Landing your dream job starts with making a great first impression, and a well-crafted cover letter is your opportunity to do just that. A cover letter not only showcases your experience and skills but also allows you to express your personality and enthusiasm for the position. In this article, we’ll break down the process of writing a cover letter and provide you with examples and templates to make your application shine.
Cover Letter Templates and Examples
Professional Cover Letter Templates
Template 1:
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am excited to submit my application for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With a robust background in [Your Field], I am eager to bring my expertise and innovative approach to your esteemed team.
At [Previous Company], I honed my skills in [specific skill or area], successfully [describe a key achievement or responsibility]. This experience has equipped me with the capabilities to thrive in the [Job Title] role and contribute effectively to your objectives.
The prospect of joining [Company Name] is particularly appealing to me because [specific reason related to the role]. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to leverage my [specific skills or qualifications] to support your mission.
Enclosed is my resume for your consideration. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and certifications align with the needs of your team. Please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email] to schedule a discussion.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Template 2:
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the [job title] position at [company name]. With my extensive experience in [your field], I am confident that I can make a significant contribution to your team.
In my previous role at [previous company], I [state an accomplishment or responsibility relevant to the job posting]. This experience honed my [skills or qualifications] and prepared me for a role like the one you are advertising.
I am particularly interested in [specific aspect of the company or job] because [provide your reasoning]. I believe that my passion for [topic] and my expertise in [skills or qualifications] will make me a valuable asset to your team.
I have attached my resume for your review and would welcome the opportunity to discuss my application further in an interview. Please feel free to contact me via phone at [your phone number] or email at [your email] to arrange a time that works best for you.
Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you soon.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Cover Letter Templates: Creative Field
Template 1:
Hello [Recipient Name],
I am reaching out to apply for the [job title] role at [company name]. My background in [your field] has prepared me to bring innovation and a unique touch to your creative team.
I was fortunate enough to work at [your previous company], where I accomplished [mention a relevant accomplishment]. This experience helped me refine my [skill or qualification] that I can now apply to the position at [company name].
I am drawn to [company name] because of its [specific quality or aspect of the company]. My [skills or qualifications] are well-suited to this role, and I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with your talented team.
Attached, you’ll find my resume for your review. I would appreciate the chance to discuss my candidacy and the position in more detail. You can contact me at [your phone number] or [your email].
Thank you, and I look forward to the possibility of working with you.
Best regards,
Your Name
Template 2:
Dear [Recipient Name],
As someone who thrives in [your field], I couldn’t help but be excited when I came across the posting for the [job title] position at [company name]. I am confident that, with my [skill or qualification], I can bring a fresh perspective and valuable contributions to your team.
At my previous position with [previous company], I [mention a relevant accomplishment]. This achievement taught me the importance of [a lesson or skill related to the job you are applying for].
What really appeals to me about [company name] is [specific quality or aspect of the company]. My [skills and interests] make me an ideal fit for your diverse team, and I am eager to contribute in a meaningful way.
Please find my attached resume for your perusal. I welcome the chance to further explore the possibilities of the position in a conversation with you. Don’t hesitate to contact me at [your phone number] or [your email].
Thank you for taking the time to review my application.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Short Cover Letter Template
In some cases, a short cover letter may be more appropriate, especially for job postings that specifically request a brief cover letter.
Template:
Dear [Recipient Name],
I recently came across the [job title] position at [company name], and I am excited to express my interest in the opportunity. With my skills in [your field], I am confident in my ability to contribute positively to your team.
Previously, I worked at [previous company], where I [mention a relevant accomplishment]. My [skills or qualifications] make me an ideal candidate for this role, and I am eager to contribute these abilities to your organization.
Please find my resume attached for your review. I would be grateful for the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications and the position. You can reach me at [your phone number] or [your email].
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Your Name
No Experience Cover Letter Template
When you don’t have direct experience, focus on your transferable skills, education, and enthusiasm for the role.
Example: “Although I am new to the finance industry, my strong analytical skills and academic achievements in my recent Bachelor of Business Administration make me an ideal candidate for this entry-level Financial Analyst position.”
Template:
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. Although I do not have any direct experience in this field, I am excited to learn and contribute my skills to your team.
As a recent graduate in [Your Field of Study], I have developed a strong foundation in [Skills or Knowledge Relevant to the Position]. Through my coursework and extracurricular activities, I have honed my [Soft Skills or Transferable Skills] and developed a passion for [Industry or Job Function].
I am drawn to [Company Name] because of its reputation for [Company Values or Achievements]. I am impressed by the company’s commitment to [Specific Values or Goals], and I believe that my skills and enthusiasm would make me a valuable addition to your team.
Although I do not have direct experience in this field, I am a quick learner and am eager to gain new skills. I am confident that my [Transferable Skills] would be an asset to your team, and I am excited to contribute to [Specific Project or Goal] at [Company Name].
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further and learn more about the position.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Career Change Cover Letter Template
If you’re making a career change, highlight your transferable skills and experiences that are relevant to the new industry.
Template:
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the [job title] position at [company name]. Although my background is in [previous industry], I am excited and prepared to transition into the [new industry] and bring my unique perspective and diverse skill set to your team.
In my previous experience at [previous company], I developed a strong foundation in [relevant skills or experiences]. However, I have come to realize that my true passion lies in [new industry or job function], and I am eager to make a career change to pursue this passion.
I am drawn to [company name] because of its reputation for [company values or achievements], and I believe that my skills and experience would make me a valuable addition to your team. Specifically, I am confident that my [relevant skills] would be transferable to the [new industry or job function], and I am excited to learn and grow in this new role.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further and learn more about the position.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Key Components of a Cover Letter
1. Salutation
Address the hiring manager directly, using their name, if possible. If you don’t know their name, use a professional greeting such as “Dear Hiring Manager.”
2. Opening Paragraph
Start strong by expressing your interest in the position and concisely stating why you’re an excellent fit for it.
3. Body
In one or two paragraphs, highlight your best qualifications, relevant experience, and the value you would bring to the company. To make it easy to read, use bullet points or bold text to emphasize major accomplishments.
4. Closing Paragraph
End on a high note by reiterating your enthusiasm and how you’re looking forward to the opportunity to discuss further. Thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration.
5. Complimentary Close and Signature
Use a professional close like “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name, and if applicable, your contact information.
Related: How to End an Email Professionally (Examples)
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a cover letter include?
A cover letter should include your contact information, the date, the employer’s contact information, a salutation, an introduction that grabs their attention, a paragraph highlighting your relevant skills and qualifications, an explanation of how you can contribute to the company, a closing paragraph, and a sign off.
How to start a cover letter?
Start your cover letter with a strong opening sentence that grabs the reader’s attention. Mention the position you’re applying for and a brief reason why you’re a good fit.
Example:
As a highly skilled marketing professional with five years of experience in creating engaging campaigns, I am excited to apply for the Marketing Manager role at X Company.
How long should it be?
A cover letter should be no longer than one page, with around 250-400 words.
Example:
Introduction: 40-50 words
Qualifications and skills: 120-150 words
How you can contribute: 80-100 words
Closing paragraph: 30-40 words
How to write a casual cover letter?
Maintain a professional tone but use casual language and relatable examples.
Example:
“Hey [Employer’s Name],
I recently came across your job posting for a Graphic Designer, and since I’m a design geek with a passion for creating eye-catching visuals, I couldn’t help but apply to join your awesome team!”
What is the best cover letter format?
Use a simple and organized format, including clear headings, paragraphs, and bullet points when necessary.
Example:
Heading / contact information
Salutation
Introduction
Bullet points of relevant experience (3-4 points)
Paragraph on how you can contribute
Closing paragraph