leadership style cover letter

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How to Write an Effective Leadership Position Cover Letter and Resume

An outstanding cover letter and resume can be your ticket to landing a senior role regardless of your industry. Writing a great cover letter and resume is no easy feat, especially if this is your first time applying for a senior role. But fear not: this guide will teach you what you need to know to craft a winning application. 

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to write an effective leadership position cover letter and resume. We also show you samples of leadership position cover letters and resumes as well as templates you can use for guidance.

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Leadership position cover letter guide.

To become a team leader, you have to acquire soft skills not taught in a typical classroom. A leadership position cover letter helps you communicate these skills, as well as the experiences and qualifications that contribute to your candidacy, to a potential employer.

Why Does Your Leadership Position Cover Letter Matter? 

Your cover letter matters because it is the first point of contact with a potential employer. Before you meet anyone for an interview, you’ll have to spark their interest with a cover letter. Seeking a leadership position can be an uphill battle if you don’t already have management experience. However, a smart cover letter can help shore up any experience gaps.

Expertly crafted cover letters turn into interviews. A winning cover letter can help you get your foot in the door even if you don’t have previous leadership experience. The best cover letters strike a professional tone and are relevant to the role that the candidate is applying for.  

Essential Components of Your Leadership Position Cover Letter

To craft a strong cover letter, you need to start with the basics and add personal touches later. Here are the essential components to include in your cover letter.

• Your contact information. A well-written cover letter will have your contact information displayed clearly at the top of the page.
• Employer’s contact information. Adding this information is not compulsory, but it gives your letter a more professional look.
• Salutation. You should always address your letter to a specific individual. You can usually find who to address the letter to in the job description. If that information is not there, go to the company’s website and search for the name of the hiring manager.
• Body. A typical cover letter should have at least two or three paragraphs. Strive to capture the reader’s attention right from the beginning with a strong introduction. Next, highlight your most relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments. The body of your cover letter should not be cluttered or overwritten. Be brief and professional.
• Closing. When closing, try to add some incentive for the employer to reach out to you. Reiterate how passionate you are about the role or write about a unique trait that you feel sets you apart from your competitors. 
• Complimentary close and signature. Every letter should end with a closing salutation such as “Sincerely” or “Yours truly” followed by your name. 

5 Tips for Writing a Strong Leadership Position Cover Letter

Whether you are applying for a biomedical research firm or an apparel company, you want to create an amazing cover letter to help you come across as the ideal candidate. Here are tips that will help you secure that great opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

• Be brief. The company you are applying to will receive plenty of other applications just like yours and the hiring manager simply doesn’t have the time to go through long cover letters. Drive your point home in three to four tight paragraphs and you’ll stand a better chance of being called for an interview.
• Link up your experience with the job requirements. Whether you want to be a project manager or a senior application software engineer, you need to show the recruiter you are the perfect candidate for the position. Start by connecting your past accomplishments and leadership experience with the job requirements.
• Be authentic. When crafting a cover letter, you must keep your audience in mind. Put yourself in their shoes and evaluate how interesting and original your piece sounds. To make it more engaging, describe unique career endeavors that have taught you leadership skills and mention your career goals. 
• Show some courtesy. Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for their time and consideration and asking them to contact you at their earliest convenience.
• Edit and proofread. Before sending your cover letter, give it a good edit to bolster sections that may not be as engaging or relevant. Also, ensure you don’t have typos or grammatical errors. 

Leadership Position Cover Letter Example

Writing a cover letter that will catch the hiring manager’s attention is not easy. To provide some guidance, we have included an example of a cover letter for a leadership position that uses all the tips we discussed above.

Leadership Position Cover Letter Sample

Kelly Dale 1 Harvest Don Trail Ricken Heights, VN, 44060 [email protected] 111-234-2356

Jax Duke Hiring Manager ABC Systems Ricken Heights, VN, 44060 111-354-8975 [email protected]

Dear Mr. Duke,

I understand that ABC Systems is looking for a talented operating systems programming manager. I am excited to apply for this position since I’m an ambitious leader passionate about nurturing novice and intermediate professionals in the tech field. I’m dedicated to accomplishing goals at every company I work for and adding value to my team. 

Over the past four years, I have led programming teams in procedural changes. I collaborated with executives and directors to develop policies and procedures for deploying and maintaining operating systems. I motivated my team consistently, which led to achievements and accolades from the top management.

As an operating systems developer, I understand the difficulties of this type of job. Hence, I’m well-informed and focus on streamlining processes and creating a favorable working environment in line with the company culture. I help the junior staff to achieve consistent quality work. 

This is an exciting opportunity to share my skills with your team to help your department accomplish its goals. Please reach out to me if you would like to discuss my qualifications further or schedule an interview. Thank you for your time. 

I look forward to hearing from you.

Leadership Position Resume Guide

As a leader, you will handle challenging projects and undertake demanding responsibilities. Your resume should show potential employers that you are willing and able to tackle those tasks head-on. Below, we show you how to craft a winning resume that will help you stand out in the applicant pool.

Why Does Your Leadership Position Resume Matter?

Your resume is the best tool at your disposal to show employers that you are the right person for the job. It gives you an opportunity to present yourself as the competent professional that you are and to showcase all the relevant skills and qualifications. When combined with a persuasive cover letter, a strong resume will help you advance to the next stage of the application process for a leadership position.

Essential Components of Your Leadership Position Resume

There are several formats that you can use for your resume. The most popular ones are reverse-chronological, functional, and combination. Regardless of the format you choose, your resume should have the following sections. 

• Summary Statement. A summary statement goes at the top of your resume and introduces you to the potential employer. It should be a one to three-sentence description of your professional profile. Use this summary to emphasize your ability to communicate, coordinate, delegate, and manage projects.
• Work Experience. For leadership positions, this is perhaps the most important section in your resume. Use this space to tell the prospective employer about relevant jobs you held in the past. Discuss your duties as well as your main accomplishments.
• Education. Use this section to list degrees, certifications, and licenses. When listing your degrees, include the name of the institution you attended, key courses, and GPA.
• Skills. This is where you list skills relevant to the role. For leadership positions, you’d want to focus on soft skills like communication and people management. You can also include applicable technical skills. 

5 Tips for Writing a Strong Leadership Position Resume

Now that you’ve learned the different components to include in a resume, it’s time to outshine your competitors. Here are the top tips that will help you craft a winning resume. 

• Craft a compelling summary statement. The summary statement is at the very top of your resume, so make sure that it grabs the eye of the reader. To create a great summary statement , write a short professional bio that includes your most significant accomplishments as well as your leadership abilities.
• Demonstrate leadership. When writing your resume, add relevant examples that show your leadership skills. For instance, you can explain how your training techniques helped create a memorable customer experience and increased positive customer reviews. This will prove to the hiring manager that you can get results.
• Show your vision. A leadership position requires having concrete goals and a specific vision for where you want to take the team. Use your resume to show the potential employer that you have a vision for the team you’d be leading. 
• Have concrete accomplishments. For each entry in the work history section of your resume, you should list a few quantifiable achievements. This includes figures on profit growth, productivity improvements, or costs reductions.
• Choose the right design. Resumes always benefit from a functional and minimalistic design. Take your time to format your resume in a way that feels uncluttered and organized.

Leadership Position Resume Examples

We have included samples to aid you in the process of writing a great resume. First, you will find several examples of summary statements. Next, there is a template that you can fill in with your own information to help you get started. 

Leadership Position Resume Sample: The Summary Section

• Example 1 : Motivated programming leader with four years of experience in management and operations systems and the ability to direct client ideas and implement them to fulfill their goals. 
• Example 2 : Team player with expertise in presentation and verbal communication passionate about motivating and training employees to enhance their skills and helping them accomplish their goals.
• Example 3 : Visionary leader that derives satisfaction from helping the company implement its strategies to reach its goals. 
• Example 4 : Project manager with ample experience acting as a liaison between the top management and the software development teams as well as creating work plans, delegating duties, and keeping all stakeholders updated on progress. 

Sample Leadership Position Resume Template

Header  

[Insert your name.]

[Insert your address.]

"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"

Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot

[Insert your telephone number.]

[Insert your email address.]

Summary Statement [Give a brief explanation of your abilities and accomplishments.]

Work Experience [List relevant roles you held in the past starting with the most recent one. Below each role, add bullet points with the duties as well as significant accomplishments. Mention how many employees you managed.]

Education [Add relevant academic qualifications, courses, and certifications. Start with the most recent one.]

Skills [Highlight the value you are adding to the company by listing all the relevant skills. Include hard and soft skills.]

Leadership Position Resume Template Resources

• Zety . This resume builder is perfect for IT project manager positions. It also has instructions on how to fill each section of your resume.
• Live Career . Live Career is a resource with free resume templates that are ideal for leadership positions. The templates come with detailed instructions for each section.
• Novo Resume . This service offers templates as well as guidance on how to create a winning resume fast.

Importance of a Leadership Position Cover Letter and Resume

When applying for leadership positions, your cover letter and resume show your prospective employer you are ready and capable of handling a senior role. Use the tips in this article to write an effective cover letter and resume that present you as a result-oriented leader who can guide and motivate employees to accomplish the goals of the company.  

Leadership Position Cover Letter and Resume FAQ

Some of the action words you can use to enhance your cover letter include overhauled, eliminated, motivated, restored, merged, secured, strengthened, streamlined, prioritized, and incorporated. These words will help you sound more confident, experienced, and ready for the tasks ahead of you.

You want to sound formal and respectful when you close your letter. You can use closing salutations like “Sincerely”, “Best regards”, or “Yours truly” followed by your name.

Depending on the field you specialize in, you may need to list different leadership skills. However, leadership abilities commonly found in resumes include budget management, analytics, empathy, communication, listening, problem-solving, critical thinking, and diplomacy.

To optimize your resume for the applicant tracking system, you have to use the keywords in the job description. For instance, if the job description states the company is looking for an operations manager with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, you should include the terms “operations manager” and “business administration”.

About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication .

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Home » 07 Best Leadership Cover Letter Samples

07 Best Leadership Cover Letter Samples

As a leader, you are expected to be able to inspire and motivate those around you. A great way to do this is through your writing. Your leadership cover letter should highlight your ability to communicate effectively and clearly. It should also showcase your ability to build relationships and work collaboratively.

In order to be an effective leader, you need to be able to communicate your vision and goals clearly. Your cover letter should highlight your ability to do this. It should also showcase your ability to build relationships and work collaboratively.

An effective leader is someone who can inspire and motivate those around them. Your cover letter should highlight your ability to do this. It should also showcase your ability to build relationships and work collaboratively.

Leadership is about more than just giving orders. It’s about being able to motivate and inspire those around you. Your cover letter should highlight your ability to do this. It should also showcase your ability to build relationships and work collaboratively.

Table of Contents

How to Write a leadership cover letter

A leadership cover letter is your opportunity to shine. It’s a chance to show that you have the skills and experience required for the job, as well as the drive and determination to succeed. While a CV provides a factual overview of your accomplishments, a cover letter gives you the opportunity to sell yourself to the employer and explain why you are the best candidate for the job. Here are some tips on how to write a leadership cover letter that will help you stand out from the crowd.

First, it’s important to research the company and the specific role you are applying for. This will allow you to tailor your letter to their needs and highlight your alignment with their values. Second, be sure to open strong with a brief introduction that grabs the reader’s attention and outlines your key qualifications. Next, provide concrete examples of your leadership experience, using specific details and stories to illustrate your impact. Finally, close by highlighting your motivation for the role and reaffirming your interest in the company. Keep in mind that a leadership cover letter should be no more than one page long. With these tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to writing a cover letter that will help you land the job you want.

Related: How To Write a Cover Letter (And Get Hired in 2022!)

Leadership Cover Letter

Dear hiring manager,

Writing to apply for the leadership position at XYZ Company.It is a proven leader with more than 10 years of experience leading teams in a variety of industries. Have a track record of success in mobilizing teams to achieve organizational goals. I am passionate about developing people and building high-performing teams The confident that I can bring my experience and skills to XYZ Company and contribute to its success. I am eager to put my leadership skills to work in a new environment and help XYZ Company achieve its goals.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

I am writing to express my interest in the leadership position at your company. Based on my research, I believe that my skills and experience make me the perfect candidate for the job.

As a leader, I have a proven track record of success. I have successfully led teams of all sizes and have always been able to get the best out of my team members. My leadership style is based on trust and respect, and I believe that this is the key to successful teamwork.

In addition to my leadership skills, I have also excelled in other areas of business. The have a strong understanding of financial analysis and marketing strategies. I am also an expert in project management.

Believe that my skills and experience would be a valuable asset to your company. I am confident that I can make a positive contribution to your team and help your company achieve its goals.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Related: 05+ Best Chief of Staff Cover Letter Samples

Cover letter leadership position

Writing to apply for the leadership position at XYZ Company. As a experienced leader with a proven track record of success, I am confident that I can make a positive contribution to your organization.

In my current role as head of marketing at ABC Corporation, I have successfully led a team of 20 marketing professionals and achieved impressive results. Some of my key accomplishments include increasing brand awareness by 30% and driving sales growth by 15%. I am confident that I can bring these same results to your organization.

In addition to my professional experience, I have the personal qualities that are essential for success in a leadership role. The excellent communicator and motivator, and I have a strong vision for success. I am also equally comfortable leading in a collaborative or hierarchical environment.

Believe that I have the skills and experience necessary to excel in this role, and I am eager to put my qualifications to work for your organization. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my qualifications with you in person, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Related: Receptionist Cover Letter: 09 Sample & Examples

Leadership cover letter examples

I am writing in regards to the open leadership position at your company. Based on my research, I believe that I would be a perfect fit for this role.

As a leader, I have always been able to motivate those around me to achieve common goals. I have also always been able to effectively communicate with others, which is essential for any leader. My previous experience in management has also given me the skills necessary to be a successful leader.

I believe that as a leader at your company, I would be able to help contribute to your company’s success. I am excited about the opportunity to use my skills and experience to help lead your team to success.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at _ .

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Related: Marketing Cover Letter: 09 Samples & Examples

Letter of intent for team leader position

To whom it may concern,

I am writing this letter to express my interest in the team leader position that you have recently posted. Based on my qualifications and experience, I believe that I am the perfect candidate for this role.

As a team leader, I am responsible for providing direction and guidance to team members in order to achieve common goals. I am also responsible for ensuring that team members are meeting deadlines and working effectively. In addition, I am also responsible for communicating with other departments in order to ensure that the team is coordinated and aligned with the company’s objectives.

I have extensive experience in leading teams and projects, which has given me the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role. I am confident that I can provide the leadership and direction needed to help the team achieve its goals. It eager to put my skills and experience to work for your company, and I believe that I can be a valuable asset to your team. I look forward to discussing my qualifications further with you, and I thank you for your time and consideration.

Related: 7+ Professional Product Owner Cover Letter Samples

Cover letter for team lead position

I am writing to apply for the team lead position at your company. Based on my research, I believe that I have the skills and experience required for this role.

As a team lead, I would be responsible for managing and motivating a team of employees. I would also be responsible for setting goals and objectives, as well as ensuring that the team meets these goals. Furthermore, I would be responsible for providing feedback and direction to team members.

I have extensive experience working in a team environment, as well as leading teams. I am confident that I have the ability to effectively manage and motivate a team of employees. In addition, I have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, which I believe would be invaluable in this role.

I am excited about the opportunity to join your team and contribute to your company’s success. I believe that I have the skills and experience required for this role, and I am confident that I would be a valuable asset to your team.

Related: Generic Cover Letter: 09 Samples & Examples

Team leader cover letter

Writing to apply for the position of team leader. It is a highly motivated and experienced team leader with a proven track record in leading and managing teams. Have a strong understanding of what it takes to motivate and inspire teams to achieve results. I am also an excellent communicator and have the ability to build strong relationships with team members.

The confident that I have the skills and experience required for this role and I am eager to put my skills to use in a new environment. Committed to driving results and I am confident that I can make a positive contribution to your team.

They would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my qualifications and experience with you further. I can be reached at or by email at .

Related: 103+ Attractive Career Objective for Finance Fresher ideas list

5 Things To Include in a leadership cover letter

When applying for a leadership position, it is important to showcase your skills and experience in a cover letter. Here are five things to include in your cover letter:

• A brief overview of your professional experience. This can include your current role, previous roles, and any relevant volunteer work or internships.
• Examples of how you have Demonstrated leadership in your past roles. This could include leading a team, overseeing a project, or taking on additional responsibility within your organization.
• A description of your personal leadership style. This will give the employer a better understanding of how you would approach the role if hired.
• Your motivation for wanting the leadership position. This can include your interest in the organization, the opportunity to develop new skills, or the challenge of taking on a new role.
• You’re contact information so the employer can reach you to schedule an interview. Be sure to include your email address and phone number so they can easily get in touch with you

Related: What is Cover Letter? Complete Guide To Get any Job.

A leadership cover letter is your opportunity to shine. It should be one page, professional, and highlight your strengths as a leader. Start by introducing yourself and why you’re the best candidate for the position. Then, discuss your experiences and accomplishments in leadership roles. Finally, end with a call to action that encourages the reader to learn more about you. Be sure to proofread your letter carefully before sending it off – a typo could be the difference between getting an interview and getting passed over. With a little effort, a leadership cover letter can help you get your foot in the door and take your career to the next level.

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Management Cover Letter Example (With Full Guide for 2024)

From your early days orchestrating playground games to leading group projects in school, you've always had a knack for leadership.

You've nurtured that innate ability, and now you're building a career out of it.

Your ambition is crystal clear, but there's a stumbling block: crafting that compelling cover letter.

We get you. Writing about your strengths and managerial abilities to a hiring manager is not the easiest thing to do. 

But worry not!

In this article, we’re going to show you how to show off your managerial expertise, step by step.

Here’s what we’ll cover: 

An Inspiring Management Cover Letter Example

5 Steps to Drafting Your Management Cover Letter

3 Essential Management Cover Letter Tips 

...and so much more!

Let's chart the course to your next leadership role!

Management Cover Letter Example

5 Steps for the Perfect Management Cover Letter

We just showed you what a job-winning cover letter looks like. 

Feeling ready to whip up your own cover letter ? Just follow these steps: 

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

Let's dive into how you can format a management cover letter that stands out:

Always kick off your management cover letter with your contact details. Position these at the top, mirroring how you've set them out on your resume .

Here's the rundown:

• First and Last Name. Lead with your full name.
• Job Title. Align the job title on your cover letter with the specific management position you're aiming for. Hiring managers handle a ton of applications for various roles; being precise about the job you're referencing streamlines things.
• Email Address. Opt for an email that's straightforward and professional, often a blend of your names. Leave the fun, old-school email addresses out of it. So, instead of [email protected], go with something like [email protected].
• Phone Number. Ensure the number you list is current so they can contact you without hiccups. If you're hunting for an international role, don't forget the dial code.
• Location. Typically, your city and state or country will suffice. If you're in the market for a remote role or contemplating a move, state that on your contact info.
• Relevant Links (optional). Toss in links to relevant sites or profiles, like your LinkedIn profile .

Once your details are in order, write down the company's information::

• Company Name. Start with the company’s exact name.
• Manager's Name. Try to get the name of the department's manager. The job listing, company site, or LinkedIn might help you find the information.
• Manager’s Title. If you pinpoint the specific manager, and discover they helm the department, list their title rather than the generic “Manager.”
• Location. The city and state or country are key, especially for multinational firms. If you wish to be more detailed, you can include the full address.
• Email Address (Optional). If you can, include the manager’s professional email.
• Date of Writing (Optional). Pin the date on your cover letter for that polished feel.

Need some help writing your resume, too? Read our guide to help you write the perfect office manager resume . 

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

After jotting down all your essential contact details, take a moment to tailor your greeting to the person who’ll be reading your cover letter.

Steer clear from the old "To Whom It May Concern." Trust us; a personalized touch can set the right tone and make your cover letter stand out.

So, do some digging. Check the job advert, navigate the company's website, or skim through LinkedIn to identify the hiring manager for the management role you're aiming for. This could help you find their name and perhaps even their email.

If you find the hiring manager’s name and title, address them with a touch of formality. "Mr." or "Ms." followed by their surname, for example, is a perfectly acceptable greeting. But if you're treading murky waters concerning their gender or marital status, it's perfectly fine to use their entire name. 

• Dear Mr. Thompson,
• Dear Alex Thompson,

Drawn a blank on the hiring manager? No worries! Direct your letter to the broader management team or the company as a whole:

• Dear Management Department,
• Dear Management Hiring Team,
• Dear Human Resources  Team,
• Dear Head of Management,

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

Hiring leads typically spend seven seconds to decide whether a prospective manager's application is worth a thorough read.

So, making a stellar first impression is pivotal for an effective management cover letter.

Your opening statement should state your name and express your keen interest in the managerial position. Demonstrating genuine enthusiasm for the sector or the specific role can significantly enhance the hiring lead's eagerness to learn more about you.

Doing your homework about the organization is also beneficial. The deeper your knowledge about the company, the better you can emphasize how harmoniously you'd fit into their company culture. This shows the hiring manager that you’re not just applying left and right, you're genuinely drawn to this specific role.

Depending on your professional experience , consider launching your cover letter with a significant accomplishment or the skills that make you the ideal candidate for the managerial role.

However, it's essential to keep your opening statement short and sweet. Your aim here is to pique the hiring manager’s curiosity and get them to go through the rest of your cover letter. 

Oh, and whatever you do, steer clear of these typical cover letter mistakes that job seekers make while looking for jobs. 

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

You can use the body of your cover letter to delve deeper into why you're the right fit for the position.

The key here is not to just repeat your resume. This is your chance to elaborate on your managerial prowess and distinctive qualifications. Your mission is to convince the hiring manager that you stand out from the other candidates. 

Hence, write about your notable achievements and leadership initiatives that align with management. The job ad can help you mention just the right things. 

Customizing your cover letter to the specific demands of the advertised role is a winning strategy. If the job calls for experience in project management or a knack for team leadership, hone in on these aspects rather than, for instance, your expertise in a non-management-related area.

In addition, showing that you know the organization, its operations, or its industry dynamics can substantially enhance your appeal. If you have prior interactions with the company's projects or have insights into its market strategies, weave that into your cover letter. This portrays your alignment with their objectives and organizational culture.

Lastly, use the space in your cover letter to explain in more detail anything you didn’t have space for in your resume. For example, you can explain why you’re looking for a remote role and how you’ve successfully worked remotely in the past. 

Are you worried about that employment gap on your resume ? Your management cover letter is your chance to talk in more detail about it. 

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Wrapping up your cover letter the right way is the cherry on top of your job application. 

It's crucial to leave the hiring manager with a lasting impression that you’re a good fit for a role, by reiterating your most relevant skills and enthusiasm.

This is where you can also include a call to action. Encouraging them to give you a callback or send you a follow-up email to further discuss your candidacy and what sets you apart from other candidates can land you that coveted interview .

Finally, end your cover letter with poise. Use a professional but also personal signing line and then add your full name. 

I'm eager to share more about how my managerial experiences align with your team’s goals. Please feel free to reach out at the contact details provided for a deeper discussion. Anticipating the possibility to delve into how I can contribute.

Warm regards,

If you feel “Warm regards” is too commonplace, consider these alternatives:

• Yours sincerely,
• Best regards,
• In appreciation,
• Thank you for your time and consideration,

3 Essential Management Cover Letter Tips

You've got a solid grip on cover letters by now! Let's fine-tune it with some top-tier cover letter tips tailored for the management arena. 

#1. Match Your Resume

Stepping into the management world means presenting your best foot forward.

Make sure your cover letter's look and feel match your resume . Applying with an aesthetically and visually aligned resume and cover letter is sure to show off your professionalism and attention to detail. 

Keep your text and details neatly organized on the page, maintaining uniform font styles and sizes. And don't forget to set those margins and line spacings just right. 

A quick tip: always aim to keep your cover letter concise and on a single page. It makes a world of difference!

Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead

Wanna skip all the hassle? Use our free resume builder. 

After you create the perfect manager resume, you can pick a cover letter template that fits it like a glove. 

All our templates are created in collaboration with global hiring pros, they're not just snazzy – they're spot on. 

Snag one, align it with your resume, and complete your application in the blink of an eye. 

#2. Emphasize Your Achievements

Here's the thing: a long list of tasks you've handled isn't as gripping as the wins you've scored. 

When writing your cover letter, spotlight your achievements instead of your responsibilities. It tells hiring managers you're result-oriented and adds weight to your application. 

But remember — don't merely regurgitate your resume. Weave those accomplishments into a compelling story, painting a clear picture of why you're the right fit for the role. It's about connecting the dots for them and strengthening your case.

#3. Keep It Relevant

In the management world, time is gold. So, when writing your cover letter, get straight to the point. 

This means highlighting experiences and skills that directly relate to the role you're eyeing. By keeping things concise and relevant, you show the hiring manager that you understand what the role requires and can prioritize effectively. 

Not to mention, it respects their time but hits at your ability to identify and focus on what truly matters. 

Key Takeaways

And there you have it! An amazing management cover letter example to inspire you to write your own. 

Before you start, here is a quick recap of what we covered:

• Kick off your cover letter with a captivating opening paragraph to pique the hiring manager’s interest and get them to read the rest of it. 
• Use the main body of your cover letter to elaborate on what makes you the best fit for the job, including your specific skills and achievements. 
• Conclude with a strong call to action that will encourage the hiring manager to give you a callback. 
• Make sure to match your cover letter to your resume so that your entire job application is visually appealing and reader-friendly.

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Team Leader cover letter examples

You’re confident, charismatic, honest and passionate; you’re everything they want in a team leader. But can you prove it?

You need to effectively showcase these skills on your application, being sure to give real examples to make your case, and we can show you how to do that.

Check out our top tips below, complete with team leader cover letter examples to guide you.

CV templates 

Team Leader cover letter example 1

Team Leader cover letter example 2

Team Leader cover letter example 3

These 3 Team Leader cover letter example s should provide you with a good steer on how to write your own cover letter, and the general structure to follow.

Our simple step-by-step guide below provides some more detailed advice on how you can craft a winning cover letter for yourself, that will ensure your CV gets opened.

How to write a Team Leader cover letter

Here’s a simple process to write your own interview-winning cover letter.

Write your cover letter in the body of an email/message

When writing your Team Leader cover letter, it’s best to type the content into the body of your email (or the job site messaging system) and not to attach the cover letter as a separate document.

This ensures that your cover letter gets seen as soon as a recruiter or employer opens your message.

If you attach the cover letter as a document, you’re making the reader go through an unnecessary step of opening the document before reading it.

If it’s in the body of the message itself, it will be seen instantly, which hugely increases the chances of it being read.

Start with a friendly greeting

Start you cover letter with a greeting that is professional but friendly.

This will build rapport with the recruiter whilst showing your professionalism.

• Hi, hope you’re well
• Hi [insert recruiter name]
• Hi [insert department/team name]

Avoid overly formal greetings like “Dear sir/madam ” unless applying to very traditional companies.

How to find the contact’s name?

Addressing the recruitment contact by name is an excellent way to start building a strong relationship. If it is not listed in the job advert, try these methods to find it.

• Check out the company website and look at their  About page. If you see a hiring manager, HR person or internal recruiter, use their name. You could also try to figure out who would be your manager in the role and use their name.
• Head to LinkedIn , search for the company and scan through the list of employees. Most professionals are on LinkedIn these days, so this is a good bet.

Identify the role you are applying for

Now that you have warmed the recruiter up with a friendly greeting, firstly you need to let them know which role you are applying for.

Sometimes a recruitment consultant will be juggling 10 or 10 vacancies, so it’s important to specify which one you are applying to.

Give us much detail as possible (team/department, role title etc.) and paste in the reference number if you have one.

Here are some examples you can use.

• I am interested in applying for the role of Team Leader with your company.
• I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 40f57393)
• I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
• I saw your advert for an IT project manager on Reed and would like to apply for the role.

See also: CV examples – how to write a CV – CV profiles

Highlight your suitability

The sole objective of your cover letter is to motivate recruiters into to opening your CV. And you achieve this by quickly explaining your suitability to the roles you are applying for.

Take a look at the job descriptions you are applying to, and make note of the most important skills and qualifications being asked for.

Then, when crafting your cover letter, make your suitability the central focus.

Explain why you are the best qualified candidate, and why you are so well suited to carry out the job.

This will give recruiters all the encouragement they need to open your CV and consider you for the job.

Keep it short and sharp

It is best to keep your cover letter brief if you want to ensure you hold the attention of busy recruiters and hiring managers. A lengthy cover letter will probably not get read in full, so keep yours to around 3-6 sentences and save the real detail for your CV.

Remember the purpose of your cover letter is to quickly get recruiters to notice you and encourage them to open your CV, so it only needs to include the highlights of your experience.

Sign off professionally

To round of your cover letter, add a professional signature to the bottom, giving recruiters your vital contact information.

This not only gives various means of contacting you, it also looks really professional and shows that you know how to communicate in the workplace.

Include the following points;

• A friendly sign off – e.g. “Warm regards”
• Your full name
• Phone number (one you can answer quickly)
• Email address
• Profession title
• Professional social network – e.g. LinkedIn

Here is an example signature;

Warm regards,

Gerald Baker Senior Accountant 07887500404 [email protected] LinkedIn

Quick tip : To save yourself from having to write your signature every time you send a job application email, you can save it within your email drafts, or on a separate document that you could copy in.

What to include in your Team Leader cover letter

Here’s what kind of content you should include in your Team Leader cover letter…

The exact info will obviously depend on your industry and experience level, but these are the essentials.

• Your relevant experience – Where have you worked and what type of jobs have you held?
• Your qualifications – Let recruiters know about your highest level of qualification to show them you have the credentials for the job.
• The impact you have made – Show how your actions have made a positive impact on previous employers; perhaps you’ve saved them money or helped them to acquire new customers?
• Your reasons for moving – Hiring managers will want to know why you are leaving your current or previous role, so give them a brief explanation.
• Your availability – When can you start a new job ? Recruiters will want to know how soon they can get you on board.

Don’t forget to tailor these points to the requirements of the job advert for best results.

Team Leader cover letter templates

Copy and paste these Team Leader cover letter templates to get a head start on your own.

Good morning, Cathy

I am writing to indicate my keen interest in the Customer Service Team Lead position at Paddy Power. With a strong in motivating teams to deliver exceptional experiences, I am confident in my ability to contribute significantly to your organisation.

Throughout my 9 years of experience in customer service leadership, I have honed my skills in team management, process improvement, and client satisfaction. My passion for fostering positive interactions and my commitment to staff development have ensured that I consistently achieve outstanding results.

In my current role as a Customer Service Team Leader at Sodexo, I delivered trainings which supported reps towards improving first-call resolution rates by 20%, as well as boosted productivity levels by 15% through fostering a culture of collaboration with sales and product development departments. I also swiftly identified root causes, which led to a 25% reduction in escalated complaints within three months.

If you require any additional information, please feel free to contact me via email or by phone. Thank you for consideration.

Kind regards

George Mills

Hello Naomi

Given Slug & Lettuce’s reputation as a prominent pub and social café, I am writing to indicate my keen interest in the available Front of House Team Leader vacancy, which has been advertised on Glassdoor.

With a passion for hospitality, a proven ability to guide high-performing personnel, and a commitment to delivering exceptional patron experiences, I am eager to contribute my skills and expertise to elevate the standard of service at your respected establishment.

Throughout the past 10 years at Premier Inn, I have effectively managed restaurant staff members, promoted interactive collaboration and supportive work environment, as well as streamlined processes to ensure smooth service flow. I also played a pivotal role in streamlining seating arrangements and service processes, which led to a 15% increase in table turnover rate, while maximising capacity during peak hours. In addition, I improved productivity by 35% through implementing a performance tracking system and offering targeted coaching.

I look forward to discussing how my skills and knowledge make me the perfect fit for the position. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Brian Hunter

I am thrilled to apply for the Help Desk Team Leader position at Atalian Servest. With a strong background in IT support and a track record of leading high-performing help desk teams, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my expertise to elevate the level of technical guidance provided by your esteemed company.

Throughout my 11 years of experience in IT support and team management, I have demonstrated my ability to lead by example, motivate personnel, and deliver exceptional service to users. As a Help Desk Team Leader at Adria Solutions Ltd, with a BSc in Computer Science, I have consistently achieved SLA targets and maintained a strong focus on customer satisfaction leveraging a customer centric approach which increased CSAT scores by 10%. I also established professional development initiatives which augmented team performance by 25% and reduced incident resolution time by 20% within a 2-year period.

I am eager to discuss how my experience and competencies can contribute to the continued success of your department and look forward to attending an interview. Thank you for your consideration.

Harvey Henderson

Writing an impressive cover letter is a crucial step in landing a Team Leader job, so taking the time to perfect it is well worth while.

By following the tips and examples above you will be able to create an eye-catching cover letter that will wow recruiters and ensure your CV gets read – leading to more job interviews for you.

Good luck with your job search!

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How to write a great cover letter in 2024: tips and structure

A cover letter is a personalized letter that introduces you to a potential employer, highlights your qualifications, and explains why you're a strong fit for a specific job.

Hate or love them, these brief documents allow job seekers to make an impression and stand out from the pile of other applications. Penning a thoughtful cover letter shows the hiring team you care about earning the position.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to write a cover letter — and a great one, at that.

What is a cover letter and why does it matter?

A professional cover letter is a one-page document you submit alongside your CV or resume as part of a job application. Typically, they’re about half a page or around 150–300 words.

An effective cover letter doesn’t just rehash your CV; it’s your chance to highlight your proudest moments, explain why you want the job, and state plainly what you bring to the table.

Show the reviewer you’re likable, talented, and will add to the company’s culture . You can refer to previous jobs and other information from your CV, but only if it helps tell a story about you and your career choices .

What 3 things should you include in a cover letter?

A well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out to potential employers. To make your cover letter shine, here are three key elements to include:

1. Personalization

Address the hiring manager or recruiter by name whenever possible. If the job posting doesn't include a name, research to find out who will be reviewing applications. Personalizing your cover letter shows that you've taken the time to tailor your application to the specific company and role.

2. Highlight relevant achievements and skills

Emphasize your most relevant skills , experiences, and accomplishments that directly relate to the job you're applying for. Provide specific examples of how your skills have benefited previous employers and how they can contribute to the prospective employer's success. Use quantifiable achievements , such as improved efficiency, cost savings, or project success, to demonstrate your impact.

3. Show enthusiasm and fit

Express your enthusiasm for the company and the position you're applying for. Explain why you are interested in this role and believe you are a good fit for the organization. Mention how your values, goals, and skills align with the company's mission and culture. Demonstrating that you've done your research can make a significant impression.

What do hiring managers look for in a cover letter?

Employers look for several key elements in a cover letter. These include:

Employers want to see that your cover letter is specifically tailored to the position you are applying for. It should demonstrate how your skills, experiences, and qualifications align with the job requirements.

Clear and concise writing

A well-written cover letter is concise, easy to read, and error-free. Employers appreciate clear and effective communication skills , so make sure your cover letter showcases your ability to express yourself effectively.

Demonstrated knowledge of the company

Employers want to see that you are genuinely interested in their organization. Mention specific details about the company, such as recent achievements or projects, to show that you are enthusiastic about joining their team.

Achievements and accomplishments

Highlight your relevant achievements and accomplishments that demonstrate your qualifications for the position. Use specific examples to showcase your skills and show how they can benefit the employer.

Enthusiasm and motivation

Employers want to hire candidates who are excited about the opportunity and motivated to contribute to the company's success. Express your enthusiasm and passion for the role and explain why you are interested in working for the company.

Professionalism

A cover letter should be professional in tone and presentation. Use formal language, address the hiring manager appropriately, and follow standard business letter formatting.

How do you structure a cover letter?

A well-structured cover letter follows a specific format that makes it easy for the reader to understand your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position. Here's a typical structure for a cover letter:

Contact information

Include your name, address, phone number, and email address at the top of the letter. Place your contact information at the beginning so that it's easy for the employer to reach you.

Employer's contact information

Opening paragraph, middle paragraph(s), closing paragraph, complimentary close, additional contact information.

Repeat your contact information (name, phone number, and email) at the end of the letter, just in case the employer needs it for quick reference.

Remember to keep your cover letter concise and focused. It should typically be no more than one page in length. Proofread your letter carefully to ensure it is free from spelling and grammatical errors. Tailor each cover letter to the specific job application to make it as relevant and impactful as possible.

How to write a good cover letter (with examples)

The best letters are unique, tailored to the job description, and written in your voice — but that doesn’t mean you can’t use a job cover letter template.

Great cover letters contain the same basic elements and flow a certain way. Take a look at this cover letter structure for ref erence while you construct your own.

1. Add a header and contact information

While reading your cover letter, the recruiter shouldn’t have to look far to find who wrote it. Your document should include a basic heading with the following information:

• Pronouns (optional)
• Location (optional)
• Email address
• Phone number (optional)
• Relevant links, such as your LinkedIn profile , portfolio, or personal website (optional)

You can pull this information directly from your CV. Put it together, and it will look something like this:

Christopher Pike

San Francisco, California

[email protected]

Alternatively, if the posting asks you to submit your cover letter in the body of an email, you can include this information in your signature. For example:

Warm regards,

Catherine Janeway

Bloomington, Indiana

[email protected]

(555) 999 - 2222

2. Include a personal greeting

Always begin your cover letter by addressing the hiring manager — preferably by name. You can use the person’s first and last name. Make sure to include a relevant title, like Dr., Mr., or Ms. For example, “Dear Mr. John Doe.”

Avoid generic openings like “To whom it may concern,” “Dear sir or madam,” or “Dear hiring manager.” These introductions sound impersonal — like you’re copy-pasting cover letters — and can work against you in the hiring process.

Be careful, though. When using someone’s name, you don’t want to use the wrong title or accidentally misgender someone. If in doubt, using only their name is enough. You could also opt for a gender-neutral title, like Mx.

Make sure you’re addressing the right person in your letter — ideally, the person who’s making the final hiring decision. This isn’t always specified in the job posting, so you may have to do some research to learn the name of the hiring manager.

3. Draw them in with an opening story

The opening paragraph of your cover letter should hook the reader. You want it to be memorable, conversational, and extremely relevant to the job you’re pursuing. 

There’s no need for a personal introduction — you’ve already included your name in the heading. But you should make reference to the job you’re applying for. A simple “Thank you for considering my application for the role of [job title] at [company],” will suffice.

Then you can get into the “Why” of your job application. Drive home what makes this specific job and this company so appealing to you. Perhaps you’re a fan of their products, you’re passionate about their mission, or you love their brand voice. Whatever the case, this section is where you share your enthusiasm for the role.

Here’s an example opening paragraph. In this scenario, you’re applying for a digital marketing role at a bicycle company:

“Dear Mr. John Doe,

Thank you for considering my application for the role of Marketing Coordinator at Bits n’ Bikes.

My parents bought my first bike at one of your stores. I’ll never forget the freedom I felt when I learned to ride it. My father removed my training wheels, and my mom sent me barrelling down the street. You provide joy to families across the country — and I want to be part of that.”

4. Emphasize why you’re best for the job

Your next paragraphs should be focused on the role you’re applying to. Highlight your skill set and why you’re a good fit for the needs and expectations associated with the position. Hiring managers want to know what you’ll bring to the job, not just any role.

Start by studying the job description for hints. What problem are they trying to solve with this hire? What skills and qualifications do they mention first or more than once? These are indicators of what’s important to the hiring manager.

Search for details that match your experience and interests. For example, if you’re excited about a fast-paced job in public relations, you might look for these elements in a posting:

• They want someone who can write social media posts and blog content on tight deadlines
• They value collaboration and input from every team member
• They need a planner who can come up with strong PR strategies

Highlight how you fulfill these requirements:

“I’ve always been a strong writer. From blog posts to social media, my content pulls in readers and drives traffic to product pages. For example, when I worked at Bits n’ Bikes, I developed a strategic blog series about bike maintenance that increased our sales of spare parts and tools by 50% — we could see it in our web metrics.

Thanks to the input of all of our team members, including our bike mechanics, my content delivered results.”

5. End with a strong closing paragraph and sign off gracefully

Your closing paragraph is your final chance to hammer home your enthusiasm about the role and your unique ability to fill it. Reiterate the main points you explained in the body paragraphs and remind the reader of what you bring to the table.

You can also use the end of your letter to relay other important details, like whether you’re willing to relocate for the job.

When choosing a sign-off, opt for a phrase that sounds professional and genuine. Reliable options include “Sincerely” and “Kind regards.”

Here’s a strong closing statement for you to consider:

“I believe my enthusiasm, skills, and work experience as a PR professional will serve Bits n’ Bikes very well. I would love to meet to further discuss my value-add as your next Director of Public Relations. Thank you for your consideration. I hope we speak soon.

Tips to write a great cover letter that compliments your resume

When writing your own letter, try not to copy the example excerpts word-for-word. Instead, use this cover letter structure as a baseline to organize your ideas. Then, as you’re writing, use these extra cover letter tips to add your personal touch:

• Keep your cover letter different from your resume : Your cover letter should not duplicate the information on your resume. Instead, it should provide context and explanations for key points in your resume, emphasizing how your qualifications match the specific job you're applying for.
• Customize your cover letter . Tailor your cover letter for each job application. Address the specific needs of the company and the job posting, demonstrating that you've done your homework and understand their requirements.
• Show enthusiasm and fit . Express your enthusiasm for the company and position in the cover letter. Explain why you are interested in working for this company and how your values, goals, and skills align with their mission and culture.
• Use keywords . Incorporate keywords from the job description and industry terms in your cover letter. This can help your application pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and demonstrate that you're well-versed in the field.
• Keep it concise . Your cover letter should be succinct and to the point, typically no more than one page. Focus on the most compelling qualifications and experiences that directly support your application.
• Be professional . Maintain a professional tone and structure in your cover letter. Proofread it carefully to ensure there are no errors.
• Address any gaps or concerns . If there are gaps or concerns in your resume, such as employment gaps or a change in career direction, briefly address them in your cover letter. Explain any relevant circumstances and how they have shaped your qualifications and determination.
• Provide a call to action . Conclude your cover letter with a call to action, inviting the employer to contact you for further discussion. Mention that you've attached your resume for their reference.
• Follow the correct format . Use a standard cover letter format like the one above, including your contact information, a formal salutation, introductory and closing paragraphs, and your signature. Ensure that it complements your resume without redundancy.
• Pick the right voice and tone . Try to write like yourself, but adapt to the tone and voice of the company. Look at the job listing, company website, and social media posts. Do they sound fun and quirky, stoic and professional, or somewhere in-between? This guides your writing style.
• Tell your story . You’re an individual with unique expertise, motivators, and years of experience. Tie the pieces together with a great story. Introduce how you arrived at this point in your career, where you hope to go , and how this prospective company fits in your journey. You can also explain any career changes in your resume.
• Show, don’t tell . Anyone can say they’re a problem solver. Why should a recruiter take their word for it if they don’t back it up with examples? Instead of naming your skills, show them in action. Describe situations where you rose to the task, and quantify your success when you can.
• Be honest . Avoid highlighting skills you don’t have. This will backfire if they ask you about them in an interview. Instead, shift focus to the ways in which you stand out.
• Avoid clichés and bullet points . These are signs of lazy writing. Do your best to be original from the first paragraph to the final one. This highlights your individuality and demonstrates the care you put into the letter.
• Proofread . Always spellcheck your cover letter. Look for typos, grammatical errors, and proper flow. We suggest reading it out loud. If it sounds natural rolling off the tongue, it will read naturally as well.

Common cover letter writing FAQs

How long should a cover letter be.

A cover letter should generally be concise and to the point. It is recommended to keep it to one page or less, focusing on the most relevant information that highlights your qualifications and fits the job requirements.

Should I include personal information in a cover letter?

While it's important to introduce yourself and provide your contact information, avoid including personal details such as your age, marital status, or unrelated hobbies. Instead, focus on presenting your professional qualifications and aligning them with the job requirements.

Can I use the same cover letter for multiple job applications?

While it may be tempting to reuse a cover letter, it is best to tailor each cover letter to the specific job you are applying for. This allows you to highlight why you are a good fit for that particular role and show genuine interest in the company.

Do I need to address my cover letter to a specific person?

Whenever possible, it is advisable to address your cover letter to a specific person, such as the hiring manager or recruiter. If the job posting does not provide this information, try to research and find the appropriate contact. If all else fails, you can use a generic salutation such as "Dear Hiring Manager."

Should I include references in my cover letter?

It is generally not necessary to include references in your cover letter. Save this information for when the employer explicitly requests it. Instead, focus on showcasing your qualifications and achievements that make you a strong candidate for the position.

It’s time to start writing your stand-out cover letter

The hardest part of writing is getting started. 

Hopefully, our tips gave you some jumping-off points and confidence . But if you’re really stuck, looking at cover letter examples and resume templates will help you decide where to get started. 

There are numerous sample cover letters available online. Just remember that you’re a unique, well-rounded person, and your cover letter should reflect that. Using our structure, you can tell your story while highlighting your passion for the role. 

Doing your research, including strong examples of your skills, and being courteous is how to write a strong cover letter. Take a breath , flex your fingers, and get typing. Before you know it, your job search will lead to a job interview.

If you want more personalized guidance, a specialized career coach can help review, edit, and guide you through creating a great cover letter that sticks.

Ace your job search

Explore effective job search techniques, interview strategies, and ways to overcome job-related challenges. Our coaches specialize in helping you land your dream job.

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

3 cover letter examples to help you catch a hiring manager’s attention

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The 23 Best Cover Letter Examples: What They Got Right

Published: December 14, 2023

I've sent plenty of cover letters throughout my career, so I know it isn't usually fun to write one. Fortunately, the cover letter examples I painstakingly gathered below show that it’s possible to have a little fun with your job search — and maybe even make yourself a better candidate in the process.

I was shocked upon learning 45% of job seekers don't include a cover letter when applying for a job. I definitely don't recommend following the crowd on this matter because your cover letter is a chance to tell the stories your resume only outlines.

It's an opportunity for you to highlight your creativity at the earliest stage of the recruitment process.

Are you ready to showcase your unique skills and experience? Or are you looking for more tips and cover letter inspiration?

Keep reading for 20+ cover letter examples, then check out tips for cover letter formatting and what makes a cover letter great .

5 Free Cover Letter Templates

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

• Standard Cover Letter Template
• Entry-Level Cover Letter Template
• Data-Driven Cover Letter Template

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

Cover Letter Examples

• Standard Cover Letter Example
• Data-Driven Cover Letter Sample
• Entry-Level Cover Letter Example
• The Cover Letter That Explains 'Why,' Not Just 'How'
• The 'We're Meant for Each Other' Cover Letter
• The Cover Letter with H.E.A.R.T.
• Short-and-Sweet Cover Letter Example
• The Short Story
• The Bare Bones Cover Letter
• The Breezy Follow-Up
• The Administrative Assistant Cover Letter
• The Internship Cover Letter
• The Brutally Honest Cover Letter
• The Pivot Cover Letter
• The Graphic Design Cover Letter
• Consulting Internship Cover Letter Example
• Nonprofit Referral Cover Letter Example
• General Email Inquiry Cover Letter Example
• Post-Phone-Call Cover Letter Example
• Mission-Driven Graduate Cover Letter Example
• Short Recommendation Cover Letter Example
• Professor or Research Position Cover Letter Example
• Director Cover Letter Example
• Editorial Cover Letter Example
• Promotion Cover Letter Example
• Law Cover Letter Example

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

Download a Customizable Copy of This Cover Letter Example

This standard cover letter is among my favorite approaches because it 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 of your current role.

You also have the chance to describe the challenges you’ve mastered in previous roles, showing that you’re capable of facing any problem that comes your way.

Why I Love It

I 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

Numbers are worth a million words — or that’s how I think the saying should 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.

Over the years, I've learned 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.

I 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 I worked in a creative industry, for instance, I could include the number of creative assets you designed for your current company.

3. Entry-Level Cover Letter Example

Many of us have had "first job jitters" (that's what I'm calling it) when applying for our first career opportunity.

However, my experience taught me to increase my chances of getting that first interview by including a cover letter that explains how my education can help me succeed in the role I applied for.

In fact, HubSpot staff writer Erica Santiago says highlighting her education was key to snagging her first role out of college.

"When I graduated from journalism school, I only had a couple of internships under my belt and maybe some writing clips — not enough to compete with most young professionals with more experience," she recalls.

"So, I highlighted the classes I took such as 'News Reporting and Writing' or 'Electronic News Gathering," she says, "And I explained the assignments I did and how they gave me real-world experience in interviewing and reporting."

She says that's how she got her first job as a digital journalist for WSVN in Miami.

If you need help understanding how to highlight your education in a cover letter, 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 use your knowledge to help your target company reach its goals.

I 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? I  found six examples from job seekers who decided to do things a bit differently.

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

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

You may already know how to talk about 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.

I 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.

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, I'm sure that would eventually be revealed in an interview.

Make sure your story is nonfiction and relatable according to each job. While I 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, I’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 shows how effective personalization can be. The writer is passionate about the employer, drawing from her own childhood experience to communicate her enthusiasm.

Further reading: Sales Cover Letter Tips

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.

"Content Marketing Certified" shows 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.

Read more: Customer Service Cover Letter Tips

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.

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

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 has three complete sentences, as follows:

One might argue that this particular letter is less than outstanding, and I'll also admit it's an older example.

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:

• Who might oversee the role — that’s often included in the description, under "reports to." Address your letter to that individual.
• Figure out what problems this role is meant to solve for that person. Then, concisely phrase in your cover letter how and why your experience can and will resolve those problems.

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 can create solutions for them.

Read here for more tips on how to land your dream job .

5. The Short Story

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

• Detail the experience she already has with the organization.
• Stand out to the hiring team.

I notice 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.

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.

Check out this post for more useful cover letter tips .

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.

This short cover letter is the result. I especially admire how she uses casual and breezy language to convey personality and enthusiasm, and she keeps her paragraphs succinct.

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

• Summarizes the expertise she has relevant to the posting
• Emphasizes that she doesn't want to simply get a job but rather help the organization accomplish their goals
• The reader gets everything they need in an organized and thoughtful manner.

8. The Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

In this cover letter the candidate, Michelle, 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.

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 while getting up to speed.

Further reading: 15 Cover Letter Templates

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.

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:

• Highlights relevant extracurriculars and affinity networks. In this case, the applicant is applying for a business analyst position, so mentioning their involvement in a FinTech group makes sense.
• Previous internships in relevant fields: Our applicant points out that they’ve interned as a Business Analyst at another firm. Pointing out that they’ve done the role before will help make their case for fit.
• Highlight other useful skills: This applicant is fluent in both English and German. If an international company or an organization needs bilingual support, knowing multiple languages is an asset.

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.

Further reading for recent graduates:

• How to Find a Job After College
• Writing a Cover Letter for an Internship

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.

Former 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):

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 making it clear why they are a good fit for the role.

Further reading:

• How to Stand Out and Get Hired at Your Dream Company
• How to Find Your Dream Job

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.

It’s clean but effective.

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.

It’s got so much going for it:

• Pop of color
• Clean layout
• Interesting fonts

Besides the style elements, this example also doesn’t skimp on the key skills recruiters are looking for. Using metrics, the applicant proves 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 emphasizing their greatest achievements.

Pro tip: If you're applying for a graphic design job, share a link to your graphic design portfolio website , even if it's not an application requirement.

Job Cover Letter Examples

Next up, let’s go over some classic cover letter examples for jobs, especially if you’re applying to internships or only have a few years of experience.

The below cover letters follow the golden rules and don’t deviate too much from the standard — which is ideal if you’re applying to positions in more traditional industries.

13. Consulting Internship Cover Letter Example

Many internship applicants are early on in their careers or are still in college. That means they’ve yet to gather enough experience to offer tangible proof of their ability to do the job.

That means that a cover letter is the place where an internship applicant can shine.

This cover letter example highlights the applicant’s skills in a bullet-point format. That makes it easier for an overburdened hiring manager to get the essence of her points, quickly, if they’re only skimming cover letters.

Not only that, but this applicant personalized the letter in every single sentence. She shares information about her prior conversations with some of the company’s employees and mentions the company’s name at every turn.

While she only has one prior consulting job, she deftly mentions the skills she developed in that role and ties them into her desired position at Quantcast Product Group.

This cover letter example does a fantastic job advertising the applicant’s soft skills in a highly scannable format — while still going heavy on the personalization.

Don’t be shy to lightly play with formatting to get your point across and to imbue the letter with your passion for a company.

14. Nonprofit Referral Cover Letter Example

This cover letter example for a nonprofit job hits the ground running by right away inserting the name of one of the nonprofit’s Superintendents.

That’s an excellent way to get a recruiter’s attention and make you stand out from the slush pile, even if you’re only just out of school, as is the case for this applicant.

If you’ve received an internal recommendation for a position, you’d be wise to open your letter with that information. Don’t worry about it feeling too stilted or strange — remember, hiring managers only skim letters.

Your goal is to make sure they get information about you that they otherwise won’t get from your resume.

With only three full paragraphs, this cover letter example is short, sweet, and to the point. No time is wasted, and it also goes over the critical basics, such as skills and experience.

This nonprofit cover letter includes a recommendation from an internal employee at the target organization, making it more likely to stand out from the slush pile.

I  also love that it doesn’t skimp on the basics, such as skills, enthusiasm, and experience.

15. General Email Inquiry Cover Letter Example

Even if a job opportunity isn’t available at an organization yet, it doesn’t mean that there won’t be. You can always send a general inquiry cover letter, like the one in this example.

This email cover letter for a political campaign internship is short and sweet, but includes the critical information the campaign coordinator needs to consider the applicant for any new positions that may open up.

The best part about this cover letter is that it can be easily customized from one political campaign employer to the next.

While it does include a level of personalization, it’s brief and can be easily changed to address the specific political candidate.

When sending general inquiries like this one, it’s essential to make the personalization aspect as pain-free as possible for yourself. That may mean including only one sentence or two, knowing that a general inquiry might not be replied to.

Setting up customized email signatures is also highly recommended. They should include your name, job title, and ideally links to your website or social accounts as well as your headshot.

These add a professional touch and help you stand out from other cover letters in the recipient’s inbox. At the same time, the headshot makes you easier to remember in case a job position becomes available, while the website or social links allow recruiters to learn more relevant details about you.  

This email cover letter example hits all the right notes while keeping it brief and to-the-point. While we don’t recommend choosing this format for a formal cover letter, it works if you’re sending a general inquiry to an employer over email.

It’s also a good example to follow if you’re still in college or have very little experience.

Read more: How to Write a Letter of Interest

16. Post-Phone-Call Cover Letter Example

If you get a phone call from a potential employer and they invite you to send your resume, pat yourself on the back — that is such a win. In your cover letter, be sure to mention that right away, like this example does.

A hiring manager or an executive at a company likely has a lot of tasks on their plate, which means that they may forget about your call from one week to the next.

That is totally okay, which is why this example starts with a reminder that the applicant and the letter recipient spoke back on January 31st. It also has a few more details about why they started speaking in the first place.

Aside from leveraging the phone call that’s already occurred, this cover letter also does an excellent job explaining why the applicant is an ideal choice for the job.

It goes into detail about skills and previous experience with a high level of enthusiasm, and includes a promise to follow up at the end.

This cover letter example includes two things that will immediately draw my attention: A phone call they’ve already had, and a mutual contact at their organization.

The job and internship search can be grueling; never be afraid to use everything you have at your disposal to improve your standing over other applicants.

Read more: How to Start a Cover Letter

17. Mission-Driven Graduate Cover Letter Example

This cover letter example from a recent B.A. graduate wowed me from the first sentence.

The applicant right away explains her attained degree and her specific career interests, then dives into the aspects of her experience that make her such a great candidate.

It's so personalized to the employer’s own mission that it’s difficult to stop reading it.

Even if the hiring manager isn’t a science or health professional, they would be able to effectively gauge the applicant’s suitability for the role by the expertise she shows in her cover letter alone.

The applicant explains at length why she’s excited to work for that specific hospital. The organization serves Aboriginal populations, which aligns with her own values and research interests.

In the last paragraph, she summarizes what she knows about the employer in one sentence, then describes how each of her experiences supports the employer’s mission.

That is an exceedingly clever and meaningful way to align yourself with an organization at a deeper level.

If you’re applying to a mission-driven organization, don’t be shy about showing your excitement and expertise. You don’t need a lot of experience to show that your values align with those of your target organization.

This cover letter example is especially good inspiration if you’re making a career change, have only just a few internships under your belt, or are graduating from college.

18. Short Recommendation Cover Letter Example

Referral or recommendation cover letters don’t need to be too long, and this is a great example of that. It immediately leverages a mutual connection at the company.

The mutual connection recommended that the applicant contact the hiring manager for a role, which is a piece of information I  always recommend you frontload in your letter.

This specific cover letter comes from an applicant with little experience, making it a good example to follow if you’re switching careers or just out of college.

Instead of talking about their experience, the applicant uses anecdotal evidence to convey their enthusiasm for working at that company.

The writer also goes over their most salient skills, such as being able to speak multiple languages. They also explain how their degree directly applies to the target role.

I  love that the candidate highlights their leadership abilities and makes that an effective selling point for being hired.

This cover letter doesn’t go on for too long, which we love. It’s simple and sweet and provides all the information the hiring manager needs to look more closely at the applicant’s resume and make an interviewing decision.

19. Professor or Research Position Cover Letter Example

Academic or research position cover letters might require a little more information than the typical cover letter — and this is one such example. Why is it okay to go a little longer?

Because the letter is not only a way to supplement the PhD candidate’s academic CV, but to provide a writing sample for the search committee.

I love this cover letter because it expresses the candidate’s enthusiasm for teaching and explains her instructional ethos, such as providing out-of-the-classroom opportunities, championing communication, and encouraging students to step out of their comfort zone.

The applicant also suggests courses she may be able to teach at the target institution, and expresses her interest in developing new courses as needed.

She also suggests how she can enhance the college’s extracurricular programming by offering study abroad courses, which shows not just an interest in teaching but adding to the school’s overall culture.

While this letter goes for a little longer than recommended, it serves as a fantastic writing sample and explains the applicant’s research background at length.

If you’re applying to academic or research roles, don’t be afraid to go into detail about what most excites you in terms of research interests.

20. Director Cover Letter Example

This cover letter example — for a Director of Catering position at a university — doesn’t waste any time.

The applicant right away says that they’re a strong candidate for the role, then jumps right into three salient qualifications that make him a great fit.

I love how the applicant uses bullet points and bold text to guide an overburdened hiring manager through the cover letter — and to give them permission to scan it, if needed.

If the hiring manager would like more information or actual examples of the skills, they merely need to read the rest of the bullet point paragraph.

As mentioned, light formatting can be beneficial to your cover letter, as it draws the recruiter’s eyes and prevents them from having to fish for the information they’re looking for.

This short, sweet cover letter includes the critical information a hiring manager or high-level executive needs to make an interview decision.

I  love the use of formatting that doesn’t stray too much from regular cover letter conventions, and I  like that the applicant kept all other paragraphs extremely brief.

21. Editorial Cover Letter Example

Applying for an editorial or journalistic position? Like a cover letter example I  shared earlier, you can take a more storytelling approach to capture the hiring manager’s attention.

This cover letter example does that effectively by telling an anecdote that directly mentions the newspaper where they’d like to work.

This immediately draws the reader in and tells them that this application isn’t random at all; the applicant would like to work at the newspaper because they’ve read it every morning.

Not only that, but they have a favorite reporter on the newspaper’s staff. The applicant then jumps into the specific reason they want to take an editorial position at the Baltimore Sun.

The cover letter includes all pertinent information, such as how previous positions have equipped the applicant to take on this job. It closes with enthusiasm after keeping the reader rapt every step of the way.

The applicant uses storytelling to — you guessed it — apply for a position that needs storytelling skills. If you’re applying for a data-driven position or a graphic design position, why not showcase those skills in the cover letter itself?

I  like that this letter doesn’t diverge too much from cover letter conventions while still differentiating itself.

22. Promotion Cover Letter Example

In this cover letter example, the applicant already works for the employer and wishes to apply for the next position to move up in their career.

I  like that the letter cites the applicant’s extensive knowledge of the organization, which will no doubt give them an advantage over external applicants.

Not only that, but the applicant also references their experience before they started working at the employer and uses that information to make their candidacy even more desirable.

Lastly, this letter includes a healthy level of enthusiasm for the university and the position — something that is never extra in a cover letter.

This cover letter example does an excellent job showing the candidate’s knowledge of their current organization while stating why they’re a natural fit for the promotion.

Plus, the letter includes information on the applicant’s relevant activities outside of work — if you’re involved in any organizations that might help you do your job better, be sure to include them.

23. Law Cover Letter Example

This law cover letter example jumps right into personalization, a bold move that will serve you well if you’re genuinely interested in a company and want to stand out.

The applicant cites the recipient’s recent article on bond litigation, then ties that into the role they’d like to get at the law firm.

The applicant then goes into his skills and the feedback he’s received from past managers. This is an excellent way to introduce your skills without sounding dry — or even unfounded.

By citing positive feedback you’ve received, you’ll imply that others have praised you for having those skills, and that you’re not only "tooting your own horn."

Pro-Tip: In cover letters, it’s absolutely okay to toot your own horn — that’s what they’re for. But if you can cite others’ remarks, that also helps.)

At just two and a half paragraphs, this letter is exceedingly short but no less effective. It’s an excellent example of how to personalize your letter quickly while still conveying the essentials of a cover letter.

This short cover letter example keeps it brief while still creating high impact. The applicant personalizes the letter immediately, cites external feedback, and conveys enthusiasm.

This letter proves you don’t need to write a novel about an employer to sway the hiring manager into giving you an interview.

Now that I've shown you some excellent examples, let's talk about how you can create the best cover letter for your dream job.

What is a good cover letter?

A cover letter is used to show your interest in the role, passion for the company, and the impact you've had in previous positions. Good 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.

What’s on a cover letter?

Before you start writing your cover letter, let's cover a few basic must-haves you'll want to include. If you’re looking for more detailed instructions, check out this guide to writing a cover letter .

Add a simple, but pleasant greeting to address the recruiter or hiring manager.

Learn more:

• Dear Sir or Madam Alternatives
• Cover Letter Greetings

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

• How to Write an Introduction
• Tips for Writing a Good Introduction Sentence

Work Experience

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.

• How to Write About Your Professional Background
• Professional Bio Examples
• LinkedIn Bio Examples

In this paragraph, add a call-to-action by expressing interest in an interview. Offer your contact information and sign off.

• Email Closing Line Examples
• Tips for Writing Conclusions

What does a cover letter look like?

Besides showing off your skills and qualifications, cover letters give you the opportunity to present a clear, concise, and compelling writing sample. It shows off your personality and your ability to convey ideas.

That's a lot of information to include on a single page, so it can help to have a clear structure to start with.

Check out our fillable cover letter templates to see how you should organize the content of your cover letter.

What makes a great cover letter?

A cover letter is personal, but it also needs to help you reach a goal and help the hiring team understand how you could perform that role with their company. This complexity can make cover letters really tough to write.

Because cover letters are difficult to write, many come off as boring, basic, or confusing for hiring managers to read. But the tips below about the qualities that make a cover letter great can help you take your cover letter from basic to bright.

Start with this quick video, then keep reading for more tips:

Personalized Introduction

Begin with an introduction that's personal. It should capture the reader's attention and address your recipient by name. Then, add a compelling opening sentence that emphasizes your interest in the specific role.

Helpful Cover Letter Introduction:

"Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

In an increasingly digitized world, where customer-centric strategies are vital for business success, I am thrilled to apply for the [Job Title] position at HubSpot."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Introduction:

"To Whom it May Concern,

I am applying for the [Job Title] position at HubSpot. I have some experience in marketing and can help your clients grow their businesses."

Relevant Professional Experience

It can be tempting to use the same cover letter for every job. After all, it's about your experience, isn't it? But it's not enough to rephrase the work history in your resume.

Recruiters and hiring managers are looking to fill a specific role, so you need to show how your experience translates to their unique needs.

So, the body of a great cover letter should showcase the specific professional experiences that are relevant to the job you're applying for. Emphasize your accomplishments and skills that directly relate to what the job needs.

To speed up this part of the cover letter writing process, start by creating a list of your transferable skills . Drafting this list can help you quickly focus on the skills to highlight in your cover letter.

Then, use AI tools to summarize job descriptions and narrow in on where your experience and the needs of the role you're applying for overlap. This post is full of useful AI assistant tools if you're new to AI.

Helpful Cover Letter Experience:

"At [Company Name], I had the opportunity to assist a global ecommerce retailer in enhancing their online customer experience. By conducting in-depth market research and customer journey mapping, I identified pain points and areas of improvement in their website navigation and user interface."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Experience:

"I also worked with an ecommerce retailer to improve the customer experience. We did some surveys and training, and they were happy with the results."

Useful Examples

To make your cover letter stand out, add specific examples that show how you've solved problems or gotten results in past roles.

Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible, using data to give the reader a clear understanding of your impact.

Helpful Cover Letter Example:

"I lead a team of five content writers while increasing website traffic by 18% year-over-year."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Example:

"I have a great track record of leadership and achieving fantastic results."

Research and Company Knowledge

Hiring teams aren't hiring anyone with the skills to do the job. They're hiring a person they'll work alongside at their specific company.

So, to show that you're not just looking for any job anywhere, share your knowledge of the company's industry, values, and culture in your cover letter.

Spend some time on the company website and take notes on what makes this business interesting to you and why you would want to work there.

Then, explain how your skills align with the company's mission and goals and explain how you could add to their chances of success. This will showcase your interest in the company and help them see if you are a good cultural fit.

Helpful Cover Letter Research:

"I was particularly drawn to HubSpot not only for its industry-leading solutions but also for its exceptional company culture. HubSpot's commitment to employee development and fostering a collaborative environment is evident in its recognition as a top workplace consistently. I strongly believe that my passion for continuous learning, self-motivation, and dedication to contributing to a team will make me a valuable asset to HubSpot."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Research:

"I have been inspired by HubSpot's commitment to inbound marketing and its comprehensive suite of solutions. HubSpot's dedication to providing valuable content and fostering meaningful relationships aligns with my own values and aspirations."

Clear Writing

Your cover letter needs to pack in a lot of important information. But it's also important that your cover letter is clear and concise.

To accomplish this, use professional but easy-to-understand language. Be sure to remove any grammar or spelling errors and avoid lengthy paragraphs and avoid jargon or overly technical language.

You may also want to use bullet points to make your letter easier to skim. Then, proofread your cover letter for clarity or ask a friend to proofread it for you.

• Guide to Becoming a Better Writer
• Tips for Simplifying Your Writing

Helpful Cover Letter Writing:

"In addition to my academic accomplishments, I gained valuable practical experience through internships at respected law firms.

Working alongside experienced attorneys, I assisted in providing legal support to clients. This hands-on experience helped me develop a deep understanding of client needs and enhanced my ability to effectively communicate complex legal concepts in a straightforward manner."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Writing:

"Furthermore, as a complement to my academic accomplishments, I have garnered invaluable practical experience through internships at esteemed law firms.

Throughout these placements, I actively collaborated with seasoned attorneys to conduct due diligence and furnish clients with comprehensive legal support. Notably, these experiences fostered a profound comprehension of client necessities, whilst honing my legal acumen to articulately convey intricate legal principles within a lucid and concise framework, adhering to applicable precedents and statutes of limitations."

Genuine Interest and Enthusiasm

Find ways to convey your passion for the role and how excited you are to contribute to the company you're applying to. At the same time, make sure your interest feels authentic and outline how it aligns with your career goals.

Your ultimate goal is an enthusiastic letter that feels honest and leaves a lasting positive impression.

Showing excitement in writing doesn't come naturally for everyone. A few tips that can help you boost the genuine enthusiasm in your letter:

• Record audio of yourself speaking about the role, then use voice-to-text technology to transcribe and add these sections to your letter.
• Choose your words carefully .
• Write in active voice.

Helpful Cover Letter Tone:

"I am genuinely enthusiastic about the prospect of joining [Company/Organization Name] as an accountant. My combination of technical proficiency, eagerness to learn, and strong attention to detail make me an ideal candidate for this role. I am confident that my dedication, reliability, and passion for accounting will contribute to the continued success of your organization."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Tone:

"Honestly, I can hardly contain my excitement when it comes to reconciliations, financial statement analysis, and tax regulations! Engaging in spirited discussions with professors and classmates has allowed me to foster an unbreakable bond with the fascinating world of accounting, and I'm positively bursting with enthusiasm at the prospect of applying my skills in a professional setting."

Memorable Conclusion

End your cover letter on a strong note. Summarize your top qualifications, restate your interest in the position, and express your interest in future communication.

Then, thank your reader for their time and consideration and include your contact information for easy follow-up.

To make your conclusion memorable, think about what parts of your letter you'd most like the hiring manager to keep top of mind. Then, consider your word choice and phrasing. If you're feeling stuck, this list of ways to close an email can help.

Helpful Cover Letter Conclusion:

"Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to further discuss how my qualifications align with the needs of Greenpeace. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to arrange an interview.

Together, let's make a lasting impact on our planet.

[Your Name]"

Unhelpful Cover Letter Conclusion:

"Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my qualifications further and how I can contribute to Greenpeace's mission. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to arrange an interview.

I’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 I’ve discussed here — then, have even more by getting creative with your cover letter composition.

I 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.

So, get inspired by these examples and templates. Write an incredible cover letter that shows the hiring team at your dream job exactly who you are.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in October 2020 and has been updated for comprehensiveness. This article was written by a human, but our team uses AI in our editorial process. Check out our full disclosure to learn more about how we use AI.

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