21+ Cover Letter Examples in 2023 [For All Professions]

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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 .

cover letter example for career change

Here’s what this cover letter does right:

Want to learn how to write a career change resume that’s on par with your cover letter? Check out our guide!

#2. Recent Graduate Cover Letter Example 

cover letter example for a recent graduate

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

job search masterclasss novoresume

#3. Middle Management Cover Letter Example

Cover Letter Example for Middle Management

#4. Business Manager Cover Letter Example

cover letter example for business manager

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

#5. Ph.D. Cover Letter Example

cover letter example for phd

Here’s what this cover letter does right: 

#6. Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

cover letter example for senior executive

#7. Architect Cover Letter Example 

Cover Letter Example

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

#8. Business Analyst Cover Letter Example 

cover letter examples

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

#9. Consultant Cover Letter Example 

best cover letter example

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

Cover Letter Example for Digital Marketing

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

#11. Graphic Designer Cover Letter Example 

Cover Letter Example for Graphic Designer

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

#12. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Example

Cover Letter Example for Administrative Assistant

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

Cover Letter Example for Front Desk

#14. Human Resources Cover Letter Example

Cover Letter Example for Human Resources

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

#15. Sales Agent Cover Letter Example 

Cover Letter Example  for Sales Agent

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

#16. Receptionist Cover Letter Example

Cover Letter Example for Receptionist

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

#17. Information Technology Cover Letter Example

Cover Letter Example for Information Technology

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

#18. Real Estate Cover Letter Example

Cover Letter Example for Real Estate Agent

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

#19. Teacher Cover Letter Example

Cover Letter Example for Teacher

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

Cover Letter Example for Project Manager

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

#21. Paralegal Cover Letter Example

Cover Letter Example for Paralegal

Check out this paralegal resume guide to perfect yours.

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:

Here’s what this looks like in practice:

cover letter structure

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!

cover letter examples templates

#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:

Optionally, you can also include the following:

#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:

#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:

#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:

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:

#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:

#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 

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: 

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: 

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Cover Letter Examples and Writing Tips

Alison Doyle is one of the nation’s foremost career experts.

cover letter in english template

What is a Cover Letter?

How to write a cover letter, cover letter examples and templates, basic cover letters to apply for a job, email cover letter examples, cover letters with a referral, examples listed by type of applicant, cover letters listed by occupation, applying for a transfer or promotion, inquiry and networking letters.

Do you need to write a cover letter? A cover letter should be sent or posted with your resume or curriculum vitae when applying for a job, so it's essential to write a good one. Your cover letter is an opportunity to show the employer how you're an excellent match for a position.

Learn about writing a cover letter, including what to include, how to send it, review examples, and get free templates to download for many different types of occupations and applications. There are also guidelines and samples for writing email cover letters, inquiry letters, referral letters, prospecting letters, and networking letters.

A cover letter is a (typically) one-page document that explains to the hiring manager why you are an ideal candidate for the job. It goes beyond your resume to explain in detail how you could add value to the company.

A cover letter is a document that you send or upload with your resume when applying for jobs to provide additional information on your skills and experience.

A cover letter may be required by an employer, optional, or not needed as part of a job application. The requirements should be listed in the job posting.

Keep in mind that your cover letter doesn't have to be boring. Taking some time to showcase your personality and how it will be an asset to the employer can help your application get noticed. Follow these tips on how to write an effective cover letter .

Tailor each letter to the job.  It takes a little extra time, but be sure to write a unique cover letter for each job. Your cover letter should be specific to the position you are applying for,  relating your skills and experiences  to those noted in the job posting.

Use keywords.  One useful way to tailor your letter to the job is to use  keywords  from the job posting. Circle any words from the job posting that seem critical to the job, such as specific skills or qualifications. Try to use some of these words in your letter. This way, at a glance, the employer can see that you match the requirements of the job.

Explain how you will add value.  Think of concrete ways to prove you will add value to the company. Include examples of specific accomplishments from previous jobs. For example, if you helped reduce turnover by 10% at your last company, or implemented a filing strategy that reduced file errors by 15%, include this information.

Try to quantify your successes when possible to clearly demonstrate how you could add value to the company.

Carefully edit your letter. Your cover letter is your first, and best, chance to sell the  hiring manager  on your candidacy for employment, so make sure it's perfect. Read through your letter, proofreading it for any spelling or grammar errors. Ask a friend, family member, or  career counselor  to read it as well. You want to make sure the letter is polished before submitting it.

It can be beneficial to look at cover letter examples when writing your own. A sample can help you decide what to include in your letter, and show you how to format it.

This collection of free, professionally written cover letters will help you get started writing your own letters.

Below you'll find both hard copy and email samples and templates, for a variety of different types of employment inquiries and job applications, including general cover letters, cold contact cover letters, referral letters, customized cover letters, job promotion letters, networking outreach letters, and letters to inquire about unadvertised openings.

Applying for a new job can be both exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. However, writing a cover letter that really “sells” the qualities you have to offer an employer is a great confidence-builder—you’ll know your letter is perfect when you read it and think, “Hey—I’d interview me!” Here are some examples of effective cover letters, with downloadable templates.

While cover letters that are emailed do not have as conservative a format as traditional “snail mail” cover letters, there is still a specific structure one should observe when drafting and sending them. Here’s how to make sure your email cover letter gets read.

One of the best ways to “get your foot in the door” at a company you would love to work for is to mention a professional connection to one of their current personnel. Here’s how to ask someone to serve as a referral for you and how to drop their name in your cover letter.

The ideal content and format of a cover letter depend both upon the type of position you are applying for and your relevant experience.

The cover letter of a seasoned professional will emphasize experience, whereas that of a recent college graduate is best focused upon training and potential.

Similarly, a cover letter for a sales position will use more aggressive marketing language than one designed for a social work role. The following cover letter samples are for candidates who are applying for a specific type or level of position.

Here's a list of cover letter samples and downloadable templates listed by industry and position. Choose one that's a match for the jobs you're applying for, then tweak it to include your most relevant skills and experience.

When you’ve worked for an employer for a while and know, through both your own impressions and strong performance reviews, that they value your work, it may be time to ask for a promotion or a transfer to a better position. Be proactive—companies don’t always have upward career tracks, and may not automatically award a promotion unless this is requested.

Applying to officially advertised positions isn’t the only way to land your dream job. Often opportunities can be discovered through strategic networking; more than one person has been offered a position because they made their availability and interest known to employers who were not actively hiring.

Cover Letter Formats and Templates

Review more examples of professional formats, layouts, and templates to use to apply for jobs, keeping in mind that you should tailor any cover letter template you decide to use as your model to reflect your own circumstances and personality.

Cover Letter Template to Download

Download the cover letter template  (compatible with Google Docs or Word) or see below for more examples.

Cover Letter Sample (Text Version)

Joseph Q. Applicant 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-212-1234 josephq@email.com

July 20, 2020

Jane Smith Director, Human Resources Fit Living 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

Dear Ms. Smith:

I’m writing to apply for the position of Social Media Manager for Fit Living, as advertised on your website careers page. I have three years of experience as a Social Media Assistant for Young Living, and I believe I am ready to move up to the manager position.

In your job posting, you mention that you want to hire a Social Media Manager who understands the Internet and social media trends. During my time at Young Living, I was given the responsibility of increasing follower numbers on Instagram. I explained to my manager that I would be happy to do so and that I would also work hard to increase follower participation because engagement has become an important metric.

Within six months, I increased our followers by over 50% and increased engagement by 400%. I’m very proud of that accomplishment. Currently, I’m working to build a following with the best influencers in our niche.

When I saw the job opening, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to offer you both my social media marketing skills and people skills. I’ve included my resume so you can learn more about my educational background and all of my work experience. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Please feel free to email me at josephq@email.com or call my cell phone at 555-555-5555. I hope to hear from you soon.

Your Signature (hard copy letter)

Joseph Q. Applicant

Watch Now: 9 Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid

CareerOneStop. " Cover Letters ."

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Cover Letter Templates

Click on a cover letter template, fill it online, and download in seconds. Build a professional cover letter in a few clicks . Just pick one of 18+ cover letter templates below, add ready-made content, and get the job.

Professional cover letter Template Cascade

Professional cover letter template with a column for contact information

Professional cover letter Template Concept

Modern cover letter template with delicate icons for contact information.

Professional cover letter Template Crisp

Creative cover letter template with graphic elements and two columns

Professional cover letter Template Cubic

Perfect cover letter template with a dash of color and a structured layout

Professional cover letter Template Vibes

Sleek cover letter template with a light feel and color accents

Professional cover letter Template Diamond

Classic cover letter template in a one column layout

Professional cover letter Template Enfold

Two column cover letter template with contact information highlighted on the right

Professional cover letter Template Iconic

Clean cover letter template with plenty of whitespace and a layout that feels complete

Professional cover letter Template Influx

Elegant cover letter template with a single column classic feel

Professional cover letter Template Initials

Unique cover letter template with your initials on top and icons on the left

Professional cover letter Template Minimo

Elegant cover letter template with great readability

Professional cover letter Template Muse

Two column cover letter template with a neat structure

Professional cover letter Template Modern

Modern cover letter template with a clean-cut layout and two columns

Professional cover letter Template Nanica

Elegant cover letter template with a top-bottom structure and clean sections.

Professional cover letter Template Newcast

Elegant cover letter template with appealing typography and flow

Professional cover letter Template Primo

Creative cover letter template with initials as the logo and delicate graphic accents

Professional cover letter Template Simple

Simple cover letter template that draws attention to your title and personal story

Professional cover letter Template Valera

Traditional cover letter template with minimal design, but a finished feel

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Need text samples of cover letter templates, free cover letter template to copy and use.

Your Name Your Address Your City, State Zip Code Your Phone Number Your Email Date Hiring Manager’s/Recruiter’s Name Hiring Manager’s/Recruiter’s Title Organization/Company Name Address City, State Zip Code Dear Mr./Ms. [Hiring Manager’s/Recruiter’s Last Name]

When I found the opening for the [Position] with [Organization/Company Name] I felt as if it was addressed to me. In my current position as [Position] at [Organization/Company Name], I’ve improved [achievement] by [%] in [months/years] which resulted in [Number + Result]. I’m sure I can use my expertise to bring similar results for [Organization/Company Name].

In my current position as a [Position] with [Current Organization/Company Name], my key challenge has been [Main Responsibility]. Here are some of my recent results:

I know that [Organization/Company Name]’s current plans involve [Company’s Plans]. It would be an exciting opportunity for me to use [Your Skill] developing [Company’s Project].

Can we schedule a meeting [Date] to discuss my solutions for boosting [Organization/Company Name]’s [Revenue/Traffic/Customer Satisfaction] by [%] in the next quarter?

Sincerely/Best regards, Your Full Name Your Phone Number Your Email Address Your LinkedIn Account

Best cover letter templates for any situation

A cover letter for a resume or application is a brief presentation of your experience and skills in narrative form. The purpose of a cover letter is to highlight the most important information from your resume and add extra reasons why you should be hired. It’s about looks and contents. And Zety will help with both—

Best cover letter templates for any situation

Professional design

These resume cover letter templates match Zety’s resume templates and give your documents a polished look. Highlight key achievements in bullet points, use color and style to draw attention to what matters to employers. Writing a cover letter feels like doing homework assignments, but not with Zety—

Professional design

Ease of use

Fill in any of these professional cover letter format templates with help from our app. Simply tell the wizard a few things about yourself, and get a ready cover letter sample in a few clicks. Stop worrying about every single word you use and focus on what matters: your future job.

Ease of use

These user-friendly cover letter templates will save you hours of painful work. Remember the last cover letter sample you downloaded and got stuck filling out? This won't happen again. Choose between different sample cover letter layouts, click a few buttons, and you're done. Download your cover letter template in pdf or Word format.

Build a resume that gets you hired

Confidence boost

Don’t ignore your cover letter. About 20-50% recruiters expect you to write one even if they don’t read it . Writing a cover letter from scratch feels like a chore, but it doesn’t have to. You can create a cover letter for a job of your dreams in minutes. Employers will recognize you for who you are: the ideal candidate.

Confidence boost

Proven effectiveness

A Zety resume and a cover letter is your one-two punch that will help you beat the competition. Only 20% of all applications contain cover letters and with Zety you’ll stand out as the best candidate. Creating a cover letter can be simple, fast, and is proven to get jobs. It’s surprising how little effort you need.

Proven effectiveness

Frequently Asked Questions about Cover Letter Templates

What is a cover letter for a resume.

A cover letter for a resume is a document attached to your job application that will support your resume, by explaining your motivation and providing more details about the past jobs and skills that are listed on your resume. It is strongly advised to use a cover letter template matching your resume template for an optimal application. Get a professional resume template here , to go with your cover letter. Note that a cover letter for a resume can also work for a CV – here's a selection of professional CV templates (and here's the difference between a resume and a CV ).

What is the best cover letter template in 2023?

All our covering letter templates are equally adapted to modern HR trends and will appeal to recruiters. The best cover letter template is one that will allow you to write your personal details and list your strongest skills, while looking professional and simple . To pick the best cover letter template, focus on what will look perfect based on your industry, experience level, and preferences. Here's more on what a cover letter should look like in 2023.

How to format a cover letter?

While formatting a cover letter is not as complicated as finding the best resume format , you still need to follow the expected cover letter etiquette . Typically, cover letters are formatted with a lot of empty space on the page (double spaces between paragraphs), left-aligned text, and sufficient margins. For more tips, read our guide on how to format a cover letter the right way .

Do I really need a cover letter for a job in 2023?

Although resumes can be sent without a covering letter, every recruiter prefers receiving one, to have more options and details . Cover letters are not always necessary and read , but they are a serious advantage in case other candidates didn't send one.Besides, a professional cover letter shows your motivation, and allows you to say more about your projects and abilities.By sending a cover letter with your resume in 2023, you gain the lead over your competitors.

What to include in my cover letter?

A cover letter is made of several parts . The main ones are the cover letter header and the body . In the cover letter header, list the following information:

In the cover letter body, here's what should be available:

Those lists are not exhaustive; you can add more information for a better chance of success, such as your title or a post-scriptum. Read more about all the important things to include in a cover letter here .

How long should a cover letter be?

A cover letter should be one-page long , on a single-page cover letter template, and composed of around 4 paragraphs, along with contact information in the header. 400 words is a good limit, as more could mean no recruiter will read your document, and not enough will not make it seem worth the attempt. Depending on your experience, industry, and circumstances, the amount of information to write can vary. We encourage you to read our post on the ideal cover letter length in 2023 .

Do I need a unique cover letter for every job?

While writing a different cover letter for each job may sound tedious, it is a necessary step to increase your chances of being hired . A cover letter is impactful only when it is not generic, and when it surprises the recruiters with important and interesting details about you and your reasons to apply. Each cover letter must therefore be unique . However, you can save precious time by using our online cover letter builder , which allows you to duplicate, modify, save, and download your cover letters with just a few clicks. Besides, it offers pre-written content that you can use to write different application letters in no time.

Should I use a PDF or a Word cover letter template?

Just like your resume should be sent in PDF format , it is best to download your cover letter in PDF, too. The PDF format allows your cover letter layout to remain unchanged, whatever the device used by recruiters. Our cover letter templates all match our resume templates, and can be exported in Docx (Word), for you to modify them later, or in PDF for you to send them immediately.

Can I email my cover letter instead of sending a cover letter template?

For job offers that don't request a cover letter, and when you don't have time to write one, you can write a short cover letter directly in your email's body .Before choosing that option, we'd like to point out that our online cover letter application can generate a cover letter template with pre-written content for you, making the process faster and easier. If you still prefer to send a letter in text form rather than a cover letter template, here are all our tips on how to email a cover letter successfully.

Do you have cover letter examples for my template?

Our cover letter templates can be filled online using pre-written content. You'll only have to input your job title and generate content quickly and conveniently.Adapt what matters, and copy the rest to save time and speed up your job hunt.To help you adapt your cover letter and make it perfectly targeted, we have written hundreds of cover letter examples that you can find here .

How to make a cover letter with no experience?

A cover letter template can seem hard to fill with useful information when your resume itself is quite light on job experience and hard skills . But it is in those cases that your cover letter is even more important. Entry-level candidates can't rely on experience, and must therefore make the most of their soft skills , projects and original ideas. To start with, we encourage you to make a resume with no experience , and then write an entry-level cover letter that will complement it.

Are Zety cover letter templates free?

All our cover letter templates are free-to-use, and entirely customizable online. You don't have to pay to create as many cover letters as you want, until you are satisfied with the result.Zety follows the 'try before you buy' rule, and will never ask you for payment until you are 100% certain your cover letter template is pixel-perfect and ready to be sent to employers.

Try Zety's professional cover letter builder now

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The 12 Best Cover Letter Examples: What They Got Right

Amanda Zantal-Wiener

Published: February 16, 2023

Fun is not something typically associated with writing a cover letter. However, with a few tweaks, writing one doesn’t have to be a burden.

job seeker reviewing best cover letter examples

The cover letter examples below demonstrate that it is possible to have a little fun with your job search — and maybe even make yourself a better candidate in the process.

→ Click here to access 5 free cover letter templates [Free Download]

What is a good cover letter?

A cover letter is used to demonstrate your interest in the role, passion for the company, and the impact you've had in previous positions. Cover letters should include a standout opening, relevant skills and qualifications, and a strong finish with a call-to-action — all within one page and unique to each application.

It may be true that only 35% of recruiters admit that cover letters do not materially influence the hiring process for them , but that doesn't mean yours has to contribute to that statistic. In fact, it might be that cover letters are deemed insignificant because so few of them stand out. Here's an opportunity for you to exercise your creativity at the earliest stage of the recruitment process.

Personalization, after all, goes beyond replacing the title and company name in each letter you send to recruiters.

What’s on a cover letter?

Before you can get started writing your cover letter, there are a few components you must have.

Greeting: A simple, but pleasant greeting to address the recruiter or hiring manager.

Opener: Write a catchy introduction that explains why you’re interested in the role.

Summary of Skills/Qualifications: This is the heart of your cover letter. It outlines your relevant experience and why you’d be a great fit for the role. You can highlight special skills, experiences, professional achievements, or education to help make your case.

Closing: In this paragraph, provide a call-to-action by expressing interest in an interview. Provide your contact information and sign-off.

What does a cover letter look like?

In addition to showing off your skills and qualifications, cover letters give you the opportunity to present a clear, concise, and compelling writing sample that shows off your personality and ability to convey ideas. Check out our fillable examples below to see how you should organize the content of your cover letter.

Customizable Cover Letter Examples

In a hurry for a cover letter example you can download and customize? Check out the ones below from HubSpot’s cover letter template kit .

1. Standard Cover Letter Example

cover letter examples: standard cover letter

This standard cover letter hits all the right notes: It includes a space to give a brief summary of your experience, as well as a space to delve in-depth into the specific responsibilities at your current role. You also have the chance to describe the challenges you’ve mastered at previous roles, showing that you’re capable of facing any problem that comes your way.

Why We Love It

We love this cover letter because it allows you to describe the high points of your career while still being professional, personalized, and succinct.

2. Data-Driven Cover Letter Sample

cover letter examples: data driven cover letter

Numbers are worth a million words — or that’s how the saying should probably go (if only we could include pictures in cover letters). Citing data and statistics about your achievements at your current company is an assured way to capture a hiring manager’s attention. Most hiring managers don’t read the entire letter, so a bulleted summary of your achievements can be a powerful way to increase the effectiveness and scannability of your message.

We love this cover letter because it’s adaptable to any role. Even if you don’t work in a data-centric role, you can include any enumerable achievement. If you’re in a creative industry, for instance, you can include the number of creative assets you designed for your current company.

3. Entry-Level Cover Letter Example

cover letter examples: entry-level cover letter

Download a Customizable Copy of This Cover Letter Example

Applying to your first job can be stress-inducing, to say the least. You can increase your chances of getting that first interview by including a cover letter that explains how your education can help you succeed in the role you applied for.

Look no further than this example from HubSpot. While other cover letter samples give experienced professionals the opportunity to share their experience at length, this one gives you the chance to describe your personal and professional attributes. You can then convey how you can leverage your knowledge to help your target company reach their goals.

We love this cover letter because it’s easy and simple to use for a student who has little experience in their target industry — including those who haven’t yet completed an internship.

Looking for more? Download the entire kit below.

5 Professional Cover Letter Templates

Fill out the form to access your templates., best cover letter examples.

What does a good cover letter look like in practice, and how can you make yours stand out? We found six examples from job seekers who decided to do things a bit differently.

Note: Some of these cover letters contain real company names and NSFW language that we've covered up.

1. The Cover Letter That Explains 'Why,' Not Just 'How'

We’ve already covered the importance of addressing how you’ll best execute a certain role in your cover letter. But there’s another question you might want to answer: Why the heck do you want to work here?

The Muse , a career guidance site, says that it’s often best to lead with the why — especially if it makes a good story. We advise against blathering on and on, but a brief tale that illuminates your desire to work for that particular employer can really make you stand out.

cover letter that explains "why" with a story about a childhood experience with the chicago cubs

Image Source

Here’s another instance of the power of personalization. The author of this cover letter clearly has a passion for this prospective employer — the Chicago Cubs — and if she’s lying about it, well, that probably would eventually be revealed in an interview.

Make sure your story is nonfiction and relatable according to each job. While we love a good tale of childhood baseball games, an introduction like this one probably wouldn’t be fitting in a cover letter for, say, a software company. But a story of how the hours you spent playing with DOS games as a kid led to your passion for coding? Sure, we’d find that fitting.

If you’re really passionate about a particular job opening, think about where that deep interest is rooted. Then, tell your hiring manager about it in a few sentences.

Why This Is A Great Cover Letter

This example demonstrates how effective personalization can be. The writer is passionate about the employer, drawing from her own childhood experience to communicate her enthusiasm.

2. The 'We're Meant for Each Other' Cover Letter

This cover letter example is a special one because it was submitted to us here at HubSpot. What does the letter do well? It makes a connection with us before we've even met the letter's author.

We're meant for each other cover letter submitted to HubSpot

"Content Marketing Certified" indicates the applicant has taken the content marketing certification course in our HubSpot Academy (you can take the same course here ). Our "records" indicate he/she did indeed give an interview with us before — and was a HubSpot customer.

The cover letter sang references to a relationship we didn't even know we had with the candidate.

The letter ends with a charming pitch for why, despite him/her not getting hired previously, our interests complement each other this time around.

(Yes, the applicant was hired).

This cover letter example does an excellent job of building rapport with the employer. Despite not getting hired for previous roles they applied for at HubSpot, the writer conveys exactly why they are right for this role.

3. The Cover Letter with H.E.A.R.T.

HubSpot has a lot of H.E.A.R.T. — Humble, Empathetic, Adaptable, Remarkable, Transparent. Our Culture Code is the foundation of the company's culture, the driving force behind our mission to help millions grow better , and serves as the scaffolding for our hiring practices. Recruiters at HubSpot look for applicants that demonstrate how they embody the Culture Code and job description, paying extra attention to cover letters that are super custom to HubSpot.

In another HubSpot submission, a HubSpot applicant writes about how she found out about HubSpot, why she likes the company, and how her professional experience aligns with H.E.A.R.T.

cover letter that details experience according to hubspot values: humble, empathy, adaptability, remarkable, and transparent.

HubSpot's recruiting team was impressed with her dedication to the company and how she went beyond what was asked for by linking her portfolio in her closing paragraph.

Featured Resource: 5 Free Cover Letter Templates

Cover-Letter-Templates

Download our collection of 5 professional cover letter templates to help you summarize your professional journey and land your dream job – whether it's at your first or fifth company.

Short Cover Letter Examples

4. the short-and-sweet cover letter.

In 2009, David Silverman penned an article for Harvard Business Review titled, “ The Best Cover Letter I Ever Received. ” That letter contained three complete sentences, as follows:

Short and sweet cover letter example with only three sentences

One might argue that this particular letter is less than outstanding. It’s brief, to say the least, and the author doesn’t go into a ton of detail about what makes him or her qualified for the job in question. But that’s what Silverman likes about it — the fact that the applicant only included the pieces of information that would matter the most to the recipient.

“The writer of this letter took the time to think through what would be relevant to me,” writes Silverman. “Instead of scattering lots of facts in hopes that one was relevant, the candidate offered up an opinion as to which experiences I should focus on.”

When you apply for a job, start by determining two things:

The key to this standout cover letter is research — by looking into who you’ll be reporting to and learning more about that person’s leadership style, you’ll be better prepared to tailor your cover letter to focus on how you provide solutions for them.

5. The Short Story

Basha Coleman began her cover letter with a short story. The goal of this short story is two-fold:

short cover letter example from basha coleman that starts with a short story about her existing experience with pepsi

You'll notice that her short story follows a typical narrative arc: It has a conflict/obstacle, a turning point, and a positive outcome, all created with a goal to emphasize a theme or point. In this case, Coleman is emphasizing her existing affinity with the brand and her triumphs within the program so that she can continue on her career path.

Like the second example in our list, this cover letter does an excellent job of conveying the applicant’s existing affinity for the brand. If you are applying to a company you love, don’t be shy about showing it and explaining why.

6. The Bare Bones Cover Letter

In today's job market, cover letters aren't always necessary. Even though many recruiters won't ask for or even read them, cover letters can still be effective and convey personality to a reader. Writing a strong cover letter can help you better convey your interest in the position and company.

This template from The Balance Careers puts together the essential components of a short cover letter: excitement about the position, your qualifications, and a call-to-action for the recruiter to follow up with you. Combining these central aspects in a well-written, compelling narrative will go a long way in convincing readers to hire you.

short cover letter example with summarized bullet points

This letter is organized and concise. The inclusion of bullet points to highlight key skills and help the recruiter skim the document is a nice touch.

7. The Breezy Follow-Up

In this cover letter, Amanda Edens is following the instructions the hiring manager gave by forwarding an email with resume and writing samples attached.

short cover letter example from Amanda Edens with bullet points and breezy language

Not only does Amanda provide links to relevant writing samples that are live on the web, but she also closes with a strong final paragraph that:

8. The Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

In this cover letter the candidate, Brenda, plays up her prior music industry experience to build a connection with Epic Music Group. If you have specific industry experience for the role you are applying for, be sure to highlight that.

Cover Letter Example: Admin Cover Letter

It’s clear that she’s passionate about not only the music industry, but Epic as a whole. She’s done so much research on the company that she knows what software programs they use, and happens to be proficient in it to help convey value to the hiring manager.

This example further illustrates the importance of research. Make sure you understand the culture of the company to which you’re applying before you send a completely unfiltered cover letter — if you don’t, there’s a good chance it’ll completely miss the mark.

In just three short paragraphs, the applicant uses their company research to drive home why they are the perfect fit for the role — emphasizing industry experience as well as software knowledge specific to the company. All of this communicates that she’d be able to start with very few hiccups getting up to speed.

9. The Internship Cover Letter

Maybe you’re just getting started in your career and looking to land the right internship to gain experience in your field. In this case, you’ll need to highlight more of your educational background and transferable skills since you won’t have as much professional experience to highlight.

Cover Letter Examples: Internship Cover Letter

The cover letter above is a great example of how to emphasize your skills and accomplishments when applying to internships or entry-level positions. A few things the applicant does well:

This cover letter example illustrates how you can leverage your education and background to get the gig even when you don’t have much working experience. Highlighting previous internships or experience in related fields can go a long way in convincing hiring managers you’re the perfect candidate for the role.

Creative Cover Letter Examples

10. the brutally honest cover letter.

Then, there are the occasions when your future boss might appreciate honesty — in its purest form. Livestream CEO Jesse Hertzberg, by his own admission, is one of those people, which might be why he called this example “ the best cover letter ” (which he received while he was with Squarespace):

Brutally honest cover letter example

As Hertzberg says in the blog post elaborating on this excerpt — it’s not appropriate for every job or company. But if you happen to be sure that the corporate culture of this prospective employer gets a kick out of a complete lack of filter, then there’s a chance that the hiring manager might appreciate your candor.

“Remember that I'm reading these all day long,” Hertzberg writes. “You need to quickly convince me I should keep reading. You need to stand out.”

The applicant did their research on the company’s culture and executed this cover letter flawlessly. It’s funny and shows off the applicant’s personality all while demonstrating why they are a good fit for the role.

11. The Pivot Cover Letter

Making a career switch? Your cover letter can be an excellent opportunity for you to explain the reasoning behind your career change and how your transferable skills qualify you for the role.

Cover Letter Example: Creative Pivot Cover Letter

Since the role she is applying for is more visual, it’s important to both show and tell why you’re a good fit.

This cover letter strikes the perfect balance between creativity and simplicity in design while putting the applicant's career change into context. The copy is clean, with a creative font choice that isn’t distracting from the content, but still demonstrates the applicant’s knack for design.

12. The Graphic Design Cover Letter

When applying for more creative roles, the design of your cover letter can say just as much as the words on the page. Take the graphic designer letter example below.

Cover Letter Examples: Grpahic Design

It’s got so much going for it:

In addition to the style elements, this example also doesn’t skimp on the key skills recruiters are looking for. Using metrics, the applicant demonstrates their value and why they would be a great fit.

This cover letter thoroughly conveys the applicant’s skills and qualifications using a variety of visual elements and by emphasizing their greatest achievements.

We’d like to add another stage to the job search: experimentation.

In today’s competitive landscape, it’s so easy to feel defeated, less-than-good-enough, or like giving up your job search. But don’t let the process become so monotonous. Have fun discovering the qualitative data we’ve discussed here — then, have even more by getting creative with your cover letter composition.

We certainly can’t guarantee that every prospective employer will respond positively — or at all — to even the most unique, compelling cover letter. But the one that’s right for you will. That’s why it’s important not to copy these examples . That defeats the purpose of personalization.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in October 2020 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

Professional Cover Letter Templates

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Five fill-in-the-blank cover letter templates to help you impress recruiters.

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Need a cover letter template? Download any of our 200+ free cover letter templates for Word, then fill out a copy-paste cover letter template to pair with your resume and complete your job application.

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Free Basic Cover Letter Templates

Write a clear and organized cover letter using a simple cover letter template. Each basic template is free to download (compatible with Microsoft Word), and will help you create the perfect cover letter for whatever job you apply for.

"The Classic" cover letter template is clean, traditional, and the perfect format to start off your application.

Inspired by the architecture of its namesake city, the "Chicago" cover letter template is bold and professional.

The "Connery" cover letter template exudes confidence with its bold name bar. Employers are sure to remember your application long after you submit it if you use this template.

Graceful and powerful, our "White House" template carries itself with gravitas, and is perfect for job seekers applying for government-related work.

Free Professional Cover Letter Templates

A professional cover letter template suits experienced candidates applying to large companies. If you’re an executive or seeking a senior position, use one of these templates to write a confident and authoritative cover letter.

Our "Minimalist" cover letter template embraces simplicity while still retaining enough details to capture any hiring manager's attention.

Featuring strong colors and a bold header, our "Everest" cover letter template is guaranteed to help you make a positive first impression on employers.

Simple yet stylish, our "Cosmopolitan" cover letter template will help you get noticed while showing employers that you're serious about the role.

Clean, sleek, and professional, the "Premium" cover letter template is a great choice for job seekers in creative industries.

Free Creative Cover Letter Templates

Our creative cover letters perfectly balance professionalism and personality. Use one of these unique cover letter templates if you’re applying for work in a creative field like design or marketing.

The "Notre Dame" template uses brick-shaped rectangles in its header, placing rock-solid emphasis on your name and contact details.

Featuring a bold sidebar and modern font, the "Cool" cover letter template gives your application a sleek, confident look.

Clear and readable, the "Westminster" creative cover letter template is perfect for job seekers who appreciate a minimalist aesthetic.

Eye-catching and clean, the "Visual" template is designed to make your cover letter stand out.

Free Modern Cover Letter Templates

Pair a modern cover letter template with your resume to show some personality in your job application. This style of cover letter template is ideal for job seekers applying to work in tech, at startups, or in industries like marketing and design.

Designed to help candidates meet the challenges of the modern job market, our "2023" cover letter template is perfect for people in any industry.

If you want to move your career forward, the "Advanced" cover letter template is for you.

Polished and confident, the "Clean" cover letter template lives up to its name, with simple formatting and an easy-to-read sans-serif font.

Our "Hybrid" cover letter template combines formal formatting with colorful accents — effectively showcasing your personality and professionalism at the same time.

Free Picture Cover Letter Templates

These picture cover letter templates are ideal if you’re applying for jobs in a country where you’re expected to include a photo with your job application. Each template is designed to look sleek and quickly grab the attention of employers.

Free CV Cover Letter Templates

Looking for a cover letter to pair with your CV? Whether you’re applying to an academic position or a research job, our CV cover letter templates are designed to give your application a refined, professional appearance.

If you write in any professional capacity, your cover letter is often as important as your CV. Let our "Writer" template highlight your writing proficiency and style.

While the research on your CV makes the strongest case for your hireability, our "Research" cover letter template acts as an effective accompaniment and introduction to prospective employers.

With a name that evokes prestige, our "Harvard" CV cover letter template is the perfect design to pair with your impressive and thorough curriculum vitae.

Whether you just received your diploma or are a veteran job seeker, our "Graduate" cover letter template can help you pitch your qualifications to employers in an aesthetically pleasing way.

Google Docs Cover Letter Templates

Need a cover letter to pair with your Google Docs resume template ? These sleek, contemporary cover letter templates will help elevate your job application without ever needing to download expensive word processing software.

Cover Letter Templates by Job

Need a fully written cover letter template for your specific job or industry? Here are some of our most popular cover letter examples . Simply download and customize them to fit your own experience.

Cover Letter Templates for Career & Life Situations

Whether you’ve just graduated college or are applying for a promotion, these free situational cover letter templates will help you put together the perfect application.

How to Use a Cover Letter Template

You should use a cover letter template to create a professional application that follows the proper cover letter format . You can also use a template to quickly create multiple cover letters for different jobs.

Using a template is an easy way to include everything employers look for, but you should still make sure your cover letter is written in your voice.

How to Write a Cover Letter (Template)

Knowing how to write a cover letter involves understanding a cover letter’s structure. Follow the sample cover letter template below to easily write your own letter.

[Your Name] [Street Address] [City and Zip Code] [Your Phone Number]

[Today’s Date]

[Addressee’s/Hiring Manager’s Name] [Job Title] [Organization/Company Name] [Street Address] [City and Zip Code]

Dear [Name],

Opening paragraph: State who you are, say where you found the job listing, and explain why you’re interested in the position.

Body paragraphs: Give an overview of your previous job experience, skills, qualifications, and accomplishments. Don’t repeat your resume. Explain what makes you a unique candidate and how you can help the company meet its goals. Use numbers to back up your claims.

Closing paragraph: State that you’d like to schedule an interview and provide your contact information. Say you’ll be in touch within a week if you don’t hear back. Finish by thanking the employer for their time and consideration.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

Make sure you include all the sections in your cover letter sample and write detailed body paragraphs about your expertise. Hiring managers often read your cover letter before your resume, so it’s important to sell yourself and your skills.

Which cover letter template should you use?

You should use a cover letter template that matches your job and experience level. A modern template suits creative roles, but a professional template is best for experienced candidates.

If you’re not sure which is the best cover letter template for you, a basic or simple template is a good choice for any application.

Need a cover letter template for a specific job? View our cover letter examples to find a cover letter written for your industry.

Free Fill-in-the-Blank Cover Letter Templates

Choose a free cover letter template below that best fits your experience and industry. Then copy and paste the template into Microsoft Word and fill in your information to create a personalized cover letter.

You can also save these example cover letter templates in Google Drive as Google Docs cover letter templates , or send them by email.

1. General Cover Letter Template

Looking for a standard cover letter that works for any job application? Our general cover letter template follows the traditional cover letter format , but won’t sound generic to employers.

Copy the free sample below into Microsoft Word, and fill in the blanks with your skills and experience. This cover letter template has helped thousands of job seekers land employment across every industry.

A fillable general cover letter template

Download This Free Template

2. Creative Cover Letter Template

Our creative cover letter template has a casual tone and focuses on your enthusiasm and achievements. If you’re applying at a forward-looking company, a modern letter like this shows you’re a good cultural fit.

This free template is easy to personalize in Word or Google Docs, and has lots of room for you to showcase your originality and voice.

An example of a creative cover letter template

3. Entry Level (No Work Experience) Cover Letter Template

When writing your first cover letter, focus on the skills you gained through your education, volunteer work, and hobbies.

Our entry level cover letter template helps you explain why you’re a top candidate, even if you have no work experience. Simply paste it into Word and customize.

An example of an entry level cover letter template for a candidate with no work experience

4. Experienced Professional Cover Letter Template

Need an application letter for a senior position? Our professional cover letter template offers a clear format for presenting your skillset and accomplishments.

If you’re established in your field or applying for a promotion, customizing this professional template in Word will help you create a cover letter that makes a powerful impression.

An example of a cover letter template for an experienced professional with significant work experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cover Letters

What should a cover letter include.

A cover letter should include four essential parts:

What should not be included in a cover letter?

You should not include any false information in a cover letter, or information already included in your resume. It’s also important to avoid the following common mistakes:

Do I need a unique cover letter for every job?

Yes, you need a unique cover letter for every job you apply to.

Each company has different challenges they’re trying to tackle through hiring. By writing a new cover letter draft for every job, you can explain why you’re uniquely qualified to help resolve each company’s issues.

How long should my cover letter be?

Your cover letter should be between half a page and one full page in length, or about 200 to 500 words. This is the standard cover letter length because it’s concise, and keeps the hiring manager’s attention.

Remember: it’s always better to send a short cover letter than write several long-winded pages.

Do I really need a cover letter?

Yes, you need a cover letter if:

Should my resume and cover letter template match?

Your resume template and cover letter template should match to make your job application consistent and professional.

Using different resume and cover letter templates may affect your chances of getting an interview. Mismatched documents suggest you lack attention to detail, or didn’t put much effort into your job application.

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Start your career on the right track with a professional cover letter template. Our templates are formatted to follow industry standards, are ATS-friendly and easy to customize. Choose an expertly designed free cover letter template or use our Cover Letter Builder to write a cover letter for your resume.

Curriculum vitae, or CV, stands for “course of life.” In the U.S., a CV is a multi-page professional document that extensively details your education and experience. In other parts of the world, a CV is a standard, position-specific document (similar to a resume in the U.S.) that is between one and two pages long.

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This elegant design of this sample cover letter template commands attention.

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Grab the recruiter’s attention with the pops of color and fun icons this layout features. It’s the best cover letter template for creative jobs.

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Professional

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A monogram graphic in the header gives this cover sheet template a unique look.

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Our templates follow standard cover letter format rules, ensuring that you use the correct line and margin spacing and proper fonts.

Professional cover letter template designs

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Download a free cover letter template and edit it to fit your needs, or use our Cover Letter Builder to guide you through each step of creating your document in minutes.

Modern free cover letter templates

These free cover letter templates are great for jobs in industries such as technology or business, where looking sharp and staying on top of the latest trends matters.

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Charismatic cover letter template

This free cover letter template download injects some personality into your career story. Notice how two colors make the job applicant’s name pop.

Professional free cover letter templates

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Professional cover letter template

Simple yet effective, this template shows that basic doesn’t have to mean boring.

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This free resume cover letter template gives you all the room you need to present your accomplishments.

Executive cover letter template

This is a good cover letter template for anyone who wants to get straight to the point.

Creative free cover letter templates

Creative jobs require imaginative designs. Use these layouts when you want to visually show your personality and make a statement, especially if you’re applying for a job in a creative industry. Download a creative resume cover letter template free of charge and show employers your creative side.

Original cover letter template

This free cover letter template combines icons, pops of color and a fun approach.

Standout cover letter template

A minimalistic design detail next to your name makes this template unforgettable.

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Sleek fonts and bold colors make this free cover letter template download perfect for creative job seekers.

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A clean cover letter template is the best way to communicate your information and experience. Try a simple or basic cover letter free of charge.

Distinguished cover letter template

This simple cover letter template has an elegant, understated style with classic fonts and dotted dividing lines.

Contempo cover letter template

Keep it classy with a basic cover letter template that never goes out of style.

Whitespace cover letter template

Give your letter a chic and intelligent approach with a free cover letter template that perfectly spaces your information and boldly states your name.

Cover letter templates for top jobs

Use our cover letter examples for guidance and inspiration. We have plenty of examples created by experts for different jobs and scenarios that use the cover letter templates featured on this page.

Let the employer know you’re a great teacher with this unique teaching job cover letter template, which features a bold header.

Administrative assistant

This professional cover letter template will tell the recruiter more about your excellent time management and organizational skills.

Software engineer

You can talk the talk about software and computers, and with this application letter template, you will also walk the walk.

Medical assistant

This clean and straightforward template for a cover letter presents your reliability and enthusiasm for your career.

Web developer

This sleek and elegant cover sheet template perfectly shows how much you know about creating and maintaining websites.

You know your way around different languages, and this fun and original sample cover letter template is the ideal place to show it.

Flight attendant

Possessing excellent interpersonal skills and diplomacy are some of the skills required for this job, so go with a cover letter template that can effectively tell your story.

A no-nonsense job requires a simple and easy-to-read template for a cover letter, and this one hits the mark.

Cover letters templates and examples for unique scenarios

Cover letters are beneficial for many scenarios, and when written correctly, do more than just explain your skills. Our in-depth How to Write a Cover Letter guide teaches you everything you need to know about writing this important document. We have a cover letter format template for every unique situation. Try a cover letter Word template or a cover letter Pages template to customize your document easily.

Entry-level cover letter example template

When you don’t have a lot or any work experience, a cover letter is crucial to properly market yourself as an excellent addition to the team.

Career-change cover letter template and example

When you’re changing careers, you want a standard cover letter template that shows your transferable skills, draws a bridge between your experience and the new job, and explains why you want to work with that company specifically. Just use the content in this cover letter template as inspiration.

Employment gap cover letter example template

When it comes to employment gaps, you only have to address the gaps you feel comfortable discussing in your cover letter. Did you start your own business or explore artistic projects? Connect these experiences to the potential job as this sample cover letter template does.

Unadvertised position cover letter template and example

Don’t see a job posting? No problem! Explain how you heard about the job and why you want to join the team in your resume cover letter template.

“Cold-call” cover letter template and example

You came across a company you like but aren’t sure if they’re hiring. Get on their radar with a cold call cover letter that introduces who you are and your skills that could be valuable to the company, as this application letter template does.

Temporary-to-permanent employee cover letter example template

You like where you work and want to stay there permanently. Use a cover letter template to explain why it’s in the company’s best interest to keep you around.

Seeking promotion cover letter template and example

You’re ready to take the next step in your career and grow within the company. Recap your experience using a professional cover letter template and convince the employer you’re more than qualified for the new job.

Applying for a different position with the same company cover letter template

Do you meet the requirements of a new position in your company? Take the leap and use a template for a cover letter to explain why you’re perfect for the role.

How to use a cover letter template

Template Cl Mob

Choose a cover letter template that highlights your unique qualities.

A cover letter is an extension of your resume. It’s your chance to present yourself to the employer properly and explain why your skills and experience suit the job. Your cover letter design template should answer four significant points:

Show your passion and interest in the company.

Use our professional cover letter templates to explain what inspires you about your potential employer. It could be the company’s mission, a new initiative it’s undertaking, or how you can contribute to company goals over the long term. Show the hiring manager you’ve already invested time researching your potential employer, and they’ll be more likely to invest in you.

Match your skills and experiences to the job’s requirements with a suitable cover letter template.

Respond directly to duties and skills listed in the job description, and show your capabilities in those areas through concrete examples from your own experience and training. You can also point out a challenge the company is currently facing and how you can help solve it, similar to what our cover letter templates showcase.

Encourage the hiring manager to learn more about you.

Your cover letter should give hiring managers an incentive to read your resume and follow up for an interview. Be forthright. Recommend that the reader examine your resume for more details on your relevant skills and accomplishments. Conclude by expressing your readiness to meet and discuss how you can contribute. If you’re unsure how to do this, you can review our expertly written application letter templates and examples.

Avoid repeating information from your resume.

While your resume and cover letter template must be similar, they shouldn’t reiterate the same information. Review your resume and note what you want to explain further in your cover letter; it could be a set of skills, a work achievement relevant to the job you’re applying for, or a project that you know will help you stand out. A free downloadable cover letter template from this page will help you tell your story so that you get noticed.

Tailor your cover letter template to the job.

Whether a resume or cover letter, tailoring your document to the job is critical. This includes using keywords from the job description in your writing, using a tone of voice that reflects the company culture and addressing the letter to the hiring manager and not “To whom it may concern.” A cover letter Word template or Apple Pages cover letter template is easy to customize.

Match your resume and cover letter template

A cover letter and resume template match is crucial for a polished job application. After all, cover letters and resumes are strong when they both read and look their best. Luckily for you, we have all the tools and guides you need to build the perfect resume for your cover letter.

Cover letter template FAQ

What is a cover letter.

A cover letter is a one-page document you submit alongside your resume or CV . Its purpose is to support the content of your resume by expanding on those achievements, showing your personality and explaining why you’d be a great asset to the company. Even though a cover letter has a supporting role in the application process, it’s no less critical and could potentially decide whether you get hired.

Are cover letters necessary?

Yes. A recent survey found that 83% of hiring managers, recruiters and HR staff consider cover letters essential to the decision-making process. We always recommend writing a cover letter because:

Choose a cover letter layout template from this page to increase your chances of getting the job!

How do you write a strong cover letter?

With some dedication, you can write a cover letter for your resume in just 15 minutes — and we’re here to help you.

A successful cover letter should fulfill two aims: It should be formatted neatly for easy reading, and the content should catch hiring managers’ attention. To achieve the first goal, use a cover letter sample template as a model, and keep your letter to the point and one-page long.

To ensure your content fits the bill, consult the job description and pinpoint essential keywords that you should mention in your letter. For example, if you’re applying to a customer service position that stresses knowledge of customer relations management (CRM) systems, mention your experience with CRM in your cover letter. Doing so will also help your letter pass automated applicant tracking systems (ATS), which many employers use to scan cover letters for the right keywords.

Finally, your cover letter should answer the most critical question: Why are you interested in the job and the company? Explain why you think you can succeed in the position and believe you’re a good fit. Employers will be impressed by a cover letter that shows you’ve done your homework and thought about how you can contribute. Download a free professional cover letter template and get started today!

What do employers look for in a cover letter?

A cover letter is a blank canvas where you can formally introduce yourself to the hiring manager — think of it as your sales pitch. Generally speaking, the hiring manager wants to know more about your skills and background, why you want to work for them and how you will help them. Still, this approach may differ depending on your professional experience.

For example, hiring managers will want to know why you have a career gap in your resume if you have one. If you ventured into running a small business or were affected by COVID-19, you’d want to explain what happened and show how your past experiences will help you fill this new role, as our cover letter templates and examples show.

Is it OK to use a cover letter builder?

It’s not just OK to use a cover letter builder but encouraged! Our Cover Letter Builder makes the writing process a breeze by providing over 15 cover letter templates, expert suggestions, step-by-step guidance and customization tools to create and save as many versions of your cover letter as you want. It’s the easiest way to put together a professional cover letter for your resume, and all you have to do to get started is choose the downloadable cover letter template that best works for you.

How long should a cover letter be?

A cover letter should be one page long. The recruiter or hiring manager won’t spend that much time reviewing your application, so your writing must be concise and straightforward. A work cover letter template from this page can help you keep your cover letter organized on one page.

How do you start a cover letter if you don’t know the name?

If you don’t know who to address your cover letter to, here are some options to try:

Avoid starting your cover letter with greetings such as “To whom it may concern” or “Dear sir or madam” — it’s old-fashioned. A cover letter template sample from this page can point you in the right direction.

Kellie Hanna

Kellie Hanna

Content strategist, career advice expert.

Kellie is the content strategist for My Perfect Resume. She has more than 20 years of experience in digital media and is passionate about helping job seekers navigate their careers. She has a B.A. in English and writing from Temple University.

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