tips for a cover letter 2021

4. Include data-backed examples.

When referencing experience from your resume, use your cover letter as an opportunity to explain in detail — with examples.

Examples allow the company to picture the success you could bring if they hired you, rather than the person next in their resume pile. But, data-backed examples give an extra edge.

Let's use an example. Which of these options is more impressive?

• I increased leads for the company.
• I increased leads by 35% in one month through a single blog post, which became the company's highest lead driver.

It's option B, right? That's because it's descriptive and shows results.

5. Tell a story.

Following on from the previous step, you could elaborate on your data-backed examples by telling a story.

Storytelling helps with relatability and gives a hint of your personality in a cover letter. It also makes the recruiter remember your cover letter amongst a sea of other one-page documents in their review pile.

However, this cover letter tip comes with a warning: Don't overdo it and make sure it's relevant.

6. Get a second pair of eyes on it.

Even the best writers make mistakes, but they can leave a negative first impression.

That's why our sixth cover letter tip is to get a second pair of eyes on it.

Email it to a friend or ask a family member to glance over it before you hit "send." Ask them to highlight any spelling mistakes or suggestions to improve how you're communicating with the person reading it.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Seeing as though a cover letter is one of the first documents a recruiter sees, try to make it perfect.

7. Be unique.

Finally, make your cover letter unique.

If you're applying for a creative role, experiment with colors, subheadings, and layouts.

If you're applying for more of a traditional role, be wary. Not everyone is a fan of bright, bold cover letters, but you can scope your limits by getting a feel of their company culture.

Are they strict and professional, or does the company like to have fun? (You can usually get a feel of this from their website or social media profiles.)

Testing the level of uniqueness can be a case of trial and error. If you're not getting great reactions from your cover letter, revise and try again.

We understand that inspiration can go a long way. That's why we've created a one-stop-shop for cover letter examples , which are available to view here.

You're also free to browse our collection of cover letter samples for extra inspiration on formatting your cover letter and learning from those who've helped to land dream jobs.

Now you're fully equipped to write a cover letter that will help you get your foot in the door.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in September 2018 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

Don't forget to share this post!

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Land your dream job, how to write a cover letter | 10 tips for getting noticed.

Emily Lamia

The. Dreaded. Cover. Letter.

We all hope to find ways to stand out during our job search, and how best to convey “ I’m perfect for this job !” to prospective employers. We also know that taking the time to write something meaningful can result in hours of procrastination and getting lost down internet rabbit holes.

So how can you make the best use of your precious time? A little preparation and intention can go a long way. Here are ten tips for how to write a cover letter that will get you noticed.

Before you start writing

Our first steps will help you organize your thoughts before you put them on paper.

1.   Read the job description thoroughly

What is the purpose of the position? What are the main responsibilities of the role and key experiences they’re looking for? Be sure to note words that appear multiple times.

2.   Summarize the responsibilities

Pretend you’re chatting with a good friend and telling them about the job you just saw on Idealist . Write down three bullet points or sentences that would sum up the job responsibilities if you were describing them to your friend. Try to communicate the job description as plainly as you can.

3.   Summarize the experiences and skills

Write down the top three skills or past experiences you think would be important to be successful in this job. What skills, experiences, or talents are they looking for based on what’s written in the description? Which stand out as the most important?

4.   Connect it to your career history

Reflect on your answers to the above questions. Think about the examples from your career that tie most directly to those responsibilities, skills, and experiences. Can you list three to five examples of times that you’ve performed those duties or responsibilities in your career?

Now that you have completed the first four steps in the process, you should have:

• Clarity on the most important elements of the job so that you can tailor your letter more effectively.
• Collateral for highlighting your most important skills and experiences in your cover letter.

Armed with your responses to these questions, you’re now ready to start writing.

Drafting your cover letter

5.   set up your simple formatting.

Think about which member of the team this position would report to, and address it to them. Not sure who the hiring manager might be? Check out the organization's website to see if you can figure out the organizational structure. If that’s not available, try using LinkedIn. Even if the person you address your materials to isn’t the person reading it, they’ll know you took the time to familiarize yourself with the team.

If you still can’t find the right person, you can always address it “To the Programs Team” or “Dear [ORGANIZATION NAME] Team.”

As for formatting, the top of your cover letter should look like this:

[NAME OF STAFF PERSON TO WHOM THIS LETTER IS ADDRESSED]

[TITLE OF ABOVE STAFF PERSON]

[ORGANIZATION NAME]

[ORGANIZATION ADDRESS]

[ORGANIZATION ADDRESS CONTINUED]

6.   The first paragraph

The opening of your cover letter is where you want to whet their appetite.

State the job you’re applying for and convey that you have top-level experience that translates to the position and organization. You also want to communicate your excitement about the organization:

I'm writing to express interest in the [JOB TITLE] position with [ORGANIZATION]. Given my previous experience in/with [EXAMPLES: managing operations for nonprofits, analyzing complex data and systems for improvement, or communicating vision and purpose for educational institutions], I believe I would be a great addition to your team. [A SENTENCE ABOUT WHY YOU CARE ABOUT WHAT THE ORGANIZATION DOES].

7.   The second paragraph

And now for the main course!

Go back to Step 4 above. This is where you want to showcase the examples from your career that directly tie to the responsibilities, experiences, and skills they are looking for. This will likely take four to six short sentences. The goal is to hit the top three things they’re looking for so they want to read your resume and learn more about you. You don’t want to tell them everything. There’s no exact prescription for this part of the cover letter, and there are many ways to convey you’d be a good fit .

Your sentences might start like this:

From reading the job description, it seems you are looking for someone who can [NAME THE THREE KEY RESPONSIBILITIES]. I have previous experience in all of these areas.

Currently, I serve as the [YOUR CURRENT JOB TITLE] for [CURRENT ORGANIZATION NAME] where I … I also have experience doing [EXPERIENCE] at [ORGANIZATION]. Additionally, from my time at [ORGANIZATION] I was able to …

8.   The third paragraph

The sweet dessert!

This is the section of your cover letter to really show you’re going to care about this work day after day. It should answer the following questions:

• Why do you want this job?
• What do you think you can uniquely bring?
• What about the organization inspires you?

Just saying “ the mission so clearly matches my own” isn’t especially compelling. Tell them why it's a good fit! You might have one sentence about why this role is truly exciting to you, why this role makes sense for you now, or why you care about their mission. This is particularly critical if you’re applying for an organization that is fairly different from the one that you're currently working for.

I am really excited about the opportunity to utilize my [X and Y] skills to contribute to [ORGANIZATION OR TEAM’S SPECIFIC WORK.] [ONE TO TWO SENTENCES ON WHY YOU ARE EXCITED ABOUT THIS ROLE AND THE WORK.] Thank you for your consideration.

9.   Proofread!

This is a critical step you must make sure not to skip!

• Take a few hours away from your computer, and then come back with a fresh set of eyes.
• Read it out loud so you can make sure it’s easy to read by someone other than you.
• Ask a friend to look it over for typos you might have missed.
• Keep an eye out for common grammar and punctuation mistakes .
• Also look out for cover letter cliches .

10. Sending your application

You’re almost done!

Remember, the goal is to make it as easy as possible for the people receiving your application to open your materials and read them. Because there are so many versions of Word, it could mean that sending your materials in Word files could result in some less-than-ideal formatting. By making your document a PDF, you ensure that what you are seeing on your screen is exactly what a hiring manager will see when they open it.

Copy the text of your letter into the body of the email you’re sending and attach your PDF (along with your resume) so that the reader is able to see your beautifully formatted cover letter without even having to open the PDF.

Looking for more cover letter advice? Hoping to spruce up your resume? Need help assessing your current skills, or planning actionable next steps to move forward in your job search? Try Designing Your Dream Career , Idealist's free professional development course dedicated to helping you set yourself up for success.

Emily Lamia is the Founder of Pivot Journeys , which offers career coaching, group programs, and organizational consulting to teams that want to build strengths-based cultures that increase engagement, collaboration, and productivity.

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How to Write a Cover Letter and Get Noticed

A cover letter is a chance to explain your specific interest in a company and why you'd be a strong fit.

When you apply for a job, you can submit a cover letter in addition to your resume and any other requested materials. While it’s not always necessary to include one, doing so can expand upon your unique professional story.

Whereas your resume covers important information, like the dates of your past employment and the skills you’ve developed, your cover letter is an opportunity to dive more fully into your motivation for applying in the first place. In writing a cover letter, you should aim to answer two primary questions: 

Why are you interested in this role at this particular company? 

Why are you a strong fit? 

In this article, we’ll go over how to write a strong cover letter and when to include one. 

What is a cover letter, and when do you need one?

A cover letter is a one-page document, around four to five brief paragraphs long , that goes into more detail about your career. It can be especially useful when your application makes it past an applicant tracking system (ATS) and into the hands of a hiring manager, or if you’ve been asked to email your application directly.  

There’s no strong consensus about cover letters: some recruiters and hiring managers prefer them, while others pay more attention to your resume and don’t review your letter. Still, there’s evidence that customized cover letters lead to more interviews than generic cover letters. 

When should you include a cover letter?

Cover letters take time to craft because you’ll need to research the company and role, building a specific explanation about why you want to work there. As such, you may want to reflect on whether it’s a good investment of your time to complete one. 

It can be helpful to include a cover letter when:  

You’re especially interested in the job or company

You’ve been referred by someone

You’re changing careers and want to explain your reasons further

If you’re unsure about whether you should submit a cover letter as part of your application, err on the side of caution and write one, so a recruiter or hiring manager has more information about you. 

Cover letter sections

There are five main sections included in a cover letter: 

Header: At the top of the document, include your contact information, such as your name, city and state, phone number, and email address. Leave space after that information and address your cover letter to the hiring manager once you conduct further research and identify the appropriate person. If you can't find a specific name, go with a generic greeting: “Dear [Department] Hiring Team.”  

Intro: In the first paragraph, demonstrate your fit. Explain who you are, what excites you about the role, and what you hope to accomplish in your next career move, whether that’s more responsibility, moving into a new but relevant area, or something else. 

Body paragraphs: In the subsequent two or three paragraphs, spend time discussing your experience. Don’t simply restate what you’ve already shared through your resume. Instead, talk about any notable effect you’ve had, such as increasing profitability or performance or when you went above and beyond.   

Conclusion: In your final paragraph, restate your interest in the role, remind the hiring manager why you’d be a good fit for their team and company, and state what you want.  

Signature: Include a signature line, using a formal farewell like “Sincerely” along with your name. 

3 tips before writing your cover letter

Whether you’re drafting an entirely new cover letter or updating a previous version for a new application, there are a few steps worth taking before you begin writing: 

1. Research the company.

Visit the company’s website and pay close attention to the “About Us” section. If the company has a careers section, read over any information about workplace culture. Consider what interests you—either about what the company does or how it does it—and note it to include in your letter. 

2. Review the job description. 

Compare the job description to your work history: What have you done in previous roles, and what areas of growth particularly excite you? A hiring team will want you to have many of the skills necessary to handle the job’s responsibilities, but you can also highlight the kind of growth you’re seeking and how the role feeds into that. 

For example: While I’ve regularly contributed strategically to my team’s output, I’m excited to take on the opportunity to lead strategic development.

3. Reflect on your transferable skills.

Transferable skills are those you take with you from job and job, like problem solving and an ability to work collaboratively. These can be beneficial to point out in your cover letter, showing a recruiter or hiring manager how you approach work so they can think about how well you’d fit their team.  

Learn more: Cover Letter Tips: How to Stand Out to a Hiring Manager

3 tips for writing your cover letter

Once you begin writing, follow the steps below to craft and review your letter before completing your job application: 

1. Grab the hiring manager’s attention with a strong opening.

Cover letters used to be more formal, often beginning with a dry introduction like, “I am writing to apply for X.” Now, you can infuse more personality into the introduction, speaking about your passion, interest, and enthusiasm about the opportunity. Think back to your research about the company and role, and integrate that information into your intro. 

For example: I’m a seasoned UX designer who appreciates a challenge. I’ve been especially impressed with the app redesign XYZ Company recently launched, and I’m interested in joining your team’s efforts to make users more engaged.  

2. Align your tone. 

Much like how you might tailor your outfit depending on where you interview , it can be useful to tailor your tone in a cover letter. For example, formality might seem rigid if you’re applying to a tech start-up, but it might be expected at an established financial institution. Think about the tone the company conveys through its website and other communications, and strive to align your writing without overshadowing your personality. 

3. Proofread.

Take time to proofread your letter before you send it, making sure it’s error-free. If possible, find someone to review it for you or try reading it aloud, which can often help you catch any tangled sentence constructions or issues. 

Cover letter example

Let’s break down a cover letter for a project manager role using the sections we outlined above. If you’d like another example, take a look at the cover letter for a data analyst role.

October 4, 2021

Harland Sanders

123 Animal St

Chicago, IL 60290

Dear Mr. Harland Sanders,

[Introduction] My name is George Lee, and I am excited to be applying to the Junior Project Manager position at Animax. I am currently a Project Coordinator at Square Paws, where I have supported several projects successfully to completion. I have long admired Animax’s work to improve animal adoption processes and would be delighted to contribute my skills to the team.

[Body] At Square Paws, I oversaw multiple aspects of running numerous projects. I worked closely with the project manager to develop project schedules, ensure team members had the resources they needed to complete their tasks, and coordinated communication with stakeholders on project updates. I am particularly proud of a project to roll out a feature on our app that users could use to book appointments with veterinarians. As a complex project that involved multiple stakeholders, it was important to be mindful of the details and listen continuously to feedback from users. My efforts to coordinate an early feedback system in a trial period led to the discovery of several bugs and pain points that we fixed for the launch. We were able to reduce customer concerns by 80% and ultimately completed the project under budget by $3,000.

[Body] I have long been familiar with animal adoption centers and believe wholeheartedly in Animax’s mission. I have volunteered consistently at animal shelters since high school and am familiar with their processes. In college, I took several courses that I believe can be useful to the project manager role, including zoology and business administration. Working as a project manager in this field will allow me to expand my knowledge of the industry, and assist in my ultimate goal to make the world a more livable place for shelter animals.

[Conclusion] I believe that my past experience, skill set, and passions make me a strong candidate for Animax’s team. I hope to hear from you soon. Thank you for your time.

[Signature]

Cover letters for specific situations

Sometimes your cover letter needs to do something more than what we’ve discussed above. When you’re interested in changing careers or are applying for an internal position or internship, the cover letter you draft may look slightly different. 

Learn more about each scenario with the specific articles below: 

How to Write a Cover Letter When You’re Changing Careers

How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internal Position

How to Write an Internship Cover Letter

Sharpen your cover letter writing skills with Coursera

For a structured approach to writing a cover letter you're proud of, consider taking the Guided Project Create a Resume and Cover Letter with Google Docs on Coursera, which takes around two hours to complete.  

If you'd like a more comprehensive overview that includes writing convincing accomplishment statements and strategic resume layouts, the University of Maryland offers the self-paced online course, Writing Winning Resumes and Cover Letters .

To build out other areas of your application, consider developing or strengthening your skills in data analysis, social media marketing, and UX design with a Professional Certificate from industry leaders like Google, Meta, and IBM. Sign up for Coursera today and begin a 7-day free trial. 

Keep reading

Coursera staff.

Editorial Team

Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...

This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

• Cover Letter Basics

Looking for guidance on the most elemental aspects of cover letter writing? Check out our articles on the most critical cover letter writing tips, plus cover letter best practices and do's and don'ts.

As seen in: * Foot Note

• Resume Basics
• Resume How-To
• Cover Letter How-To
• Interview Prep
• Interview Questions
• Job Networking
• Career Basics
• Career Planning
• Coronavirus and Employment

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Want to put the advice into practice?

‡ Results derived from a study responded by 1000 participants of which 287 created a resume online.

*The names and logos of the companies referred to above are all trademarks of their respective holders. Unless specifically stated otherwise, such references are not intended to imply any affiliation or association with MyPerfectResume.

60+ Cover Letter Examples in 2024 [For All Professions]

No matter where you are in your career, or what job you’re applying for, submitting a cover letter with your resume is a must . 

Done right, a cover letter will effectively complement your resume and explain to the hiring manager in more detail why you’re the right person for the job.

Writing a cover letter, however, is easier said than done. 

You have to effectively demonstrate that you’ll be able to perform the responsibilities listed in the job description and that you’d be a better fit for the company compared to other candidates. 

And unless you’re a professional writer, this can be a very hard task.

Fortunately, we created these cover letter examples to inspire you and help you get started with your own cover letter!

Let’s dive in!

21 Cover Letter Examples 

#1. career change cover letter example .

Here’s what this cover letter does right:

• Has an ideal length. This cover letter includes all the relevant information for the hiring manager without getting into too much detail.
• Relevant introduction. The candidate explains that they’re changing careers and why they want to work in this new field from the get-go.
• Explains their related experience. The candidate explains how their previous experience in retail sales can help them succeed in PR.

Check out our guide video guide to learn how to write a Cover Letter that gets you HIRED!

#2. Recent Graduate Cover Letter Example 

• Personally greets the hiring manager. The candidate has taken the time to find the hiring manager’s name and address them by it, which makes the opening of the cover letter much more personal.
• Wraps up with a call to action. The candidate wraps up the cover letter by suggesting a meeting with the hiring manager, which makes them more memorable.
• Explains why the candidate is the right person for the internship. In this cover letter for an internship , the candidate explains how they’ve previously interned in a different firm, which gives them the experience to succeed in this role.

Have you just graduated from college? Make sure to check out our guide on writing an entry-level cover letter from start to finish! 

#3. Middle Management Cover Letter Example

• Use of bullet points. The candidate presents the information in a concise and reader-friendly way, making it easy for the hiring manager to find their key achievements. 
• Formal closing. The candidate has used a formal and polite tone to conclude their cover letter, which combined with a call to action makes them look professional and passionate about getting the job. 
• Explains how the company would benefit from hiring them. The candidate outlines exactly what they could do for the company, which not only highlights their skills but also shows they’ve done their research on the company’s needs. 

#4. Business Manager Cover Letter Example

• Detailed header. In addition to the must-have contact details, this candidate has also included their professional Twitter and LinkedIn profiles, making it easy for the hiring manager to look more closely into their career. 
• Concise and to the point. This candidate has used short paragraphs and bullet points to make the cover letter easy to skim through. 
• Wraps up with a call to action. By letting the hiring manager know they’ll be contacting them soon, they’re more likely to make an impression.

Check out this article for a complete writing guide and an inspiring business manager resume sample. 

#5. Ph.D. Cover Letter Example

Here’s what this cover letter does right: 

• Attention-grabbing introduction. In the opening paragraph, this candidate explains why they’re passionate about pursuing a Ph.D. in great detail. 
• Explains the candidate’s qualifications in detail. The candidate builds on their passion by explaining how they’re also qualified for the degree because of their education history and academic achievements. 

#6. Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

• Professional and minimalistic template. This senior executive has used a professional but minimalistic template that lets their work experience do the talking. 
• Achievement-oriented opening paragraph. Right from the get-go, this candidate explains what makes them so good at their job, effectively grabbing the hiring manager’s attention.  
• Wraps up with a call to action. By suggesting to have a meeting and discussing how they can help the company meet its goals, the candidate stands more chance to make a positive lasting impression. 

#7. Architect Cover Letter Example 

• Modern resume template. This architect has picked a template that perfectly matches his industry, as it is professional and modern at the same time. 
• A personal greeting to the HR. They address the hiring manager by their first name, which helps make a better first impression. 
• Measurable achievements. By quantifying their achievements, the candidate proves their achievements instead of just claiming them.

Struggling with your architect resume ? Check out our full guide!

#8. Business Analyst Cover Letter Example 

• Detailed contact information. The candidate has listed both their LinkedIn and Twitter profiles, providing the HR manager an opportunity to learn more about the candidate.  
• Mentions what the candidate can do for the company. This cover letter doesn’t just explain why the job would be great for the candidate, but also how the candidate would benefit the company. Win-win, right? 
• Error-free and reader-friendly. It’s super important for the cover letter to have no spelling or grammatical errors and be reader-friendly. This candidate made sure they did both.

Need a resume alongside your cover letter? Check out our guide on how to write a business analyst resume . 

#9. Consultant Cover Letter Example 

• Professional cover letter template. Being an experienced consultant, this candidate has picked a professional template that doesn’t steal the spotlight from their achievements. 
• Experience and achievement-oriented. The candidate has effectively elaborated on their top achievements relevant to the job. 
• Highlights the candidate’s passion. To show they want the job, this candidate has also explained how passionate they are about their profession.

For more advice on landing a job as a consultant, check out our guide to writing a consultant resume .

#10. Digital Marketing Cover Letter Example

• Creative cover letter template. This digital marketer highlights their originality by picking a creative cover letter template. 
• Lists the candidate’s awards. The candidate has taken advantage of the cover letter to list their most noteworthy awards in the industry. 
• Concludes with a call to action. As they used a call to action to conclude their cover letter, the HR manager will be more likely to remember them.

Want to take your digital marketing resume to the next level? Check out our guide!

#11. Graphic Designer Cover Letter Example 

• Detailed contact information. The candidate has included additional contact information such as their website link, as well as their LinkedIn and Twitter profiles.  
• Ideal length. This cover letter is concise, which means that the HR manager is more likely to read it from start to finish.  
• Draws attention to the candidate’s strong points. Although this candidate is a recent college graduate, they’ve managed to effectively show that they have enough knowledge and experience to do the job right.

Read this guide to write a graphic designer resume that’s just as good as your cover letter!

#12. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Example

• Minimalistic cover letter template. The candidate picked a well-designed but minimalistic template for their cover letter. 
• Focused on skills and achievements. This cover letter is packed with the candidate’s skills and achievements, proving he can be an excellent employee. 
• Formal closing. Politeness can go a long way and the candidate has used this to their advantage to make an impression. 

Our article on how to write an administrative assistant resume can help you take your job application to the next level.

#13. Front Desk Cover Letter Example

• Modern cover letter template. This template incorporates memorable colors and clear lines, which make the cover letter very visually appealing. 
• Attention-grabbing introduction. Using an attention-grabbing intro, the candidate is more likely to make an impression. 
• Calls the HR to action. By including a call to action, the candidate is reminding the HR of their immediate availability. 

#14. Human Resources Cover Letter Example

• It is concise and to the point. The candidate doesn’t dwell on unimportant details the HR won’t be interested in. 
• Uses a traditional cover letter template. The cover letter design is more on the conventional side, which fits the industry better. 
• Highlights the candidate’s strong points. The candidate has rich work experience and they use the cover letter to elaborate on it. 

This HR resume guide can help you get your resume just right.

#15. Sales Agent Cover Letter Example 

• Attention-grabbing cover letter template. As a salesperson, this candidate knows how important first impressions are, so they’ve picked a catchy cover letter template. 
• Has an ideal length. At the same time, they’ve also made sure to keep their cover letter at just the right length. 
• Lists the candidate’s career highlights. The candidate has made perfect use of the space by mentioning their most impressive professional achievements. 

Check out this sales agent resume guide to create an attention-grabbing sales resume .

#16. Receptionist Cover Letter Example

• Modern but minimalistic cover letter template. The template’s design hints the candidate is creative but professional at the same time. 
• Uses a catchy introduction. The candidate has used an attention-grabbing opening paragraph to catch HR’s attention. 
• Concludes the cover letter formally. The candidate proves that they’re polite and well-spoken, a quality very much important for the role they’re applying for. 

Take your receptionist resume to the next level with this receptionist resume guide .

#17. Information Technology Cover Letter Example

• Mentions measurable achievements. Numbers make an impact, which is why this candidate has included measurable achievements. 
• Lists both soft and hard skills. The candidate has mentioned a great mix of soft and hard skills, showing how well-rounded they are. 
• Contains relevant contact information. The candidate’s GitHub, website name, LinkedIn, and Twitter profiles are all great additions to the resume. 

Looking for tips to help you write a great IT resume ? Check out our guide!

#18. Real Estate Cover Letter Example

• Ideal length. Short and to the point, this cover letter is bound to get noticed by the HR manager. 
• Wraps up with a call to action. This candidate reinforces the HR to call them back through a final call to action. 
• Mentions the right skills. On top of their sales accomplishments, the candidate touch upon important soft skills such as customer service and communication . 

This real estate resume guide will help you take your resume from good to great.

#19. Teacher Cover Letter Example

• Mentions relevant contact information details. This candidate has included optional (but relevant) contact information details, such as their LinkedIn, Quora, and Medium profiles. 
• Achievement-oriented. The candidate has elaborated on their achievements in more detail throughout their cover letter. 
• Highlights the candidate’s passion. For some jobs, being passionate is much more important than for others. Teaching is one of these jobs, which is why this candidate explains their passion for the job. 

Our guide on how to write a teacher resume has all the tips you need to land the job.

#20. Project Manager Cover Letter Example

• Leverages a catchy introduction. Through a catchy introductory paragraph, this candidate is sure to grab the HR’s attention and get them to read the rest of their cover letter.
• Lists measurable accomplishments. This candidate explains exactly what they’ve achieved using numbers and hard data. 
• Personally greets the HR. A personal greeting sounds much better than “Dear Sir/Madam,” and the candidate knows this. 

This guide on how to write a project manager resume can help you perfect your appication.

#21. Paralegal Cover Letter Example

• Minimalistic cover letter template. This cover letter design looks good but doesn’t steal the show from the candidate’s abilities.
• Mentions the candidate’s academic achievements and extracurricular activities. Although the candidate is a recent graduate, they’ve used the cover letter to explain they have enough skills and achievements to do the job.
• Lists measurable achievements. The candidate proves they did well in their internship by mentioning quantifiable achievements.

Check out this paralegal resume guide to perfect yours.

40+ More Cover Letter Examples and Guides 

Couldn’t find a cover letter example for your field? Do not worry.

Below you can find a number of other cover letter examples for different fields and industries:

• Acting Cover Letter Examples
• Accounting Cover Letter Examples
• Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Architecture Cover Letter Examples
• Attorney Cover Letter Examples
• Barista Cover Letter Examples
• Bartender Cover Letter Examples
• Business Cover Letter Examples
• Business Analyst Cover Letter Examples
• College Student Cover Letter Examples
• Computer Science Cover Letter Examples
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What is a Cover Letter? 

A cover letter is a one-page document that you submit as part of your job application, alongside your resume . 

Its purpose is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, your cover letter should be from 250 to 400 words long .

A good cover letter can give the hiring manager more insight into what makes you a good candidate and help them make up their mind about whether they should invite you for an interview. A bad cover letter, though, will get ignored (at best) and lose you the job (at worst).

So, to make sure this doesn’t happen, it’s essential to know how to write a convincing cover letter.

The first thing to remember is that a cover letter is a supplement to your resume, not a replacement. Meaning, you shouldn’t just repeat whatever is mentioned in your resume and call it a day. 

Optimally, you should use your cover letter to shed more light on your skills and qualifications, as well as explain anything you didn’t have space for in your resume (e.g. a career gap or why you’re changing careers).

If you’re writing a cover letter for the first time, though, putting all this together might seem pretty tough. 

Fortunately, you can follow our tried-and-tested format to make the experience much easier:

• Header - Input your contact information.
• Greeting the hiring manager - Open the cover letter with a “Dear Sir or Madam,” or use the hiring manager’s name if you know what that is.
• Opening paragraph - Grab the hiring manager’s attention by getting straight to the point. Mention what your professional experiences are, and what role you’re applying for.
• The second paragraph - Explain why you’re the perfect candidate for the job. Mention your top 2-3 achievements, your top skills, why you want to work in that specific industry, and whatever else is relevant.
• The third paragraph - End your cover letter with a call to action. E.g. “I would love to meet personally and discuss how I can help Company X.”
• Formal closing - Something like this: “Thank you for your consideration. Best, John Doe.”

Here’s what this looks like in practice:

9 Tips to Write a Cover Letter (the Right Way)

Now that we've covered the basics, let's talk about cover letter tips . Below, we'll give you all the knowledge you need to take your cover letter from "OK" to "great."

#1. Pick the right template

A good cover letter is all about leaving the right first impression.

And what’s a better way to leave a good impression than through a professional, well-formatted, and visual template?

You can simply pick one of our tried-and-tested cover letter templates and you’ll be all set!

#2. Add your contact details on the header

The best way to start your cover letter is through a header. 

Here’s what you want to include there:

• Phone Number
• Name of the hiring manager / their professional title
• Name of the company you’re applying to

Optionally, you can also include the following:

• Social Media Profiles - Any type of profile that’s relevant to your field. Social Profiles on websites like LinkedIn, GitHub (for developers), Medium (for writers), etc.
• Personal Website - If you have a personal website that somehow adds value to your application, you can mention it. Let’s say you’re a professional writer. In that case, you’d want to link to your content portfolio site or blog.

#3. Greet the hiring manager the right way

Once you’ve listed all your relevant contact information, it’s time to address the hiring manager reading your cover letter. 

A good practice here is to find the hiring manager’s name and address them directly instead of using the traditional “dear sir or madam.” This shows that you’re really invested in the company and that you took your time to do some research about the job.

So, how can you find out the hiring manager’s name?

One way to do this is by looking up the head of the company’s relevant department on LinkedIn. Let’s say you’re applying for the position of Communication Specialist at Novoresume. The hiring manager is probably the Head of Communications or the Chief Communications Office.

Or let’s say you’re applying for the position of server at a restaurant. In that case, you’d be looking to find out who the restaurant manager is.

If this doesn’t work, you can also check out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.

If you still can’t find out the hiring manager’s name, here are several other greetings you can use:

• Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
• Dear Hiring Manager
• To whom it may concern
• Dear [Department] Team

#4. Create an attention-grabbing introduction

Recruiters get hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of applications. Chances are, they’re not going to be reading every single cover letter end-to-end.

So, it’s essential to catch their attention from the very first paragraph.

The problem with most cover letter opening paragraphs, though, is that they’re usually extremely generic, often looking something like this: 

Hey, my name is Jonathan and I’d like to work as a Sales Manager at XYZ Inc. I’ve worked as a sales manager at MadeUpCompany Inc. for 5+ years, so I believe that I’d be a good fit for the position.

As you can probably tell, this opening paragraph doesn’t tell the hiring manager anything other than that you’ve worked the job before - and that’s not really helpful in setting you apart from other candidates. 

What you want to do, instead, is start off with 2-3 of your top achievements to really grab the reader’s attention. Preferably, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position. 

For example:

My name’s Michael and I’d like to help XYZ Inc. hit and exceed its sales goals as a Sales Manager. I’ve worked with Company X, a fin-tech company, for 3+ years. As a Sales Representative, I generated an average of $30,000+ in sales per month (beating the KPIs by around 40%). I believe that my previous industry experience, as well as my excellence in sales, makes me the right candidate for the role of X at Company Y.

The second example shows how the candidate is a top performer. The first just shows that they’ve worked a sales job before.

Which one are YOU more likely to invite for an interview?

#5. Show you’re the perfect person for the job

One great thing about cover letters is that they allow you to expand more on the top achievements from your resume and really show the hiring manager that you’re the right person for the job. 

A good way to do that is to first read the job ad and really understand what skills/experiences are required, and then to ensure that your cover letter touches upon the said skills or experiences.

In my previous role as a Facebook Marketing Expert at XYZ Inc. I handled customer acquisition through ads, managing a monthly Facebook ad budget of $20,000+. As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation and management process end-to-end. This means I created the ad copy and images, as well as picked the targeting, ran optimization trials, and so on.

Other than Facebook advertising, I’ve also delved into other online PPC channels, including:

• Google Search

#6. Explain why you’re a great company fit

The HR manager doesn’t only look at whether you’ll be good at the job or not. They’re looking for someone that’s also a good fit for the company culture.

After all, employees that don’t fit in are bound to quit, sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary . 

To convince the hiring manager that you’re a great company fit, do some research on the company and find out what it is you like about them, or about working there. You want to know things like:

• What’s the company’s business model?
• What’s the company's product or service? Have you used it?
• What’s the culture like? Will someone micro-manage your work, or will you have autonomy on how you get things done?

Then, turn your top reasons for liking to work there into text and add them to your cover letter! 

#7. Wrap up with a call to action

To make the end of your cover letter as memorable as possible, you want to:

• Wrap up any points you couldn't in the previous paragraphs. Mention anything you’ve left out that you think could help the hiring manager make up your mind.
• Thank the hiring manager for their time. After all, it never hurts to be polite. 
• Finish the cover letter with a call to action. A call to action is a great way to make your cover letter ending as memorable as possible. 

#8. Write a formal closing

Once you’re done with the final paragraph, all you have to do is write down a formal “goodbye” and you’re good to go.

Feel free to use one of the most popular conclusions in a cover letter:

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

#9. Proofread your cover letter

Last but not least, make sure to always proofread each and every document that you’ll be including in your job application - cover letter included. 

The last thing you want is to be claiming you’re a great candidate for the job with a cover letter full of typos! 

For an even more comprehensive guide on how to write an impactful cover letter , check out our article ! 

Cover Letter Writing Checklist 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have some questions about cover letters? Check out the answers below:

1. How do I write a simple cover letter? 

To write a cover letter that’s simple but also professional, make sure to include a header with your personal information, a formal greeting to the hiring manager, an attention-grabbing opening paragraph, a second paragraph explaining why you’re a good candidate for the job, and a formal closing (preferably with a call to action). 

2. What are the 3 parts of a cover letter? 

The three parts of a cover letter are: 

• The introduction , namely the header, the greeting to the hiring manager, and the opening paragraph. 
• The sales pitch is usually the body of the cover letter. 
• The conclusion involves a formal closing and a signature line.

3. What makes a great cover letter?

A great cover letter should be personalized for each job you’re applying for, instead of being overly generic. It’s also preferable to address the hiring manager by their name and not use the overly-used “Dear Sir/Madam.”

To make a great first impression, you should mention 1-2 of your top achievements in your opening paragraph - the more job-specific they are, the better. Also, don’t stop at showing the hiring manager why you’re a great candidate for the job. Make sure to also talk about how you’re a good culture fit for the company.

Last but not least, wrap up your closing paragraph with a call to action to give the hiring manager a little extra something to remember you by. 

4. When is a cover letter necessary?

Unless the job ad specifically states otherwise, you should always include a cover letter with your job application .

Even if the hiring manager doesn’t read it, you will look more professional simply by including one.

And that’s a wrap! We hope our cover letter examples and writing tips will inspire you to write a cover letter that will land you your next job.

If you’re looking for more invaluable career advice and articles, make sure to check out our career blog , or any of these related articles: 

• How to Write a Resume
• Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
• Cover Letter Format (w/ Examples & Free Templates)

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• English (UK)
• Cover Letter

How to Format a Cover Letter: Examples & Tips for 2024

A proper cover letter format can score you a few points. Read on, and learn how to format your cover letter so it won't go unnoticed.

Imagine you’re a recruiter, and you’ve got a pile of 300 cover letters to sift through. Which ones would you choose? The ones with tiny font, typos, or with sloppy structure, or the ones that invite you to read and are easy to scan? Take a few minutes and learn how to format your cover letter, so you won't get ignored. 

This guide will show you :

• Cover letter format examples that will land you the interview.
• How to format a cover letter, so it won't go unnoticed. 
• Avoid rookie cover letter formatting mistakes.
• What is the best cover letter structure for different types of jobs. 

Save hours of work and get a cover letter like this. Pick a template, fill it in. Quick and easy. Choose from 20+ cover letter templates and download your cover letter now.

Create your cover letter now

What users say about ResumeLab:

I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your cover letter.” Patrick I love the variety of templates. Good job guys, keep up the good work! Dylan  My previous cover letter was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful! George

Cover Letter Format Example

Sonia F. Quattlebaum

Senior Android Developer

1641 McDonald Avenue

Apopka, FL 32703

407-889-0490 [email protected]

linkedin.com/in/sonia.quattlebaum/

github.com/soniaquattlebaum

Mark M. Elliot

IT Hiring Manager

Skyscraper Avenue

Tampa, FL, 33606

Dear Mr. Elliot,

Cindy Murphy suggested that I apply—she knows how I discovered a vulnerability in the municipal parking app in Rocherster MN that could have given hackers access to all information on the citizens’ phones, and stepped up to fix it.

I see you’re looking for an Android developer with experience in leading cross-departmental efforts to create highly secure financial apps. At Goldcoin Bank, I:

• Oversaw the development of a mobile banking app that was ranked #1 in the Most Secure Bank Apps ranking.
• Collaborated with UX/UI designers and UX writers to provide the best customer experience, as proven by the 4.5-star rating of Bigcoin’s app.
• Ensured that the app was ready for release 2 months before schedule.

When Bigbank introduced a new-generation fraud alert system in its mobile banking app, I could not help but admire the hard work and dedication of its developers—and I was not surprised when it won the Banking App of the Year award. It would be an honor to join your team and make Bigbank Mobile even more reliable and secure in the face of ever-changing cyberthreats.

Can we schedule a meeting next week to discuss how I could contribute to the upcoming versions of Bigbank Mobile?

Sonia Quattlebaum

PS. I can’t wait to tell you how I helped a well-known online store prevent a massive cyber attack that put the bank accounts of 50,000 clients who used its mobile app in immediate danger.

This cover letter follows all the best practices for cover letter structure and format. Let’s go through all the steps you need to have a cover letter like that.

1. How to Format a Cover Letter Like a Pro

The best practices of formatting a cover letter are always the same, no matter if you’re writing your first cover letter with no experience or applying for an executive job. To make sure your cover letter format is as effective as possible, follow these steps:

• Adjust the page layout and the font settings so that your cover letter looks professional
• Start your cover letter with a header
• Use the proper greeting
• Open with an attention-grabbing paragraph
• In a separate paragraph, list specific achievements that prove you’re the best person for this job
• Add another paragraph where you “confess” your passion for the company
• End your cover letter with a call to action
• Sign off according to business etiquette rules
• Add a P. S. if necessary

This cover letter format works wonders for entry-level candidates and seasoned pros alike, so it’s worth mastering no matter where you are in your career. Now we’ll look at each step in more detail.

2. Set Up Your Cover Letter Format: Page Layout and Fonts

If you use a cover letter template , this part of cover letter formatting will take care of itself. But if you prefer to start with a blank page, here’s how to format a cover letter:

• Set the page margins to 1” on all sides
• Pick a classic typeface that matches your professional resume font , such as Arial, Helvetica, Calibri, Times New Roman, or Verdana
• You can also try fonts like Lato, which looks professional but friendly, or Garamond, a classic font that looks good when applying for academic jobs
• When in doubt, stick with the default font in your word processor
• Avoid fonts that look handwritten or otherwise unusual, even if you’re applying for a creative job
• Set the line spacing to 1 or 1.15
• Set the font size to 11 or 12 pt
• Make sure you add a blank line between paragraphs
• Align the paragraphs to the left—justifying looks good in newspapers, not in business letters

Expert Hint: Save your cover letter as a PDF file so that it looks the same on all devices. A Word file that looks great on your computer can look like a trainwreck when opened on someone else’s device.

3. Format Your Cover Letter Header

Every business letter needs a header, and cover letters aren’t an exception. The header goes into the top left corner of the page and contains contact information—both yours and the recruiters. Addressing a cover letter is pretty straightforward in most cases. Here’s a cover letter header template that you can copy and paste straight away:

Cover Letter Heading Format — Basic Template

Your Job Title

Street, City, State

Phone Number

LinkedIn Profile

Hiring Manager’s Name

Hiring Manager’s Job Title

Company Name

If it makes sense to include other professional online profiles like GitHub, feel free to do so. Just avoid mentioning any personal profiles , especially if they contain potentially awkward photos or posts. Oh, and remember to use your “best” email address for your job application. It’s hard to take a candidate seriously if their email address is [email protected].

This cover letter header is an indispensable part of a business cover letter format if you send your cover letter as a PDF or print it out. If you choose to send your cover letter in the body of an email , omit the header and go straight to the opening.

Expert Hint: Do your best to find out the hiring manager’s name. Sometimes it’s mentioned in the job ad. But if it’s not, do some research on LinkedIn, browse the company’s website, or do a quick Google search.

4. Craft a Successful Cover Letter Opening

The cover letter header was easy. Now comes the hard part… but we’ll make it easy, too. First, you need to greet the reader. If you know the hiring manager’s name, choose between these three salutations:

Cover Letter Format—Salutation

Dear Mr. Jones / Dear Ms. Jones,

Dear Alex Jones,

Pick the first variant ( Dear Mr. / Ms. Lastname ) if you’re formatting a cover letter for a federal job or any other position with a formal work environment. Most business cover letters for corporate positions fall under this category, too. If you can’t tell the hiring manager’s gender by their first name, opt for Dear First-name Last-name to avoid awkward misunderstandings.

Last but not least: you can also address the hiring manager by their first name only, but only if you know that your prospective employer has a relaxed company culture.

But… what if you couldn’t find the hiring manager name, even though you tried? In this case, it’s acceptable to write Dear Hiring Manager . It’s not as personal as greeting someone by their name, but it’s still better than these opening formulas:

To Whom It May Concern,

Dear Sir or Madam,

Good morning,

The first two greetings are way too impersonal and outdated. Hi there is too informal, and starting a letter with Good morning is not the best idea—you never know if your letter will actually be read in the morning.

5. Write a Compelling First Paragraph

This part is important when it comes to the cover letter formatting. You’ve attracted the reader’s attention by mentioning their name. Now you want them to continue reading. So… how do you start a cover letter without turning the reader off immediately? Your best bet is to mention a big professional achievement and suggest that you could do the same for your new employer.

Cover Letter Format Example—Opening

Well, that’s nice if you do have a big achievement to brag about. But what if you’re just starting out in your career? You can opt for these attention-grabbing strategies:

• Drop a name
• Congratulate the company on an award or some other achievement
• Mention a fact you love about the company

But whatever strategy you pick, be specific and straightforward. Don’t write things like this:

This intro contains zero proof that the candidate is either an excellent customer service professional or at least passionate about this specific company.

6. Let Your Cover Letter Format Prove That You’re the Best Candidate

Done with the intro? Make a new paragraph (remember to leave a blank line between paragraphs!) and show why you’re the best person to solve the company’s specific challenges.

How do you approach this paragraph? First, re-read the job ad and research the company’s website. Are they hiring people for a new project? Are they looking for a pro who can help the company navigate a specific challenge? Once you’ve found the answer, make it clear that you understand the company’s unique needs .

After that, list a few relevant achievements that clearly show you’re the superhero the company needs. By “relevant” we mean “closely related to the skills and requirements listed in the job ad”. You can list these achievements in plain text, but bullet points are easier to read. Here’s an example:

Cover Letter Formatting Example —Paragraph

I see you’re looking for an Android developer with experience in leading cross-departmental efforts to create highly secure financial apps. At Bigcoin Bank, I:

• Oversaw the development of a mobile banking app that was ranked #1 in the Most Secure Bank Apps ranking
• Collaborated with UX/UI designers and UX writers to provide the best customer experience, as proven by the 4.5-star rating of Bigcoin’s app
• Ensured that the app was ready for release 2 months before schedule

Note how the candidate uses numbers to describe their achievements. This makes their expertise more believable. Let’s look at another example and compare the two:

This example is full of meaningless achievements and unproven claims. Also, why was the software dev responsible for the aquarium? But anyway, no one cares.

Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.

CREATE YOUR COVER LETTER NOW

Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here .

Nail it all with a splash of color, choose a clean font, and highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You're the perfect candidate, and we'll prove it. Use our resume builder now .

7. Make it Clear that it’s Your Dream Job

Time for another paragraph in your letter of application ! Now that you’ve explained why you’re the best person for this job, it’s time to show why this job is the best opportunity for you.

Why is it so important to write about it? Well, if you don’t really want to work for this specific company, why should hiring managers bother to invite you? So go ahead.

Compliment the company on a recent achievement, praise its values (and explain how they resonate with your values), show your excitement about its upcoming projects. Don’t be afraid to confess your passion.

Cover Letter Formatting Example—Paragraph

Make it very clear that you’ve tailored this paragraph to a specific company. If you write a bunch of generic clichés , the hiring manager will assume you’ve copied and pasted this paragraph from somewhere else.

This candidate might think they’re a great fit, but no recruiter would agree with them.

8. Add a Confident Call to Action

Your cover letter isn’t a school essay. You write it with a specific goal in mind: namely, you want the recruiter to take action and call you back. So make a new paragraph and ask the reader to take action—this is an important and often overlooked element of cover letter structure. This is what a cover letter call to action can look like:

How to Format a Cover Letter—Call to Action

This call to action is confident and professional. See how this candidate makes a specific offer? They haven’t been hired yet, but they’ve already got some ideas on improving the company’s business results.

Look, no one cares. If you can’t explain how you’re going to contribute to the company’s success, you’re not getting hired. Period.

9. Follow Best Practices in Cover Letter Formatting When Signing Off

It’s time to end your cover letter . Write “Sincerely” (or some other classic business letter closing) and type your name. It’s also a good idea to repeat your contact information under your signature. If the recruiter wants to contact you straight away, they won’t have to waste their time looking for your phone number or email address.

You can also add a P. S. at the very end of your cover letter. For example, you can promise to tell a story about a hard-to-believe achievement. The hiring manager might call you back just to hear the story!

Expert Hint: Before you submit your cover letter, check how long it is. The best length for a cover letter is under one page, so aim for 200–350 words.

10. Cover Letter Format Isn’t Everything: Don’t Forget Your Resume!

Your cover letter is just a part of your job application. Check out our full guide on how to write a resume or our best resume writing tips to make sure your resume is up to par—otherwise, you won’t get your coveted job! 

With ResumeLab’s resume builder you’ll write your resume in a flash. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Improve your resume in our resume builder now .

CREATE YOUR RESUME NOW

Nail it all with a splash of color, choose a clean font, highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You’re the perfect candidate and we’ll prove it. Just pick one of 21 resume templates and get started now .

Now you know how to format a cover letter like a pro! The best professional cover letter format consists of the following elements:

• Cover letter header
• Business greeting
• Attention-grabbing first paragraph
• Proof why your expertise makes you perfect for the job
• Proof that you’re passionate about the company
• Call to action

It’s also important to stick to basic formatting rules:

• One-inch margins
• Classic business font
• Line spacing between 1 and 1.15
• Extra lines between paragraphs

Questions? Concerns? Not sure about anything to do with cover letter formats? Let me know in the comments, and I’ll get back to you!

About ResumeLab’s Editorial Process

At ResumeLab, quality is at the crux of our values, supporting our commitment to delivering top-notch career resources. The editorial team of career experts carefully reviews every article in accordance with editorial guidelines , ensuring the high quality and reliability of our content. We actively conduct original research, shedding light on the job market's intricacies and earning recognition from numerous influential news outlets . Our dedication to delivering expert career advice attracts millions of readers to our blog each year.

Cover Letter Format: Frequently Asked Questions

How to format a cover letter in 2024.

For a professional format, use a cover letter generator that will take care of the structure. Then, do the following:

• Create a header with contact info
• Begin with a personal greeting
• Mention a big professional achievement to grab the reader's attention
• Give specific proof why you're qualified for the job
• Show your passion for this particular company
• Ask the hiring manager to schedule a call or meeting
• Add a P. S. (optional)

For more information and tips, follow our in-depth guide to writing a cover letter .

How should you format your cover letter when sending it by email?

• You can send your cover letter as a separate attachment or right in the body of your email
• Write a clear subject line that won’t get lost in the recruiter’s inbox
• When sending your cover letter in the body of your email, avoid fancy formatting
• If you send your cover letter as an attachment, give it an easy-to-read filename
• Save your cover letter as a PDF file before attaching it—find out more about the best file format for job applications in our special guide.
• Check our in-depth guide to emailing cover letters

How do I write a good cover letter?

• Keep it relevant to the specific job opening
• Don’t rehash your resume
• Show that you’ve researched the company’s values and challenges
• Follow business formatting rules
• Keep it short
• Use a cover letter builder to make your cover letter look professional

What should a cover letter layout look like?

Cover letter layout is just like the layout of any business letter:

• One-inch margins on all sides
• Left-aligned paragraphs
• Header with contact info in the top left corner
• Font size 11 or 12 pt
• Extra spaces between paragraphs

Check out cover letter templates to see what a professional cover letter layout looks like.

What font is best for cover letters?

There’s no single best font for cover letters. Your cover letter should be easy to read, so opt for a classic business font like Arial, Times New Roman, Helvetica, Trebuchet MS or Calibri. Use the same font in your resume for a consistent look—consider using a matching resume builder and cover letter builder for best results.

Olga is a career expert with a background in teaching. At ResumeLab, she writes actionable guides to help job-seekers highlight their unique strengths and unlock their career potential.

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How to write a cover letter for 2021

When the time comes for you to write a cover letter for your application, it can be very tricky. After all, it needs to expand on your key skills and suitability to the role. There’s a lot of pressure. But, a great cover letter really can make the difference between landing an interview and not making the cut.

We all know how time-consuming they can be to put together. After all, every application requires a uniquely tailored approach for each company. While it might seem a tedious task, getting it right is essential.

Recruiters receive masses of applications every day; and your cover letter needs to stand out. The New Year is a great time to get ahead and write the perfect cover letter that will land you your dream job.

Still not convinced? Don’t worry – we’ll explain how to do it in more detail below.

Research is key

While not very exciting, research is essential when you start to write a cover letter. It’s also an important part of the overall job-hunting process. Before you even start typing, make sure you’ve done some detailed research first. Think about the following before writing:

• Who are you addressing your letter to?
• What does the job description say – does it mention any particular skills or experience?
• What’s going on in your industry, are there any recent news stories?
• Is there any news out there about the company you’re applying to?
• What are the company’s aims or goals?
• Who are the main competitors or clients of the business?

Include the essentials

You’re now at the stage where you can think about starting the letter. But don’t write a cover letter just yet. Have a plan in place first of what you need to include. You need to think about:

• Why the position interests you
• What your most relevant skills and experience are
• How these skills will contribute to the business
• How will you include a call to action that prompts a response from the recruiter?

Tailor the cover letter (to the role and organisation)

While a timely process, recruiters want to see that you’re passionate about working for their company. They prefer a candidate who has taken the time to apply , rather than an individual doing the rounds.

Obviously, this will be time-consuming for you, but it’s essential if you want to be shortlisted for, and ultimately land, the job.

Think about how you can show your potential employer that your skills, experience and qualities can fit into their role. You need to prove that you’re the candidate to hire and that you’re an exceptionally talented individual.

The structure

So , you’ve done your research and prepared you r plan. Now you want to know what structure to follow before you start to write a cover letter, right?

A cover letter should resemble any formal business letter. So this means placing your address in the right-hand corner and starting with the recruiter’s name, a formal greeting and ending with ‘Kind regards’. Here’s the format in more detail:

[Your Address Line 1]

[Address Line 2]

[Address Line 3]

[Phone Number]

[Company’s Address]

[Company’s phone number]

Dear [name],

Application for [name of the role]

Paragraph 1: The opening paragraph needs to say what job you’re applying for and where or how you found out about the position.

Paragraph 2 : This paragraph needs to be about you , and expand on the important details in your CV. You then need to give a summary of any skills or education you have that is relevant to the role.

Paragraph 3 : Here, you want to impress the recruiter on your knowledge of the company and the sector. This is the part where you need to explain why you want to work for their company and that particular role. Make this completely specific to the company and pick out a few key reasons ; whether you admire their work ethic, or have followed their journey closely over the years.

Ultimately, you want to show the hiring manager not what they can do for you, but what you can do for them. Remember, they’re looking for someone who will fit in with the company culture and their core values.

Paragraph 4: This is your last paragraph so end it proactively! Push the boat out there and say ‘I look forward to hearing from you’. Or, let t he recruiter know your availability for a call back. Finally, thank them for reading your letter.

Kind regards,

[Your Name]

Submitting it digitally

After you write a cover letter, it’s time to send it. Nowadays, emailing over an application is extremely common. But what is the etiquette for this?

First of all, carefully read any instructions the employer has written. For example, if they want the letter attached as a Microsoft Word document, then do this. If nothing is specified stick with a PDF; it means that no matter what device or system the recruiter uses, they will still be able to open your letter.

If anything isn’t specified, you could also choose to copy and paste the letter from word into the email. Doing so means the recruiter has easy access to your letter to increase your chances of being shortlisted.

What length should my cover letter be?

When you write a cover letter, it shouldn’t exceed one A4 page. Understandably, this can be difficult when you want to include all of your experience and qualifications. But, you need to keep it to the point to avoid sending the recruiter to sleep.

The final proofread after you write a cover letter

So, you’ve finished writing your perfectly tailored cover letter. But you’re not quite finished yet. It’s officially time to proofread again and again. A small grammatical or spelling error could risk your cover letter being thrown in the ‘no box’. Ask a friend or family member to lend a fresh pair of eyes to give your letter another read.

Now you should be well prepared and set to land your dream job in 2021. For more career advice and application tips, check out our top 10 essential guidelines to follow when writing a cover letter.

Image: Pexels

Related career advice articles.

How to Write a Cover Letter

S omebody hiring you for a job will skim your resume, or may use an applicant tracking system to review it, but they will read your cover letter if considering you for a position .

Resumes are a vital tool for landing a job, and no job seeker should rush writing it, but the cover letter is worth lavishing time and attention on, too.

So if you’re looking for tips on how to write a cover letter, open up a document, and let’s get writing.

What Is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a letter that you’ll submit to an employer along with your resume and anything else, like a portfolio of your work, when you apply for a job. The cover letter makes a case for why you’re the person the company should hire.

If your resume is analogous to your brain – offering the facts and the logical reason why you should be hired – the cover letter is your heart – possibly striking an emotional chord with the employer and at least getting to the heart of the matter of why you, and no one else, is right for the job.

The resume should convince the employer that you have the background for the job; the cover letter should make it clear that you’re going to be an amazing employee and a pleasure to work with. After all, if all goes well, these people may be hanging out with you on their lunch break or working closely with you when you’re dealing with stressed out or difficult clients. That's arguably almost as important as you actually being capable of doing the work you're being hired for. And because of that, an employer would like to have a sense of your personality and who you are. A well-crafted cover letter can do that.

Choosing a Header

So how should you start the cover letter? Most resume experts will tell you to try and find the hiring manager's name, if at all possible. Assuming you have it, then you'd go with "Dear Mr. Smith" or "Dear Ms. Smith." You might want to address the person by their first name, according to Jennifer Fishberg, founder of Career Karma Resume Development & Career Services, which is based out of Highland Park, New Jersey.

That is, if you’ve already had contact with the person, or there has been a referral, going with a first name might be fine, Fishberg says.

“But if you’re unsure, err on the side of the formal,” Fishberg says.

And what if you’re applying blindly and have no idea who is going to read the cover letter? Perhaps the classic and tried-and-true “To Whom It May Concern”?

That would be a hard no, according to Fishberg.

“’To Whom It May Concern’ is a non-starter,” she says. “It just screams that this is one of a hundred mass-produced letters you've sent out and couldn't be bothered. Part of the job of the cover letter is to humanize you to the reader, so an impersonal greeting doesn't help your cause there,” Fishberg says.

So what should you go with? “If you really can't find a name, then ‘Dear Hiring Team’ can work,” Fishberg says.

The Opening

So once you’ve addressed whom you’re writing to, as you can imagine, you’d better seem pretty compelling quickly. You’re competing with a lot of job applicants.

“A strong cover letter grabs the reader's attention from the first line,” Fishberg says.

Easy to say, not always easy to pull off. But Fishberg suggests that you might want to highlight what you know of your employer’s “pain points” and your ability to offer solutions. Your employer has some sort of problem or wouldn’t need to hire somebody. The employer hopes that by hiring you, you will solve those problems.

“Start with an attention-grabbing sentence,” says Deb Harrison, a former high school English teacher and now growth and change consultant who has worked with companies in recruiting and with individuals searching for jobs. She is based out of Montgomery, New York.

Harrison says that attention-grabbing sentence might involve a relevant quote, statistic or anecdote. But don’t go overboard with your quotes, statistics or anecdote. “Make it clear in the first paragraph why you are applying for the specific job,” Harrison says.

Writing the Body

OK, you feel good about how you’ve addressed whoever is reading your letter. You’ve got the reader hooked. Now here’s where things can either soar or start to fall apart.

There’s so much to think about, including:

Length. Most job sites will encourage you to write a cover letter that’s half a page to a page long. Harrison says that “recruiters have a lot to look through, so too much information may not even get read, but it should provide enough to stand out to the recruiter.”

Tone. “Type like you are speaking in an interview ,” says Pete Milne, managing director of Robert Walters North America, a professional recruiting firm. “It is so easy to be overly formal in written form.”

That may sound like the opposite of what you want since formal would seem to equate being professional, but no, Milne asserts. Being overly formal can really backfire.

“The tendency to use bigger words or complex language is tempting in order to show your intelligence levels. However, long sentences, difficult to read paragraphs and convoluted language are all signs of poor communication,” he says. “No one should have to dissect what you are trying to say. Make it obvious and super easy to read.”

Milne adds: “Also, imagine the shock when you turn up to an interview and sound nothing like your highly formal, legal-sounding cover letter. Stay true to yourself and be confident with your real tone of voice and personality.”

Details. As in, they matter, but don't go overboard here either. “Stick to the important stuff – a cover letter isn’t a biography,” Milne says. “As much as I encourage professionals to spend a good amount of time on a cover letter, there also needs to be an understanding that this will likely be scanned over by your prospective employer – hence the need to keep the language simple. See a cover letter as your highlights reel."

And only, Milne adds, including the highlights that are relevant to landing the job.

But if you feel like your cover letter needs a little something else, even if it has nothing to do with the job, you can probably get away with it, within reason, according to Milne.

“There is no harm in including that you are an avid surfer, but don’t go on about it unless you like to compete on a professional level, and tie in how getting to the finish line is a core makeup of your personality," Milne says. "All roads lead back to whether you will be good at this particular job or not.”

You may start to feel like this cover letter is as hard to write as a novel or television script, but you don’t have to close with a powerful ending for the ages or a cliffhanger, fortunately. Harrison advises that in your final paragraph and sentences you encourage the reader to take action – that is, reply to you (and be sure to provide your contact information). She also suggests you reiterate your enthusiasm for the position and thank the reader for considering your application.

Kyle Elliott, a career coach who lives in Santa Barbara, California, had a suggestion for the ending, if you have room and think it needs more punch.

"Because social proof is powerful, a creative and powerful way to end your cover letter is with a testimonial from a supervisor, colleague or client. You don't need to ask for an entire letter of recommendation here either. You can repurpose a testimonial from your LinkedIn profile or take a snippet from a performance review you received at work," he says.

And there you go. You’re done. Almost.

Review Your Cover Letter

That was just a first draft. You need to look over your cover letter again, especially if you really want this job . There are a lot of pitfalls that you want to make sure you didn’t stumble into while writing your letter.

For instance, you shouldn't only worry about typos or misspelling names, but getting basic facts incorrect.

“Frustratingly, the No. 1 thing that professionals can often get wrong in a cover letter is the company name or role that they are applying for,” Milne says.

Think about how that looks to a recruiter or potential employer, misnaming the company or even the type of job you’re applying for.

“Often the reason this happens is because job hunters typically use the same cover letter for multiple applications – barring a few tweaks,” Milne says.

"A copy and paste job when it comes to cover letters is lazy and can be borderline offensive or off-putting to recruiters or organizations depending on how obvious it is that you are firing off the same cover letter to multiple organizations," Milne says.

Repetition can also be a problem. In other words, are you repeating everything in the cover letter that you put in the resume? Not a great idea, according to Elliott.

“You want to avoid the common mistake of summarizing your resume when writing your cover letter. Instead, use your cover letter as an opportunity to express your interest in the company and role, as well as what sets you apart from other candidates,” Elliott says.

Sure, you knew that already – but it’s still easy to fall into the repetitive trap.

“Specificity is your friend when writing your cover letter. Give specific examples as to why you're drawn to this company compared to its competitors,” Elliott says. “Additionally, explain what distinguishes you from other applicants. If you offer a specific type of experience, knowledge or skill, be sure to call this out in your cover letter.”

Final Tips on Writing a Cover Letter

Finally, the important thing is to take writing a cover letter seriously.

"Cover letters often get a bad rap these days, both from job seekers and from the hiring side," Fishberg says. "Treating the cover letter as an obligatory nuisance is a missed opportunity to differentiate yourself from other applicants."

And if you can differentiate yourself, you'll have really pulled something off. You may even get hired .

"The perfect cover letter is the one that shows you've done your homework and understand this particular job and this company's needs. It's not one-size-fits-all," Fishberg says.

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