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.
Web Tech Cover Letter Examples
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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Office Employee Cover Letter Examples
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.
Departmental Cover Letter Examples
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.
First Job Cover Letter Examples
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.
Choose Your Cover Letter Examples Now
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.
- Accounting Cover Letters
- Administration Cover Letters
- Administrative Assistant Cover Letters
- Advertising Cover Letters
- Business Development Cover Letters
- Computer Science Cover Letters
- Customer Service Cover Letters
- Electrical Engineer Cover Letters
- Engineering Cover Letters
- General Cover Letters
- Graphic Designer Cover Letters
- Human Resources Cover Letters
- Internet Cover Letters
- Internship Cover Letters
- Legal Cover Letters
- Legal Cover Letters
- Management Cover Letters
- Medical Cover Letters
- Music Cover Letters
- Nursing Cover Letters
- Product Management Cover Letters
- Project Management Cover Letters
- Sales Cover Letters
- Web Designer Cover Letters
- Web Developer Cover Letters
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.
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.
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.