A well-crafted cover letter is your chance to make a great first impression on a hiring manager and show them why you’re the perfect fit for the job. A strong cover letter can set you apart from other candidates by highlighting your unique skills and experiences. Cover letter templates and examples are excellent tools to get started. They provide a structure that helps you create a professional-looking letter without spending hours trying to figure out what to include.
Short Cover Letter Templates and Examples
An effective cover letter is tailored to the job you’re applying for and reflects your personality. You can think of it as your personal branding statement. Below, you will find great user-friendly templates you can customize.
Template 1
Dear [Employer’s Name],
I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position. My experience in [Your Field] makes me a great fit for your company. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your team.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example
Dear Mr. Smith,
I am excited to apply for the Marketing Assistant position. My experience in digital marketing makes me a great fit for your company. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your team.
Best regards,
John Martinez
Template 2
Dear [Employer’s Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] role. My skills in [Relevant Skill] and [Another Skill] align with the needs of your team. I am eager to bring my experience to [Company Name].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example
Dear Ms. Brown,
I am writing to express my interest in the Graphic Designer role. My skills in Adobe Creative Suite and teamwork align with the needs of your team. I am eager to bring my experience to Spark Design.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Template 3
Dear [Employer’s Name],
[Referrer’s Name] mentioned this position, and I am thrilled to apply for [Job Title]. With my experience in [Field or Industry], I am confident I can add value to [Company Name]. I look forward to the opportunity.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Example
Dear Mr. Lee,
Sarah Johnson mentioned this position, and I am thrilled to apply for Sales Associate. With my experience in retail, I am confident I can add value to the Fashion Hub. I look forward to the opportunity.
Warm regards,
Emily Parker
Template 4
Dear [Employer’s Name],
My passion for [Industry/Field] drives me to apply for the [Job Title] role. I am eager to bring my dedication and experience to [Company Name]. I am looking forward to the possibility of joining your team.
Best,
[Your Name]
Example
Dear Dr. Green,
My passion for healthcare drives me to apply for the Nursing position. I am eager to bring my dedication and experience to City Health Clinic. I am looking forward to the possibility of joining your team.
Best,
Michael Chan
Template 5
Dear [Employer’s Name],
I am excited to contribute to [Company Name] as a [Job Title]. With my experience in [Skill/Experience], I am ready to support your team and help achieve company goals.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
Example
Dear Ms. Johnson,
I am excited to contribute to Tech Solutions as an Administrative Assistant. With my experience in organizing schedules, managing correspondence, and providing excellent customer service, I am ready to support your team and help achieve company goals.
Kind regards,
Emily Parker
Template 6
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to apply for the [Job Title] position. My experience in [Your Field] at [Your Previous Company] has prepared me well. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills to [Company Name].
Example
Dear Ms. Thompson,
I am excited to apply for the Event Coordinator position at Dream Weddings Inc. With my extensive experience in hospitality and a proven track record of success at Sunny Resort, I am confident in my ability to make a significant contribution to your team.
Template 7
Hello [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am thrilled to apply for the [Job Title] role. My work at [Previous Company] as a [Your Role] allowed me to develop unique skills. I’m eager to share them with the innovative team at [Company Name].
Example
Hello Mr. Davis,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Customer Service Representative role at Apex Solutions. During my time at Retail World, I developed and honed my communication and problem-solving skills that I believe will be invaluable to your innovative team.
Template 8 (Entry-Level Cover Letter)
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am enthusiastic about the [Job Title] position. My recent studies at [Your College] in [Your Major] have given me a great foundation. I am eager to grow and learn at [Company Name].
Example
Dear Mrs. Anderson,
I am writing to express my strong enthusiasm for the Editorial Assistant position at Sunrise Publishing House. As a recent graduate from Oakwood University with a degree in English Literature, I possess a solid foundation of knowledge and a keen desire to learn and grow within your organization.
Template 9 (Career Change Cover Letter)
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am eager to transition into [New Career Field]. My background in [Previous Field] has prepared me for this change. I am excited to bring my skills to [Company Name].
Example
Dear Mr. Wilson,
I am writing to express my strong interest in transitioning into the culinary arts field and applying for the Line Cook position at Green Valley Restaurant. While my background is in business management, the skills and experiences I have gained have prepared me well for this exciting career change.
Template 10 (Volunteer Cover Letter)
Hello [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With my experience in [Your Field] and a genuine passion for your organization’s mission, I am confident that I would be a valuable addition to your team.
Example
Hello Ms. Brown,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Volunteer position at United Way. With my experience in community outreach and a genuine passion for your organization’s mission, I am confident that I would be a valuable addition to your team.
Submitting Your Cover Letter
When submitting your cover letter, it’s important to match it closely with the job application process. Considering applicant tracking systems (ATS) can make a big difference. Let’s explore these important areas to help you succeed.
Applicant Tracking Systems
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems to screen applications. These systems sort and rank candidates based on certain criteria. To navigate this, your cover letter should be both detailed and direct.
- Use clear, simple language and include important keywords from the job listing.
- Make sure your format stays clean and easy to read.
- Avoid fancy fonts and graphics, because ATS might not read them correctly.
- Stick with standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman and save your document in a common file type, like .docx or .pdf.
To make your cover letter stand out, ensure it suits the specific job you’re applying for. Start by carefully reading the job description. Look for keywords related to the skills and qualifications they want. Use these in your cover letter.
Emailing and Physical Submission Tips
If you’re submitting via email, pay attention to your subject line. A strong subject line might read: “Application for Marketing Manager – [Your Name].” This makes it easy for hiring managers to see what your email is about.
Attach your cover letter as a separate document, unless the job ad specifies otherwise. Some companies prefer you to paste it in the body of your email, so be sure to check the instructions carefully.
For physical submissions, use good-quality paper to print your cover letter. Make sure it’s clean and free of creases. Pair it neatly with your resume, and place both documents in an envelope that is addressed to the correct company contact.