A great cover letter can make all the difference in getting the job you want. Alongside your resume, it allows you to highlight 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 a standout letter of your own and put your best qualifications forward.
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 to explain why you're a strong fit for a specific job. It allows you to connect your relevant skills and achievements to the employer's needs and add context that may not fit on your resume, such as details about career changes or gaps in your work history.
While not every job application requires a cover letter, submitting one gives you another opportunity to demonstrate your interest, qualifications, and 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 key skills, including measurable achievements that show you're the right person for the role. Focus on the qualifications most relevant to the job, and connect them to the employer's needs.
- 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 professional sign-off, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards.” Avoid overly familiar sign-offs, like “Love” or “Peace.”
5 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
Make your cover letter easy to scan by keeping paragraphs concise and using a short bullet list to highlight key accomplishments. If you use bullet points, place them in the body of your cover letter alongside the qualifications and achievements most relevant to the role.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: August 11, 2026
An example of a good cover letter is a concise, personalized letter that connects your experience and skills to the specific job you’re applying for. It should explain why you’re interested in the role, highlight relevant accomplishments, and show what you can contribute to the employer. A strong cover letter uses specific examples rather than repeating your resume and ends with a clear, confident call to action.
In a cover letter, write a brief introduction, explain why you’re interested in the position, and highlight the skills, experience, and accomplishments that make you a strong candidate. Tailor your content to the specific job and employer rather than repeating your resume. End with a professional closing that reinforces your interest and invites the employer to contact you.
The three golden rules for writing a cover letter are to tailor it to the job, focus on what you can offer the employer, and keep it concise and professional. Highlight relevant skills and accomplishments, use specific examples when possible, and avoid repeating your resume. A strong cover letter should be easy to read, personalized, and no longer than one page.
Good phrases to use in a cover letter are specific, confident statements that connect your skills and experience to the job. Examples include “I’m excited to apply for…,” “My experience in [skill] has prepared me to…,” and “I’m confident I can contribute to….” Whenever possible, replace generic phrases with specific examples of your accomplishments and the value you can bring to the role, and use action verbs to highlight your impact and motivation.
To write a simple cover letter, include a personalized greeting, a brief introduction, one or two paragraphs highlighting your most relevant skills and experience, and a concise closing. Focus on why you’re interested in the role and how your qualifications match the employer’s needs. Keep your cover letter to one page, use clear language, and tailor it to each job you apply for.
Five common cover letter mistakes are using a generic template, repeating your resume, focusing too much on what you want, including irrelevant information, and failing to proofread. Avoiding these mistakes helps you create a focused, personalized letter that highlights your relevant qualifications and shows employers why you’re a strong fit for the role.
Yes, you can build a cover letter with AI by using it to generate a first draft, suggest relevant language, and tailor your letter to a specific job description. 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. Whatever AI tool you use, personalize the final draft with specific achievements and role-focused details.
Heather is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than 10 years of experience writing about job search and career topics. She is based in San Francisco.
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