You’ve found the perfect position and composed the perfect resume. But wait, you’re not finished just yet. It’s now time to get your cover letter written. Contrary to what you might think or have been told, this letter is not dead. Most hiring managers still expect and require it. But don’t fret, if you’re confused about what it is and how to compose one correctly, we’ve assembled all of the pertinent data right here.
Cover Letter Examples
It serves as a personalized introduction to your potential employer, highlighting your qualifications and expressing your enthusiasm for the position. But why start from scratch when pre-built templates can give you a head start? By utilizing these templates, you can save valuable time and effort while still creating a unique cover letter that stands out.
Academic cover letter examples
While academic positions require a deep dive into your scholarly contributions and teaching credentials, non-academic roles demand a showcase of your administrative capabilities and how they support the educational ecosystem. Both, however, necessitate a tailored approach that aligns your skills and experiences with the institution’s overarching goals and values
For faculty positions, the cover letter should detail your research interests, methodologies, and how your work contributes to the field, along with your teaching philosophy and experience. Highlight any notable publications, grants, or collaborations, and articulate your future research plans, showing how they align with departmental strengths and gaps.
For non-academic roles within academia, such as administrative or support positions, the focus shifts toward your ability to support the institution’s educational mission. Emphasize skills in project management, administration, and your role in facilitating the academic process, from student admissions to program development.
Accountant cover letter examples
When crafting a cover letter for an accounting position, tailor your narrative to your career stage and unique qualifications. Entry-level applicants should highlight educational backgrounds and internships to demonstrate accounting principles. Mid-level professionals need to focus on experience, achievements, and certifications like CPA, showcasing their impact on financial well-being.
Senior-level candidates should illustrate leadership, strategic contributions, and complex decision-making skills. For specialized roles, emphasize niche expertise and problem-solving skills. Across all levels, showcasing proficiency in accounting software, ethical standards, and effective financial communication is crucial. Tailoring your cover letter to the specific job and company demonstrates your suitability and interest.
Construction industry cover letter examples
Cover letters for construction industry jobs should emphasize practical skills, hands-on experience, and specific projects you’ve contributed to. Highlight your ability to work with diverse teams, manage timelines, and adhere to safety protocols. Tailor your narrative to showcase problem-solving abilities and how you’ve overcome challenges on-site, reflecting your adaptability and commitment to quality.
Mention any relevant certifications or training, such as OSHA safety standards. It’s crucial to align your experience with the specific requirements of the job posting, demonstrating your direct value to potential construction projects and your understanding of the industry’s unique demands.
C-Suite cover letter examples
Cover letters for C-suite positions demand a strategic blend of leadership accomplishments, vision articulation, and an ability to drive organizational change. Highlight your track record in leading companies through growth, transformation, or turnaround phases, emphasizing key achievements in revenue growth, market expansion, or operational efficiency improvements.
Demonstrate your understanding of the industry’s current challenges and future directions, aligning this with how your leadership can propel the company forward. Personalize the narrative to reflect the company’s culture, mission, and values, showing how your leadership philosophy and style will mesh with and enrich the organization. It’s also crucial to showcase your ability to engage with stakeholders, from board members to employees, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
Customer service cover letter examples
In customer service cover letters, highlight your interpersonal skills, problem-solving capabilities, and dedication to exceptional service. Showcase specific examples of resolving customer issues, enhancing satisfaction, or incorporating feedback to improve service. Emphasize your communication skills, patience, and ability to empathize with diverse customers. Align your experience with the company’s customer service philosophy, demonstrating your enthusiasm and fit for the role. Mention any relevant training or certifications, underscoring your professionalism and commitment to positive customer experiences.
Designer cover letter examples
In a designer cover letter, emphasize your creative process, portfolio highlights, and how your design solutions meet client needs or enhance user experiences. Showcase specific projects that demonstrate your expertise in various design software and mediums. Highlight your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and manage feedback constructively. Tailor your narrative to reflect the company’s brand and design ethos, showing your enthusiasm and how your unique vision and skills align with their objectives.
Engineering cover letter examples
For engineering cover letters, emphasize your technical expertise, innovative problem-solving skills, and successful project outcomes. Highlight specific engineering projects you’ve contributed to, detailing your role and the impact on project success. Showcase your proficiency with relevant software and engineering methodologies. Tailor your narrative to the company’s engineering challenges and goals, demonstrating your enthusiasm and how your skills can drive their projects forward. Mention any relevant certifications or professional affiliations to underscore your commitment to the field.
IT cover letter examples
In IT sector cover letters, highlight your technical skills, experience with specific technologies, and successful project implementations. Detail your role in enhancing systems, solving technical issues, or improving efficiency. Emphasize your ability to adapt to new technologies and collaborate with cross-functional teams. Tailor your narrative to the company’s tech needs, showing how your expertise aligns with their objectives. Mention certifications or continuous learning efforts to underscore your commitment to staying current in the field.
Janitor cover letter examples
For janitorial cover letters, emphasize your reliability, attention to detail, and commitment to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. Highlight your experience in various cleaning techniques, familiarity with cleaning chemicals, and adherence to safety protocols. Showcase specific instances where your efforts contributed to improved environmental hygiene or efficiency. Tailor your narrative to the employer’s specific needs, demonstrating your enthusiasm for the role and how your skills and experience make you the ideal candidate.
Law enforcement cover letter examples
For law enforcement cover letters, emphasize your dedication to public safety, law enforcement experience, and ability to handle high-pressure situations. Highlight specific instances of your contributions to community safety, problem-solving skills in critical incidents, and teamwork in collaborative law enforcement efforts. Showcase your understanding of legal protocols and community engagement. Tailor your narrative to the agency’s mission, demonstrating how your skills and values align with their goals and the role you’re applying for.
Librarian cover letter examples
In librarian cover letters, emphasize your passion for knowledge sharing, experience in library management, and proficiency in information technology. Highlight your ability to assist patrons, manage collections, and implement digital resources. Showcase specific projects that improved library services or user experience. Tailor your narrative to the institution’s needs, demonstrating how your skills and initiatives can enhance their library’s offerings. Mention any relevant certifications or continuing education in library and information science.
Marketing & sales cover letter examples
For marketing and sales cover letters, emphasize your ability to drive revenue growth, understand customer needs, and develop effective marketing strategies. Highlight your track record in achieving sales targets, launching successful campaigns, or enhancing brand visibility. Showcase your creativity, analytical skills, and adaptability to market trends. Tailor your narrative to the company’s products or services, demonstrating how your experience aligns with their goals. Mention any relevant certifications or achievements in sales and marketing.
Nursing & healthcare cover letter examples
For nursing and healthcare industry cover letters, emphasize your compassion, clinical skills, and patient care experiences. Highlight specific instances of patient support, teamwork in healthcare settings, and any specialized skills or certifications (e.g., BLS, ACLS). Showcase your commitment to patient health and safety, and your ability to work under pressure. Tailor your narrative to the employer’s healthcare focus, demonstrating how your background and dedication will contribute to their patient care objectives.
Office worker cover letter examples
In office worker cover letters, highlight organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in office software. Showcase experience managing schedules, coordinating meetings, and handling correspondence. Emphasize problem-solving abilities and adaptability to fast-paced environments. Tailor your narrative to the employer’s administrative needs, demonstrating how your skills can streamline operations and support the team’s efficiency. Mention any relevant certifications or achievements in office administration to underscore your qualifications.
Teaching & education cover letter examples
In teaching and education sector cover letters, emphasize your passion for education, instructional expertise, and student-centered approach. Highlight classroom management skills, curriculum development experience, and innovative teaching methods. Showcase specific achievements such as student outcomes or curriculum enhancements. Tailor your narrative to the institution’s educational philosophy, demonstrating how your teaching style aligns with their goals. Mention any relevant certifications or professional development activities to underscore your commitment to academic excellence.
The Purpose of a Cover Letter
These letters serve an important function in the process of securing that perfect position. They are a traditional way to introduce yourself, along with your resume, and do it professionally. It allows you to ‘ speak freely’ as it were, whereas the resume is a more structured document. Think of it as a ‘handshake’, a form of greeting.
It differs from your resume. Where the resume lists your accomplishments and history, it is the cover letter that showcases your personality and allows you to exhibit your interest in the position. Remember, you want the hiring manager to call you for an interview, and this letter might be the first and only thing they read. In other words, if it does not impress them, then chances are, they’ll pass on the resume.
Is a Cover Letter an Absolute Necessity?
This depends on what the job posting requires. In general, most resumes should be accompanied by a well-written, error-free cover letter. If they do not specify one way or another, then definitely send one. However, if they plainly state that no such document is required, then do not send one. If the job posting states that it is optional, then choose to include it. If the job posting requires it and you do not include it, odds are your resume will be passed over.
Remember, if you’ve found that perfect posting, but you are an entry-level applicant with little or no experience, it can be used to your advantage. This letter gives you a chance to convey your desire to succeed and point out what you can do for the company.
Another consideration might be that you’re new, creating resumes, and perhaps your resume does not shine as brightly as applicants with years of experience. Well, in this case, it gives you added ammunition to state why you should get the job.
How Long Should Your Cover Letter Be?
According to Alison Green from AskAManager.com, concise, relevant, and short work best.
To test your length, she offers the following advice:
EXAMPLE
“Does your letter make a compelling case for why you’d be awesome at the job? If your letter does that but it’s longer than a page, look for ways to edit it down without losing its essence.”
Overall, a good rule of thumb is to keep it short, informative, and relevant to the job you are applying for. As for word count? Hiring managers are busy people, so try not to go too far over 300 words for the letter’s body.
Always Compose Unique Cover Letters for Each Position
It should be specific to that particular job posting. Under no circumstances should you write one general cover letter for all positions. It should demonstrate that you’ve read that job posting and have a definite interest in it. Keep in mind that the cover is not all about you; it’s an introduction to the prospective employer, stating what you can offer the company.
Basics for Writing a Cover Letter
We’ve given you a pretty good idea of what it is, and why you should include it with your resume. Now it’s time to embark on composing your own. We’re going to use the traditional cover letter format, which includes contact information, 3 body paragraphs, and a closing.
Introductory paragraph
The introductory paragraph needs to be composed in such a way that it grabs the hiring manager’s attention. You do this by using a writing mechanic called a “Hook”. The hook is the first sentence in the introductory paragraph. This is where you begin to shine. But, no matter how you shine, you still need to get their attention, and you do that with your opening statement. Below, we have two examples of opening sentences: one correct and one incorrect.
EXAMPLE
Incorrect
I’m writing this letter in response to your job posting on July 23, 20XX.
EXAMPLE
Correct
As a graphic designer who kept abreast of Dentz’s accomplishments, I was pleasantly surprised to come across your posting for an entry-level graphic designer for your post-production department. I am enthusiastic with regards to bringing my skills and expertise to your company.
Second paragraph
After your attention-grabbing, enthusiastic introductory paragraph, it’s now time to demonstrate to the hiring manager what it is you have to offer. This paragraph is less about you and more about what you can do for the company. Be enthusiastic but humble at the same time. Boasting is inappropriate.
The first sentence of your second paragraph will demonstrate your expertise. The following sentences are supporting details. In other words, they are past work or volunteer experiences, which back up your claims made in the first sentence:
EXAMPLE
Having performed the duties of Lead Designer at Maxel’s Media, I am quite skilled in a wide range of digital media software applications such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Maya, and Blender. I excelled at meeting milestones and keeping each project on track and on time. My responsibilities extended to handling the project’s social media accounts, as well as arranging, conducting, and overseeing meetings with foreign investors interested in moving our projects forward.
Third paragraph
The first paragraph was your introduction. The second demonstrated your expertise and what you can offer the company. The third paragraph concerns demonstrating why you want to work for them. The first sentence in the third paragraph should show that you have done your research regarding the company.
Mention a project they are presently working on:
EXAMPLE
I find Dentz’s new plans for the Monroe Gaming Project to be solid and believe it will increase sales by a wide margin.
In the following paragraphs, state why you find this intriguing. Back this up with supporting details involving how your experience would make you an asset to the project.
EXAMPLE
I find Dentz’s new plans for the Monroe Gaming Project to be solid and believe it will increase sales by a wide margin. Having over six years of experience leading graphic design teams with the Phobos Project to increase its sales by 30%, I feel I would be an excellent candidate for this position.
How to close your cover letter?
You’ve demonstrated your enthusiasm for the position, what you can offer them, and your knowledge about the company and how you can help them succeed. What’s next? It’s time to close the letter.
This is where you express interest in meeting them to consider how you can contribute to their success:
EXAMPLE
I look forward to meeting both you and your team to discuss the advances made with the Monroe Gaming project, and how the knowledge and experience gained from leading the Phobos Project can further help to advance your team’s objectives and increase sales.
Cover Letter Writing Tips
- Do not use your current work email.
- Your email should be your first and last name only. No handles.
- Any social media accounts you list should only reflect your professional life. Do not use personal ones.
- Do not use “Dear Sir or Madam”. It’s old and out of date.
What is the Proper Format of a Cover Letter?
Formatting concerns the layout of your document. A properly formatted letter shows you are a professional. Formatting concerns the type of font you use and page margin measurements. When it comes to formatting it, start with a simple block letter style. This means that all sections of your letter will start at the left margin, or ‘left justified’, with the font style Arial, size 12. With that being said, it’s always a good idea to write it first, make corrections and adjustments, and then format it.
This is where you place your full name, address, and contact information. If you have any professional websites or professional social media accounts, you may place them here as well. If you are sending an email cover letter, eliminate this section, and place your contact information after your signature.
Date
This is the date you composed this document.
Recipients contact information
This refers to your hiring manager’s full name and title, or whoever is listed in the job posting as the main contact. Also, include the name and address of the company.
Salutation
This is your greeting. If you know the hiring manager’s name, use it:
EXAMPLE
Dear Mr. Stockton
If you do not know the name of your contact, use this instead:
EXAMPLE
Dear Hiring Manager:
Body text
The body is where you’ll demonstrate why you are the perfect candidate for the position. Notice, we stated, “demonstrate.”. In other words, show your prospective employer what you can offer them, don’t tell them, show them. Use an active voice as opposed to a passive voice when composing your body text. Each line is single-spaced, with a double space in between paragraphs.
Closing
Keep in mind that this is a letter sent to a professional, so close it appropriately. Acceptable closings include:
- Sincerely
- Best regards
- Kind regards
- Thank you
Free Template Professional Cover Letter
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Today’s Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position advertised by [Company Name]. With a [mention relevant years of experience] in [mention relevant field or industry], I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team.
Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a strong commitment to [mention key skills or attributes relevant to the position, e.g., problem-solving, teamwork, communication]. My experience in [mention specific areas of expertise or achievements] has prepared me to [mention how your skills or experiences align with the job requirements or company needs].
I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] because of [mention specific reasons, such as its reputation, mission, or recent achievements]. I am eager to bring my [mention specific skills or experiences] to contribute to [mention a specific project, goal, or aspect of the company].
Enclosed is my resume, which provides additional details about my background and accomplishments. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the needs of your team. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to [Company Name]’s success.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Avoid the Following When Writing Your Cover Letter
Just as there are recommendations for what to include in it, some items should be left out. Below, we’ve assembled a list of items to keep out of your document:
Personal information
We’re not talking about your expertise here. We’re talking about digressing about how much you love carrots or how often you walk your dog. If it is not relevant to the job posting, don’t include it.
Length
It should be centered and to the point. A little over 300 words is a nice goal to shoot for. Keep in mind the hiring manager has multiple positions to fill, and if they see this document is too long, they’ll probably simply pass it on.
Grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors
No matter how talented you are, how many years of experience you have, or how well-networked you are, if the hiring manager sees errors in your letter, they will view you as incompetent.
Money, benefits, or vacation time
Under no circumstances, mention your requirement for salary, benefits, or vacation time. This is not the time to negotiate. After all, you haven’t even had an interview yet. Remember, this letter is not about what you want; it’s about what you can offer the company.
Keep it truthful
Don’t include any information that is false. It’s quite a simple matter for a prospective employer to find out what they need about you in today’s digital world. So, save yourself some trouble, and keep it honest.
How to Write a Cover Letter For a Position Which is Not Advertised
There are many reasons why a company does not advertise a position. If you happen to be aware that there is an unadvertised job opening available, simply compose this letter as you normally would.
However, if you truly have an interest in a company and wish to get your foot in the door, you’ll have to resort to ‘cold calling’ tactics. If this is the case, then consider it your “elevator pitch,” of sorts. In other words, you just have this one chance to try to convince the company to consider you for a position.
Remember, if you know anyone currently working for the company, mention their name, and do it in the first sentence. This will give you instantaneous credibility. Also, make certain you attach your resume to your cover letter.
Below are the basic guidelines for composing it for an unadvertised position:
Body
Above, we spoke about a hook. As the objective is to get the hiring manager to notice you, it’s a good idea to start your first paragraph with a hook. Grab their attention, so they at least finish your letter. Continue to explain to the hiring manager why you seek a position at this company and include any relevant skill sets that back up your claims.
Introductory paragraph
Here is where you place your hook in the first sentence. If you know someone at the company, then let this be part of your hook. Next, state why you have an interest in working for them. It might not be a bad idea to demonstrate that you’ve done some research, so consider including a company fact or two that relates to the position you are seeking. If you know someone at the company, mention it now. Be specific as to why you are interested in this particular company.
EXAMPLE
As the lead graphic designer for Maxel, as well as working as a consultant for design firms throughout Los Angeles, I am enthusiastic about the position as a lead graphic designer for your Northwood Studio. Your head of HR, Martin Greenberg informed me of the possibility of the position being vacant within the next few weeks. I have a proven track record as an established graphic designer involving web design as well as character development.
Second paragraph
Now that you have their attention, it’s time to show what you can do for the company. Which of their needs can you meet?
Keep it specific, relevant, and to the point:
EXAMPLE
Dentz Graphics has increased its production and added 3 new projects during the past 6 months. This significantly increases the expectations of your clients and customers. Knowing this, with my experience leading major projects at Maxel, I believe I can provide the leadership you need to obtain the results you seek:
- 3 years experience handling the Phobos Project, including planning and managing schedules, meetings and character development duties
- Proven to be consistent in meeting milestones for various projects, including Phobos, Mident, and Cromley accounts.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; a team player who has maintained consistent achievement in all areas of project development.
Third paragraph
This section is where you show your gratitude to your prospective employer. Remember to keep flattery to a minimum, and compose this section with sincerity. Simply thank them for possibly considering you for a position at their company.
EXAMPLE
As a hard-working and motivated team player, I am confident I can make a positive contribution to Denz Graphics Design. My resume is attached for your convenience. I look forward to discussing the matter further at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Cold Calling Cover Letter Tips
- Use the traditional formatting style listed above: block style, Arial font size 12.
- As for a salutation, use the hiring manager’s name. If you do not know the name, simply write Dear Hiring Manager.
- As stated, the rest of the letter, such as the closing, uses the same format as traditional ones.
Email Cover Letters
If you are asked to send your cover letter and resume digitally, then make certain to follow the instructions given, or it may be dismissed.
EXAMPLE
If they ask for a PDF or zip file, that is what you send them. If they accept no attachments of any kind, copy and paste your resume in the email body. If you cannot follow these basic instructions, they will not consider you competent and dismiss your resume.
Your email cover letter should be formatted as professionally as you would a hard copy letter. Follow the same content and formatting rules as given above. The only main consideration is the subject line of the email. Under no circumstances should you leave it blank. Instead, list the position you are applying for. A hiring manager has to fill many posts, so make certain that you enter specific details, such as the exact position and any identifying codes that are present in the position.
As for your contact information, this should appear in the closing section, after your name, like this:
EXAMPLE
First name, Last Name
Email Address
Phone
LinkedIn profile, if applicable.
Twitter account, if applicable.
Including an electronic signature
If you would like to add a little bit extra to this document, you might consider an electronic signature. Sites like DocuSign.com offer you free email signatures that look professional and are easy to place within your document.
What if Only a Cover Letter is Required?
There are times when a job posting will request only a cover letter without a resume. As you can guess, this will contain slightly different content. You’ll have to include your skillsets as well as past work experience.
To begin with, you’re going to format the letter in the same traditional way: block style, Arial font size 12. All sections, such as header, recipient information, salutation, and closing, will remain the same.
First, create an introductory paragraph that briefly introduces you to your prospective employer, and includes a summary of your experience:
EXAMPLE
Dentz Graphics is known for its innovative and provocative design strategies. As an experienced and motivated designer, I am extremely interested in applying for the position of Lead Graphic Designer. Having 6 years plus of experience in graphic design and working as a consultant for established graphic design companies throughout Los Angeles, I believe I can lead your current projects to success.
Next, create a bullet point list that demonstrates how you can meet the requirements listed in the job posting:
As an experienced, enthusiastic graphic designer, I believe my skillsets and work experience combine to make me an excellent candidate for this position:
- Exceptional graphic design skills: proficient in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat, HTML/CSS, plus 3D design software such as Maya and Blender.
- Proven to lead projects to completion: Performed as Lead Designer on Maxel’s Trident Project, designing the flow of the Maxel Trident App, and creating a well-received, user-friendly interface.
In the final paragraph, be courteous and thank the hiring manager, as well as request an interview:
EXAMPLE
I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to meet you in person and discuss my application. Feel free to contact me at [CONTACT INFORMATION] at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your time. I look forward to meeting you.
Conclusion
As you can see, creating a perfect cover letter requires some thought, planning, and execution. Don’t be concerned about the format at first; just begin to jot down ideas and see how they look on paper. Once you are satisfied, it’s time to organize your thoughts into a cohesive, well-flowing document. As long as you follow a few basic rules, such as always using block style formatting, including a hook in your introductory paragraph, and keeping it short, informative, and relevant to the position you’re applying for, you should be well on your way to winning that perfect position.
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