Cover Letter Template (With Tips and Examples)

Updated April 9, 2024

Video: How To Tailor Your Cover Letter
Holl explains how to tailor your cover letter to each job application to show that you care about the specific position that you’re applying for.

Cover letter samples by job title

Here are cover letter samples to help you create your own:

See all cover letter samplesA cover letter can be a great way to stand out among other applicants. Since many people often apply to one opening, your cover letter can demonstrate to employers why you’re the best fit for their team and company. It also gives you the opportunity to elaborate on the relevant qualifications and skills listed on your resume. By taking the time to craft a cover letter specific to the role, you’re showing dedication and enthusiasm for the opportunity and company. Your cover letter should introduce you, explain why you're interested in the company and why you're the best candidate for the role with specific examples. Related: What Is the Point of a Sending a Cover Letter to an Employer?

Image description

"Cover Letter Format" is the title of this infographic that shows an image of an example email.On the left side of the infographic, a numbered list identifies each section of the cover letter:

Date and contact information
Salutation or greeting
Opening paragraph
Middle paragraph(s)
Closing paragraph
Letter ending and signature

The cover letter reads:Anne Galindo
(123) 456-7890
anne.smith@emil.com
January 23, 20XXDear Hiring Manager,I am excited to be applying for the web developer position at [Company Name]. I’ve been programming websites and using CSS to create user-friendly experiences since I was in middle school, so it’s always been a passion of mine. I’ve also been intrigued by your company since it won Most Innovative at the National Web Development Awards two years ago. I strive to stay on the cutting edge of web design and development, so when I saw this job posting, I knew I had to apply.

During my previous role at [Company Name], I built a website completely from scratch for a recently rebranded business both ahead of schedule and within budget. I started by gathering requirements for my clients and holding a focus group to perform user research. My favorite part of web design is building a solution that impresses the client and meets the needs of users and customers. My new website was responsive, extremely fast, and included the latest e-commerce features. After launch, I continued to lead optimization efforts. Through AB testing, I improved the click-through rate by 10% and reduced the bounce rate on the website’s landing page by 35%. As your web developer, I would bring the skills to develop websites that exceed the expectations of clients and customers and drive real business results.

One of the factors that really attracted me to this role is that [Company Name] values giving back to the community. In my spare time, I run free web development workshops for at-risk youths. In these workshops, I teach them the basics of HTML/CSS and JavaScript and serve as a mentor. As I grow in my career, applying my skills to help others and make an impact on the world becomes more important — I believe this role would give me that opportunity.

Thank you for your consideration in time I’m looking forward to learning more details about the position and company.
Sincerely,
Anne Galindo

Cover letter template

While all cover letters should be written for each individual position you apply for, there are some common elements in all cover letters you should include. Here is a template you can use as a general point of reference to ensure you include all necessary information in your next job application:[Your name]
[Your phone number]
[Your email address]
[Optional: Your mailing address][Date][Employer’s name]
[Employer’s mailing address][Greeting],[The first sentence should include your name and the role you intend to apply for. Use the second and third sentences as an overview of your strengths and greatest accomplishments. In the last sentence, express your excitement and appreciation for the opportunity.][In the first sentence of your second paragraph, introduce your most recent professional title and overview of your accomplishments as it pertains to your duties. In the second and third sentences, select your most relevant and impressive achievement and explain the impact you were able to produce. Use numbers to quantify your successes whenever possible.][In the first sentence of your third paragraph, provide an overview of what makes you uniquely qualified for the role. In the second and third sentences, support your claim with specific examples from previous professional or educational experiences. Again, use numbers to quantify your successes whenever possible.][In the first sentence of your closing paragraph, express gratitude and excitement for the opportunity. Use the second and third sentences to explain why you are applying for the position and looking forward to hearing from the company.][Closing statement],
[Signature]Related: 7 Key Elements of a Successful Cover Letter

Cover letter example

Video: Great Cover Letter Examples
Examples statements in the first paragraph of your cover letter that will showcase the value you bring to a company, and express your excitement.

Here is an example cover letter following the above template. Please keep in mind that your cover letter will vary depending on the employers and jobs you’re applying for. As long as key information about your background and qualifications are included, the order of the sentences can be changed as you see fit:Cover letter for dental hygienist:Dear Hiring Manager,I’m excited about the possibility of working as a dental hygienist at Crane & Jenkins. As a person who is detail-oriented and intuitive, I excel in meeting the needs of my dental patients, finishing appointments ahead of schedule, and applying improved methods to ensure the best results during cleanings. I would love the opportunity to offer my talents to Crane & Jenkins, a leading dental provider in the area.During my previous employment at River Tech, I acted as the dental hygienist for two dentists, educated patients regarding their oral health, and helped select software to streamline the appointment booking process. When a new system was implemented to book appointments, I went above and beyond by obtaining the manufacturer’s certification, which allowed me to train dental assistants and other hygienists on the system. The new system increased the number of appointments by 40%.I am attentive to the needs of my patients and strive to create a relaxing environment and to ensure their comfort during cleanings. As a consummate professional, I enjoy challenging cases. For instance, many of my patients at River Tech had advanced gingivitis, so I became extremely vigilant to any signs of pain or distress. To ensure a high level of cleanliness, I also meticulously cleaned my instruments and the equipment and fixtures in the treatment rooms.Thank you for your time and attention. I can’t wait to hear more details about the dental hygienist position at Crane & Jenkins. Growth is vital to my success as a dental hygienist, and I am committed to applying my skills and experience to support dentists and future patients.Sincerely,
Sofia FloresRelated: How to Use Cover Letter Samples

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Cover letter tips

Consider the following tips to write and refine your cover letter:

Read the job description

Before drafting your cover letter, read the job description closely. This can help you understand exactly what employers are looking for in their ideal candidate. Use this information and select keywords that emphasize the skills, qualities and experience you have that will benefit them.

Pay attention to instructions

The employer might ask you to provide specific information or answer a certain question in your resume, so pay attention to any instructions included in the application or job description.

Include the right information

If you are writing a cover letter directly in an email, you do not need to include your name, contact information, date or the employer’s information at the top. If you are attaching a word document or PDF to an email or application portal, you should include these pieces of information.

Address your contact appropriately

If you do not know the name of the recipient, it is acceptable to put the company’s name and address at the top instead. You should address them as “Dear Sir or Madam” or “Dear Hiring Manager” in your greeting, or use another popular cover letter opening addresses.Related: Cover Letter Checklist: What to Review Before You Submit

Frequently asked questions

Are cover letters still necessary today?

Whether or not a cover letter is necessary depends on what a particular employer wants. Still, employers tend to ask candidates to submit cover letters and resumes. You can think of cover letters as necessary to allow you to demonstrate your value. Your resume provides only the barest details about your achievements, while a cover letter will enable you to tell a story that engages the employer.

Is it OK to send the same cover letter for every application?

You can send the same cover letter for every job you apply for, but tailoring your letter to specific employers is likelier to yield desired outcomes. This is because a tailored cover letter can hit more of the keywords that get you noticed by the hiring manager, and it also shows that you have a level of commitment that may transfer to the job itself.

How do I find the name of the hiring manager?

The hiring manager's name may be available in a variety of sources. The first place to check is the job listing, probably toward the bottom of the job description. Another place to look is the employee directory on the employer's website, if one is available. If all else fails, you could email the employer, explaining that you'd like to identify the hiring manager for your cover letter.

Video: How to End Your Cover Letter
Holl, a career coach at Indeed, walks through how to wrap up your cover letter with a summary of why you are best fit for the role and a call to action.

Cover Letter Template (With Tips and Examples)

Cover letter samples by job title

Cover letter template

Cover letter example

Cover letter tips

Read the job description

Pay attention to instructions

Include the right information

Address your contact appropriately

Frequently asked questions

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