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Table of Contents

  • Choose a Cover Letter Example
  • Web Tech Cover Letter Examples
  • Office Employee Cover Letter Examples
  • Departmental Cover Letter Examples
  • First Job Cover Letter Examples
  • Choose Your Cover Letter Examples Now
  • Cover Letter Examples by Industry
  • 3 Tips For Choosing a Cover Example
  • Sections of a Cover Letter
  • Recruiter-Friendly Cover Letters
  • Cover Letter Example FAQs
Home > Cover Letters > Cover Letter Examples

Your two best friends in your professional job search are a solid resume and strong cover letter. Hiring managers prefer to see one with the application, so resist the urge to ignore the cover letter. Write one quickly and easily by following the samples and helpful tips below.

Choose a Cover Letter Example

Use Example

Web Tech Cover Letter Examples

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Graphic Designer

An employer needs a graphic designer who has the technical chops for the job. Experience in software programs such as Adobe Creative Suite, Photoshop, and After Effects is a must. The graphic designer cover letter examples make the most of your technical skills upfront, making a good first impression.

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Web Designer

Web Designer

Hiring managers want web designers with marketing tools and know-how. Show you have the relevant skills by using the web designer cover letter examples as templates. It not only lets you show off your tech savvy, you can include people skills and collaboration experience, too.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineer

Creativity and the ability to contribute to open source projects are key to this work. Follow the example of the software engineer cover letter sample and show hiring managers upfront that you have qualifications and work history that make you a good fit for their company.

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Key Insights

  • Use the Company's Tone and Language:

    Do your research on companies' websites. How do they brand themselves? Mirror their language and culture in your cover letter.

  • Pick Your Best Experience:

    Don't just rehash your resume. Mention your best work experience that is more personal or has a story attached to help you stand out.

  • Keep It to One Page:

    In the first paragraph, describe an experience. In the second, relate it to the job through skills. For paragraph three, explain why you're a good fit.

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Description

Office Employee Cover Letter Examples

General

General

A general cover letter sample is easily adapted to a wide variety of professions. The content, format, and tone are applicable to any job. Research your industry key words and insert them as appropriate. Don't forget to mention relevant skills that are industry specific, such as billing or invoicing.

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Administrative Assistant

Administrative Assistant

The administrative assistant cover letter examples show your future employer that you have the right mix of hard and soft skills for the job. You need to mention a few tech skills, such as software knowledge, in addition to people skills like maintaining customer relationships. Tailor the letter to each specific job.

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Accounts Payable

Accounts Payable

Working in accounts payable means responsibility for billing, auditing, payroll, and other similar tasks. A professional letter will display your qualifications and experience in these areas. Show the hiring manager that you have a work history that is compatible with the job description by including company language.

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Key Insights

  • Start Big:

    Open your cover letter with a brief story about what drew you to the position or that shows how you are a good fit.

  • Address the Cover Letter Personally:

    Avoid "To whom it may concern." Writing the hiring manager's name is a powerful tool. If you can't find it, use "Dear Company" instead.

  • Header Formatting Is Different:

    No header is necessary in an email. In a mailed or PDF version of your cover letter, make sure the header matches your resume.

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Departmental Cover Letter Examples

Engineering

Engineering

Engineers are builders, problem-solvers, and creative thinkers. With engineering cover letter examples, all your facets can be on display. Whether it's CAD proficiency or the ability to work with a team, get a good mix of your skills into your professional cover letter and impress your future employer.

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Computer Science

Computer Science

Use the computer science cover letter sample to create a document that focuses on your experience. Knowledge of C++, HTML, and Java is best expressed by mentioning a past job or two that utilized these languages. Include a brief description of responsibilities that can be further explained in your resume.

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Human Resources

Human Resources

A job in human resources means you must be able to relate to people. Our human resources cover letter examples help you shine in that area. Support your resume by writing down a brief story that is relevant to a job experience. Mention two or three soft skills, such as communication and training.

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Key Insights

  • Brainstorm Your Qualifications:

    Make a list of all the qualifications that the hiring manager mentioned in the job description. Choose the top two and incorporate them into your letter.

  • Consider Your Achievements:

    Use numbers, if possible, to showcase your achievements. Mention percentage of increase or similar numbers that indicate growth. Hard facts impress employers.

  • Brevity Is the Soul of Wit:

    Be succinct. Write a main topic sentence and two or three short supporting sentences for each paragraph. Have only two or three paragraphs, tops.

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First Job Cover Letter Examples

INTERNSHIP

Internship

Let the internship cover letter sample be your guide as you navigate through the application process. As your work history is probably slight at this point in your career, make the most of your academic record. Share how coursework and other campus experiences have prepared you for this internship position.

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Simple

Simple

Simple cover letter examples are perfect for any job. Apply it to your profession by including keywords from your resume and industry-specific skills. Don't forget to address it directly to the hiring manager and use the same header as your resume.

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BARISTA

Barista

A professional cover letter for a barista must demonstrate food handling skills. Use our barista professional cover letter samples to help you hone your qualifications to the most important, such as customer service, food prep, coffee brewing, and dining area maintenance. Include a sentence that expresses your passion for coffee.

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Key Insights

  • Find the Balance Between Sales Pitch and Inquiry:

    Compose a strong sentence stating how you can contribute to the company. Then write a brief section about your admiration for the company.

  • Relate Your Experience to the Company:

    Tie in your previous job experience with what the company needs from you now. Show that your work history can apply to them, today.

  • Proofread, Proofread, Proofread:

    Read your cover letter three times, then have others read it. Catch every grammar and spelling typo. Hiring managers toss mistake-filled letters.

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Choose Your Cover Letter Examples Now

Recruiter-Approved

Recruiter-Approved

Our cover letter experts have been working with recruiters for the past 10 years perfecting the best samples that will get you a job.

Pre-Written Text

Pre-Written Text

Breeze through each section using our samples. Got writer’s block? We’ll recommend what you should write for each section.

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Autoformatting

Samples automatically format to keep your cover letter in-line, so you can stop struggling with Word!

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Cover Letter Examples by Industry

A smartly written cover letter can be the difference maker when competing for a job. A perfect cover letter completes and improves your job application. Use a professional cover letter template from our library to start writing about your impressive parts of your career. Each cover letter template offers popular, eye-catching ideas for layout, design, and paragraph content.

3 Tips For Choosing a Cover Sample

3 Tips For Choosing a Cover Example

  • Consider the Company Culture

    Research the company before you choose a cover letter sample. Are they informal or formal? Are they production-oriented or people-oriented? Choose a letter that matches the tone of the company. A 150-year-old law firm should receive a different cover letter than a brand-new tech startup.

  • Executive Position vs. Entry-Level

    Think about the position you want to apply for. If you are seeking to be the CEO of a company, your cover letter can have facts and statistics about success at previous companies. Entry-level cover letters should focus on relevant skills and accomplishments that can benefit the company.

  • Write for the Industry

    If you apply for a teaching job, share your thoughts on grading metrics. For engineering jobs, talk about your problem-solving skills. Musicians can mention prestigious gigs. Use the industry keywords and language for your profession. Showing that you know the lingo is key to getting noticed.

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Sections of a Cover Letter

The goal is to impress hiring managers with your cover letter. Take the guesswork out of cover letter writing with our cover letter samples. Follow these tips for a professional cover letter that will get you the interview.

Header/Contact Information
Salutation
Opening
Body Paragraphs
Closing

Select resume section:

The header of a cover letter should include your full name and your contact information. Do not use nicknames or email addresses that are unprofessional. You may list professional websites if you have them. It is always a good idea to use the same header used in your resume.
Hiring managers and employers appreciate a personal address. Search the company website or LinkedIn to find out who they are, if possible. If you cannot identify them by name, "Dear (Name of Company)" has preference over the older "To Whom It May Concern" or "Dear Sir/Madam."
Write an opening that grabs the hiring manager's attention. A good way to do this is to relate a brief personal story that illustrates your connection to the company and why you want to work there. Alternatively, begin with your strongest asset that you think would most benefit the company.
Two body paragraphs are plenty, although you can have a third if they all fit on one page. A good format for the paragraphs is to describe a professional experience and explain why this experience makes you the ideal candidate for the job. Share what you learned.
Close with a simple restatement of interest. A sentence like, "I hope to hear from you soon," is always appropriate. Use a closing phrase such as, "Sincerely," or "Best regards," and sign your name. If you are sending the letter electronically, a typed sign-off is fine.
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Header/Contact Information

The header of a cover letter should include your full name and your contact information. Do not use nicknames or email addresses that are unprofessional. You may list professional websites if you have them. It is always a good idea to use the same header used in your resume.

Salutation

Hiring managers and employers appreciate a personal address. Search the company website or LinkedIn to find out who they are, if possible. If you cannot identify them by name, "Dear (Name of Company)" has preference over the older "To Whom It May Concern" or "Dear Sir/Madam."

Opening

Write an opening that grabs the hiring manager's attention. A good way to do this is to relate a brief personal story that illustrates your connection to the company and why you want to work there. Alternatively, begin with your strongest asset that you think would most benefit the company.

Body Paragraphs

Two body paragraphs are plenty, although you can have a third if they all fit on one page. A good format for the paragraphs is to describe a professional experience and explain why this experience makes you the ideal candidate for the job. Share what you learned.

Closing

Close with a simple restatement of interest. A sentence like, "I hope to hear from you soon," is always appropriate. Use a closing phrase such as, "Sincerely," or "Best regards," and sign your name. If you are sending the letter electronically, a typed sign-off is fine.

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Recruiter-Friendly Cover Letters

Many employers use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to narrow the interview pool. This computer program scans letters and resumes for keywords. To get your documents past the ATS, keep them simple. Use basic fonts and formats stacked with keywords from the job description. See ATS 101 for more tips.

Cover Letter Example FAQs

  • What are cover letter samples?

    Cover letter samples are industry-specific examples that show you what to include in a cover letter. They establish guidelines for formatting, content, and tone, in addition to other tips applicable to a variety of jobs. They help you avoid common pitfalls and mistakes.

  • Where can I find cover letter samples?

    You can find professionally written cover letter samples online at the cover letter builder and our other partner sites featuring job search aids. Campus career centers or hiring agencies may also offer options.

  • How do you write a cover letter?

    Begin with researching the position and the company to understand what they are looking for. Then study samples to generate ideas. Jot down your skills and experiences, choosing one or two to focus on. Draft them into a letter that shows personality.

  • Are cover letters necessary?

    Cover letters are not necessary for jobs that specifically say, "No cover letter." Otherwise, you should include a cover letter every time. They help employers choose which candidates to interview and give you a chance to introduce yourself. Use the builder and cover letter examples as a guide.

  • Do I need a cover letter for an agency?

    If you are submitting your resume to talent agency, always include a cover letter. Keep it brief and interesting. Talent agencies are looking for unique personalities to interview in person. Contact information should only include cell phone number and email address.

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