Table of contents
- 6 great cover letter examples
- Sample cover letter for a recent graduate
- Cover letter example if you’re changing careers
- Sample cover letter for returning to work after an absence
- Cover letter example if you’ve been recently laid off/unemployed
- Sample cover letter if you have a referral
- Cover letter example if you’ve been job-hopping
- Professional cover letter examples by industry and job title
- Accounting cover letter examples
- Administration cover letter samples
- Architecture cover letter examples
- Banking cover letter examples
- Child care cover letter samples
- Customer service cover letter examples
- Education cover letter samples
- Engineering cover letter examples
- Entertainment cover letter example
- Film cover letter samples
- Food service cover letter samples
- Healthcare support cover letter examples
- Hospitality cover letter examples
- Human resources cover letter example
- Information technology cover letter samples
- Law enforcement cover letter example
- Law cover letter samples
- Maintenance cover letter examples
- Marketing cover letter examples
- Medical cover letter samples
- Nursing cover letter examples
- Real estate cover letter samples
- Retail cover letter examples
- Safety and security cover letter examples
- Sales cover letter samples
- What is a cover letter?
- 5 writing tips for building a great cover letter
- Cover letter examples FAQ
Job seekers often wonder whether writing a professional cover letter is worth their time. Well, the verdict is in. In 2024, cover letters are more important than ever.
Everyone knows that a strong resume has a huge impact on the hiring process, but writing a strong cover letter can be vital too!
Today’s applicant tracking systems (ATS) can read more than just your resume. Many of them can also scan cover letters for keywords. And, whether it’s a human or an ATS reading your letter, there’s no denying the value of the opportunity to communicate why you’re the best candidate for the job.
So, it’s time to start writing. But how do you learn how to write an exceptional cover letter? By studying some great cover letter examples, of course!
Here is where we can help. Our library of free cover letter samples is built and curated by career experts who know what recruiters look for in top applicants.
They’ve created a cover letter example for nearly every job title you can think of to show you exactly what a strong cover letter looks like, no matter your industry or career path.
Studying the best cover letter examples in your field can provide you with the structure and inspiration you need to write a letter that lands you the interview.
Keep reading to discover:
- What a cover letter is and how they’re structured.
- What to say in a cover letter for a variety of different job seeker scenarios.
- Resume cover letter examples for hundreds of industries and job titles.
- Writing tips for crafting a cover letter that will get you noticed.
6 great cover letter examples
Cover letters have a variety of uses. You might be writing a cover letter just to take advantage of the space to elaborate on your most relevant skills and experience. Or, you may have a gap in your work history due to a layoff during the pandemic. Whatever your circumstances might be, your cover letter gives you a chance to explain them.
Below, you’ll find six sample cover letters for various scenarios you might encounter during your career. Use these example cover letters as inspiration as you learn more about how to write a cover letter.
Sample cover letter for a recent graduate
If you’re about to graduate high school or college, your cover letter should focus on how your education, extracurriculars, internships, side projects and part-time jobs make you a good fit for the role, instead of dwelling on your lack of work experience. A great cover letter example can lay this out for you.
What makes this a great cover letter example:
- This applicant states upfront that she is a recent graduate and is seeking her first teaching role. This explains to recruiters why her resume has little direct work experience listed.
- She makes excellent use of the training and classroom experience she does have by listing the knowledge and skills she earned during her middle school teacher observations. Like any good cover letter example, this document makes frequent use of bullet points. These make her cover letter easy to scan and will catch the eye of a busy recruiter.
- The second half of her letter is packed with critical information about her skills and how those make her a great candidate for the position.
Cover letter example if you’re changing careers
When changing job titles or industries, it’s critical to highlight relevant transferable skills and back them up with samples of how you can apply them to your new job. Keep your eyes open for employment cover letter examples that show how to highlight those skills and experiences effectively.
What makes this example of a cover letter stand out:
- This applicant kicks off her letter by listing the relevant skills and experience she has earned through her volunteer work and community college classes. This introduction will tell an employer that she is a viable candidate.
- Her second paragraph clearly explains that she is making a career change. Doing so early in the letter will help clarify why she might not have any relevant experience listed on her resume.
- She goes on to dedicate a full paragraph to listing her transferable skills. This drives home the fact that, despite being new to the field, she has a lot to offer the employer if she is hired.
Sample cover letter for returning to work after an absence
A cover letter is a perfect place to explain why you’ve been away from the workforce. In fact, this is precisely what a cover letter is for. Your resume is a structured document that doesn’t give you a lot of space for context. Your cover letter isn’t bound by the same structural standards and gives you a chance to add context and elaborate on specific points.
While it’s not imperative, you can highlight your reason for stepping away in just a few sentences — whether you were taking care of your family or tending to a health issue of your own. Beyond that, you’ll want to focus on the hard and soft skills that you mastered before you stepped away from the workforce. We have good cover letter examples for a variety of complex circumstances to guide you.
What makes this cover letter sample great:
- This applicant leaves no room for a recruiter to guess whether she is an experienced office assistant. She states that she has five years of experience in the very first paragraph of her cover letter.
- She also makes great use of bullet points, listing skills that are critical to the position. This allows a recruiter to scan the letter and immediately see she fulfills the role’s requirements.
- Toward the end of her letter, this applicant succinctly accounts for a gap on her resume by explaining that she took time off to pursue educational opportunities, which instantly answers any questions a hiring manager might have about her work history.
Cover letter example if you’ve been recently laid off/unemployed
After a global pandemic and the recent economic turmoil that has led to countless layoffs, every candidate pool will have job seekers who’ve been unemployed. Use your cover letter to explain why you lost your job. Honesty is key — there’s no reason to be ashamed of a job loss — but keet it brief. Focus instead on your skills, such as computer prowess. Our job application letter sample is here to guide you through writing your cover letter.
What makes this example cover letter stand out:
- The opening paragraph of this applicant’s cover letter states her experience clearly while succinctly mentioning that she recently experienced a layoff without overstating the point or providing details.
- Her use of numbers in the letter — managing 15 patients per county and lowering desertion by 20% — is a strong feature of the letter. It shows — rather than tells — employers what she is capable of accomplishing.
- The closing of her letter is excellent. It conveys in just a few sentences what she will bring to the table if hired.
Sample cover letter if you have a referral
If you have a referral, you already have a head start. As long as you’re certain the referral is responsible and highly valued by the company, you should mention the mutual connection in the opening of your cover letter. This sample cover letter for a job application with a referral will show you the way.
What makes this cover letter sample great:
- This application letter is direct and unambiguous — the candidate is immediately established as a New York State licensed barber with an interest in the latest hair trends. It’s a powerful way to convey that he has both the licensure and the passion to perform the job.
- Also in the opening paragraph, he mentions that a mutual friend has recommended him for the role. This is certain to catch the eye of whoever is hiring, so it’s wise to state it toward the top of a cover letter.
- The closing paragraph of this letter is polite and professional. It thanks the hiring manager for taking the time to read the letter and review his credentials, which is a nice acknowledgment.
Cover letter example if you’ve been job-hopping
Switching between jobs frequently is a red flag to some employers. Get ahead of their concerns by explaining why you left previous jobs in your cover letter. Learn how by referring to a cover letter example for job-hopping. Remember: Be honest, and don’t speak negatively about your previous employers.
What makes this cover letter example stand out:
- In the second paragraph, the applicant acknowledges that he has frequently changed jobs but assures the employer that he did so to improve his professional growth.
- He uses the body of his letter to back up his value. Through the use of data and metrics, he shows how each move was part of his career trajectory, adding to his level of responsibility in each role.
- To further assuage any fears a hiring manager might have about his professional abilities, he uses data and metrics throughout his letter to showcase the results he produced for past employers.
Professional cover letter examples by industry and job title
Accounting cover letter examples (10)
If you enjoy crunching numbers and reading spreadsheets, you can count on our cover letter examples for accounting jobs to help you prepare for your job application.
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Administration cover letter samples (24)
Peruse these good cover letter examples to find inspiration for writing a standout letter that will help you land a job in the administration industry.
- Academic Administrator Cover Letter
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- Business Administration Manager Cover Letter Template
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- Entry Level Payroll Administrator Cover Letter Template
- Experienced Officer Cover Letter Template
- Facility Manager Cover Letter
- File Clerk Cover Letters
- Free Procurement Officer Cover Letter Templates
- Front Desk Receptionist
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- Office Manager Cover Letter: Examples, Templates & Tips
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- Receptionist Manager Cover Letter Template
- Sample Google Administrator Cover Letter Example
- Secretary Cover Letter
Architecture cover letter examples (1)
Whether you’re an entry-level drafter or an experienced architect, use our cover letter examples to impress your next employer and build your career.
Banking cover letter examples (4)
Whether you are looking for cover letter examples for an internship or a senior-level position, our examples will help you write a cover letter that can get you hired.
Child care cover letter samples (5)
From babysitting to running a daycare, you will find the inspiration you need in our child care cover letter examples.
Customer service cover letter examples (16)
Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting, you can rely on our cover letter examples for a job in customer service.
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- Customer Service Agent Cover Letter Example
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Education cover letter samples (12)
Our education samples include some of the best cover letter examples for teachers, from elementary school to graduate level.
Engineering cover letter examples (4)
Our professional cover letter examples for engineers are perfectly designed to help you write a job-winning document for your next engineering role.
Entertainment cover letter example (3)
Whether you’re an actor or a DJ, a good cover letter will help you take your act to the main stage. Study our entertainment cover letter examples and learn how to get noticed.
Film cover letter samples (5)
A good cover letter example tells a story. Study these film cover letter samples to learn how to put the spotlight on your skills and experience.
Food service cover letter samples (12)
The key to landing an excellent food service job is to serve up your skills and experience on a silver platter. Study these cover letter examples to learn how.
- Barista
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- Entry Level Cafeteria and Food Service Cover Letter Template
- Professional Banquet Server Cover Letter Sample & Writing Guide
- Professional Bar Manager Cover Letter Sample & Writing Guide
- Professional Crew Member Cover Letter Sample & Writing Guide
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Healthcare support cover letter examples (6)
A strong cover letter gives you a competitive advantage over similarly qualified candidates. Gather some writing ideas from our great cover letter examples for healthcare roles.
Hospitality cover letter examples (3)
A good cover letter is critical to landing a role in this competitive field. Study our hospitality cover letter examples for a better shot at getting a recruiter’s attention.
Human resources cover letter example (8)
Our HR cover letter samples show you what a professional cover letter should look like for a job in human resources. Study them to learn how to write your own.
Information technology cover letter samples (7)
Everyone from directors to desk workers will find value in these professional IT cover letter examples. Read them to learn how to write your own.
Law enforcement cover letter example (6)
Even seasoned professionals will learn something new from our library of cover letter examples for a job in law enforcement.
Law cover letter samples (6)
The verdict is in — a strong cover letter is critical to landing a job in the field of law. Study our cover letter examples for a job as an attorney, legal assistant or lawyer.
Maintenance cover letter examples (4)
To land your next big role, you must write a clean maintenance cover letter. Our cover letter examples will show you how to write a document that stands out from the pack.
Marketing cover letter examples (8)
Our cover letter examples for marketing professionals show you how to articulate your interpersonal skills, media placement strategies and project management know-how.
Medical cover letter samples (13)
Perform a checkup on your job search with a strong professional cover letter. Let our medical cover letter examples show you how.
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Nursing cover letter examples (12)
Our nursing cover letter examples show you how to give your cover letter a proper checkup. Study them to learn how to write a letter that will get you noticed by hiring managers.
- Certified Nursing Assistant Cover Letter Sample & Guideline
- Entry Level Nurse Practitioner Cover Letter Template
- Graduate RN
- LPN Cover Letters
- LVN Cover Letter
- Professional C.N.A. Cover Letter Sample & Writing Guide
- Professional Caregiver Cover Letter Sample & Writing Guide
- Professional Charge Nurse Cover Letter Sample & Writing Guide
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Real estate cover letter samples (6)
You know how to sell houses — now it’s time to sell yourself. Get ideas for writing your application letter from our library of real estate cover letter examples.
Retail cover letter examples (5)
A stellar application letter can give you an edge over the competition. Our cover letter examples for retail jobs will get you started.
Safety and security cover letter examples (6)
Enjoy good cover letter examples for safety positions to help secure your next post. See how to get noticed for your research skills, competency with equipment and ability to work in a team.
Sales cover letter samples (11)
Whether you sell advertising or products, you must sell yourself in your cover letter. Check out our job application letter samples for work in sales.
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See what people are saying about our cover letters
What is a cover letter?
A cover letter is a concise one-page document submitted alongside your resume in the job application process. Writing one is useful for offering further insights into your relevant skills and experiences for the specific job you’re applying for.
Typically composed of three to four short paragraphs, a cover letter is crucial for job seekers for a variety of reasons.
First, it provides additional information to help a recruiter assess how well you align with the requirements of the position.
Second, it gives you the 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. In fact, writing a custom cover letter for a job shows that you are willing to go the extra mile, demonstrates your commitment to the role and gives you a chance to showcase your stellar communication skills.
The 6 parts of a cover letter
A cover letter should contain six sections — the header, a greeting, an opening paragraph, body paragraphs, a closing statement and a professional signoff. Here is what belongs in each section:
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1Header
List your contact information and link to your LinkedIn account and professional website, if applicable.
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2Greeting
Greet the person reading your letter. Typically, this will be a recruiter or hiring manager.
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3Opening paragraph
Introduce yourself and express your enthusiasm for the role. If you have a referral, mention it here.
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4Body paragraphs
Provide specifics about your work experience and relevant skills, including measurable achievements that show you’re the right person for the role.
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5Closing paragraph
Express your interest in learning more about the role and invite the hiring manager to contact you.
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6Professional signoff
Finish with a polite and professional signoff, such as “Sincerely.” Avoid overly familiar signoffs, like “Love” or “Cheers.”
5 writing tips for building a great cover letter
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Greet the hiring manager by name.
Hiring managers sometimes read dozens of cover letters a day, which means generic salutations like “To Whom It May Concern” get old fast. To stand out, take the time to track down the name of the recruiter or hiring manager who will be reading your letter and resume.
Sometimes, it will be listed on 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, do a quick search on LinkedIn. Adding this personal touch to your cover letter can make a hiring manager take notice because it shows you’re resourceful.
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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.
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Explain how you would help the company.
You’re trying to make the case that you’re the best candidate for the job. What is the best way to do that? Tell them. Tout your most relevant achievements near the start of the letter to make the hiring manager feel they must interview you.
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Be concise when describing your experience.
With hiring managers so short on time, a cover letter with too much detail could bog them down, or worse — lead them to reject the application. Tighten every sentence to keep only the most relevant facts about your skills and experience.
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Use a professional template.
Give your application a professional sheen with a cover letter template that matches your resume template. Using a template allows you to bypass formatting your cover letter, and having a cohesive design between these two documents will make your application materials shine.
There are free templates, including Google docs cover letter templates, and premium versions for a more deluxe design.
Cover letter examples FAQ
Last Updated: July 22, 2024
A strong cover letter outlines the work experience and hard and soft skills that make you unique. Concentrate on highlighting the ones that relate directly to the role you seek. Be succinct — many recruiters read dozens of cover letters for every open role. Keeping the contents of your letter on point and relevant will improve your chances of landing a job interview.
Additionally, your cover letter should not simply repeat what’s in your resume. When you write your resume, you’ll have a strong objective statement that lays out your career goals. Your cover letter should expand on those points, not repeat them.
Speaking of your resume, use resume examples to make sure your document is properly formatted. A poorly constructed resume will get your application tossed in the trash before anyone sees your cover letter.
The same goes for a curriculum vitae (CV). To be safe, make your CV with a builder where you can choose from professional templates and review dozens of examples to ensure your CV is high-quality and a good complement to your cover letter.
While there is no magic bullet for what to write in a cover letter, the opening paragraph should introduce you as a candidate using phrases that express your interest and enthusiasm for the role.
The closing paragraph of your cover letter should give a high-level summary of what makes you a strong candidate and, again, express enthusiasm for the role. The words and phrases you use in the middle sections of your cover letter will be specific to the position and your unique experience. Study our cover letter examples for good phrases to use in a cover letter.
Aside from profanity, there are no specific words that should not be used in a cover letter. However, there are some topics that do not belong in a cover letter.
Never reveal overly personal information, such as your religious preferences, age, nationality, marital status or political leanings unless it is explicitly stated in the job ad. Adding these to the letter can introduce bias into the hiring process.
Also, avoid saying anything negative about a former employer when writing about a layoff or other past work situation.
The three main parts of a cover letter are the introduction, body and conclusion. Here’s what each part should include:
- Introduction: A proper introduction will begin with a greeting for a specific person (like the hiring manager), followed by a statement about who you are and the position you’re interested in.
- Body: This is the core of your cover letter. In two or three paragraphs, explain why you’d be a great candidate for the role. Be sure to highlight your relevant skills and any quantifiable metrics that prove you were successful in previous roles.
- Conclusion: End a cover letter with a short paragraph thanking the hiring manager and welcoming an opportunity to interview. Then, after a space, insert a salutation, such as “Regards” or “Sincerely,” followed by your name.
A simple cover letter shouldn’t be long and complicated. The best cover letters are succinct and to the point.
Use your cover letter to introduce yourself to the hiring manager and outline the skills and qualifications that make you the right fit for the position. Study our example cover letters for the job title you seek to learn how to craft a letter that will get you noticed.
There’s no perfect template for every cover letter, but the best choice will be a cover letter template with a simple and polished layout. Preview an array of cover letter templates before making your decision and tailor your template choice to the specific role you’re applying to.
Yes and no. AI is a powerful tool that can help you generate ideas, organize your thoughts and perfect your ideas. But a truly great cover letter will always require a human touch. Whether you use ChatGPT or an AI cover letter builder, make sure to flesh out your letter with specific details from your resume and customize the content to match the role.
Was this information about Cover Letter Examples helpful? Let us know!
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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