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First Job cover letter example

Secondary purpose

Cover letter header, cover letter greeting, cover letter introduction, cover letter middle part (body), how to close a first job cover letter (conclusion and sign-off), how to get a job with no experience.

Landing your first job can be both an exciting and stressful experience. Whether you’re a high school or college student, or even a recent graduate, a first job can provide valuable life and professional experience. First jobs in restaurants , childcare or retail teach transferable skills and prepare you for a successful career, even if you eventually decide to pursue another field.

As exciting as landing your first job can be, searching for it can be challenging. Most employers hire based on previous work experience, which poses a problem for first-time job seekers. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to show you have the right qualities and attitude to make for a great entry-level hire who is motivated to learn and grow.

So how do you convince an employer to take a chance on you and open the door to a world of professional possibilities?

A great cover letter is one of the most important tools you can have on your side. This document highlights your unique personality, ambitions and accomplishments. In the case of first-time job seekers, a cover letter can be even more effective than a resume, especially if you lack work experience.

Luckily, with resume.io's collection of resources, tips, real-world examples and sample sentences, you’ll easily be able to write a perfect cover letter for any situation.

This guide, along with an effective first job cover letter example, will:

• Explain the unique purpose of a cover letter in landing you your first job
• Offer a step-by-step guide to the writing process with free examples, samples and templates
• Break down the most important qualities for first-time job seekers regardless of position
• Help you create a stand-out application to improve your chances of landing your dream job!

So how can you make an impact when you don't have the experience to prove your skills? You're in the right place to find out! The guide below will provide you will the tools and tips to write a great first job cover letter. (You can also check out our library of 125+ cover letter examples .)

The primary purpose of a first job cover letter

Before we dive into the secrets of writing an effective cover letter, it’s important to understand what exactly a cover letter is. This document is one of the most important application materials and for good reason. While a resume is focused on the names, dates and locations of previous employers, your cover letter is much more free-form – a chance for you to highlight what truly makes you a unique candidate.

For a first-time job-seeker, it’s important to keep your cover letter concise and concentrated on a few reasons why you’re the right choice for the position. Limit your cover letter length to one page, or 200 to 400 words, to make sure you’ll keep the hiring manager’s attention from beginning to end.

While great writing is half the cover letter battle, clean formatting also plays a big role in how an employer perceives your application. You’ll want to pay attention to the balance of white space and text and make sure you’re using an appropriate font style and size. For specific formatting tips, check out our comprehensive guide on cover letter writing .

What if the job application DOESN’T require a cover letter?

Occasionally you’ll run across job postings that don’t exactly mention whether a cover letter is required. Maybe they list it as “optional” or they might fail to address the question entirely. So what should you do?

While some job seekers might see this as a chance to save themselves time and effort on the cover letter writing process, they’re likely not doing themselves any favors by skipping out on submitting a cover letter. 

Unless the job description specifically asks you NOT to submit one, it’s always a good idea to write and submit a thoughtful cover letter as part of a complete application. After all, when applying to your first job you’ll need to use every resource at your disposal. 

All the time and effort you’ll spend writing your cover letter really boils down to one mission: maximize your chances of landing your first job.

While there’s nothing you can do to guarantee you’ll land the position, there are several steps you can take to increase your odds. An interesting introduction, error-free writing, polished formatting and a professional tone all contribute to an employer’s impression of you as an applicant.

While resumes are often hailed as the end-all-be-all of the job search, they often lack space for the personality and soft skills that make you a great employee, especially in entry-level positions. 

Your cover letter allows for much more flexibility – and even creativity – in terms of tone and styling. While you’ll always want to make sure your tone is professional, a dash of spark or excitement can go a long way in setting you apart from other candidates.

The reason why you need to tailor your cover letter

Since there are only a certain number of jobs available for entry-level candidates with minimal hard skills or work experience, these positions can often be competitive. Unfortunately, submitting just any cover letter likely won’t be enough to land a great first job.

To truly leave an impact, you’ll also need to tailor your cover letter. 

Tailoring your cover letter means adapting it to each individual position and employer you apply to. For each different job description, you’ll want to pick out the most important skills and experiences and find relevant examples from your own activities and personality. The small time investment to adjust each cover letter will pay off big time when the hiring manager notices your effort to address the employer’s needs.

Best format for a first job cover letter

While a cover letter might seem more flexible than a resume, that doesn’t mean there’s no structure to follow. In fact, this section will break down each part of an effective cover letter. And the great news is that this structure works well regardless of industry or position, so learning to write a great cover letter is skill that will benefit you for the rest of your career.

Here are the key components:

• The cover letter header
• The greeting / salutation
• The cover letter intro
• The middle paragraphs (body of the letter)
• The ending paragraph of your cover letter (conclusion and call-to-action)

You can get even more tips for writing each of these sections – and even some free example sentences – in this overall guide on cover letters . The cover letter sample below will help you understand the big picture and offer some ideas.

Dear Mr. Maskill,

Having just graduated from Miami University with a degree in Public Relations and Journalism, the traineeship at Deelman PR would be an ideal start to my career.

I have taken every opportunity to gain PR and writing experience during my studies, with experience over two summers with Mill & Trapp PR and three years working on the university website, with my final year as Managing Editor.

In my work experience placement at Mill & Trapp, I worked on consumer PR campaigns for a variety of well-known brands, collating press clippings, managing social media campaigns and coordinating media involvement. I managed photoshoots for a number of smaller clients and wrote over 35 press releases. My social media work resulted in a cumulative 58% uplift in engagement and 147% increase in following.

My copywriting skills were perfected during my time at the university website (and accompanying student magazine). I started out as a contributor, writing about social and political issues that mattered to our students, and by my final year I was the editor, in charge of a team of 28 writers and designers. I learned much about collaboration and working towards a deadline – something vital in the PR business.

I understand that you do a lot of work in South America and hope that my native Spanish may come in useful. I travel to Spain every year to visit European family and would relish the chance of a role that would require both Spanish and English writing skills. Basic translation skills are not enough for effective PR – you need someone who is capable of transcreation.

I am an excellent communicator and have a host of glowing references which speak of my ability to work in a team and manage complex projects.

I would welcome the opportunity of an interview to discuss my portfolio of previous work.

Sara Yardley

Your cover letter heading accomplishes two big jobs. First, it allows a recruiter to quickly identify the document as belonging to you. Since it contains your full name, phone number, social media like LinkedIn and other contact information, it makes it easy for a hiring manager to get in touch if they want to schedule a job interview. 

The second thing your header does is add attractive and eye-catching formatting. Recruiters can often read through hundreds of applications for any given position. Your formatting helps you make a strong and professional first impression.

The goal of this section: Label your document with your contact information, create an interesting and professional layout to keep your document visually attractive.

Align document styles!

As mentioned above, one of the major roles of your cover letter header is to create a great look for your document. You can take this goal a step further by aligning the document styles of your cover letter and resume. This simple action will help create a “personal brand” – a look and feel that defines your application and makes it stand out visually. There are a few ways to accomplish this, but one of the easiest is by using matching cover letter templates and resume templates. Check out Resume.io’s collection of clean, simple designs to create a quick and easy cover letter suitable for any position.

Your cover letter greeting doesn’t contain many words, but it should still pack a punch. In this section, you’ll want to address the hiring manager by name to increase your chances of making a personal connection and catching their attention. Before choosing a greeting, take a moment to reflect on the formality of the workplace and your relationship with the employer. For most formal situations, “Dear” followed by the proper salutation and the hiring manager’s last name will be appropriate. For more casual situations, you may opt for “Hi” or “Hello” followed by a first name.

When in doubt, use "Dear," just as our cover letter example does.

The goal of this section: Address the letter recipient by name to make a personal connection and demonstrate genuine interest in the position.

The importance of names and addressed greetings

Using a name in your cover letter greeting is a habit that will benefit you in any job and any industry. And don’t just take our word for it. Science has actually proven that humans have a positive neurological response to hearing (or reading) their own name. Using a hiring manager’s name in your cover letter shows that you’ve done your research and care about your application.

However, in large to medium-sized companies, hiring is often handled by a whole team of people who can remain somewhat anonymous. In this situation, there’s no need to go to extreme lengths. The next best step is to use the company name plus some sort of collective noun. “Team” or “Family” can often work well here. These options are more personal than the cold and slightly outdated “To Whom It May Concern,” which should be avoided if at all possible.

Your first paragraph is where you’ll finally have a chance to show off your unique qualities and grab the hiring manager’s attention. A relevant fact, interesting anecdote or surprising statistic can all serve as great ways to open your letter and keep a recruiter reading until the end. Just make sure to keep this section concise and professional in tone. If the company has multiple job openings or a large staff, it’s also a good idea to include the name of the position in your introduction.

The goal of this section: Grab the hiring manager’s attention with an exciting snippet that leads directly into the body section, establish a respectful tone

Now that you’ve arrived at the cover letter body, you’ll finally have a chance to highlight your relevant experience and most impressive skills. You can divide this section into a second and third paragraph to make it easier to organize.

In the second paragraph, the STAR method will help you list relevant anecdotes. First, describe a Situation and the required Task, then you’ll need to explain your Action and the positive Result that followed. Make sure to keep these anecdotes concise and focused on the experiences most relevant to the potential position.

In the third paragraph, you’ll be able to list potential contributions to the employer and your strongest skills.

The goal of this section: Use the STAR method to create relevant anecdotes, discuss potential contributions and skills.

You’ve almost made it to the end! You just need a great conclusion to seal the deal on a strong cover letter. You can wrap up your document using a Call to Action. This sentence conveys your interest and enthusiasm for the position and invites the hiring manager to contact you. You may also choose to leave your contact information here.

Then, finish your letter with the appropriate signature. “Sincerely,” “Best” or even “Thank you” can all work well.

The goal of this section: End your cover letter on a positive note with a strong call to action, choose the appropriate signature.

Entry-level cover letter examples and strategies

When applying to your first job, there are a few key traits you’ll want to convey regardless of industry or job title.

• Willingness to learn: No one expects you to be an expert when starting your first job. A humble attitude and teachable spirit will show an employer you’re ready to work for your skills and do even the most basic tasks with a positive attitude.
• Motivation: As a first-time employee, your motivation and determination to succeed will quickly help you stand out and earn respect. Use other semi-professional or volunteer activities to show how you set goals and meet them.
• Professionalism: Communication, professional decorum and even confidence are the traits that set one entry-level candidate apart from another. Even with no prior work experience, you can still show a hiring manager that you will make a great addition to the team just by using a professional, assertive tone without appearing arrogant.
• Work ethic: An entitled employee is never a good look, but it’s even worse when it’s your first job. Your cover letter should demonstrate an ability to put your head down and get the job done, even when the task isn’t the most glamorous.

When applying to your first job, you may feel like you’re playing catch-up. Your mind might start to wander as you imagine other candidates with fancy degrees and years of experience confidently writing their cover letters.

Stop! Don’t think like that!

The beauty of a winning cover letter is that you don’t need immense amounts of job experience to convince an employer that you’re the perfect fit.

A professional cover letter really boils down to your ability to answer one short question: What value can I add to this employer’s business?

For most entry-level positions in stores, childcare, restaurants and offices, the answer is deceptively simple. I may not have the educational background of other candidates but I have qualities like time management, work ethic and attention to detail that are hard to teach.

Most employers are willing to take a chance on a young candidate who shows interest and motivation. Your thin resume may have a hard time conveying that, which makes your cover letter doubly important. 

Bonus tips on how to write the best cover letter

• Proofread : Spelling and grammar mistakes can really hinder your chances of landing your dream job. Make sure to leave enough time to proofread your work. You can even ask a friend to help.
• Get specific: Numbers, facts and statistics help you put some weight behind your words. Use these details where needed to quantify your accomplishments.
• Focus on your opening paragraph: Hiring managers are busy, so give them what they need right from the start. An exciting and relevant opening paragraph is one of the most important things you can do to increase your chances of success. Check out our examples for free sample sentences.
• Google the company: The more information you have, the more easily you’ll be able to match the tone of the company and address their needs with relevant skills and experiences. Information about the company’s branding can also help you choose the most appropriate cover letter template.

Cover letter for first job: How to avoid common mistakes

• Unrelated activities: While it’s normal to have a sparse resume when applying for your first job, that doesn’t mean that you should fill your cover letter with all sorts of unrelated hobbies and activities. Stick to the most professional experiences you have, even if they were volunteer or shadowing opportunities, and fill in the rest of your letter with your relevant soft skills and personality traits.
• Poor formatting : First-time job seekers often overlook the importance of great presentation. To make yourself stand out as a polished candidate, don’t forget to use the right formatting techniques. Cover letter templates can make this process much simpler.
• A generic letter: Sometimes a lack of experience causes candidates to copy-paste their cover letter or simply plug their information into an existing example from the web. While examples and samples are great guides, you should put some time and effort into customizing your letter with the right skills and examples to explain why you’re the best candidate for the particular position.
• Poor tone: When you’re lacking experience, it can be difficult to find the sweet spot between modesty and over-confidence. The trick is to present yourself as a humble applicant with a willingness to learn while still recognizing the great skills and qualities you already possess.

Key takeaways

• For recent grads and first time job seekers, a good cover letter can be even more important than your resume in a hiring manager’s impression of you. Unless asked NOT to, it’s always a good idea to write and submit one.
• The step-by-step cover letter structure can make the writing process a lot easier. Make sure to pay special attention to creating a strong opening paragraph.
• For part-time jobs, focus on the skills that are most relevant to the work you’ll be doing. Make sure to use a tone that’s confident but not arrogant.
• Your cover letter should be specific to each individual employer – and don’t forget to proofread it to maintain your professional image.
• Formatting is equally as important as great writing. A cover letter builder and templates can help you quickly create a polished image.

With our cover letter builder , you can create a perfect cover letter in just a few minutes. No uncertainty, no hassle. Go out there and win!

For more specific idea, click on our cover letter examples for careers that offer entry-level opportunities:

• Customer service representative cover letter example
• Cashier cover letter example
• Retail cover letter example
• Receptionist cover letter example
• Server cover letter example

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07 Best Cover Letter For First Job [Free Samples]

A cover letter is an important part of any job application, and your first job is no exception. While your resume may highlight your education and qualifications, a cover letter gives you the chance to tell prospective employers why you’re the perfect candidate for the position. To help you get started, we’ve created seven free cover letter templates that you can customize for your own use.

Simply choose the template that best fits your needs, and then follow the instructions to fill in your personal information and details about your experience. With a little effort, you can create a compelling cover letter that will help you land your first job. Good luck!

How To Write a Cover Letter For First Job?

A cover letter is an important part of any job application, and your first job is no exception. Even if you don’t have much (or any) work experience, a well-written cover letter can give you a chance to stand out from the crowd and get your foot in the door. Here are some tips to help you write a great cover letter for your first job:

• Start by researching the company and the specific job you’re applying for. This will help you tailor your letter to the organisation and make it clear that you understand what they’re looking for.
• Next, take some time to think about what makes you a good fit for the role. What skills and experience do you have that would make you successful in the job? Be sure to mention any relevant coursework or extracurricular activities, as well as any part-time jobs you may have held.
• Once you’ve identified your key strengths, it’s time to start writing. Begin by introducing yourself and explain why you’re interested in the role. Then, use specific examples to show how your skills and experience match up with what the employer is looking for. Finally, wrap up by thanking the employer for their time and consideration.

By following these simple tips, you’ll be on your way to writing a great cover letter that will help you land your first job!

Related: How To Write a Cover Letter (And Get Hired in 2022!)

Cover Letter Examples For First-Time Teachers

Dear Hiring Manager,

As a first-time teacher, I am excited to have the opportunity to apply for a teaching position at your school. I am committed to providing my students with a high-quality education and believe that I have the skills and experience needed to be an excellent addition to your team.

In my previous role as a teaching assistant, I gained valuable experience working with students of all ages and ability levels. I am confident that I can use my skills to create a positive learning environment in your classroom.

In addition to my teaching experience, I have also completed coursework in curriculum development and instructional methods. The familiar with best practices for designing and delivering instruction and am committed to using these methods to help my students succeed.

Believe that I can be an asset to your school and am eager to put my skills to work in a new environment. I look forward to discussing my qualifications further with you and thank you for your consideration.

Related: Teacher Cover Letter:10 Examples & Sample Included

Cover Letter For First-Time Job

I am interested in the open position of ___________ at your company. Based on what I know and my research, I believe that I have the skillset required for this job.

Though I may not have previous experience working in this field, I am a fast learner and have a genuine interest in ___________. Additionally, I have _____ years of experience in customer service/sales, which I believe has helped me develop strong communication and interpersonal skills.

I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss my qualifications and abilities further with you. Please do not hesitate to contact me at ___________ to arrange a time for an interview.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Related: Part Time Job Cover Letter: 09 Sample Examples

Cover Letter For Teenagers First Job

To Whom It May Concern,

The writing in regards to the open position for a summer job at your company. It is a highly motivated and hardworking teenager who would love to have the opportunity to gain some valuable work experience.

Have attached my resume for your review and I am confident that you will find me to be a qualified candidate. I would appreciate the chance to come in for an interview at your earliest convenience.

Related: 107+ Unique Objective for Teenager Resume ideas & Examples

Cover Letter Examples For First Job

My name is ____________ and I am a recent graduate of ___________. I am interested in obtaining a position as a ___________ in your company.

I have enclosed my resume for your review and would appreciate any opportunity to discuss my qualifications further with you.

Enclosure: resume

Related: Generic Cover Letter: 09 Samples & Examples

Cover Letter For First Time Manager Position

I am writing to apply for the position of Manager at XYZ Company. This is my first time applying for a management position, but I believe that my qualifications and experience make me the perfect candidate for the job.

I have a degree in Business Administration from ABC University, and I have been working in customer service for the past five years. In my current role, I am responsible for handling customer complaints and ensuring that they are resolved in a timely and satisfactory manner. The have also been training new employees for the past two years.

Believe that my skills and experience will be an asset to XYZ Company. I am confident that I can successfully manage a team and meet the expectations of the company. I am eager to put my skills to work in a new environment and contribute to the success of XYZ Company.

Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Related: 07 Best General Manager Cover Letter Samples

First-Time Supervisor Cover Letter

The writing to apply for the position of First-Time Supervisor at your company. Have a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and several years of experience working in customer service. The confident that I have the skills and qualifications needed to be a successful supervisor.

It is motivated, detail-oriented, and able to work well under pressure. I am also excellent at problem-solving and have a proven track record of providing excellent customer service. I am confident that I can lead a team and help contribute to the success of your company.

Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Related: Data Entry Cover Letter: 07 Sample ideas

5 Things To Include In a Cover Letter For First Job

When applying for your first job, it’s important to include a well-written cover letter. The cover letter gives you an opportunity to introduce yourself and explain why you’re the perfect candidate for the job. Here are 5 things to include in your cover letter:

• Relevant experience – If you have any relevant experience, be sure to mention it in your cover letter. Even if it’s not directly related to the job you’re applying for, any experience you have will be helpful in demonstrating your skills and abilities.
• Reasons for wanting the job – In your cover letter, be sure to explain why you’re interested in the position. Include specific examples of what appeals to you about the job and the company. This will show that you’re not just applying for any old job, but that you’ve thoughtfully considered why this particular position is a good fit for you.
• Skills and qualifications – Take some time to highlight your skills and qualifications that make you perfect for the job. Even if they’re not directly related to the position, any relevant skills and qualifications will help demonstrate your suitability for the role.
• Enthusiasm – Be sure to show some enthusiasm in your cover letter! This will help demonstrate that you’re excited about the opportunity and motivated to do a great job.
• professionalism – Last but not least, remember to keep your cover letter professional throughout. Avoid using informal language or making any mistakes that could give a negative impression of you as a candidate. proofread your letter carefully before sending it off, and ask someone else to check it over too if possible.

Related: What is Cover Letter? Complete Guide To Get any Job.

When you’re applying for your first job, it’s important to put your best foot forward with a great cover letter. Not sure where to start? Check out our free samples below.

Your cover letter is your opportunity to introduce yourself to a potential employer and explain why you’re the perfect person for the job. In just a few paragraphs, you need to capture their attention and demonstrate why you’re the right candidate. This can be a challenge, especially if you don’t have much work experience.

But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Our free cover letter samples will give you an edge over the competition and help you land that dream job. Simply choose from one of the templates below, customize it with your own information, and you’ll be on your way to writing a winning cover letter in no time!

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How to Start a Cover Letter (Examples Included)

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

By Mike Simpson

When you’re writing a cover letter, nailing the opening is a must. Your cover letter introduction has to draw the hiring manager in, giving them a clear reason to keep reading. That’s why learning how to start a cover letter is so vital; it’s your doorway to success.

After all, more than eight-in-10 recruiters feel that an awesome cover letter is enough to land a candidate an interview even if their resume is only a partial fit for the job. Cool, right?

So, are you ready to make sure that your cover letter opening is everything it can be? Great! Here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Cover Letter?

Alright, let’s begin with the basics. Before you can learn how to start a letter to the hiring manager, it’s helpful to know what a cover letter is in the first place.

We’ve actually taken several deep dives into the world of cover letters, including how to address a cover letter , the best cover letter format , how to end a cover letter , and a full overview of how to write a cover letter .

But the basic gist is that a cover letter is a written elevator pitch. It acts as an introduction to what you have to offer, with a bit more flavor than you can put in a resume.

In many cases, your cover letter is the absolute first impression you’ll make on a hiring manager. As they read, they get a feel for who you are, as well as what you bring to the table.

Do cover letters really matter that much? Yes, they do. Overall, 49 percent of hiring managers think that receiving a cover letter is important to the hiring process, which is a pretty good indication that they value them.

So, what are the parts of a cover letter? In most cases, a cover letter has:

• Contact Information
• Opening Paragraph
• Body Paragraphs
• Closing Paragraph
• Closing Sentiment

While that seems like a lot, it really isn’t. In most cases, you end up with about a page or so of content. After all, a cover letter isn’t an autobiography of your life; it’s a concise, tailored introduction to who you are as a professional.

Generally, when you’re trying to figure out how to start a cover letter, what you need to focus on are the salutation and the opening paragraph. Those are what make the first impression and usually play a big role in whether the hiring manager reads the whole thing or not.

You may want to dig a little deeper, making sure your opening line really packs a punch. But, really, that’s all part of creating a great opening paragraph, isn’t it? Just keep in mind that your leading sentence needs to be an attention-grabber, and you’re in good shape.

Now, is your cover letter opening more important than the rest of the letter? Well, yes and no. If your start to your letter isn’t strong, there’s a chance the hiring manager won’t finish reading it. That means a fantastic cover letter introduction is essential.

But the rest matters, too. In the end, you want your first impression to be a doozy. It’s just that, if you don’t nail the opening to your cover letter, the rest may never get a glance.

Common Mistakes When Starting a Cover Letter

Before we dive into how to start a cover letter, let’s talk about some cover letter introduction mistakes you want to avoid. After all, a misstep at this early stage can cost you the job, so you really need to make sure you get it right.

First, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is not tailoring the content to the position. When you write a cover letter, you are speaking to one particular hiring manager, not everyone who may ever want to hire you. If you don’t focus the content on that specific job, you might not connect with that hiring manager, causing them to move onto a different candidate.

Second, being too generic can come back to bite you. You want to stand out from the crowd, so you need to make sure your cover letter introduction feels a bit unique.

Third, choosing the wrong salutation – or not including one at all – can potentially lead to some trouble. If you go the wrong way, you may not connect with the hiring manager as well or could even offend them a bit. That’s no good.

Finally, spelling and grammar mistakes are a huge deal. They make it look like you lack attention to detail, and that isn’t going to win you any fans.

How to Start a Cover Letter

In many cases, figuring out how to start a letter for your job application is much easier if you take it one step at a time. It lets you tackle everything in succession and gives you a chance to focus on each critical part, increasing the odds that you’ll genuinely nail it.

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to start a letter when you’re trying o land a job:

1. Choose the Right Salutation

The salutation in your cover letter opening serves as a greeting. It’s a chance to acknowledge the reader directly, even if just for a brief second.

Ideally, you want to address the hiring manager by name, using an approach like:

Dear [Mr./Mrs./Ms./Dr.] [First Name] [Last Name]

Now, you can potentially add one more option to the list: Mx. This is a relatively new gender-neutral addition that’s favored by people who consider themselves nonbinary.

Generally speaking, you should only use “Mx.” if you are completely, 100 percent certain that it’s the hiring manager’s preferred title. You don’t want to go with it simply because you don’t know the hiring manager’s gender. Why? Well, since it’s a newer option, not everyone is familiar with it, so some hiring managers might think it’s a typo.

Additionally, people may have a variety of opinions about “Mx.,” and not all of them are positive. Since it’s a bit controversial in certain circles, you could offend a hiring manager by using it if that isn’t what they prefer.

So, what do you do if you know the hiring manager’s name but not their gender or preferred title? Worst case, go with “Dear [First Name] [Last Name]” instead. It’s a bit less formal, but it may be better than getting the title wrong.

If you genuinely don’t know the hiring manager’s name – and can’t figure it out with some research – you can try:

• Dear [Job Title/Role] – Dear Hiring Manager, Dear Operations Manager, Dear VP of Sales, etc.
• Dear [Department] – Dear IT Department, Dear Marketing Department, etc.

Those aren’t as personal, but they can do the trick. They at least speak to a particular individual, making it clear that you had a certain recipient in mind. As a result, they are much better than more generic alternatives.

What about “To Whom It May Concern?” Well, we’ve taken a deep dive into how to use to whom it may concern . But, in most cases, that isn’t your best. It feels outdated, for one. Plus, it doesn’t have a particular reader in mind, which isn’t ideal.

The same goes for “Dear Sir or Madam.” Along with being generic and incredibly old-school, it’s also a bit awkward. Plus, it makes it seem like you didn’t even try to come up with something better, and that’s never good.

2. Nail the Opening Sentence

Your opening sentence in your cover letter is what really needs to draw the hiring manager in. As a result, you want to make sure that it packs a wallop.

Usually, you have a few options that can pull this off. First, if you know someone at the company who referred you to the position, you can try name-dropping. Many hiring managers favor direct referrals, so it’s alright to make that connection clear from the beginning.

Second, you can lead off with a relevant accomplishment. This one can get a little tricky to do well. You really have to relate it to something in the role, and that isn’t always easy to manage without using a sentence or so to build in some context.

Finally, you can focus on your excitement. Hiring managers like people who seem passionate about the opportunity, so this route could let you start your cover letter on a great note.

With all of these, you want to make sure the opening sentence taps on the position you’re trying to land. It’s smart to mention the job title, department, and company, as that ensures the hiring manager knows why you’re writing. If it doesn’t fit in the first sentence, then it needs to come in on the second.

3. Round Out the First Paragraph

Generally, your cover letter opening paragraph is going to be two or four sentences long. If you didn’t get it into your opening sentence, use your second one to mention the job opening. That way, the hiring manager understands exactly why you reached out.

After that, it’s time to tap on some relevant skills. Use the job ad to identify high-priority capabilities. Next, treat them like keywords, using the exact same words and phrases to increase your odds of looking like a great match (and getting past an automated screener).

4. Quantify the Details

Numbers stand out visually in a cover letter. They actually draw the eye, as they aren’t as widely used as letters and most forms of punctuation.

By quantifying a detail or two, you create visual interest. Plus, you’re giving the hiring manager some helpful context about what you’ve achieved, something that can make you look like a stronger candidate.

3 Cover Letter Starting Samples

Sometimes, nothing helps bring some tips to life like a handy example or three. If you want to make sure you understand how to start a cover letter or are looking for some samples that you can use as a template, here are three cover letter introduction examples, each representing a different approach.

1. When You Were Referred

Dear Mr. John Doe:

During my 6 years as a sales professional, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with a number of amazing professionals, including Jane Smith, a member of your team who recommended I apply for the Account Manager opening at ABC Inc. In my last position, I managed a portfolio of 25 enterprise-level clients while also boosting sales by 15 percent year-over-year during my tenure. I believe that my penchant for strategic thinking, as well as my strong negotiation and communication skills, make me an exceptional fit for your position.

2. Leading with an Achievement

Dear IT Department:

Over the past 4 years, I’ve focused my career on the world of project management, recently earning by Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Additionally, I personally oversaw five $50k+ development projects concurrently, each of which was finished on time and within budget. I feel that my experience as a leader, as well as my expertise in risk assessment and cost management, makes me an ideal fit for the Project Manager position at XYZ Corp.

3. Going the Excitement Route

Dear Hiring Manager:

When I saw the administrative assistant opening at ABC Company, I immediately knew I wanted to apply. As an office assistant with 6 years of experience, I have honed many key skills you’re hoping to find, including scheduling, report writing, and customer service. Last year, among 50 nominated colleagues, I was even recognized as the Employee of the Year, largely because of my passion and dedication to my work, something that I would love to bring to ABC Company.

Putting It All Together

Ultimately, you should now understand how to start a cover letter off in the best way possible. Use all of the tips above, and turn to the cover letter opening samples to serve as guides. That way, you can create an introduction that captures the hiring manager’s attention and keeps them reading, giving you a chance to showcase even more about why you’re such an awesome candidate.

And as always, Good luck!

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Mike simpson.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

Copyright © 2024 · TheInterviewguys.com · All Rights Reserved

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Cover Letters

Crafting a great cover letter can set your application apart and help you get your foot in the door. But where to start? We've got tips, templates, and examples to get you going—from great opening lines to real samples that actually worked.

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Most job seekers don’t know how to write a proper cover letter. They believe a cover letter is just a “here is my resume” note. This is a wasted opportunity!

In this article, you’ll discover the secret to writing a professional cover letter that’s truly effective. It’s not hard to do and will give you a significant edge over the competition. We’ll walk you through the process in a few straightforward steps and provide examples to help you along the way.

Ready to get started? Let’s dive in and create a cover letter that opens doors to your next opportunity.

What is a cover letter and do you really need one?

A cover letter is a short document (around 300 words) that accompanies your resume. Your cover letter should not simply repeat what your resume says . Instead, it should complement your resume, highlight your personality, and potentially address any weaknesses that could otherwise prevent you from getting an interview.

But do you really need a cover letter in 2024? The short answer is YES.

“Over 80% of hiring managers read a cover letter and 60% of applications require one as part of the application,” says career coach Madelyn Mackie . “Even hiring managers and recruiters who say they never read cover letters may find themselves drawn in by a particularly compelling letter.”

In fact, Jobscan analyzed nearly 1 million job applications and found that including a cover letter with your resume makes you  1.9 times more likely  to be invited for an interview compared to those who left out a cover letter.

What’s the biggest cover letter mistake?

The biggest mistake job seekers make when writing their cover letter is to focus only on themselves .

“It’s not about you,” says career coach Susan Schwartz . “It’s about what you can do for them. Talking to them about what they care about—not about what you want—is what’s going to make them want to read your letter. And to hire you!”

According to Schwartz, this is the best way to write a cover letter:

Paragraph 1. A single sentence (maximum two) stating the PROBLEM that the company faces. What is the issue/need/opportunity that this role will address?

Paragraph 2. what solution do you offer how are you the answer to their need again, keep it to a sentence or two., paragraph 3. explanation: what experience do you have that supports your assertion that you can help this paragraph can be 3-4 sentences, but keep it short., paragraph 4. call to action: suggest next steps. not “thank you” but let’s plan to discuss this next week..

Since hiring managers often spend less than 20 seconds on an application, your cover letter needs to grab their attention and get them to look at your resume. By highlighting how your experience matches the job, you make it easier for them to see you as a great fit for the role.

Now let’s examine each of these steps in more detail.

How to write a strong cover letter step-by-step

Now that you know the basics of what to include in your cover letter, let’s go through the process from start to finish to see how you can write a cover letter that will make you stand out from the rest of the candidates.

1. Do your research

Before writing your cover letter, research the company to understand its current challenges and goals. Visit the company website, read their latest news and press releases, and follow their social media channels.

Don’t skip this step! It’s crucial for writing a cover letter that truly resonates with a potential employer and sets you apart from other candidates.

After you’ve researched the company, carefully read the job description. Ask yourself the following questions:

• What specific problems or challenges is this role designed to address?
• How do my skills and experiences align with the job requirements?
• Am I a good fit for the role?
• What unique value can I bring to the company in this role?
• Are there any keywords or phrases that I should incorporate into my cover letter?

After researching the company and the role, you’re ready to start writing your cover letter.

2. Write your opening paragraphs

Many job seekers make the mistake of being too wordy in their cover letters. You’re not writing a novel. Use short words in short sentences. Remember, a hiring manager is going to quickly scan your application, so you need to get right to the point.

Here are some examples of how to start a cover letter:

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I’ve noticed that NexGen is working hard to stand out in a crowded digital market, and keeping your brand top-of-mind for customers can be tough.

That’s where I come in—I specialize in creating engaging content and smart SEO strategies that boost online presence and drive customer engagement.

I understand that Weissman is seeking to maintain its innovative edge in the dancewear industry while consistently meeting sales and margin targets.

I am confident that my experience and passion for design can help Weissman continue to create stunning, market-leading dancewear.

I understand that Timmons Company needs motivated individuals to manage sales territories and boost product visibility in retail grocery stores around Quincy, IL.

I am excited to bring my self-motivation and sales-oriented mindset to your team, ensuring your products not only maintain their shelf presence but also thrive.

3. Prove you can do the job

Now you need to provide evidence that you’re the right person for the job. The best way to do this is to highlight your relevant experience and achievements. Here are some things you should focus on:

• Specific Accomplishments : Share examples of your successes, such as increasing sales, leading projects, or improving processes.
• Relevant Skills : Highlight the skills that match the job requirements, like planning, organizing, technical proficiencies, or specific industry experience.
• Problem-Solving : Discuss times when you successfully tackled challenges, such as resolving issues, managing conflicts, or implementing solutions.
• Industry Knowledge : Demonstrate your understanding of the field and awareness of current trends and standards.
• Team Collaboration : Mention how you’ve effectively worked in teams, mentored others, or collaborated across departments.

Remember to keep it concise. Your letter isn’t meant to tell your whole story; it’s about making a compelling case that you understand the key aspects of the job.

Your goal is to leave the reader eager to learn more about you. Here are some examples:

“Over the past five years, I’ve led digital marketing campaigns that ramped up organic traffic by 40% and bumped up conversion rates by 25%. I’ve worked with diverse teams to create compelling content that resonates with audiences and used data analytics to refine strategies for maximum impact. My experience with social media management and email marketing also ensures a holistic approach to your digital marketing needs.”

“With over ten years in apparel design, specializing in activewear and dancewear, I have a proven track record of developing designs that resonate with customers and drive sales. My expertise includes conducting global trend research, selecting inspiring materials, and leading teams to transform creative concepts into market-ready products. I am proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and have experience with CLO3D, ensuring that my designs are both innovative and technically sound. My leadership skills have been honed by mentoring junior designers and managing cross-functional teams, fostering a collaborative and efficient design process.”

“With several years of experience in CPG retail sales and merchandising, I have successfully managed sales territories, maintained product placements, and executed promotional strategies. My ability to plan and organize, combined with proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with iPads, positions me well to contribute effectively to your sales team. I am adept at thinking on my feet and delivering results in dynamic environments, ensuring that products are always tagged, rotated, and optimally displayed.”

4. Conclude with a call to action

When wrapping up your cover letter, it’s crucial to include a strong call to action in your closing paragraph. This isn’t just about expressing gratitude—it’s about setting the stage for the next steps in the hiring process.

Instead of a simple “thank you,” aim to propose a specific plan, such as scheduling a meeting or a call to discuss how you can contribute to the company.

Here are some examples of how to end a cover letter :

“Let’s discuss how I can help NexGen Creative Agency achieve its sales goals next week. Please let me know your availability for a meeting.”

“How about we chat next week about how I can help Weissman shine even brighter? Let me know when you’re free.”

“Let’s plan to discuss how my self-motivation and sales-oriented mindset can boost product visibility for Timmons Company next week. Please let me know your availability for a meeting.”

There is no need to add anything more. Time is valuable, so hiring managers won’t spend it on a cover letter that isn’t concise and to the point.

Expert tips for writing a cover letter

We’ve gone over the basics of how to write a good cover letter. Here are some expert tips for formatting and how to make your cover letter even better.

Format your contact information correctly

Before diving into the content of your cover letter, it’s important to format the contact details and header correctly. You’ll need to include your name, full address, phone number, and email address.

Here’s an example:

Personalize your greeting

To whom should you address your cover letter to? “For maximum impact, see if you can find the hiring manager or recruiter for the role, and send your letter to them,” says career coach Susan Schwarz . “Addressing your letter to a specific person will significantly increase the likelihood of someone reading it.”

Check the company’s website or LinkedIn profile to find the name of the hiring manager. However, if you can’t find a specific name, “Dear Hiring Manager” will suffice.

To end a cover letter, you can use “best regards” or “kind regards” followed by your full name.

Show your personality

While it’s important to maintain a professional tone in your cover letter, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. But remember, you don’t want to overdo it—keep it concise and relevant .

Here are some ways to show your personality in your cover letter:

• Briefly mention a specific project or experience you enjoyed.
• Highlight a distinctive skill or trait that sets you apart.
• Talk about how your values align with the company’s mission or culture.
• Describe a unique volunteer experience.

Emphasize your adaptability

According to LinkedIn , the top “skill of the moment” is adaptability . This means being open to new ideas, ready to pivot when needed, and always looking for ways to improve. In a world where the only constant is change, being adaptable can set you apart.

Here’s an example of how to incorporate adaptability into your cover letter:

“In my previous role as a CPG retail sales merchandiser, I consistently demonstrated my ability to adjust to changing market conditions, customer preferences, and sales strategies. This adaptability allowed me to increase sales by 25% in a highly competitive market.”

Show enthusiasm

Research shows that 40% of employers would not hire a candidate if they lacked enthusiasm. Remember, you’re much more attractive to employers when you’re on fire .

Here’s an example of how to show enthusiasm for the company you’re applying to:

“I’ve long admired Weissman’s commitment to the dance community and the artistry of your costumes. Your dedication to empowering performances and celebrating creativity is inspiring, and I’m excited about the opportunity to join your passionate team.”

Balance professionalism with friendliness

Try to strike a balance between a professional and friendly tone. Don’t use overly formal language, but make sure your writing is polished and error-free. Use humor sparingly, as it can be easily misinterpreted.

This approach helps you come across as both competent and personable, making you an ideal candidate.

Cover letter do’s and don’ts

• Do personalize . Address your cover letter to a specific person whenever possible.
• Do be concise . Keep your cover letter to one page.
• Do show enthusiasm . Mention specific reasons why you want to work there.
• Do include measurable accomplishments . These are achievements that can be quantified , such as increasing sales by a percentage.
• Do show your personality . Share brief anecdotes or unique experiences relevant to the job.
• Do be professional yet friendly . Avoid overly formal language.
• Do proofread your cover letter. A single mistake can damage your chances of getting an interview.
• Do include a call to action. Suggest scheduling a meeting or a call.
• Don’t be too formal . Strike a balance between professionalism and friendliness.
• Don’t overuse humor . Humor can be easily misinterpreted or come off as unprofessional.
• Don’t repeat your resume . Your cover letter should complement your resume, not repeat it.
• Don’t include irrelevant information. Focus only on what’s most relevant to the job you’re applying for.
• Don’t use clichés . Phrases like “I am a hard worker” or “I think outside the box” are overused and add little value.
• Don’t make excuses . Avoid explaining gaps in employment or other potential negatives.
• Don’t forget to tailor each letter . Customizing each cover letter will help it pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Cover letter examples

Here are a few cover letter examples that show how to highlight your skills, show your personality, and match your experiences with the job.

Cover letter example for someone with no work experience

Starting your career can be challenging, especially when you don’t have much experience to showcase. But don’t worry—a well-written cover letter can highlight your strengths and potential.

• Addresses the company’s needs : The letter begins by acknowledging the challenges the company faces, demonstrating an understanding of the industry and the company’s needs.
• Offers a solution : The candidate clearly states how they can provide value by offering a fresh perspective and innovative ideas.
• Highlights relevant experience : Even with limited work experience, the letter mentions a successful internship project that aligns with the job’s requirements.
• Shows enthusiasm and passion : The mention of a passion for sustainability and eagerness to contribute to the company’s efforts showcases the candidate’s genuine interest.
• Proposes next steps : The call to action is clear and professional, suggesting a meeting to discuss how the candidate can contribute, which shows initiative and confidence.

Cover letter example for someone changing careers

Changing careers can be a bold and exciting move, especially when you have a strong foundation of transferable skills. The following example of a cover letter demonstrates how to effectively highlight your previous experience and enthusiasm for a new industry.

• Engaging opening : Starts with a bold question that captures attention and sets the tone for the rest of the letter.
• Clear value proposition : Quickly establishes how the candidate’s project management skills can benefit the finance industry.
• Relevant experience : Highlights a specific project that showcases the candidate’s ability to improve efficiency and manage complex tasks.
• Expresses enthusiasm : Shows genuine excitement about the career change and the specific company.
• Call to action : Concludes with a clear and confident call to action, suggesting a meeting to discuss how the candidate can contribute to the company’s success.

Cover letter example for someone re-entering the workforce

Re-entering the workforce after a significant break can be challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to showcase your resilience and the valuable skills you’ve developed during your time away.

The following cover letter example demonstrates how to effectively address employment gaps while highlighting your strengths and enthusiasm for the role.

• Strong opening statement : The cover letter begins with a compelling statement about the importance of adaptability and innovation, setting a positive and forward-thinking tone.
• Addresses employment gap : It acknowledges the employment gap upfront, providing context without dwelling on it, which demonstrates honesty and transparency.
• Highlights relevant experience : The letter emphasizes past accomplishments and specific projects, showcasing the candidate’s skills and ability to deliver results.
• Shows enthusiasm for the role : The candidate expresses excitement about re-entering the workforce and aligns their values with the company’s mission.
• Proposes next steps : It ends with a clear call to action, suggesting a meeting to discuss how the candidate can contribute to the company’s success.

Generate a perfectly crafted cover letter in seconds

If you’re still having trouble writing your cover letter, try Jobscan’s AI cover letter generator . It analyzes both your resume and the job ad to create a completely original cover letter customized for the job you’re applying for.

To learn more about how the cover letter generator works, watch this brief video:

You can try Jobscan’s cover letter generator for free below:

Key takeaways

Follow these key takeaways to write a compelling cover letter that sets you apart from other candidates and opens doors to new career opportunities.

• Write with the employer’s needs in mind. Explain how you can address their specific challenges and contribute to their goals.
• Keep it brief . Use short sentences and paragraphs to make it easy for hiring managers to scan quickly.
• Address your letter to a specific person . If you can’t find a name, “Dear Hiring Manager” will suffice.
• Showcase your relevant experience. Use specific examples to demonstrate your abilities.
• Inject your personality. Share brief anecdotes or unique experiences relevant to the job.
• End with a strong call to action . Suggest a meeting or a call to discuss how you can contribute to the company’s success.
• Proofread your letter. A single error can torpedo your chances at getting an interview.
• Show enthusiasm. Showing excitement and a willingness to learn can make you a more attractive candidate.

A cover letter should be one page long, consisting of three to four paragraphs. The total word count should be around 250-400 words.

When you don’t have a specific name, you can use “Dear Hiring Manager.” Avoid using “To Whom It May Concern,” as it is considered old-fashioned.

When emailing a cover letter, use a clear subject line like “Application for Content Developer – [Your Name].” Paste your cover letter into the email body. Attach your resume.

Yes, a cover letter is necessary because good first impressions are important. By highlighting your qualifications and showing enthusiasm for the role, you can gain an advantage over someone who doesn’t send one.

Employers look for personalization in a cover letter, showing that it’s tailored to the specific job and company. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job requirements. Include specific achievements that demonstrate your capabilities and contributions.

Yes. Providing specific examples of your achievements helps demonstrate your skills and qualifications, making your application more compelling to employers.

A cover letter starts with your contact information, first and last name, the date, and the employer’s details. Begin with an introduction about your suitability for the role. Include a brief section highlighting relevant experience and skills with examples. Conclude by asking for an interview.

The primary goals of a simple cover letter are to make a good impression, get someone to read your resume, and offer you a job interview. It also shows you have good communication skills, which are highly valuable in today’s workforce.

The opening sentence should state the problem the company faces or pose a thought-provoking question to grab the hiring manager’s attention.

Robert Henderson, CPRW, is a career advice writer and a resume expert at Jobscan.

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Writing your first cover letter: what information can you include?

Jun 21, 2023

Freelance writer and translator, ex-recruiter

Writing a cover letter might seem like a whole lot of pointless hard work, especially when you’re writing your first cover letter. You might even wonder if you really need to include one, does anyone still read cover letters anyway? Heidi Giusto , a career consultant and Resume Writer , says yes. As long as the instructions don’t tell you not to write one (always follow the instructions in a job application), then it’s worth spending some time crafting a killer cover letter. It may not be the first thing a potential employer looks at but when it comes to narrowing down the field of applications for potential interview, it could just be what sets you apart.

When you have little or no work experience and you’re applying for your first job, it can be hard to think of things to say in your cover letter. But the chances are you have more transferable skills than you think. Here are Giusto’s top tips for writing a cover letter for your first job.

What are you trying to achieve?

When you start planning your first cover letter, you need to consider what you’re trying to do with it. Giusto reminds us that, “ Your resume and cover letter are strategic marketing documents , you never share anything just for the sake of it. Think about what the cover letter should be doing, it should not simply restate the resume.” Your first cover letter is about forging a different type of relationship with the reader, giving them a way to get to know you from different angles. It’s your chance to address things that aren’t in your resume , tell them why you’re looking for a new role, show how excited you are to work for the company or industry, and demonstrate your alignment with their mission and values .

Giusto suggests you think about it like dating: the cover letter is just one of the tools you’re using. “When you’re dating someone, you don’t want them to feel you’re dating them simply because they’re available or good enough, you want to show excitement. It’s not, ‘I’m applying because you have a job opening and I need money,’ it’s, ‘ I’m excited about you, about your company, about the really cool things you’re doing. ’ That’s what you can include in a cover letter in addition to making it clear that you’re qualified and you’re the solution to their problem.”

Now let’s break that down into practical steps to make writing your first cover letter a cinch.

Include the essentials

• The job title and the company you are applying to.
• Evidence of why you’re a good fit for their needs. Giusto explains that “A cover letter that states, ‘I’ve done this, I’ve done that,’ and a whole ton of other ‘I’ doesn’t necessarily connect the dots for the reader that they’re good fit for the employer’s needs, or the solution to their problem.”
• Explanation of why THIS role at THIS company.

Find inspiration

You still might be none the wiser about what exactly to include in your cover letters. Giusto says, “You can leverage almost anything you have as a transferable skill if it’s something that the employer is going to value.” Here are her top suggestions for cover letter content for candidates with little or no experience .

Projects and coursework: Your resume won’t go into detail about any projects you’ve undertaken as part of your course, Giusto explains that most recent grads should aim for a one-page resume. The cover letter is your chance to talk about a relevant project in detail, providing the hiring manager with more insight into how you might work for them.

Hobbies and volunteering: The caveat with this one is only if it is relevant. Giusto says, “I joke that you never need to tell someone about what you’ve binge-watched on Netflix, but what if your hobby is selling things you’ve designed and 3D printed, or you run marathons?” The idea is to show relevant information. “What if the job requires you to manage a budget? It’s not something you’ve ever done in a work capacity but you’ve been treasurer of a club—you should include that in your first cover letter.”

Leadership skills : Giusto always encourages college grads to think about any time they have shown leadership skills, it could be as the captain of your ultimate frisbee league, or in a group project. It won’t necessarily be something they are asking for in a first job but it’s certainly something a lot of businesses value.

Interpersonal skills: Are you a strong communicator? When have you communicated with diverse people in a variety of capacities? Giusto advises, “Don’t say your top skills are using the phone, or ‘I’m a people person.’ You need to connect that for the reader with a specific instance, otherwise, it’s just a baseless claim.”

Write it well

• Address your cover letter to a specific person if you can. Use LinkedIn or your connections, or even pick up the phone and call the company’s reception to ask. That said, Giusto adds, “Don’t delay your application because you can’t figure this out. It’s ok to use a generic term like ‘Dear Hiring Manager’ or ‘Dear Hiring Team’ as there may well be more than one person that reads your letter.”
• Make it engaging. AI is now everywhere; you want to make it clear that a real human wrote this cover letter. Show the recruiter that you know about their company and some of their business priorities. It will demonstrate that you’ve put some thought into your application.
• Use AI with caution. The skeleton might look good, but you run the risk of it looking and feeling like a template and completely missing out on the engagement part. Giusto also adds that you may be doing yourself a disservice if you don’t use this as an opportunity to learn how to present yourself. If the application proceeds you’re setting yourself up for a potentially difficult interview.
• Incorporate keywords to the best of your ability and what you can figure out from the job ad. But avoid what Giusto refers to as ‘keyword vomit’. Keywords might help with tracking programs but appealing to the reader is more important as things progress.
• Avoid errors. Giusto explains, “I see silly mistakes all the time, proofreading errors where you’ve made changes and extra spaces aren’t deleted, templates that aren’t properly customized, the wrong company name, and so on.”
• Don’t self-sabotage. Don’t highlight what you don’t have in this one-page document, highlight what you do have. Don’t invite bias by revealing something about yourself that could prompt someone to weed you out consciously or unconsciously, and don’t reveal anything that comes under a protected category in the US legal system.
• Don’t embellish. It will come back to bite you in the butt. You might be able to argue you were being strategic but it could mean a job offer is withdrawn or you end up in a role you simply can’t perform well.

A final piece of advice

Landing your first job can be tough and the whole application process can be demoralizing, but Giusto says, “Don’t let rejections bring you down. For every no you get, statistically speaking you are one step closer to getting the yes.” Keep putting in the work and tailor your cover letter for success every single time.

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• Resumes and Cover Letters

Cover Letter Tips For First Time Job Applicants

Table of Contents

It’s no secret: writing a good cover letter is a challenge, especially if it’s your first time. The secret? Stop obsessing! Your cover letter should be no more than a concise introduction of who you are, what you can do, and, most importantly, why you are the best fit for the job. Because really, that’s all employers want to know – at least,until you wow them during the interview, but that’s another story.

In the meantime, learn from these tips on writing a power-packed cover letter that will make them doubt, in a good way, that you’re even a first-timer:

Always the number one rule: don’t get overwhelmed. Remember, your cover letter can make a huge impact on how a potential employer views you. If it’s spotless, detailed, and interesting, you will grab some serious attention, but hopefully, that won’t be your last chance to impress. If you’re lucky enough to be called for an interview, then you can blabber your background away. But for now, the goal is to highlight your most relevant skills and abilities.

Make Your Opening Line Stand Out

As a first-time job seeker, you can’t afford an inefficient cover letter, and an efficient cover letter always opens with a standout line. Instead of saying, “I want to apply for the Medical Assistant position you advertised on XYZ,” why not go, “I want to help your hospital provide premium health care services by taking on the role of Medical Assistant.” Needless to say, your opening line sets the tone for the rest of your cover letter, so make it rock.

Tell The Truth And Prove It

If you’re going to tell them you’re the best for the position, you better back that up with solid evidence. How exactly are you the best? What can you contribute that the others cannot? Mention skills or traits that the job ad might have indicated, and give them a rundown of all your relevant credentials. But since it’s your first cover letter and you likely don’t have much experiential value to offer, emphasize your academic accomplishments instead, along with your internships, participation in student associations, and everything else that proves you’re the best for the job.

Lure Them Into Your Resume

Just before you close your cover letter, leave them with a polite but tempting call to action. For example, “I invite you to explore my resume for more details of my background.” When they do dive into your resume, make sure it can walk your talk. No matter how well-written your cover letter is, if you can’t provide details to expound each claim you’ve made, it will not help you and may even harm your chances of landing the job. An employer may require only a resume, but if they also want a cover letter, these two should always be in sync.

Stay Away From What You Don’t Have

There’s nothing wrong with not mentioning a skill or qualification you don’t have. You’re not obliged to and the last thing you want is to draw attention where you’re not the best. Instead, focus on areas where you have much to be confident about. Employers are usually flexible and realize that certain skills can be learned on the job, but of course, you need to meet the company’s standards for the core expertise required .

Make It Personal

If you really want to connect with a potential employer, give your cover letter that proverbial human touch. In short, keep it personal, but this may go beyond Googling facts about the company or adding the hiring manager’s name. For example, try actually calling them and asking for information. You can even try finding a contact who’s willing to vouch for you, and mention their name in the first paragraph of your letter. This is a great way of piquing a hiring manager’s interest. Of course, if you’re going to add a person’s name in your application, make sure you’ve checked with them beforehand.

Format Your Letter Right

Your cover letter shouldn’t only contain accurate information. It should also look polished and professional. Hence, check your formatting before putting it out. If you’re sending a traditional physical letter, observe the right business letter protocols, including adding your contact information, date, and employer’s contact information on the upper portion of the letter. If you’re sending your cover letter as an email, make sure to add a subject line with your name and the position you’re applying for. Also, cover letters are generally single-page, but if you must add more information, just adjust the margins so you don’t have to add another page. In any case, be sure to use a basic font, such as Arial and Times New Roman, and the standard font size, which is 12.

While hiring managers deal with tons of applications everyday, don’t take it as a sign that they will overlook and forgive typos. In fact, even the smallest errors can be a deciding factor because let’s face it – typos only happen when you don’t care enough to review your document thoroughly, and employers usually take that as a big red flag when considering candidates.

So don’t take anything for granted. Go through your letter and make sure it’s free of grammar or spelling errors. After you’ve scanned it a few times, ask a friend to run through it a few times more. Sometimes, it takes someone else to see your mistakes  (goes for other areas in your life too). When you ask someone else to proofread your cover letter, have them give you some overall feedback as well. Do they think you’ve made your point pretty clear? While you want to sound confident, you don’t them to think you’re conceited or arrogant. Have your friends check on that as well.

Don’t forget to make sure that your heading is spot on – correct hiring manager’s name, correct company name, correct date, and all the rest. When it comes down to these details, there’s just no excuse for mistakes.

Offer Something New

This is a crucial yet often ignored point. When you write a cover letter, make it offer something that’s not already found in your resume. Of course, you can’t change the details – your background is your background, but frame your letter differently so that it still packages you as the best candidate but in a different light. This should set it apart from your resume while allowing both to each serve their specific purpose.

For instance, if you want to emphasize your skills and experience as a journalist, include in your cover letter a brief note on your most meaningful assignment as a student and how you pulled it off successfully. By adding figures, you can even show further how much value you can bring to the company. Say, you were assigned to an cover a disease epidemic in a community and educate people about mitigation measures they can do at home. To prove that you were effective in your role, you can include data that reflect a drop in the number of cases as a result of increased community awareness through your reporting. Just make sure any numbers you mention are verifiable or they will not hold water. Then again, this is a cover letter, so you need to be able to express your point as briefly yet effectively as possible.

Be Specific

One thing’s for sure – employers don’t like generic cover letters. It makes them feel you’re not serious enough about landing the job, much less doing it well when you’re finally hired. So make sure you send them a custom letter that contains the specific addressee’s name and position, the specific position you’re applying for, a specific tone to the letter that fits the nature of their business, and so on. In other words, do your research. Don’t just start tapping on your laptop without knowing the company you’re sending the letter to. They may not show it during the interview, but employers appreciate job seekers who take time out to get to know them. It says a lot about your character too, especially the kind of employee you could be.

Be Yourself

Cover letters should be professional, but you don’t have to sound cold and distant or awkwardly formal. Let your words flow – naturally. Sentences like, “I want to express my deepest desire to secure a position in your most prestigious institution” just don’t cut it, and neither will clichés that hiring managers are probably sick of anyway. Instead of saying, “problem-solver,” why not write a line or two about an actual experience where you demonstrated that trait. Sometimes, you just have to be yourself to make employers see through you, your good intentions, and, of course, the true value that you can bring to their company. And that’s only possible with simple, straightforward language.

Make Sure Your Letter Gets Read

Lastly, none of the above makes sense if your cover letter never reaches its correct destination or gets there in the wrong form. Employers can be very specific about where and how they want to receive applications, and they’re usually quick to dismiss applicants who don’t follow instructions. Attention to detail is crucial in most positions, and this is one of the first tests that you will have to pass as a job seeker. So if the job ad says only physical applications will be entertained, believe it. If you’re supposed to email your cover letter and resume as separate attachments, don’t lump the two in one document. No matter how convenient that may be for you, it’s their rules that count.

There’s no doubt that hunting for your first job can be daunting. There’s just so much to consider, especially when it comes to writing a cover letter. If you haven’t written any before, you’re probably uncertain about what to include or exclude, and how to structure your content. But there’s no reason to be intimidated as everyone has to start somewhere and employers are the first to know that. Still, that’s not an excuse for a poorly written and formatted cover letter. Even if you’re a first-timer, you’re expected to be responsible enough to know how it works.

As you try to improve your skills as a newbie job hunter, you may also find that there are many aspects unique to your situation, but there’s no need to get stuck in that vacuum. All job hunters are created equal as far as the need to leave a positive mark on hiring managers is concerned. In other words, all the classic rules still apply and will always apply, whether you’ve written a million cover letters or have only begin on your first. At some points along the way, if you feel discouraged after not receiving any favorable responses to the applications you’ve sent out, remember that this is just a phase. Maybe you just have to brush up on your overall job-hunting skills. If you persevere, you will eventually find a job that’s cut out perfectly just for you.

Incredible job here. and thank you for allowing us to witness the experiences and thoughts and work. keep up the great work. stay well. Medical and healthcare-writing-services

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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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5 Tips for a Great Cover Letter (and samples)

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Cover Letter Format & Samples

Cover letters are a fantastic tool to introduce oneself in the job search process and are as significant as the resume. A cover letter provides an excellent opportunity to demonstrate one’s interest in the organization and establish direct connections between the employer’s job description and one’s professional background. A well-crafted cover letter, tailored to the specific job and company of interest, and addressed to the right person, can make a lasting impression on the employer.

To make the cover letter effective, one must consider some universal tips and considerations when writing it. It is crucial to ensure that the cover letter is clear, concise, and free of errors. Using formal language and avoiding contractions can help maintain a professional tone. Choosing appropriate vocabulary and grammar can help maintain the original meaning of the text and convey a sense of expertise and professionalism, which is suitable for a business or academic setting. So, it is essential to take the time to craft a compelling cover letter that showcases one’s qualifications and skills to the employer in the best possible light.

In addition to the suggestions above, see our list of key considerations to crafting effective and valuable cover letters.

Cover Letter Tips

1. ) All margins should be approximately one-inch. Typically, a cover letter consists of three to four paragraphs.

2.) The font size should be easy to read. Times, Palatino or Helvetica are good choices. A font size of 12 pt. is preferable, but in some cases you may need to use 10.5 or 11 pt. font.

3.) Don’t be tempted to send “generic” letters. Each cover letter you write should be different, because each job and company you’re writing to is different. Make it easy for the reader to see the relevance of your qualifications to the job in question.

4.) Be sure to proofread each new cover letter you create so that it is free of errors.

5.) It is important to write to a specific person whenever possible.

In addition to these quick tips, check out our comprehensive  Job Search Letters  guide for more information on structuring cover letters and other job search documents.

• Sample 1:  Application Letter
• Sample 2:  Prospecting Letter

Finally, we know that some people work best when they have a format to follow. Especially when they are writing a document, like a cover letter for the first time. The following example reflects the correct business format to use when writing a cover letter:

Your name Return address City, State, Zip

Name of the contact person Title Company Name Address City, State, Zip

Dear Mr./Ms./First name Last name:

The opening paragraph states your reason for writing the letter. Mention a specific job of interest, or a particular department in which you are seeking work. If possible, mention how and when you learned about the job opening or the company, i.e., through a classified advertisement, a contact person or a career services professional. Be sure to mention the name of the person who suggested this job to you, especially if that person is highly respected within the company.

The middle paragraph is an opportunity to expand on the skills you have developed as they relate to this position. This should not merely repeat your resume. You can discuss your education and particular courses or skills attained while in college. If you’re an experienced person, you may wish to use this paragraph to describe your professional background and highlight any specific job experience that may be of particular interest to the organization and that will differentiate you from other applicants. You may need a second paragraph to fully describe your related abilities.

The next paragraph reflects the research you have done on that particular organization. Use company literature, a web site, or conversation with an employee of the organization as ways to gain knowledge about the organization. Explain why you are interested in the job, and convey your awareness of what the company does to show that you have done careful research.

In closing, reiterate your enthusiasm to be considered and ask for an interview. Either state a specific week you’ll make a follow-up phone call or mention an interest in having the contacted person call to set up an interview date. Specify how you can be contacted. Remember to thank the person for considering your application.

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15 Short Cover Letter Examples for Designers and Developers

Discover 15 tailored cover letter examples. Learn key elements of strong applications, get templates, and avoid common mistakes to land your dream job

Yogini Bende

Sep 09, 2024 • 11 min read

Craft the perfect first impression with our comprehensive guide to short cover letters for designers and developers. Discover 15 expertly crafted examples and templates that showcase your skills and passion. From simple cover letter templates to creative cover letter examples, we've got you covered. Learn what makes a good cover letter stand out and how to tailor your application for maximum impact. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a beginner seeking that first big break, these cover letter samples will help you land your dream job in the competitive world of design and development.

Table of Contents

Introduction, the importance of a good cover letter, key elements of a strong cover letter, for designers, for developers, cover letter templates, tips for writing an effective cover letter, common mistakes to avoid.

In today's competitive job market, a well-crafted cover letter can be the key to landing your dream job in design or development. Whether you're looking for a simple cover letter template or creative cover letter examples, this article will provide you with the tools and inspiration you need to create a standout application.

A good cover letter is your first opportunity to make a strong impression on potential employers. It's not just a formality; it's a chance to showcase your personality, skills, and enthusiasm for the role. A well-written cover letter can:

• Highlight your most relevant qualifications
• Demonstrate your writing skills
• Show your understanding of the company and role
• Set you apart from other candidates

Before we dive into the examples, let's review the essential components of a strong cover letter:

• Clear and concise language
• Personalization for the specific job and company
• Relevant skills and experiences
• Enthusiasm for the role
• A call to action

Wondering how long your cover letter should be , read this article to understand this even better!

Now, let's explore 15 short cover letter samples tailored for designers and developers.

15 Short Cover Letter Samples

• The Minimalist Designer
• The Creative Problem Solver
• The UX Enthusiast
• The Brand Strategist
• The Multidisciplinary Designer
• The Full-Stack Developer
• The Mobile App Developer
• The Backend Specialist
• The Frontend Developer
• The DevOps Engineer
• The Data Scientist
• The Security Specialist
• The AI Engineer
• The Game Developer
• The Blockchain Developer

To help you get started, here are two simple cover letter templates you can customize for your needs:

Template 1: Basic Cover Letter

Template 2: achievements-focused cover letter.

Tailor your letter : Customize each cover letter for the specific job and company. Research the company and incorporate relevant details.

Keep it concise : Aim for 3-4 paragraphs and no more than one page. A short, impactful cover letter is often more effective than a lengthy one.

Highlight relevant achievements : Focus on specific accomplishments that demonstrate your value to the potential employer.

Use keywords : Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description to help your application pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Show enthusiasm : Express genuine interest in the role and company. Enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.

Proofread : Carefully review your letter for any errors. A typo-free, well-written letter demonstrates your attention to detail.

• Using a generic template without customization
• Repeating your entire resume in the cover letter
• Focusing too much on what you want, rather than what you can offer
• Using overly formal or stuffy language
• Neglecting to proofread for spelling and grammatical errors
• Failing to address the letter to a specific person (when possible)

A well-crafted cover letter can be the key to landing your dream job in design or development. By following these examples and tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a standout application that showcases your skills, experience, and enthusiasm. Remember to tailor each letter to the specific job and company, keep it concise, and focus on your most relevant achievements. With practice and attention to detail, you'll be writing great cover letters in no time.

If you are thinking to applying for a new job, also check out some amazing job opportunities for designers and developers on Peerlist Jobs .

Good luck with your job search!

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Our career advising specialists and writers have prepared a series of articles to help you land the job you desire by improving your resume, cover letter, and interview skills.

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