree title], I’m eager and excited to enter the workforce. 

I’m a creative and innovative person who excels in [type of work]. When deciding what major to choose, I found that [topic] was a career path that allowed me to nurture my natural critical thinking abilities and find out-of-the-box solutions.

At school, I balanced my coursework between [subject], [subject], and [subject], whic h helped grow my passion for [industry]. That led me to find [company name], an organization I really admire for its [attributes and company goals].

While wrapping up my degree, I completed an internship at [company name] as part of [department]. The experience tested my understanding of [topic] with real-life scenarios and proved that I excel equally in independent research and fast-paced, collaborative environments.

It cemented my motivation to continue to push my career in this direction, and I hope to continue my work with your team.

Thank you again for taking the time to read my application. I hope to have the opportunity to interview and discuss more about the job, along with how I can contribute to [company name]’s goals. I have attached my resume and am happy to provide you with professional references . 

Sincerely, 

[LinkedIn profile URL]

2. Creative cover letter template for an internal promotion

A great cover letter grabs a hiring manager's attention like a gripping story, and this is especially true when you’re already passionate about the company you work for.

This cover letter provides an emotional hook and supports itself with specific examples that promote the right experience level, attitude, and know-how for an internal promotion .

Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the [job title] opening. Having dedicated the past [number] years to working on [previous team], I feel deeply connected to [company name]’s mission and culture.

I’m ready to take the expertise I’ve learned in my current [title] role to contribute to the success of the business in new ways while also pushing my own career growth forward.

If you’re unfamiliar with my work, last summer, I supported [project] and used my [skills] to bring it to fruition. Building a [type of project] from the ground up and working strategically across [fields] was an eye-opening and formative new experience, and it taught me [more specific skills].

I’m proud to say we [achievements with metrics], and I know I can bring that expertise to [new position],

While I have enjoyed the challenge of [previous title], that experience taught me that I excel with [skills], which I know I can apply to [new title]. I'm ready to translate my knowledge of [topic] to a more wide-reaching role handling [new responsibilities].

The creativity , collaboration, and flexibility I’ve shown in my current role show that I’m up for the next challenge. 

Thank you again for inviting me to apply. I look forward to this opportunity to continue pushing our company toward success. 

3. Best cover letter template for a freelancer or contractor

For a contract or freelance job, a hiring manager wants to know that you’re thoughtful, competent, and independent enough to finish your work on time without too much guidance.

Similar to a letter of intent , researching the company and drawing parallels to your skills and experience will capture the hiring manager’s attention.

I hope you’re doing well. I’m excited to apply for the [contract role] you’ve posted. 

With [number] years of experience working independently for a wide range of companies, including startups, small businesses, and national brands, I have a proven ability to adapt my skills to any business model and complete [type of work] that meets your goals. 

Throughout my career, I’ve always prioritized working with companies that emphasize impact beyond their bottom line. Your commitment to [company values] speak directly to the values guiding my work.

I’m confident we can develop the solutions you’re looking for [cite goal listed in the job post, like increasing market share] while respecting the ethos of our work philosophies.

As a [job title or topic], I’ve worked with nearly [number] brands and continue to regularly consult with [number]. My approach is [describe work ethos]. I value quality over quantity. Building trust and long-term relationships while contributing truly valuable work is what matters most. 

I’m fluent in [skill], stay on top of emerging AI technologies, and thrive on [skill/topic]. My top concern is always making the right recommendation for the client, not the market.

I pride myself on my adaptability and ability to tease out the best strategy for my clients. Over the past year, my work has contributed to over [number] in net profits for clients of a similar size to your own. 

I’m eager to hear more about your long-term objectives and bring my expertise to your mission. 

Best regards,

[professional website URL]

Remember that a cover letter is specific to the job and to your experience, and even putting in just five extra minutes of effort can show a potential employer you care. Here are some extra tips to make sure your application is perfect:

Prepare ahead of time: There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all application. The perfect resume is specific to the job search, responsibilities, and company you’re applying to — and the same goes for your cover letter.

Read the job post thoroughly for keywords and use them to guide your writing. Incorporating company language into your own will show that you fit the team. 

Double-check your work: Misspellings, grammar mistakes, and inconsistent formatting can ruin your chances of getting an interview . Small or consistent errors insinuate that you lack effort and care.

Ask a colleague to give it a read-through to make sure you're effectively representing yourself. Likewise, run your final draft through a grammar app to ensure punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure are perfect. 

Use a cover letter builder: If you’re drawing a blank on the best cover letter design or can’t find the right words, lean on available online tools. You can use a professional cover letter template on a resume builder site to guide you and ensure you check off all the right boxes for a hiring manager. 

While your resume highlights your skills in a structured format, the cover letter gives you more freedom to showcase your positive personality traits , celebrate your achievements, and impress a potential employer. While not every job will require a cover letter, it’s never a bad idea to go the extra mile to make a case for yourself as the best candidate. 

Now that you have several cover letter examples, it’s time to get writing. Research the company, study the role, and draw the right parallels between its needs and your abilities. It could be just the motivation for a hiring manager to give your resume a little extra attention — and for you to land your next job. 

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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.

How to write a great cover letter in 2024: tips and structure

Character references: 4 tips for a successful recommendation letter, write thank you letters after interviews to stand out as job applicant, send a thank you email after an internship to boost your career, use professional reference templates to make hiring smoother, how to ask for a letter of recommendation (with examples), how to write an impactful cover letter for a career change, chatgpt cover letters: how to use this tool the right way, how to quit a part-time job: 5 tips to leave on good terms, learn how to introduce yourself: examples to make a good impression, tips and tricks for writing a letter of interest (with examples), how to close a cover letter (with 25+ eye-catching examples), how to write a letter of recommendation (with examples), 3 essential traits for leaders in turbulent times, stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

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Business Cover Letter Examples and Templates for 2024

• Cover Letter Examples
• Cover Letter Text Examples

How To Write a Business Cover Letter

In today’s competitive job market, a strong business cover letter can make all the difference in securing interviews. As a business professional, think of your cover letter as a value proposition or proposal. Start by identifying the company’s needs and how your unique skills and industry knowledge can help the business grow and excel. Then, provide tangible examples of you successfully achieving positive business outcomes throughout your career. Below are business cover letter examples and expert tips to help translate your career into an impactful marketing document.

Business Cover Letter Templates and Examples

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

Business Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples

Allison Rosenberg Financial Analyst Intern | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Seattle, WA 12345 | LinkedIn

January 1, 2024

Caleb Johnson Hiring Manager Fidelity (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Mr. Johnson,

As a financial analyst intern at Seattle Investments, I had the opportunity to work with a team of financial analysts to evaluate financial data for potential acquisitions. This experience allowed me to develop expertise in investment strategy and market analysis, making me an ideal candidate for the financial analyst position with your organization.

Fidelity’s reputation for challenging the status quo and driving innovation resonates with me as a business professional. I can bring a fresh perspective to Fidelity based on some of my early career experiences:

• Supported the financial analysts in evaluating company financials and determining risk factors for potential acquisitions, which included conducting business modeling
• Participated in meetings with the finance team and contributed to presentations outlining financial data on the growth potential of businesses
• Received coaching and mentorship from seasoned financial analysts and expanded knowledge of investment strategies and risk management

I hope to schedule an interview with you to provide more insights into how my financial analysis experience can aid your organization. You can contact me at your convenience with any questions you have about my background. I appreciate your consideration.

Best regards,

Allison Rosenberg

Yaling Zhang Business Operations Analyst | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Portland, OR 12345 | LinkedIn

Roger Smith Hiring Manager Portland Med Device Inc. (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Mr. Smith,

I’m interested in applying for the business operations manager position with Portland Med Device Corporation. During my time with SouthWest Medical, I analyzed critical business operations and identified process improvement opportunities for a leading manufacturer of medical devices. My experience within the health care manufacturing space could be a strong asset to your organization.

Portland Med Device Corporation’s reputation for operational excellence is what draws me to apply for this opportunity. I am confident my ability to identify creative business solutions would bring value to your company based on my career achievements:

• Evaluated critical business operations, identified process gaps, and proposed business solutions to streamline product delivery, which reduced costs by 10%
• Analyzed resource allocation for manufacturing processes and recommended enhancements to staffing, which reduced labor costs by $60,000 per year
• Developed financial reports for senior leadership on findings and attended meetings with the business operations team to discuss process improvement opportunities

I look forward to speaking with you regarding how my business analysis expertise can refine operations and reduce costs for your organization. You may contact me via phone or email for any additional questions you may have about my background. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yaling Zhang

Jake Robertson  Business Manager | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | New York, NY 98122 | LinkedIn

Jessica Rivera Senior Hiring Manager Brooklyn Beverage Co. (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Ms. Rivera,

I’m reaching out regarding the Business Operations Director role with Brooklyn Beverage Co. As a Senior Business Manager for New York Brewing, I defined pricing strategy and conducted business planning for a craft beverage product line generating over $20 million in annual revenue. I am confident that my expertise in business strategy will allow me to achieve similar results for your organization.

Brooklyn Beverage Co’s reputation for its innovative craft beer and seltzer products is what draws me to apply for this position. With over 10 years of experience within the food and beverage industry, I can offer unique insights to help you expand your market share. Below, you’ll find some of my prior career achievements:

• Defined pricing strategy for a suite of craft beer beverage products based on competitor analysis and identified opportunities to enhance product efficiency, resulting in a 40% increase in sales
• Negotiated with vendors to secure optimal pricing for production materials and ingredients, which reduced costs by $500,000 over two years
• Managed profit and loss (P&L) valued at over $10 million, analyzed company financials, defined strategies to aid the business in scaling operations, and improved margins by 5%

I hope to hear back from you soon for an interview to tell you more about how my expertise in the beverage industry can aid the growth of Brooklyn Beverage Co. Feel free to contact me at your convenience to schedule a time via phone or email. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Jake Robertson

To write an engaging business cover letter, your content should reflect the potential value you can bring to prospective employers. Start by analyzing the job description and identifying the needs of the organization you’re applying to. For example, suppose a company is seeking a candidate for a business analyst position. In this situation, emphasize how you’ve leveraged data analytics to identify new business opportunities, financial trends, and potential risk factors. Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to walk you through every section of a business cover letter:

1. Contact information and salutation

The header of your business cover letter should list all essential contact information, including your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn URL. It’s also important to address the hiring manager by name — Mr. or Ms. [Last Name]. If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager.” This adds a personal touch to your business cover letter and shows that you’ve done your research before applying.

2. Introductory paragraph

Create a strong opening paragraph to introduce yourself and convey your interest in the position. Lead with an eye-catching achievement backed with a strong metric to draw the hiring manager in at the start of your business cover letter. Be sure to highlight specific skill sets or qualifications that match the job description.

For instance, if a company is seeking a candidate with a strong background in change management, you might include an example of you transforming business processes and strategy to drive long-term growth and profitability.

I’m reaching out regarding the Business Operations Director role with Brooklyn Beverage Co. As a senior business manager for New York Brewing, I defined pricing strategy and conducted business planning for a craft beverage product line generating over $20 million in annual revenue. I am confident that my expertise in business strategy will allow me to achieve similar results for your organization.

3. Body paragraphs

In the body paragraphs of your business cover letter, continue to showcase your qualifications for the position. Mention something specific about the company’s reputation, products, or culture and why this draws you to apply for the opportunity. This displays your genuine interest in the organization and can help your application stand out during the job search.

Next, create a list of bullet points featuring achievements from your work experience to demonstrate your financial and business expertise. Provide basic context for the accomplishment and include hard numbers for the results. If you can’t quantify an achievement, only list it if you can explain the value it brought to the company.

Brooklyn Beverage Co’s reputation for its innovative craft beer and seltzer products draws me to apply for this position. With over 10 years of experience within the food and beverage industry, I can offer unique insights to help you expand your market share. Below, you’ll find some of my prior career achievements:

• Managed P&L valued at over $10 million, analyzed company financials, defined strategies to aid the business in scaling operations, and improved margins by 5%

4. Key skills and qualifications

It’s not advisable to provide a list of key skills on your business cover letter, as this section should already be covered thoroughly in your resume. That said, it’s important to show hiring managers how you’ve applied your business knowledge to generate results throughout your career. As you build your content, be sure to infuse key terms from the job posting into your paragraphs. Below is a list of skills you may encounter while applying for business-related positions:

5. Closing section

Think of your conclusion as a call to action. Invite the hiring manager to schedule you for an interview or for additional information on your background. Reinforce how your business knowledge could be a strong asset to their team. Be sure to thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration in the last sentence of the paragraph.

Business Cover Letter Tips

1. emphasize your business acumen.

To make your cover letter stand out, focus on your business acumen and experience using tangible examples from your career. Demonstrate your ability to define business strategies based on market indicators and operational capabilities. Show potential employers that you can bring a fresh perspective to their organization and help their business scale.

2. Quantify your business achievements

When detailing your career achievements, be sure to incorporate hard numbers, metrics, and monetary figures to establish a sense of scope for your contributions. In addition to drawing the reader’s eye, numbers help to paint a clearer picture of your professional experience for the hiring manager. This is especially important for business-related roles, as companies will want to see you analyze and interpret financial data effectively.

3. Feature your leadership capabilities

Leadership and management skills are essential for many business occupations. As you craft your content, demonstrate your ability to manage personnel, interface with cross-functional teams, and communicate effectively with diverse clients. Provide examples of you mentoring team members and building strategic business partnerships. This shows you’re a dynamic candidate with both strong interpersonal and business management skills.

Business Cover Letter FAQs

How do i make my business cover letter stand out -.

To differentiate yourself from other applicants, highlight specific aspects of your business background that align with the job description. Generic content won’t make a lasting impression on the hiring manager. They want to see examples of how you can help their company reduce costs and improve profitability.

Why should I include a business cover letter? -

Not every job will ask for a cover letter, but including one is never a bad idea, especially if it’s properly tailored to the company you’re applying to. This allows you to convey why you’re the right fit for the organization’s culture and display the nuances of your industry expertise as a business professional.

How long should my business cover letter be? -

It’s best to keep your cover letter concise, limited to only three or four paragraphs. Think of your cover letter as a value proposition or business proposal. The goal is to capture the hiring manager’s attention by highlighting your most relevant and marketable skill sets. An overabundance of content can distort your sales pitch and make it difficult for the reader to see the value you can bring to the company.

Craft a new cover letter in minutes

Get the attention of hiring managers with a cover letter tailored to every job application.

Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

Check Out Related Examples

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• How to Write a Resume Learn More
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How to Write a Cover Letter

by Amy Gallo

Summary .   

Perhaps the most challenging part of the job application process is writing an effective cover letter. And yes, you should send one. Even if only one in two cover letters gets read, that’s still a 50% chance that including one could help you. Before you start writing, find out more about the company and the specific job you want. Next, catch the attention of the hiring manager or recruiter with a strong opening line. If you have a personal connection with the company or someone who works there, mention it in the first sentence or two, and try to address your letter to someone directly. Hiring managers are looking for people who can help them solve problems, so show that you know what the company does and some of the challenges it faces. Then explain how your experience has equipped you to meet those needs. If the online application doesn’t allow you to submit a cover letter, use the format you’re given to demonstrate your ability to do the job and your enthusiasm for the role.

No one likes job hunting. Scouring through online job listings, spiffing up your résumé , prepping for grueling interviews  — none of it is fun. For many, the most challenging part of the process is writing an effective cover letter. There’s so much conflicting advice out there, it’s hard to know where to start. Do you even need one, especially if you’re applying through an online system?

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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)

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• Career Blog

Writing a Winning Job Application Letter: Tips and Examples

A job application letter, also known as a cover letter, is a formal letter that accompanies your resume and introduces you to a potential employer. The purpose of a job application letter is to highlight your qualifications, experience, and skills that make you the perfect candidate for the job. It also helps employers understand your personality, work ethic, and how you plan to contribute to their organization.

Importance of Customization

One of the key factors that can make or break your job application letter is how well you customize it to the specific job you are applying for. Employers want to see that you have taken the time to research their company and understand what they are looking for in a candidate. Customizing your letter also shows that you are genuinely interested in the job and that you are willing to put in the extra effort to stand out from other applicants.

Brief Overview of Key Sections

While job application letters can vary slightly depending on the job and industry, they typically contain four key sections:

Introduction: This section should include a brief introduction, the job you are applying for, and how you found out about it.

Qualifications: In this section, you should discuss your qualifications and experience that make you a good fit for the job. Be sure to tailor this section to the specific job requirements to show that you have the skills they are looking for.

Skills: Here, you should highlight your relevant skills and how they apply to the job. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your proficiency in each skill.

Closing: The closing paragraph should thank the employer for considering your application and provide contact information for them to reach you.

In this article, we will dive into each of these sections in more detail and provide tips and examples to help you write a winning job application letter.

Understand the Job Requirements

To write a winning job application letter, it is important to thoroughly understand the job requirements. This involves analyzing the job description and understanding the needs of the employer, as well as tailoring your letter to attract the specific employer.

A. Analyzing the Job Description

The job description provides you with valuable information about the position you are applying for. It outlines the required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities of the job. By analyzing the job description, you can determine if the role is a good fit for your experience and qualifications.

When analyzing the job description, it is important to pay attention to key phrases and requirements mentioned. These can give you insight into the priorities of the employer and allow you to tailor your application to meet those priorities.

B. Understanding the Needs of the Employer

To write a winning job application letter, it is also essential to understand the needs of the employer. This means researching the company and the industry to get a better understanding of the company culture, mission, and values. It also means understanding the desired outcome of the position and how you can address the employer’s needs.

One way to convey your understanding of the employer’s needs is to highlight relevant accomplishments in your application letter. By showing how you have successfully addressed similar challenges in the past, you can demonstrate your potential value to the employer.

C. Tailoring the Letter to Attract Specific Employer

Finally, to write a winning job application letter, it is important to tailor your letter to attract the specific employer. This means using language and examples that relate to the specific company and its values. It also means customizing your application letter to the specific job and its requirements.

To tailor your letter, take the time to research the company and its values. This can involve reviewing their website, social media, and other online resources. By addressing the specific needs and values of the employer, you can show that you are invested in the position and the company.

To write a winning job application letter, it is important to understand the job requirements, analyze the job description, understand the needs of the employer, and tailor the letter to attract the specific employer. By doing so, you can craft an application that stands out from the competition and showcases your value as a candidate.

Research the Company and Industry

Before writing your job application letter, it’s important to research the company and industry thoroughly to increase your chances of writing a winning letter. Here are three key areas to focus on:

A. Understanding the Mission, Vision, and Values of the Company

Make sure you take the time to research the company’s mission, vision, and values. This will help you understand the company’s goals and the qualities they look for in employees. You can find this information on the company’s website, social media pages or company annual report.

Incorporate the values and mission statement of the company into your job application letter. This highlights your alignment with the company culture, and how your beliefs and goals match that of the organization’s.

B. Identifying the Company’s Competition

Once you have an understanding of the company, you need to identify the company’s competition. Knowing who the competitors are can help you understand the industry as well as the company’s market share position.

List the company’s competitors in your job application letter and briefly explain how you see the company’s strengths overcoming the competitors’ weaknesses.

C. Industry Trends and How to Address Them

The final area to focus on when researching the company and industry is identifying current industry trends and how these trends may impact the company’s future. Use reputable sources to gather trends and predictions about the industry. This will also show the recruiter that you are not only familiar with their industry, but are engaging in informed discussion and contributing to innovative solutions.

Incorporate industry trends into your job application letter and showcase the ideas and innovations you bring, how leveraging them can enhance the company’s position and how you can contribute to any current and future challenges, for which the potential employer has yet to find a solution.

By researching and incorporating the above areas into your job application letter, you demonstrate a genuine interest in the organization and showcase clear understanding, innovative thought and how your expertise can improve the company’s performance.

Know Your Strengths and Skills

When writing a job application letter, it’s crucial to understand your unique selling proposition, relevant experience, and transferrable skills. This information will help you stand out from the other applicants and potentially land the job of your dreams.

A. Identifying Your Unique Selling Proposition

Your unique selling proposition (USP) is what sets you apart from the other candidates. It could be a specific skill, experience or personality trait that aligns with the company’s values and job requirements. Start by analyzing the job description and researching the company culture to identify what makes you an ideal candidate for the role.

Once you have identified your USP, use it as the main selling point in your job application letter. Highlight your strengths and skills and explain how they align with the job requirements and the company’s values. This will show the hiring manager that you are not just another candidate, but someone who has something valuable to offer.

B. Highlighting Your Relevant Experience and Accomplishments

Your work experience and achievements are essential in demonstrating your abilities and suitability for the job. When crafting your job application letter, focus on highlighting your relevant experience and accomplishments. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you have contributed in previous roles and how those skills could be applied to the new role you are applying for.

Be sure to use metrics whenever possible as numbers are a great way to showcase your achievements. For example, if you were able to increase sales revenue by 20% in your previous role, mention it in your letter. This will give the hiring manager a clear understanding of your capabilities and how they align with the job requirements.

C. Understanding How to Leverage Transferrable Skills

Transferrable skills are those abilities that you have gained from your previous experiences that are not necessarily related to the job you are applying for. They can be valuable in demonstrating your adaptability and ability to learn quickly.

When discussing your transferrable skills in your job application letter, highlight how they could be applied to the new role you are applying for. For example, if you have strong communication skills, explain how you could use that to effectively collaborate with team members and clients.

By understanding and leveraging your unique selling proposition, relevant experience and accomplishments, and transferrable skills, you can write a job application letter that stands out from the crowd. Remember to tailor your letter to the job requirements and company culture to increase your chances of success.

Address Gaps in Your Resume or Experience

When applying for a job, it’s important to consider any gaps in your resume or experience that might be a red flag for hiring managers. Addressing these gaps upfront can demonstrate your accountability and willingness to take ownership of your shortcomings.

A. Taking ownership of failings

If you have gaps in your work history or experience, don’t try to hide or make excuses for them. Instead, take ownership of any failings and show that you’re actively working to improve yourself. This could involve taking courses, pursuing certifications, or volunteering in relevant areas to gain hands-on experience.

B. Finding a workaround for unfilled requirements

Sometimes a job posting requires specific qualifications or experience that you don’t have. In these cases, it’s important to find a workaround that demonstrates your ability to still meet the employer’s needs. This could involve highlighting related experience or transferable skills that could compensate for the missing requirement. Alternatively, it might involve offering to take on additional training or work with a mentor to acquire the missing knowledge.

C. Highlighting transferable skills to counter an irrelevant job background

When applying for a job in a new industry or field, it’s common to have a background that might not seem directly relevant. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you’re unqualified for the role. By highlighting transferable skills, such as leadership, problem-solving, or communication, you can demonstrate your ability to adapt to new situations and learn quickly.

Addressing gaps in your resume or experience is an important aspect of writing a winning job application letter. By taking ownership of your failings, finding workarounds for unfilled requirements, and highlighting transferable skills, you can position yourself as a strong candidate and increase your chances of landing the job you want.

Crafting an Attention-grabbing Opening Paragraph

In the competitive job market, first impressions matter. The opening paragraph of your job application letter is your opportunity to make a positive and lasting impression on potential employers. In this section, we’ll explore the importance of crafting an attention-grabbing opening paragraph and provide tips and examples on how to do so.

A. Importance of First Impressions

Studies show that it takes less than 30 seconds for a recruiter or hiring manager to form an initial impression of a job candidate. This means that your opening paragraph is a critical component of your job application letter. Your goal is to capture the employer’s interest and convince them to continue reading.

B. Creative and Engaging Opening Lines

One effective way to capture the employer’s attention is by starting your letter with a creative and engaging opening line. This can be a quote, a personal story, a relevant statistic, or a bold statement. The key is to be authentic and genuine while still standing out from other applicants.

C. Strategies for Catching the Employer’s Attention

Beyond the opening line, there are several strategies you can use to further capture the employer’s attention. These include highlighting relevant skills and experience, demonstrating enthusiasm for the position and company, and connecting your qualifications to the job requirements.

By following these tips and examples, you can craft an attention-grabbing opening paragraph that sets you apart from the competition and piques the employer’s interest.

Highlighting Your Accomplishments

When it comes to writing a winning job application letter, highlighting your accomplishments is crucial. This allows potential employers to see the proven results that you can bring to their organization. Here are a few tips on how to effectively highlight your accomplishments:

A. Demonstrating Achievements in Previous Roles

One of the most effective ways to demonstrate your achievements is by highlighting your accomplishments in your previous roles. This shows that you have a track record of success and can bring that success to your next job. When highlighting your achievements, make sure to focus on results, not just responsibilities. Instead of stating that you managed a team, highlight the specific results that you achieved as a team leader.

For example, instead of saying, “Managed a team of 10 employees,” you could say, “Led a team of 10 employees to achieve a 25% increase in sales within the first quarter.” This shows the impact you had in your previous role and gives potential employers an idea of what you can achieve in their organization.

B. Using Data to Support Accomplishments

Using data to support your accomplishments is a powerful way to illustrate the impact you had in your previous roles. This could include data such as sales figures, customer satisfaction ratings, or employee retention rates. When using data, make sure to include specific numbers and percentages.

For example, instead of saying, “Improved customer satisfaction,” you could say, “Increased customer satisfaction ratings by 15% through implementing a new customer service training program.” This demonstrates the impact you had on the organization and the value you can bring to a potential employer.

C. Highlighting Relevant Certifications and Awards

Another way to highlight your accomplishments is by showcasing any relevant certifications or awards you have received. This shows that you have taken the time to invest in your professional development and have been recognized for your achievements.

When highlighting certifications and awards, make sure to explain why they are relevant to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a marketing position, highlighting your Google Analytics certification would be relevant as it demonstrates your analytics skills.

Highlighting your accomplishments is a crucial part of writing a winning job application letter. By demonstrating your achievements in previous roles, using data to support your accomplishments, and highlighting relevant certifications and awards, you can show potential employers the value you can bring to their organization.

Showcasing Your Writing Skills

When it comes to writing a winning job application letter, showcasing your exceptional writing skills is crucial to increase your chances of getting hired. Employers often look for applicants who have a way with words, can express themselves clearly, and can craft compelling content that leaves a lasting impression. Here are several ways to showcase your writing skills:

A. Highlighting experience in writing

One of the most effective ways to showcase your writing skills is to highlight your experience as a writer. This can include previous work experience in writing-related fields such as journalism, marketing, or content creation. If you have a writing degree, mention it. You can also share published articles or blog posts that you have written to demonstrate your skills in action. Highlighting relevant experience shows that you have the skills needed to excel in the role you are applying for.

B. Incorporating keywords

Incorporating keywords relevant to the job posting can also help showcase your writing skills. Employers often use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes and cover letters for specific keywords related to the position. By including these keywords, you can increase your chances of getting past the initial screening process and showcase your understanding of industry-specific language.

C. Proper grammar, spelling, and tone

Finally, it’s essential to ensure that your writing exhibits proper grammar, spelling, and tone. Errors in these areas can undercut the impact of your application letter and send the wrong message to your potential employer. Take the time to proofread your cover letter and resume carefully, and have someone else review them too. Double-check for proper punctuation, spelling errors, and that your tone fits the professional context.

Showcasing your writing skills is critical when applying for jobs, particularly those that require excellent communication skills. Highlighting relevant experience, incorporating keywords, and ensuring proper grammar, spelling, and tone are strategies that can help set you apart from other applicants and make a lasting impression on potential employers.

Using Power Words and Phrases

When writing a job application letter, it is essential to use powerful words and phrases that can help you stand out from the crowd. Here are some tips to help you select the right words:

A. Selecting Strong Action Words

Action words can help demonstrate your skills and experience effectively. Use verbs that showcase your achievements and contributions to your previous roles. For instance, rather than saying you “assisted” your team, use words such as “led,” “managed,” or “initiated” to emphasize your role in driving projects and initiatives forward.

B. Avoiding Common Clichés and Buzzwords

Although buzzwords and clichés may seem tempting, they could potentially undermine the impact of your letter. Instead of using cookie-cutter phrases like “I am a team player,” try to use specific examples to illustrate your ability to work collaboratively. Also, avoid jargon that may not be familiar to the reader and opt for straightforward language that can be easily understood.

C. Crafting Impactful and Persuasive Sentences

To make your letter more impactful and persuasive, use language that emphasizes your strengths and accomplishments. Start sentences with action words and focus on the results you have achieved. Also, be specific and illustrate your points with concrete examples that demonstrate your value to the prospective employer.

When writing your job application letter, make sure to choose powerful words that demonstrate your expertise and experience effectively. Avoid using clichés and buzzwords and instead focus on crafting persuasive and impactful sentences that showcase your strengths and contributions. By following these principles, you can create a compelling letter that increases your chances of landing the job you want.

Formatting and Presentation of Your Job Application Letter

When it comes to writing a winning job application letter, the presentation and formatting of the letter are just as important as the content. Here are some tips to ensure your letter looks professional and polished:

A. Ensure consistency in formatting

Make sure your letter has a consistent format throughout. This means using the same font and font size for the entire letter. Also, ensure that the margins and spacing are consistent from beginning to end.

B. Proper use of fonts, margins, and spacing

Use a standard font like Times New Roman or Arial, in a legible size (such as 11pt or 12pt). Be sure to use proper spacing between paragraphs and section headers. It’s important to have enough white space to make the letter easy to read, but not so much that it takes up unnecessary space.

C. Guidelines on length of the letter

Longer letters can seem rambling and may deter the hiring manager from reading the whole thing. Focus on the most important points and make them clear and succinct. Remember, your goal is to make a strong case for yourself as a candidate, not overwhelm the reader with information.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your job application letter looks professional, polished, and focused on what matters most – your qualifications for the job.

Sample Job Application Letter

Writing a winning job application letter is important if you’re looking to impress the hiring manager and land your dream job. In this section of the article, we’ll walk through a sample job application letter, analyze its strong points, and provide strategies to improve it.

A. Walk Through a Sample Job Application Letter

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the position of Marketing Manager at ABC Company, as advertised on [job board]. With over [number] years of experience in the marketing industry, I believe I have the skills and knowledge to succeed in this role and make a significant contribution to your team.

During my time at XYZ Company, I was responsible for developing and executing successful marketing campaigns that exceeded client expectations and resulted in increased ROI. My experience in digital marketing, social media management, and content creation have prepared me well for this role. I am highly adaptable, and I have a proven track record of implementing innovative strategies to achieve business objectives.

In addition, I am a strong communicator and collaborator, and I work well in cross-functional teams. I am confident that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate for the role of Marketing Manager at ABC Company.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

B. Analyzing the Strong Points in the Letter

The sample job application letter has several strong points:

• The candidate clearly expresses their interest in the position and summarizes their skills and experience in the marketing industry.
• The letter highlights the candidate’s successful track record in executing marketing campaigns and achieving business objectives.
• The candidate demonstrates their adaptability and ability to implement innovative strategies.
• The letter emphasizes the candidate’s communication and collaboration skills.

C. Strategies to Improve the Letter

To improve the sample job application letter, consider the following strategies:

• Start with a strong opening sentence that grabs the hiring manager’s attention, such as a personal anecdote or a statement about the company’s mission.
• Use specific examples of your achievements and accomplishments to demonstrate your value to the company.
• Customize your letter to the specific job and company by conducting research and referencing relevant company initiatives or values.
• Show enthusiasm and a willingness to learn by expressing interest in the company’s future projects or goals.

By implementing these strategies, you can enhance your job application letter and increase your chances of landing an interview with your dream company.

Writing a winning job application letter requires attention to detail, strong communication skills, and a clear understanding of the hiring company’s needs and values. By following these tips and analyzing examples such as the one above, you can take your job application letter to the next level and stand out from the competition.

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4 Cover Letter Examples (Plus Tips on How to Write Yours)

We love having examples. It’s so much easier to decorate a cake, build a model, or yes, even write a cover letter when you know what the end product could look like. So that’s what we’re going to give you—all the cover letter examples and tips you need to make yours shine (unfortunately we’re not experts in cake decorating or model building). 

You'll see that writing a cover letter is all about highlighting your relevant skills, professional experience, and accomplishments, while emphasizing your interest for the role in an engaging manner.

Want to get right down to business? Skip ahead to:

Why bother with a cover letter at all?

We bet when you see a job listing that says “ cover letter optional ,” you breathe a sigh of relief, gleefully submit your resume, and move on. But you’re truly doing yourself a disservice by not including a cover letter (or by writing one that’s super generic or formulaic).

“When you’re writing a resume you’re oftentimes confined by space, by resume speak, by keywords—you’re up against a lot of technical requirements,” says Melody Godfred, a career coach and the founder of Write in Color who’s read thousands of cover letters over the course of her career. “In a cover letter you have an opportunity to craft a narrative that aligns you not only with the position you’re applying to but also the company you’re applying to.”

Whether you’re writing a cover letter for a data scientist or marketing manager position, an internship or a senior-level role, a startup or a Fortune 500 company, you’re going to want to tailor it to the role, company, and culture. A strong, customized cover letter will help you explain your value proposition and stand out from the stack of applicants. 

If there’s a gap in your resume , you have the opportunity to explain why it’s there. If you’re changing careers, you have the chance to describe why you’re making the switch. If your resume is pretty dull, a cover letter helps you show some personality . And yes, cover letters still get read.

Deep in the job search, or just browsing? These open jobs on The Muse could be your ideal next step »

What do I write in a cover letter? The 3 basic elements

You'll notice from our cover letter examples that the body of your text can vary a lot depending on factors like the position you're applying for, your career stage, and the type of cover letter requested by the hiring manager. For instance, a writing sample cover letter is different from a traditional professional cover letter (we'll get there soon.)

However, there is some information that you can't leave out. It's important to highlight your most relevant experience, skills, and qualifications for the role in any type of cover letter. Plus, make sure to write an engaging first paragraph to grab the reader's attention, and an effective final paragraph, ideally followed by a call to action, in order to leave a lasting positive impression.

You could say that cover letters are a little like puzzles. When you put each component in its proper place (and remove any parts that don’t fit), you create a complete picture. Even though that picture is always different, the types of pieces are basically the same. We've broken down these three key elements for you:

1. An engaging opener

How you start a cover letter is everything. Your opening lines influence whether someone keeps reading—and you want them to, right? “Starting with something that immediately connects you to the company is essential—something that tells the company that this is not a generic cover letter,” Godfred says. “You have to say something that tells the employer, ‘I wrote this just for you.’”

It can be a childhood memory tying you back to the company’s mission. It can be a story about the time you fell in love with the company’s product. It can be an anecdote from another job or experience showing how hard of a worker you are. Whatever you decide to open with, make it memorable.

2. A clear pitch

Use the next few paragraphs of your cover letter to “hit them with the strongest results you have that are aligned with the opportunity,” Godfred says. Ryan Kahn , Muse career coach and founder of The Hired Group , calls this your pitch. In other words, the part where you’re “selling yourself for the position and why you’re qualified for it.”

Additionally, Godfred says, “If you’re someone who’s transitioning careers, and you need to explain that transition, you do it there.”

This section should have a balance of soft and hard skills . Talk about your experience using Salesforce or doing SEO work, but also highlight your ability to lead teams and communicate effectively.

“Companies are embracing authenticity, they’re embracing humanity, they’re looking for people who are going to fit their culture,” says Godfred. “So what are your values? What do you stand for? These values should be as much a part of your cover letter as the super specialized hard skills.

3. A great closing line

Your closing line could include your next steps or a call to action, Kahn says, such as “ I welcome the opportunity to speak with you more about how I can contribute to the team ,” or, “ I would love to schedule a time for us to discuss this role and my experience. ” But more importantly, “You want to make sure that you’re gracious and thanking them,” he says. While seemingly cliché , it never hurts to end on a simple, “ Thank you for your consideration. ”

Does that sound a bit overwhelming? Don’t panic! We’ve got examples of four types of cover letters below: a traditional cover letter , an impact cover letter , a writing sample cover letter , and a career change cover letter . So let’s take a look at these examples, why they work, and how you can use them to craft your own.

1. The traditional cover letter example

A traditional cover letter is similar to what you’d come up with using position-based cover letter templates . It moves in reverse chronological order through your career history, highlighting parts of your past jobs that make you well suited for this position.

You might want to use this type of cover letter if:

• You’re applying to a more formal company (like a law firm or major healthcare company ) or a more conventional role (like a lawyer or accountant).
• You want to play it safe and conservative with your application materials.

What does the job description say?

Imagine you’re applying to a paralegal job opening at a law firm. The job description might include:

Responsibilities

• Draft routine legal documents for review and use by attorneys
• Coordinate and organize materials and presentations for legal proceedings
• Research legal and related issues and report findings and conclusions to team
• Provide overall legal administrative support to the legal team
• Maintain calendars and ensure timely filings

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent of relevant education and work experience
• Strong communication skills (oral and written)
• Strong organizational , multitasking, and prioritization skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and LexisNexis
• Trustworthy, positive, energetic, and optimistic attitude with a willingness to roll up your sleeves

The cover letter example

Here’s an example of a traditional cover letter you could write for this role—keeping things strictly professional but without sounding too boring or jargon-y:

Dear Ms. Jessica Sanchez,

In my five-year career as a paralegal, I have honed my legal research and writing skills, and the attorneys I’ve worked with have complimented me on my command of case law and litigation support. Spiegel Law Firm’s 20 years in practice proves that the firm has strong values and excellent attorneys, and I’d be eager to join such a talented team.

I currently serve as a paralegal for Chandler, Chandler, and Greene, where I work closely with the partners on a number of high-priority cases. During my time here, I implemented a new calendar system that ensures timely filing of court papers. This system has prevented missed deadlines and allowed for better organization of internal and client meetings.

Previously, as a paralegal for the Neuerburg Law Firm, I received praise for my overall support of the legal team and my positive attitude. While working there, I came up with and implemented a plan for digitizing their old files while still ensuring security and privacy. This led to more efficiency when preparing for client meetings and legal proceedings.

My further qualifications include a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University, a paralegal certificate, and training in LexisNexis, Westlaw, and Microsoft Office Suite.

I would love the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your legal team. Thank you in advance for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Chase Broadstein [email protected] (222) 222-2222

Download this example

Why this works

This cover letter example is short, sweet, and to the point. It shows the candidate has a knack for getting things done in a thorough and timely manner and a track record for helping out wherever needed. The opening lines also express a genuine interest in this specific firm. Plus, there are some important keywords in there like “calendar system,” “bachelor’s degree,” “paralegal certificate,” and “LexisNexis.”

2. The impact cover letter example

The impact cover letter puts your accomplishments front and center rather than organizing your paragraphs by past roles. You might use a cover letter like this if:

• You’re applying for roles where you’re expected to deliver on certain goals or results (for example, if the jobs involve sales quotas or marketing metrics).
• You haven’t followed a straightforward career path and your past job titles don’t show the extent of your qualifications.
• You want your personality to stand out a bit more than it might in a traditional cover letter.

What does the job description say

Imagine you’ve come across an opening for an email marketing manager . Part of the job description states:

• Manage email marketing strategy and calendar, including copywriting, optimization, monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on campaigns
• Improve campaign success through conversion optimization, A/B testing, and other experiments
• Collaborate with the design team to ensure brand guidelines are followed in emails
• Partner and collaborate cross-functionally with sales, product, product marketing, and data teams
• 3+ years in email marketing
• Experience with Constant Contact, Google Analytics, HTML, CSS, Photoshop, and Microsoft Excel, a plus
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written) and an eye for copyediting
• Strong interpersonal , relationship-building, and stakeholder management skills
• Excellent project management, problem-solving , and time management skills, with the ability to multitask effectively

Here’s an example of an impact cover letter where the writer’s hard skills and successes stand out:

Dear Russ Roman,

I have a problem. See, my inbox currently (and embarrassingly) hosts 1,500 unread emails—including newsletters from at least 50 different brands.

But this problem only fuels my passion for creating emails that are worth opening. Because from my perspective, as someone who can barely get through their own stack of mail, that’s a true win.

I’ve been following Vitabe for years, and can proudly say that I open every single email you send to me. I’m a sucker for a good subject line—“Take a Vitamin-ute—We’ll A-B-C You Soon” being my favorite—and the way your email content feels both fun and expert-backed really speaks to me. This is why I’m thrilled to submit my application for a role as email marketing manager at your company.

I have over four years of experience working in the email marketing space. In my current role at Westside Bank, I was able to implement new email campaigns centered around reengaging churned clients. By analyzing data around the types of clients who churn and the engagement of our current email subscribers, as well as A/B testing headlines and newsletter layouts, we were able to increase email subscribers by 15% and convert 30% of those subscribers to purchase our product, a significant increase from the previous year. 

I also launched a “Your Credit Matters” newsletter focused on educating our clients on how they spend and manage their credit—which became our highest performing campaign in terms of open-rates and click-through to date.

Previously, as a member of the marketing team at Dream Diary Mattresses, I collaborated with the sales and product team to understand how I could best support them in hitting their quarterly goals. One specific project involving creating personalized emails for customers drew more people to come back to our site after 30 days than direct paid ad campaigns, leading to a 112% increase in revenue from the last quarter.

I take the content I write and the calendars I manage seriously, editing and refining beyond detail-oriented and into meticulous territory, and I feel my experience and drive would greatly help Vitabe further develop their email program for success.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Lad Miller [email protected] (987) 654-3210

This sample cover letter concisely highlights the applicant’s most significant, relevant achievements. By adding context to how their projects were created, monitored, and completed, they’re able to show just how results-driven they are and how they’ve successfully leveraged some of the skills the company is looking for.

One thing worth noting: This person didn’t include keywords such as Constant Contact, Google Analytics, HTML, CSS, Photoshop, or Microsoft Excel—all of which are listed in the job description. But those skills are most likely in their resume already, and leaving them out gives them the space to discuss specific projects and tell a story not visible on other parts of their job application.

3. The writing sample cover letter example

For roles where written communication is key, such as PR, copywriting , or journalism jobs, your cover letter will likely be the first writing sample your future employer sees. So it’s just as important to show your skill set in action through eloquent writing.

• Writing or editing is a key component of the role you’re applying to.
• You want to show off your creativity.

Here’s part of a job description for a staff writer position:

• Pitch and write articles, reporting on timely issues and trends
• Collaborate with editorial and other teams to launch each digital issue and other special projects on schedule
• Evaluate content performance and digital trends on a daily basis to constantly adjust pitches and packaging
• Utilize CMS tools, strategically select photos and videos, and request original graphics to optimize all written content for maximum engagement
• At least 2-3 years of experience creating content at a digital-first outlet
• Strong writing and reporting skills, and the ability to write clearly and quickly
• Familiarity working in a CMS and with analytics tools such as Google Analytics
• Deadline-driven, strategic thinker with a knack for crafting click-y headlines
• Strong collaborator who thrives in fast-paced environments

Have fun with this one, but triple-check for spelling and grammar mistakes, and make sure you’re showing off your best writing. Here's the cover letter sample:

Dear Tai Chen,

Since I could walk, I’ve been dancing. And since I could read, I’ve been glued to Arabesque Weekly. At one point, you featured one of my local heroes—a ballerina who struggled with an injury early in her career and went on to become a principal dancer at Pacific Northwest Ballet—and I plastered the article above my childhood bed. It’s still there today.

That article—and so many others you’ve published—taught me that dancing was about more than just pirouettes and arabesques and that the right kind of writer can shed light on aspects of the art that make it surprising, impactful, and universal. I can be that writer.

As an editorial assistant at TheImprovGroup.com for the past two and a half years, my main responsibility was to get all of our content ready to go live on the site. This included fact-checking, proofreading, adding in HTML where necessary, and finding photos, videos, and GIFs that would complement the content and optimize audience engagement. 

As I tinkered with each post, I became intimately familiar with our internal CMS. Reviewing every single article we published and following reactions and engagement helped me gain a deep understanding of what makes a piece really land with our audience.

But by far my favorite aspect of this role has been writing. Each week, I pitch and write at least one article, from 250-word news items to 900-word advice pieces to even longer profiles, features, and personal essays. I love the challenge of developing pitches that align with the trends we see in the data, reflect with the company’s brand and mission, and allow me to flex my creative muscles.

Collaborating with my team to form the best content library we can has been a dream come true. I would be so excited to use my experience to help Arabesque Weekly achieve its goals. And I hope to one day write a story that another little dance lover tapes to their wall forever.

It would be an honor to be a part of your editorial team, and I look forward to the possibility of discussing the opportunity with you.

Hoping to be your next staff writer,

Marlee Wood [email protected] (555) 666-4433

This candidate is clearly passionate about this specific publication and leads with a unique personal anecdote tied to the company’s mission that demonstrates their ability to tell stories in a compelling way. There are relevant keywords and phrases, sure, but they’re not just thrown in there. Their voice comes through in every sentence, proving this person knows how to communicate effectively and creatively.

4. The career change cover letter example

Cover letters can play a big part in helping career changers prove their qualifications—especially when it’s unclear how their skills transfer over to this new field.

You might write a career change cover letter if:

• You want to highlight the transferable skills you have that relate to the job description.
• You want to explain why you’re making the switch and what’s driving you toward this specific industry, company, or position.

Imagine you’re someone who has experience supporting a sales team as an administrative assistant , and you’re now looking to become a sales representative. You come across a job posting that includes:

• Develop new sales techniques and strategies to build pipeline and hit team goals
• Coordinate with other teams to increase lead-generation efforts
• Assist in the processing of new business, including contacting customers to finalize sales and service transactions
• 1-3 years of successful sales experience
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
• Ability to work independently to plan, set priorities, and effectively organize work
• Proven ability to be persuasive, persistent, and confident in closing a sale

Typically, this type of cover letter should include a compelling narrative about your career change and how you can transfer your past experiences to this new role. Here’s how you might translate your past experience over to this new (and exciting) prospect:

Dear Maria Russo,

The head of sales at Sunshine Inc. was in a bind. She needed six client meetings scheduled, 18 service transactions processed, and a summary of the team’s new lead generation campaign drafted before getting on a flight to Austin—in three hours. So she turned to her cool-headed, sales-savvy administrative assistant for help. That assistant was me. Not only did I execute everything on her to-do list, I did it all before her plane left the ground.

For three years, I worked in lockstep with a busy, growth-oriented sales leader to support the business development team. As the sole administrative assistant in the department, I balanced a swath of competing priorities, ranging from coordinating meetings and inputting data to contacting customers, finalizing transactions, and creating promotional materials. This role helped me develop a comprehensive understanding of the sales cycle, sales strategy, and pipeline growth.

Like many others, my career path hasn’t been entirely straightforward. After leaving Crabapple Media, I enrolled in a local coding bootcamp. Six months later, I emerged with a certificate in computer programming and a certainty that I did not want to be a coder. But education is never wasted. I’m now an aspiring sales representative with experience supporting a thriving sales team and extensive knowledge of the tech space.

Here’s a little bit more about how my experience would translate into this role:

• At Crabapple Media, I assisted in coordinating three annual sales strategy rollouts, yielding an average increase in pipeline of 26% YoY.
• At Sunshine Inc., I supported 12 independent team members in their lead-generation efforts. I also assisted in processing an average of 300 sales transactions every quarter.
• I thrive in busy, ever-changing environments that require me to communicate clearly and concisely. Supporting a high-volume team and a busy executive helped me to hone these skills—I typically sent more than 200 emails a day!

I would, of course, love to schedule a time for us to discuss this role and my experience, and I truly want to thank you for considering me.

All the best,

Olu Abiola [email protected] (123) 456-789

The opener draws you in and makes you want to learn more. It toots the person’s horn, but in a way that’s substantiated. Then, the next couple sections explain their experience in the sales space and other relevant qualifications, before eventually tying that back to why they’re applying to this specific job. 

Similar to the impact cover letter, the author lists some of the more important qualities they bring to the table, doing a bit of keyword inclusion and resume gap explaining along the way.

Bonus cover letter examples

To further guide you, check out some more cover letter examples:

• Pain point cover letter example
• Internship cover letter example
• Recent graduate cover letter example
• (Another) career changer cover letter example
• Stay-at-home parent returning to work cover letter example
• Sales cover letter example
• Email marketing manager cover letter example
• No job description or position cover letter example (a.k.a., a letter of intent or interest)
• Example cover letter with no experience

Let’s break down one of our example cover letters real quick

All three professional cover letter examples have some key elements that make them great and able to grab the hiring manager's attention. Check out this handy infographic that breaks down our impact cover letter:

A few more cover letter tips

Here are a few more tips to help the cover letter process:

Start with a “brain dump” 

If you’re staring at a blank page, Godfred always recommends that her clients start by getting all their ideas on the page without paying attention to length. Then “ask yourself how you can cut half of it,” she says. You’ll likely find that repeated information and very generic phrases are the first to go. (If it’s still too long, here are some tips for getting your cover letter down to one page .)

Don’t just repeat your resume

You only have so much space to get your point across, so focus on the information that isn’t stated elsewhere rather than simply regurgitating your resume. A good cover letter should complement your resume, so use the opportunity to elaborate your skills and qualifications further, as well as your accomplishments and why you're a good fit for that position.

Focus on quality over quantity 

Target the jobs you’re most closely drawn to and qualified for and give them all your energy, rather than trying to churn out hundreds of cover letters, Kahn says. You may not be able to apply to as many jobs, but you’ll have a better response rate.

Remember the ATS 

Much like your resume, an applicant tracking systems, or ATS , will be sifting through your cover letter. So you’ll want to scatter relevant keywords from the job description throughout your pitch where it makes sense.

Don’t stress over formatting 

You may see flashy cover letter examples across the internet, but for the most part, it just isn’t necessary. An ATS can’t read text that has been formatted beyond using bold, italics, underline, and color, so keep your font and layout simple—especially if you’re submitting your cover letter through an online portal.

Don't forget your contact information

Include your contact information on every page, including your name, phone number, and email. “Imagine you come across a cover letter and you print it out with a bunch of applications to review and it doesn’t have the person’s contact information on it,” Godfred says. “You never want to put yourself in a situation where you’re the right person and they can’t find you.”

Edit your cover letter before submitting

Never submit a cover letter right after you finish writing it—there could be critical errors that you didn't notice while typing. Take some time away from your text, then revisit it like you're reading someone else's letter. Be sure to double-check all the information you've included, paying special attention to:

• The company's name
• The hiring manager's name
• The job title
• Your contact information
• Basic grammar and spelling

You're ready to go

If you've come this far, you're equipped with all the information you need to craft a great cover letter. Hopefully these cover letter examples help as you go to tackle your own. Remember: This is just one small step in the process! Take your time, but learn to move on when you’ve given it your all.

Amanda Cardoso contributed to the latest version of this article.

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Sample Cover Letter for a Job Application

What Is an Application Letter?

What to include in your application letter, tips for writing a cover letter, cover letter sample and template, email cover letter sample.

• How to Send an Email Application

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Alex Dos Diaz / The Balance

What's the best way to write a letter to apply for a job? Your letter should detail your specific qualifications for the position and the skills you would bring to the employer. What’s most important is to show the employer that you’re a perfect match for the job.

Your job application letter is an opportunity to highlight your most relevant qualifications and experience. An effective cover letter will enhance your application, showcase your achievements, and increase your chances of landing an interview.

Review what to include in a job application letter, tips for writing that will get your application noticed, and examples of cover letters and email messages to send when applying for a job.

Key Takeaways

• An application letter accompanies a resume and may be uploaded to a job portal, sent via email, or even sent by postal mail, depending on the employer’s requirements.
• Application letters are an ideal way to show your interest in a job and highlight your most relevant skills.
• It’s important to match your letter to the job description and show the employer you have the qualifications they are seeking.

A   letter of application, also known as a  cover letter , is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information about your skills and experience to an employer. Your letter of application is intended to provide detailed information on why you are an ideal candidate for the job.

Your application letter should let the employer know what position you are applying for, what makes you a strong candidate, why they should select you for an interview, and how you will follow up.

Effective application letters explain the reasons for your interest in the specific organization and identify the most relevant skills that qualify you for the job.

Unless an employer specifically requests a job application letter sent by postal mail, most cover letters today are sent by email or attached as a file in an online application tracking system.

As with all cover letters, a job application letter is divided into sections:

• The heading includes your name and contact information.
• A  greeting  addressed to a specific person, if possible.
• The introduction includes why the applicant is writing.
• The body discusses your relevant qualifications and what you have to offer the employer.
• The close thanks the reader and provides contact information and follow-up details.
• Your  signature to end the letter .

Here’s how to ensure your application supports your resume, highlights your most relevant qualifications, and impresses the hiring manager.

Get off to a direct start.  In your first paragraph, explain why you are writing. Mention the job title, company name, and where you found the job listing. While you can also briefly mention why you are a strong candidate, this section should be short and to the point.

Offer something different than what's in your resume. You can make your language a bit more personal than in your resume bullet points, and you can tell a narrative about your work experience and career.

Application letters typically accompany resumes, so your letter should showcase information that your resume doesn't.

Make a good case.  Your first goal with this letter is to progress to the next step: an interview. Your overarching goal, of course, is to get a job offer. Use your application letter to further both causes. Offer details about your experience and background that show why you are a good candidate. How have other jobs prepared you for the position? What would you bring to the role and the company? Use this space to  emphasize your strengths .

Close with all the important details.  Include a thank you at the end of your letter. You can also share your contact information and mention how you will follow up.

This is a sample cover letter.  Download the cover letter template  (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for an email sample.

The Balance

John Donaldson 8 Sue Circle Smithtown, CA 08067 909-555-5555 john.donaldson@email.com

September 6, 2023

George Gilhooley LTC Company 87 Delaware Road Hatfield, CA 08065

Dear Mr. Gilhooley,

I am writing to apply for the programmer position advertised in the Times Union. As requested, I enclose my certification, resume, and references.

The role is very appealing to me, and I believe that my strong technical experience and education make me a highly competitive candidate for this position. My key strengths that would support my success in this position include:

• I have successfully designed, developed, and supported live-use applications.
• I strive continually for excellence.
• I provide exceptional contributions to customer service for all customers.

With a BS degree in computer programming, I have a comprehensive understanding of the full lifecycle of software development projects. I also have experience in learning and applying new technologies as appropriate. Please see my resume for additional information on my experience.

I can be reached anytime via email at john.donaldson@email.com or by phone at 909-555-5555.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this employment opportunity.

Signature  (only if a hard copy letter)

John Donaldson

The following is a sample email cover letter to send as part of a job application.

Email Application Letter Example

Subject: Colleen Warren - Web Content Manager Position

Dear Hiring Manager,

I'm writing to express my interest in the Web Content Manager position listed on Monster.com. I have experience building large, consumer-focused, health-based content sites. While much of my experience has been in the business world, I understand the social value of this sector, and I am confident that my business experience will be an asset to your organization.

My responsibilities have included the development and management of website editorial voice and style, editorial calendars, and the daily content programming and production for various websites.

I have worked closely with health care professionals and medical editors to provide the best possible information to a consumer audience of patients. I have also helped physicians use their medical content to write user-friendly and easily comprehensible text.

Experience has taught me how to build strong relationships with all departments in an organization. I have the ability to work within a team, as well as cross-team. I can work with web engineers to resolve technical issues and implement technical enhancements. 

I am confident working with development departments to implement design and functional enhancements, monitor site statistics, and conduct search engine optimization.

Thank you for your consideration.

Colleen Warren colleen.warren@email.com 555-123-1234 www.linked.com/colleenwarren

How to Send an Email Application Letter

If sending your cover letter via email, list your name and the job title you are applying for in the  subject line  of the email:

Colleen Warren - Web Content Manager Position

Include your contact information in your email signature but don't list the employer's contact information.

Do you have to write a cover letter when you apply for a job?

Some employers require cover letters. If they do, it will be mentioned in the job posting. Otherwise, it’s optional but it can help your chances of securing an interview. A cover letter gives you a chance to sell yourself to the employer, showcase your qualifications, and explain why you are a perfect candidate for the job.

How can you use a cover letter to show you’re a qualified candidate?

One of the easiest ways to show an employer how you’re qualified for a job is to make a list of the requirements listed in the job posting and match them to your resume . Mention your most relevant qualifications in your cover letter, so the hiring manager can see, at a glance, that you have the credentials they are looking for.

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Types of cover letters: a complete guide

A cover letter introduces you to potential employers, highlighting your suitability for the role. Getting it right can make a strong first impression, differentiate you from other candidates, and increase your chances of securing an interview.

Taralika crafts compelling narratives that illuminate modern hiring practices and HR technology trends.

A cover letter accompanies a candidate’s resume when applying for a job. It is a personal introduction to the hiring manager, highlighting relevant skills, experiences, and reasons for applying.

Unlike a resume, which provides a structured overview of the career history, a cover letter offers a narrative that can showcase a candidate’s personality and passion for the role. 

74% of recruitment decision-makers prefer to receive job applications that include cover letters apart from CVs. According to their findings, good cover letter examples are highly valued by employers, with many considering them crucial for explaining career objectives, motivations, and employment gaps.

Even if a cover letter is optional, over 75% of recruiters tend to give preference to candidates who attach a cover letter in the correct format along with their resume.

Types of cover letters

Before writing a cover letter, it is vital to go through the various types of cover letters accepted by different organizations, each catering to a different role or purpose: – 

• Application cover letter

The application cover letter responds to a specific job posting. It should be a basic cover letter tailored to the job description, highlighting how the candidate’s qualifications match the requirements. Using this letter can expand on the achievements listed in the resume and explain the person’s motivation for applying. 

• Prospecting cover letter

Also known as a cold-contact letter, a prospecting cover letter is used when you want to inquire about potential job openings at a company. This type of letter demonstrates a proactive approach and interest in the organization, even if there are no current vacancies. 

• Networking cover letter 

A networking cover letter is sent to contacts within the professional network to ask for job search advice or referrals. It’s a great way to leverage connections and uncover hidden job opportunities. The letter should mention the mutual contact and explain the candidate’s job search goals.

• Career change cover letter

If an individual is transitioning into a new career, a career change cover letter is perfect for them! It is a short cover letter highlighting examples from experiences in the current role and how they make a suitable candidate for the new role. This letter should also explain the reasons for the career shift and highlight any transferable skills.

• Referral cover letter

When someone within an organization refers a colleague for a position, it is generally in the form of a referral cover letter. Mentioning the referrer in your letter can immediately capture the hiring manager’s attention and add credibility to your application. 

• No experience cover letter 

A no experience cover letter is for those who lack direct work experience in the job they are applying for. An ideal no experience cover letter will contain examples emphasizing the candidate’s enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and any relevant skills or coursework that can compensate for the lack of professional experience.

Cover letter examples 

Checking out a few good cover letter examples is a great way to get a head start towards crafting the perfect cover letter. 

Also read: Top 3 Cover Letter Template Samples .

The cover letter examples for a job provide a clear understanding of how to format and phrase cover letters for different scenarios.

Tips for writing a good cover letter

According to the Business and Professional Communication Quarterly , 56% of employers prefer cover letters with job applications. Here are some useful tips on how to type a cover letter that will help you stand out amongst others:

Customize each letter

Statutory warning – generic cover letters are easily spotted and often disregarded! Tailor the cover letter to the specific job and company. While it may be cool to generate cover letter formats through an AI tool, it is crucial to personalize and write the main content of the cover letter. 

Use a professional format

Follow a standard cover letter format with your contact information, the employer’s contact details, a salutation, body paragraphs, and a closing. 

Be concise and focused

Keep your letter to one page and avoid unnecessary details. Stick to relevant points that highlight your suitability for the job. Workable has a list of short cover letter examples that you can check out here . 

Showcase your achievements

Unlike a resume, a cover letter has examples from a person’s real life, showcasing key abilities and accomplishments and how they’re suitable for the job. 

Also read : Rise above the crowds: how to stand out in a crowded market

Include a strong introduction

Your cover letter introduction should grab the reader’s attention and make them want to learn more about you. 

Proofread thoroughly

Ensure no grammatical or spelling errors. A clean error-free letter shows your attention to detail and professionalism.

A well-written cover letter can significantly boost a candidate’s chances of landing a job interview. 

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Top 5 Tips For Creating a Winning Cover Letter

Mastering the art of cover letters: expert tips to elevate your job application.

Cover letters can be a powerful way to add a compelling narrative about your skills to your job application, but like all things career-related, they need to be done effectively.

A cover letter should never be an afterthought. The goal is for your cover letter to enhance your chances of getting an interview, but when done incorrectly, they have the exact opposite effect! 

Here are the top 5 tips for creating a winning cover letter.

1) Tell Me Why You Are The Best Candidate: Cover Letters are written in 1st person, which provides the opportunity to really sell yourself to that company. Hiring managers want to hear that you are the best candidate and the perfect fit for that Company and position, so focus your cover letter on making that specific case, i.e. find the match between your education and past experience and the employer’s specific needs. I advise students to target their cover letters based on what the reader wants to hear. Dedicate a paragraph to a description of what makes that company unique or special, followed immediately by a paragraph that demonstrates that your interests, skills and abilities (just so) happen to be a perfect match for that environment! You can even paraphrase some of the language in the job description to highlight your own skills and experience.

2) Generic Templates: I cannot tell you how many times I have seen generic cover letters sent to multiple companies, where the writer has changed only the relevant contact information. Again, the goal of your cover letter is to describe why you are perfect fit for the specific position and that company. There is no way a generic format can accomplish that. Write an individually tailored cover letter for each job application that describes your qualifications and fit for that position.

3) To Whom It May Concern: One of the quickest ways to ensure that your cover letter and resume are ignored is by including the generic and impersonal “To Whom It May Concern” line. If you can, try to find the name of the hiring manager so you can address him or her specifically. Most companies are very good at hiding that information, so instead of “To Whom It May Concern (or its close cousin, “Dear Sir or Madam”) try to target your cover letter with something more specific and personable like “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Human Resources Professional.” 

4) A Warm Lead: If you know someone at that company, reach out to him or her and ask if he would submit your resume and cover letter on your behalf, or at the very least, if you can use his or her name on your cover letter. Companies love internal referrals, so nothing beats a current employee submitting on your behalf. When that is not possible, being able to add a line (with permission) like “Chaim Shapiro, Assistant Director of Career Services at Touro recommended that I apply for this position,” lends credibility and can be a powerful way to get your application noticed and moved to the next level of review. 

5) Should I even bother? This may be a bit controversial, but I usually advise students to only include a cover letter when the application requires it specifically. Why? Cover Letters are a powerful tool that can enhance your chances at landing the job but, I have found that most applicants do not take their Cover Letters seriously. Most students do not have 2-3 hours to invest in a targeted cover letter for each of their applications, so they revert to a generic format that ends up doing a lot more harm than good. Do not make that mistake. Write a targeted cover letter for each job, or just let your resume do your talking!

By Chaim Shapiro, Touro's Director of the Office for Student Success

Why a Cover Letter is Important for Job Applications: A Comprehensive Guide

• Career Advice

• Posted On: 2024-09-19
• Posted By: Shacara

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2. showcases your communication skills, 3. highlights your enthusiasm for the role, 4. explains how your skills fit the job, 5. gives you a chance to stand out, 6. allows you to address potential concerns, 7. demonstrates your knowledge of the company, 8. helps you build a stronger case for yourself, 9. customizable for each job application, 10. enhances your professionalism, get ahead of the competition.

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• Cover Letter Writing Guide - Penn Career Services  - A writing guide on cover letters prepared by Penn Career Services that covers the purpose of cover letters, cover letter etiquette,  
• Job Search Letters - Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL)  - These OWL resources will help you write job application letters, thank you and follow up letters, as well as effective acceptance and rejection letters. Also included are links to other OWL resources geared for entry-level and skilled labor positions.
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Sample application letter for a supermarket job in Kenya with writing tips

In Kenya, supermarket jobs are highly competitive, with numerous candidates vying for limited positions. To stand out from the crowd and increase your chances of securing a role, it's crucial to present a compelling application. One of the ways you can do so is by having a well-written sample application letter for a supermarket job in Kenya to help shape your cover letter.

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Supermarket attendant employment application letter, introduction, supermarket attendant application letter for first time job seeker, experienced supermarket attendant application letter sample, tips for writing an effective supermarket attendant application letter in kenya.

Many people don't know how to write an application letter for a supermarket job in Kenya highlighting their skills and experience while demonstrating their enthusiasm and suitability for the position. This guide will provide essential tips and examples to help you create a standout application letter.

Whether you write an application letter to a supermarket as a sales rep or aisle attendant, it should express your interest in the specific position within a supermarket in the fewest words possible while exhausting every important aspect. A well-written letter serves as a key tool for applicants to showcase their relevant skills, experience, and personal attributes that make them suitable for the role. 

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This letter is essential because it not only provides a snapshot of the candidate's qualifications but also demonstrates their ability to communicate effectively and professionally.

Critical components of a supermarket attendant application letter

Before you apply for a job at a supermarket, you must familiarise yourself with the essential parts to consider when writing this letter. Here are the important parts to pay attention to:

The application letter should begin with a header that includes your contact information and the date. This ensures that the employer has easy access to your details.

The salutation should address the letter to the appropriate person or department, demonstrating that you've done your research and are addressing the right recipient. 

In the introduction, briefly introduce yourself and clearly state the position you are applying for. This sets the context for the rest of your letter.

The body of the letter is where you expound on your qualifications. Start by highlighting your relevant skills and experience that make you a good fit for the role. It's important to demonstrate enthusiasm and suitability for the position, showing your genuine interest in working with the supermarket.

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Additionally, mention any specific achievements or qualifications that set you apart from other candidates.

In the conclusion, express your interest in securing an interview to discuss further how you can contribute to the team. Provide your contact details, making reaching you easy for the employer.

Finally, end the letter with a formal sign-off and your signature. This closing should show that you are signing off with professionalism and respect, leaving a positive impression on the reader.

Sample application letter for a supermarket job in Kenya

Whether you're a first-time job seeker or a seasoned veteran applying for a supermarket position in Kenya, your approach to writing an application letter should vary accordingly. Understanding these differences and tailoring your application letter to reflect your level of experience will enhance your chances of securing the job you desire.

Below is a supermarket attendant application letter for first time job seeker:

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[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[Email Address]

[Phone Number]

[Recipient's Name]

[Recipient's Title]

[Supermarket's Name]

[Supermarket's Address]

Dear [Hiring manager's name],

I am writing to express my interest in the Supermarket Attendant position at [Supermarket's Name]. As a [recent high school/college/any relevant achievement graduate] eager to start my career, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team and learn more about the supermarket industry.

Although I am new to the job market, I am highly motivated and possess strong customer service skills developed through volunteer work at local community events. My ability to communicate effectively and attention to detail will enable me to provide excellent customer service. I am particularly drawn to [Supermarket's Name] because of its reputation for quality and customer satisfaction, and I am eager to bring my enthusiasm and work ethic to your team.

I have been actively involved in [mention any relevant club/organisation], where I  [write specific experience earned]. I also learned the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and addressing customer needs efficiently. I am confident that these experiences have prepared me to contribute positively as a supermarket attendant.

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I am keen to further discuss how my skills and enthusiasm align with the needs of your supermarket. Please find my contact information above. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience. Thank you for considering my application. 

I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you soon.

Below is a sample you can use to write an application letter for a supermarket job in Kenya if you have experience.

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I am writing to apply for the Supermarket Attendant position at [Supermarket's Name]. With more than [number] years of experience in the supermarket sector, I am confident in my ability to contribute to your team and uphold the high service standards that [Supermarket's Name] is known for.

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Throughout my career, I have perfected my customer service, inventory management, and team coordination skills. At [Previous Supermarket's Name], I successfully managed [specific duties, such as daily store operations or staff training]. My experience includes [additional relevant experience, such as handling customer inquiries, resolving complaints], and ensuring store displays met company standards and were visually appealing.

I am particularly drawn to [Supermarket's Name] because of its dedication to [mention specific values or initiatives]. I am eager to bring my skills in [specific skill relevant to the job, such as inventory control or team supervision] to your team. My proactive nature and problem-solving abilities make me well-suited to enhance the efficiency of your operations.

I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience. I can be reached via the contact details above. Thank you for considering my application.

I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your team.

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When writing your application letter, it's essential to keep a few things in mind to make it more effective. Here are some tips to help you create a compelling letter.

• Consider your experience level: Tailor your letter based on whether you are an experienced professional or a first-time job seeker.
• Research the company: Before writing your letter, take time to understand their values, customer service standards, and any unique aspects of their operations. This knowledge will help you tailor your letter and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.
• Use a professional tone: Maintain a formal and professional tone throughout your letter. This reflects your seriousness about the job and your understanding of workplace expectations.
• Be concise and focused: Keep your letter concise and to the point. Focus on the most relevant information and avoid unnecessary details that could detract from your key qualifications.
• Proofread carefully: Ensure your letter is free of spelling and grammatical errors. A well-proofread letter demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism.

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In the competitive job market for supermarket positions in Kenya, using a well-crafted sample application letter for a supermarket job in Kenya can enhance your chances of securing the job. A strong application letter that effectively highlights your skills, experience, and enthusiasm helps you stand out from other candidates and demonstrates your commitment to the role.

Tuko.co.ke also published an article on how to write an apology letter . This comprehensive guide breaks down the essential steps for crafting a heartfelt and effective apology. From expressing sincere regret to offering solutions and ending on a positive note, learn how to address any wrong with clarity and empathy. 

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Nicholas Nganga (Lifestyle writer) Nicholas joined Tuko's team as a content creator in 2024. He has 4 years of experience in content writing. He previously held other editorial and journalism positions, including news and articles editing role at FW Africa and a Food Science Writer at PressPublish. He works on content, including celebrity biographies, fashion and lifestyle, gaming, and more. In 2022 Nicholas graduated from the Jomo Kenyatta University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biotechnology. You can reach him via email: [email protected].