A great cover letter can make all the difference in getting the job you want. Alongside your resume, it allows you to promote your qualifications and communicate your interest in the role.
Browse our cover letter examples for almost any industry to get inspired. Use them as templates to build your own job-winning cover letter and open the door to your next opportunity.
Or let us help you write your cover letter. Try out our AI Cover Letter Generator to save yourself valuable time and energy. With high-quality templates and automated suggestions based on your professional goals, you can have a cover letter ready to go in minutes!
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What Is a Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a one-page document submitted alongside your resume that provides additional context about your relevant skills and experience for a specific job.
Typically composed of three to four short paragraphs, a cover letter has several purposes.
First, it provides additional information to help a recruiter assess how well you align with the role. Second, it gives you space to explain any unusual circumstances that might otherwise be red flags on your resume, such as gaps in your work history.
While not every job application requires a cover letter, it never hurts to include one. Writing a cover letter shows that you’re willing to go the extra mile, demonstrates your commitment to the role, and gives you a chance to showcase your communication skills.
What Should a Cover Letter Include?
A cover letter should include a header, a greeting, an opening paragraph, body paragraphs, a closing statement, and a professional sign-off.
Here’s what belongs in each section:
- Header
List your contact information in your cover letter header, followed by the date you’re submitting the letter and the hiring manager’s or recipient’s contact information.
- Greeting
Greet the recruiter or hiring manager who will read your letter. Whenever possible, address them by name to make a stronger impact.
- Opening Paragraph
Introduce yourself and express your enthusiasm for the role. If you have a referral, mention it here.
- Body Paragraphs
Provide specifics about your work experience and relevant skills, including measurable achievements that show you're the right person for the role.
- Closing Paragraph
Express your interest in learning more about the role and invite the hiring manager to contact you.
- Professional Sign-Off
Finish with a polite and professional sign-off, such as "Sincerely." Avoid overly familiar sign-offs, like "Love" or "Cheers."
5 Writing Cover Letter Writing Tips
Greet the Hiring Manager by Name
Start your cover letter by greeting the hiring manager directly, such as “Dear Ms. Lopez” or “Dear Mr. Chen,” whenever possible.
Sometimes their name will be listed in the job ad, but often you'll need to do a little digging. Start with the company's website. If you can't find it there, try a quick search on LinkedIn. This demonstrates attention to detail and personalization.
If you do have to address a cover letter without a name, "Dear Hiring Manager" or “Dear [Department Name] Team” are appropriate alternatives.
Use Bullet Points for Readability
Employers rarely have the time to pore over cover letters, so you should make your document easily scannable with a bullet-point list of key accomplishments.
The most logical place to do this would be the body of your cover letter, where you make your sales pitch.
Explain How You Would Contribute
Avoid making the common cover letter mistake of simply restating your resume. Instead, focus on making the case that you’re the best candidate for the job. The most effective way to do this is to be direct about your value.
A strong cover letter highlights your most relevant achievements early, helping the hiring manager quickly understand why you’re a strong fit for the role.
Be Concise When Describing Your Experience
With hiring managers so short on time, a cover letter with too much detail doesn't grab attention or efficiently communicate your strongest qualifications. Tighten every sentence to keep only the most relevant facts about your skills and experience.
Use a Professional Template
Give your application a professional look with a cover letter template that matches your resume template. Using a template ensures proper formatting and a cohesive design across these two documents, making your application materials stand out.
Ready for Your Dream Job?
Frequently Asked Questions
A cover letter should include the following five things:
- Header with contact information
- Personalized greeting
- Introduction stating the role
- Body highlighting relevant skills and achievements
- Closing with a call to action
These elements ensure your letter is clear, tailored, and persuasive to employers.
There’s no single phrase to use in a cover letter that guarantees it will resonate with employers, but there are many effective ways to strengthen your language.
Using active verbs like “led,” “spearheaded,” or “organized” helps highlight your impact and motivation.
Including keywords from the job description helps tailor your cover letter to the role and improves its chances of passing screening by applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Write a simple cover letter by keeping it clear, concise, and tailored to the job you want. Start with a greeting, then introduce yourself and mention the role you’re applying for.
In one short paragraph, highlight your most relevant skills or experience, and finish with a polite closing and a call to action, such as requesting an interview or follow-up.
Browse our example cover letters for your target job title to see how to craft a strong letter.
Yes, AI can help generate ideas for your cover letter and improve clarity, but you should always include your own voice. Resume Now’s Custom GPT provides actionable guidance to help you refine your resume before writing your cover letter, so your application feels more cohesive.
Whether you use our custom GPT or AI Cover Letter Generator, make sure you personalize your final draft with specific achievements and role-focused details.
A cover letter example shows you how to structure your own letter using clear, professional language. It demonstrates what to write in each section, such as a greeting, introduction, skills or achievements, and closing.
Use examples as a guide, then replace the sample details with your own experience, making sure your version is personalized and specific to the job.
The rule of three in a cover letter is a simple three-paragraph structure that keeps your message focused and engaging. It includes:
- Explaining why you’re interested in the role or company
- Showing how your experience fits the job (often using three key achievements)
- Ending with a strong closing that promises value
Five common cover letter mistakes are:
- Using a generic, non-personalized greeting
- Repeating your resume instead of adding new value
- Making spelling or grammar errors
- Writing a letter that’s too long or too brief
- Failing to tailor the content to the specific job
Avoiding these mistakes helps keep your cover letter clear, relevant, and professional.
Heather is the Content Strategy Manager for Resume Now and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than ten years of experience writing about job search and career topics. She is based in San Francisco.
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