cover letter use of i

Stack Exchange Network

Stack Exchange network consists of 183 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow , the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers.

Q&A for work

Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search.

How to avoid the repetition of "I" while writing a cover letter for an academic job?

I use active voice for cover letter and while doing that I end up with too many "I" and most of the sentences in my letter also begin with "I". This makes my letter quite boring. I would appreciate if you share your suggestion/tips to avoid this while writing a cover letter.

Since cover letter is the first thing that the potential employer notices, I want to write a concise and attractive cover letter. It will be also helpful if you share a link of a well-written cover letter.

• application-cover-letter

• 2 This could be a good question for English language & usage as well. –  Peter Jansson Commented Oct 3, 2013 at 9:22
• @Peter, thanks for the useful suggestion. Is there any way to link my question to that forum? –  rana Commented Oct 3, 2013 at 9:26
• It is up to the moderators if the question should be migrated. I think it is a good question and keen to see the answers. –  Peter Jansson Commented Oct 3, 2013 at 9:28
• 4 @CharlesMorisset to be more accurate, cross-posting is forbidden if you post the exact same question on both sites. But you can post two slightly different questions, one here focussing on the academic issues (”should I avoid it? if so, how to?”), and a more generic one on English. You won't get the same type of answers on both sites! –  F'x Commented Oct 3, 2013 at 10:08
• 1 @F'x: Very good point. I was mostly mentioning it for the benefit of rana, who seems to be quite a new user, in order to avoid the question to cross-posted as such on ELU. But a different question would be of course just fine! –  user102 Commented Oct 3, 2013 at 10:11

2 Answers 2

Because it's a cover letter, I think it's quite natural that you say a lot about you in it. That's actually not to be avoided, because you want to give the addressee a good idea of your background, your motivations, your interests, etc. In short, you want to show them who you are, so they want to work with you. This is a totally different exercise than usual academic writing.

Now, regarding the redundancy of I , it is a matter of writing style. It probably wouldn't bother me much, but if you want to diminish it for some reasons, here are worthy alternatives:

Instead of starting your sentence with I , just push it somewhere down in some sentences. That way, you avoid the pattern of I as the first word of every sentence.

Looking at your group's wide range of research, I must confess a certain attraction for your recent groundbreaking work on the correlation between beer-drinking and publication rate .

Use constructions that, while retaining the first person, shift from the subject pronoun to other cases:

It has been my intention for a few years now to shift my research interests from pure psychology to experimental psychohistory, and I have thus taken in 2009 a post-doc position at the University of Trentor (group of prof. Seldon)

instead of “I decided a few years ago to move to the field of psychohistory…” . Similarly, you could say

The standard techniques of academic writing… introduce the pronoun once, then shift the discuss to avoid being the actor, e.g. using passive voice.

During my thesis, I introduced a new data reduction technique called XXZ. This algorithm, when applied to large datasets, was used to univocally establish whether data was being manipulated. In particular, results obtained on the 2000 election showed systematic bias against a specific candidate, highlighting its power as a diagnostic tool for real-life applications.

Be aware that there are downsides, though: most of these alternatives are longer than a direct sentence starting with I , which means overusing them could make you sound windy.

• thanks for the detailed discussion. I like to avoid passive voice and the introductory phases at the beginning of each sentence as these somehow dilute the importance/purpose of the sentence. So I prefer to use active voice and end up with many "I"! I think I should use a proper balance of active/passive voice and don't overuse any of these! Again, do you have example/link that might be useful? –  rana Commented Oct 3, 2013 at 10:18
• 3 While the link doesn't work for me, +1 for the link to the Grim study. –  StrongBad Commented Oct 3, 2013 at 14:08
• @DanielE.Shub link fixed (DOI changed since the ASAP version I had on my hard drive) –  F'x Commented Oct 3, 2013 at 14:36
• 2 Speak like Yoda, you can. –  Rolf Commented Jul 31, 2019 at 18:55

One possibility is to use "my" now and then: instead of "I am experienced in ...", write "My fields of experience include ...". Another possibility is to use references to previous sentences: instead of writing "I developed the method of ... . I applied it to the problem of ... ." write "I developed ... . Its application to ... resulted in ... .". Also, instead of writing "I'm interested in the position because ...", write "This position will allow me to ... and benefit my ...". The idea is always the same: look at all other words in the sentence and think of whether one of them can be made the subject without changing the meaning or diluting the "importance" of the sentence. If it can, do it. If not, resort to passive voice and other techniques suggested in this thread. If it is still not satisfactory for some reason, just use "I" and go to the next sentence.

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for browse other questions tagged writing application-cover-letter ..

• Featured on Meta
• Bringing clarity to status tag usage on meta sites
• We've made changes to our Terms of Service & Privacy Policy - July 2024
• Announcing a change to the data-dump process

Hot Network Questions

• Retroactively specifying `-only` or `-or-later` for GPLv2 in an adopted project
• How old were Phineas and Ferb? What year was it?
• Euler E152: "Analysin enim ineptam existimat"
• Can objective morality be derived as a corollary from the assumption of God's existence?
• Long equation break
• Is this a real early draft of the script for The Matrix?
• How to make two alignments in the environment align?
• C - mini string lib
• Has any spacecraft ever been severely damaged by a micrometeorite?
• Is sudoku only one puzzle?
• Series of discrete groups with a Lie group limit
• Is "UN law" a thing?
• What do all branches of Mathematics have in common to be considered "Mathematics", or parts of the same field?
• Home water pressure higher than city water pressure?
• How to remove a file which name seems to be "." on an SMB share?
• Are ～渋る and ～惜しむ any different as verbal suffixes?
• What are the advantages of an eight diode 3 phase full bridge rectifier?
• A consequence of Firoozbakht's conjecture?
• How can I put node of a forest correctly?
• Should I be worried about this giant crack?
• Is there a way to swap my longbow from being a ranger for a shortbow?
• How can I turn a MOSFET on and off with a PNP transistor?
• Explaining Arithmetic Progression
• Does "any computer(s) you have" refer to one or all the computers?

Why You Should Avoid Overusing 'I' In Your Cover Letter

Your cover letter is one of the first impressions you make on an employer. How would you like that impression to be you are a self-absorbed know-it-all? And all of this can be determined by your use of the word “I." Most of us have probably heard the “Don't Overuse 'I' Rule," but do you know why you shouldn't. Keep reading to find out...

Rookie Mistake

Team of 'i', check out my stats, pass the ball.

• 5 Crucial Cover Letter Mistakes To Avoid - Work It Daily | Where Careers Go To Grow ›
• 2 Common Cover Letter Mistakes To Avoid - Work It Daily ›

11 Ways To Enjoy Summer When You’re Working A Full-Time Job

There you are: sitting on the beach, covered in sunscreen, reading your favorite book, drinking your favorite drink under the cool shade of an umbrella. Life doesn't get any better than this. Suddenly, a door slams, a phone rings, a printer turns on. You jolt back into consciousness. You're at work, sitting in your cubicle, without even a hint of sunshine streaming in from outside.

When you're working a full-time job, finding time to enjoy the warm, bright summer weather can be a challenge. This is especially true for young professionals , as many of them are used to having summers off (or, at the very least, having a flexible summer schedule). But there's no need to feel trapped behind your cubicle walls. Go out and enjoy summer!

Here are a few tips for making the most of your summer while working full time.

1. Grab Some Foldable Chairs

Keep a couple of foldable camping chairs at the office so you and a co-worker can catch some rays during lunch—whether it's in the park or the parking lot.

2. Keep A Beach Bag In Your Car​

Keep a bag full of summer supplies for your favorite summer activities . Having a bag (or, in my case, a backseat) full of towels, sunscreen, and swimwear keeps you prepared for anything. Friends hitting up the pool after work? You're covered. Once the clock strikes five, you can head to your destination of choice immediately.

3. Plan An Office Outing

Plan an office field trip to the beach, the park, or the pool. Just do something fun so your brain can recharge and refresh!

4. Organize Group Walks

Get a bunch of co-workers together and go on regular walks around town during lunch. (Or you could suggest a quick jaunt over to the ice cream shop.) This is a great way to get some fresh air, sunshine, and exercise.

5. Eat Lunch At The Park

When you find yourself eating out, hit up places with a deck, porch, or patio of some sort. Obviously, eating out every day isn't really a feasible option for most of us, so look into alternative ideas as well. Pack a lunch and hit the park for your own little picnic.

6. Organize Office Sports

Whether it's setting up an official office sports team or just hanging out with your colleagues a few times a week, playing sports is a great way to get out and enjoy the weather. Have a field nearby? Try setting up some slow-pitch softball games. Or see if you can get a basketball hoop for the office so you and a few co-workers can shoot some hoops at lunch.

7. Join A Professional Group

During the summer, professional networking groups often have fun events like harbor cruises, pub crawls, and outdoor mixers. Find a professional group in your area and make networking fun this summer.

8. Have An Office BBQ

Get your grill on! Talk to your boss about setting up an office BBQ. Ask everyone to contribute their favorite dish, side, or drink. Fire up the grill and relax! Hey, it's summer after all.

9. Wake Up Early

Yes, yes, I know...waking up early is an incredibly painful and unbearable experience for some of us, but waking up even an hour earlier has its benefits—especially in the summer. Go for a morning run, putter around in the garden, or watch the sunrise with a loved one. Talk about starting the day off right!

10. Strategically Use Your Time Off

Strategically use your vacation days around holidays. This way, you can make a potentially long weekend longer without having to use too much of your precious vacation time . Half days are also pretty awesome. It's amazing how much you can do with four extra hours! If you want an early weekend but don't want to burn up your vacation days too quickly, try taking a half day on a Friday instead of using a full day off.

11. Bike To Work

If you're one of the lucky few who live within walking or biking distance of work, take advantage of it! Not only will you get plenty of fresh air, but you'll also save money on gas, which is always a plus!

There are plenty of easy ways to enjoy summer when you work a full-time job. So this summer, try out a few of these ideas and make the most of the sunshine and warm weather—while they're still around!

Need more help with your career?

Become a member to learn how to UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

10 Things Recruiters Won't Tell You (But I Will!)

Now hiring: remote sysops engineer, 3 important career lessons learned on and off the field, how ex-nfl player, chris gronkowski, is using social media to change careers.

• scholarships
• Find Scholarships
• Featured Scholarships
• Scholarship News
• Scholarship Winners
• National Scholarship Directory
• $1,000 Invite-a-Friend Scholarship
• fafsa & financial aid
• Financial Aid
• FAFSA & Financial Aid News
• student loans
• student discounts
• internships
• Find Internships
• Featured Internships
• Part-Time Jobs
• Internship News
• Online Learning
• Educator Resources
• Download Free Materials
• Scholarship List Builder
• Scholarship Providers
• Educator Log In
• Parent Resources
• Parent Student Loans
• Parent News
• All Articles
• Student News
• Coronavirus Resources
• Student Contributors

What's Trending

• Top Scholarships for High School Seniors: Class of 2025
• Top 22 Cool Items for Students
• Top 10 Happiest Colleges in America
• Scholarships & Internships for LGBTQ+ Students, Allies
• Opportunity Knocks for $2,500 Goodwall Scholarship Winner

Career Planning

10 Cover Letter Dos and Don'ts

Navigate writing your first cover letter with our cover letter guide..

Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

June 07, 2022

Cover Letter Guide

Cover letter don’ts.

This article originally appeared on Monster.com and was written by resume expert, Kim Isaacs.

You Might Also Like

Fastweb's $1,250 Your Future is Now Sweepstakes Has Launched

Learn how this quick-enter scholarship opportunity helps students focus on their goals. Plus, one student will win scholarship money to help them pay for school!

• The 7 Best Places to Buy, Rent and Sell Your Textbooks
• Full-Tuition Scholarships
• Value of Scholarships Proven as Federal Student Loan Interest Rates Increase
• Jobs that Pay for College with Tuition Reimbursement
• College Majors with Highest Salary Jobs
• 24 Scholarships to Apply for in 2024
• Tide, Downy and Gain Back to School Scholarship
• Is Trade School Right for You?
• How to Apply for National Merit Scholarship

x Join Fastweb. Match Instantly.

Become a member and gain exclusive access to our database of over 1.5 million scholarships.

By clicking, I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy .

• QUICK LINKS
• FAFSA & Financial Aid
• Scholarship Directory
• Scholarships by State
• Scholarships by Major
• Scholarships by Year of Study
• Scholarships for High School Seniors
• Scholarships for College Freshmen
• Scholarships for Veterans
• Scholarships for Bilingual Students
• Scholarships for Hispanic Students
• Scholarships for African-American Students
• About Fastweb
• Advertise With Us
• Provider Guidelines
• Educator Login

DOWNLOAD OUR APP

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Center

Copyright © 2024

How to Write a Cover Letter [Full Guide & Examples for 2024]

After weeks of heavy job searching, you’re almost there!

You’ve perfected your resume.

You’ve short-listed the coolest jobs you want to apply for.

You’ve even had a friend train you for every single interview question out there.

But then, before you can send in your application and call it a day, you remember that you need to write a cover letter too.

So now, you’re stuck staring at a blank page, wondering where to start...

Don’t panic! We’ve got you covered. Writing a cover letter is a lot simpler than you might think. 

In this guide, we’re going to teach you how to write a cover letter that gets you the job you deserve.

We're going to cover:

What Is a Cover Letter?

• How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter, Step by Step
• 15+ Job-Winning Cover Letter Examples

Let’s get started.

A cover letter is a document that you submit as part of your job application, alongside your resume or CV.

The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, it should be around 250 to 400 words long .

A good cover letter is supposed to impress the hiring manager and convince them you’re worth interviewing as a candidate.

So, how can your cover letter achieve this?

First of all, it should complement your resume, not copy it. Your cover letter is your chance to elaborate on important achievements, skills, or anything else that your resume doesn’t give you the space to cover. 

For example, if you have an employment gap on your resume, the cover letter is a great place to explain why it happened and how it helped you grow as a person. 

If this is your first time writing a cover letter, writing about yourself might seem complicated. But don’t worry—you don’t need to be super creative or even a good writer .

All you have to do is follow this tried and tested cover letter structure:

• Header. Add all the necessary contact information at the top of your cover letter.
• Formal greeting. Choose an appropriate way to greet your target audience.
• Introduction. Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph and explain your interest in the role.
• Body. Elaborate on why you’re the best candidate for the job and a good match for the company. Focus on “selling” your skills, achievements, and relevant professional experiences.
• Conclusion. Summarize your key points and wrap it up professionally.

Now, let’s take a look at an example of a cover letter that follows our structure perfectly:

New to cover letter writing? Give our cover letter video a watch before diving into the article!

When Should You Write a Cover Letter?

You should always include a cover letter in your job application, even if the hiring manager never reads it. Submitting a cover letter is as important as submitting a resume if you want to look like a serious candidate.

If the employer requests a cover letter as part of the screening process, not sending one is a huge red flag and will probably get your application tossed into the “no” pile immediately.

On the other hand, if the job advertisement doesn’t require a cover letter from the candidates, adding one shows you went the extra mile.

Putting in the effort to write a cover letter can set you apart from other candidates with similar professional experience and skills, and it could even sway the hiring manager to call you for an interview if you do it right.

Need to write a letter to help get you into a good school or volunteer program? Check out our guide to learn how to write a motivation letter !

How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter

Now that you know what a cover letter is, it’s time to learn how to write one!

We’ll go through the process in detail, step by step.

#1. Choose the Right Cover Letter Template

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

So, what’s a better way to leave a good impression than a well-formatted, stylish template?

Just choose one of our hand-picked cover letter templates , and you’ll be all set in no time!

As a bonus, our intuitive AI will even give you suggestions on how to improve your cover letter as you write it. You’ll have the perfect cover letter done in minutes!

#2. Put Contact Information in the Header

As with a resume, it’s important to start your cover letter with your contact details at the top. These should be in your cover letter’s header, separated neatly from the bulk of your text.

Here, you want to include all the essential contact information , including:

• Full Name. Your first and last name should stand out at the top.
• Job Title. Match the professional title underneath your name to the exact job title of the position you’re applying for. Hiring managers often hire for several roles at once, so giving them this cue about what role you’re after helps things go smoother.
• Email Address. Always use a professional and easy-to-spell email address. Ideally, it should combine your first and last names.
• Phone Number. Add a number where the hiring manager can easily reach you.
• Location. Add your city and state/country, no need for more details.
• Relevant Links (optional). You can add links to websites or social media profiles that are relevant to your field. Examples include a LinkedIn profile , Github, or an online portfolio.

Then it’s time to add the recipient’s contact details, such as:

• Hiring Manager's Name. If you can find the name of the hiring manager, add it.
• Hiring Manager's Title. While there’s no harm in writing “hiring manager,” if they’re the head of the department, we recommend you use that title accordingly.
• Company Name. Make sure to write the name of the company you're applying to.
• Location. The city and state/country are usually enough information here, too.
• Date of Writing (Optional). You can include the date you wrote your cover letter for an extra professional touch.

#3. Address the Hiring Manager

Once you’ve properly listed all the contact information, it’s time to start writing the content of the cover letter.

The first thing you need to do here is to address your cover letter directly to the hiring manager.

In fact, you want to address the hiring manager personally .

Forget the old “Dear Sir or Madam” or the impersonal “To Whom It May Concern.” You want to give your future boss a good impression and show them that you did your research before sending in your application.

No one wants to hire a job seeker who just spams 20+ companies and hopes something sticks with their generic approach

So, how do you find out who’s the hiring manager?

First, check the job ad. The hiring manager’s name might be listed somewhere in it.

If that doesn’t work, check the company’s LinkedIn page. You just need to look up the head of the relevant department you’re applying to, and you’re all set.

For example, if you’re applying for the position of Communication Specialist at Novorésumé. The hiring manager is probably the Head of Communications or the Chief Communications Officer.

Here’s what you should look for on LinkedIn:

And there you go! You have your hiring manager.

But let’s say you’re applying for a position as a server . In that case, you’d be looking for the “restaurant manager” or “food and beverage manager.”

If the results don’t come up with anything, try checking out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.

Make sure to address them as Mr. or Ms., followed by their last name. If you’re not sure about their gender or marital status, you can just stick to their full name, like so:

• Dear Mr. Kurtuy,
• Dear Andrei Kurtuy,

But what if you still can’t find the hiring manager’s name, no matter where you look?

No worries. You can direct your cover letter to the company, department, or team as a whole, or just skip the hiring manager’s name.

• Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
• Dear Hiring Manager
• Dear [Department] Team
• Dear [Company Name]

Are you applying for a research position? Learn how to write an academic personal statement .

#4. Write an Eye-Catching Introduction

First impressions matter, especially when it comes to your job search.

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

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

The biggest problem with most opening paragraphs is that they’re usually extremely generic. Here’s an example:

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

See the issue here? This opening paragraph doesn’t say anything except the fact that you’ve worked the job before.

And do you know who else has similar work experience? All the other applicants you’re competing with.

Instead, you want to start with some of your top achievements to grab the reader’s attention. And to get the point across, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position.

Your opening paragraph should also show the hiring manager a bit about why you want this specific job. For example, mention how the job relates to your plans for the future or how it can help you grow professionally. This will show the hiring manager that you’re not just applying left and right—you’re actually enthusiastic about getting this particular role.

Now, let’s make our previous example shine:

Dear Mr. Smith,

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

The second candidate starts with what they can do for the company in the future and immediately lists an impressive and relevant achievement. Since they’re experienced in the same industry and interested in finance, the hiring manager can see they’re not just a random applicant.

From this introduction, it’s safe to say that the hiring manager would read the rest of this candidate’s cover letter.

#5. Use the Cover Letter Body for Details

The next part of your cover letter is where you can go into detail about what sets you apart as a qualified candidate for the job.

The main thing you need to remember here is that you shouldn’t make it all about yourself . Your cover letter is supposed to show the hiring manager how you relate to the job and the company you’re applying to.

No matter how cool you make yourself sound in your cover letter, if you don’t tailor it to match what the hiring manager is looking for, you’re not getting an interview.

To get this right, use the job ad as a reference when writing your cover letter. Make sure to highlight skills and achievements that match the job requirements, and you’re good to go.

Since this part of your cover letter is by far the longest, you should split it into at least two paragraphs.

Here’s what each paragraph should cover:

Explain Why You’re the Perfect Candidate for the Role

Before you can show the hiring manager that you’re exactly what they’ve been looking for, you need to know what it is they’re looking for.

Start by doing a bit of research. Learn what the most important skills and responsibilities of the role are according to the job ad, and focus on any relevant experience you have that matches them.

For example, if you’re applying for the position of a Facebook Advertiser. The top requirements on the job ad are:

• Experience managing a Facebook ad budget of $10,000+ / month
• Some skills in advertising on other platforms (Google Search + Twitter)
• Excellent copywriting skills

So, in the body of your cover letter, you need to show how you meet these requirements. Here’s an example of what that can look like:

In my previous role as a Facebook Marketing Expert at XYZ Inc. I handled customer acquisition through ads, managing a monthly Facebook ad budget of $40,000+ . As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation and management process end-to-end. I created the ad copy and images, picked the targeting, ran optimization trials, and so on.

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

• Google Search

Our example addresses all the necessary requirements and shows off the candidate’s relevant skills.

Are you a student applying for your first internship? Learn how to write an internship cover letter with our dedicated guide.

Explain Why You’re a Good Fit for the Company

As skilled and experienced as you may be, that’s not all the hiring manager is looking for.

They also want someone who’s a good fit for their company and who actually wants to work there.

Employees who don’t fit in with the company culture are likely to quit sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary , so hiring managers vet candidates very carefully to avoid this scenario.

So, you have to convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about working with them.

Start by doing some research about the company. You want to know things like:

• What’s the company’s business model?
• What’s the company’s product or service? Have you used it?
• What’s the company’s culture like?

Chances are, you’ll find all the information you need either on the company website or on job-search websites like Jobscan or Glassdoor.

Then, pick your favorite thing about the company and talk about it in your cover letter.

But don’t just describe the company in its own words just to flatter them. Be super specific—the hiring manager can see through any fluff.

For example, if you’re passionate about their product and you like the company’s culture of innovation and independent work model, you can write something like:

I’ve personally used the XYZ Smartphone, and I believe that it’s the most innovative tech I’ve used in years. The features, such as Made-Up-Feature #1 and Made-Up-Feature #2, were real game changers for the device.

I really admire how Company XYZ strives for excellence in all its product lines, creating market-leading tech. As someone who thrives in a self-driven environment, I truly believe that I’ll be a great match for your Product Design team.

So, make sure to do your fair share of research and come up with good reasons why you're applying to that specific company.

Is the company you want to work for not hiring at the moment? Check out our guide to writing a letter of interest .

#6. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Finally, it’s time to conclude your cover letter.

In the final paragraph, you want to:

• Wrap up any points you couldn't make in the previous paragraphs. Do you have anything left to say? If there’s any other information that could help the hiring manager make their decision, mention it here. If not, just recap your key selling points so far, such as key skills and expertise.
• Express gratitude. Politely thanking the hiring manager for their time is always a good idea.
• Finish the cover letter with a call to action. The very last sentence in your cover letter should be a call to action. This means you should ask the hiring manager to do something, like call you and discuss your application or arrange an interview.
• Remember to sign your cover letter. Just add a formal closing line and sign your name at the bottom.

Here’s an example of how to end your cover letter :

I hope to help Company X make the most of their Facebook marketing initiatives. I'd love to further discuss how my previous success at XYZ Inc. can help you achieve your Facebook marketing goals. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at the provided email address or phone number so that we may arrange an interview.

Thank you for your consideration,

Alice Richards

Feel free to use one of these other popular closing lines for your cover letter:

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

Cover Letter Writing Checklist

Once you’re done with your cover letter, it’s time to check if it meets all industry requirements. 

Give our handy cover letter writing checklist a look to make sure:

Does your cover letter heading include all essential information?

• Professional Email
• Phone Number
• Relevant Links

Do you address the right person? 

• The hiring manager in the company
• Your future direct supervisor
• The company/department in general

Does your introductory paragraph grab the reader's attention?

• Did you mention some of your top achievements?
• Did you use numbers and facts to back up your experience?
• Did you convey enthusiasm for the specific role?

Do you show that you’re the right candidate for the job?

• Did you identify the core requirements for the role?
• Did you show how your experiences helped you fit the requirements perfectly?

Do you convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about the company you’re applying to?

• Did you identify the top 3 things that you like about the company?
• Did you avoid generic reasons for explaining your interest in the company?

Did you conclude your cover letter properly?

• Did you recap your key selling points in the conclusion?
• Did you end your cover letter with a call to action?
• Did you use the right formal closing line and sign your name?

15 Cover Letter Tips

Now you’re all set to write your cover letter! 

Before you start typing, here are some cover letter tips to help take your cover letter to the next level:

• Customize Your Cover Letter for Each Job. Make sure your cover letter is tailored to the job you're applying for. This shows you're not just sending generic applications left and right, and it tells the hiring manager you’re the right person for the job.
• Showcase Your Skills. Talk about how your skills meet the company’s needs. And while your hard skills should be front and center, you shouldn’t underestimate your soft skills in your cover letter either.
• Avoid Fluff. Don’t make any generic statements you can’t back up. The hiring manager can tell when you’re just throwing words around, and it doesn’t make your cover letter look good.
• Use Specific Examples. Instead of saying you're great at something, give an actual example to back up your claim. Any data you can provide makes you sound more credible, so quantify your achievements. For example, give numbers such as percentages related to your performance and the timeframe it took to accomplish certain achievements.
• Research the Company. Always take time to learn about the company you're applying to. Make sure to mention something about them in your cover letter to show the hiring manager that you're interested.
• Follow the Application Instructions. If the job posting asks for something specific in your cover letter or requires a certain format, make sure you include it. Not following instructions can come off as unattentive or signal to the hiring manager that you’re not taking the job seriously.
• Use the Right Template and Format. Choose the right cover letter format and adapt your cover letter’s look to the industry you’re applying for. For example, if you’re aiming for a job in Law or Finance, you should go for a cleaner, more professional look. But if you’re applying for a field that values innovation, like IT or Design, you have more room for creativity.
• Express Your Enthusiasm. Let the hiring manager know why you're excited about the job. Your passion for the specific role or the field in general can be a big selling point, and show them that you’re genuinely interested, not just applying left and right.
• Address Any Gaps. If there are any employment gaps in your resume , your cover letter is a great place to mention why. Your resume doesn’t give you enough space to elaborate on an employment gap, so addressing it here can set hiring managers at ease—life happens, and employers understand.
• Avoid Quirky Emails. Your email address should be presentable. It’s hard for a hiring manager to take you seriously if your email address is “[email protected].” Just use a [email protected] format.
• Check Your Contact Information. Typos in your email address or phone number can mean a missed opportunity. Double-check these before sending your application.
• Mention if You Want to Relocate. If you’re looking for a job that lets you move somewhere else, specify this in your cover letter.
• Keep It Brief. You want to keep your cover letter short and sweet. Hiring managers don’t have time to read a novel, so if you go over one page, they simply won’t read it at all.
• Use a Professional Tone. Even though a conversational tone isn’t a bad thing, remember that it's still a formal document. Show professionalism in your cover letter by keeping slang, jargon, and emojis out of it.
• Proofread Carefully. Typos and grammar mistakes are a huge deal-breaker. Use a tool like Grammarly or QuillBot to double-check your spelling and grammar, or even get a friend to check it for you.

15+ Cover Letter Examples

Need some inspiration? Check out some perfect cover letter examples for different experience levels and various professions.

5+ Cover Letter Examples by Experience

#1. college student cover letter example.

Check out our full guide to writing a college student cover letter here.

#2. Middle Management Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a project manager cover letter here.

#3. Team Leader Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a team leader cover letter here.

#4. Career Change Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to a career change resume and cover letter here.

#5. Management Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a management cover letter here.

#6. Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing an executive resume here.

9+ Cover Letter Examples by Profession

#1. it cover letter example.

Check out our full guide to writing an IT cover letter here.

#2. Consultant Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a consultant cover letter here.

#3. Human Resources Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a human resources cover letter here.

#4. Business Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a business cover letter here.

#5. Sales Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a sales cover letter here.

#6. Social Worker Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a social worker cover letter here.

#7. Lawyer Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a lawyer cover letter here.

#8. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing an administrative assistant cover letter here.

#9. Engineering Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing an engineer cover letter here.

#10. Receptionist Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a receptionist cover letter here.

Need more inspiration? Check out these cover letter examples to learn what makes them stand out.

Plug & Play Cover Letter Template

Not sure how to start your cover letter? Don’t worry!

Just copy and paste our free cover letter template into the cover letter builder, and swap out the blanks for your details.

[Your Full Name]

[Your Profession]

[Your Phone Number]

[Your Email Address]

[Your Location]

[Your LinkedIn Profile URL (optional)]

[Your Personal Website URL (optional)]

[Recipient's Name, e.g., Jane Doe],

[Recipient's Position, e.g., Hiring Manager]

[Company Name, e.g., ABC Corporation]

[Company Address]

[City, State/Country]

Dear [Recipient's Name],

As a seasoned [Your Profession] with [Number of Years of Experience] years of industry experience, I am eager to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With my experience in [Your Industry/Sector] and the successes I've achieved throughout my education and career, I believe I can bring unique value and creativity to your team.

In my current role as [Your Current Job Title], I've taken the lead on more than [Number of Projects/Assignments] projects, some valued up to $[Highest Project Value]. I pride myself on consistently exceeding client expectations and have successfully [Mention a Key Achievement] in just a [Amount of Time] through [Skill] and [Skill].

I've collaborated with various professionals, such as [List Roles], ensuring that all [projects/tasks] meet [relevant standards or objectives]. This hands-on experience, coupled with my dedication to understanding each [client's/customer's] vision, has equipped me to navigate and deliver on complex projects.

My key strengths include:

• Improving [Achievement] by [%] over [Amount of Time] which resulted in [Quantified Result].
• Optimizing [Work Process/Responsibility] which saved [Previous Employer] [Amount of Time/Budget/Other Metric] over [Weeks/Months/Years]
• Spearheading team of [Number of People] to [Task] and achieving [Quantified Result].

Alongside this letter, I've attached my resume. My educational background, a [Your Degree] with a concentration in [Your Specialization], complements the practical skills that I'm particularly eager to share with [Company Name].

I'm excited about the possibility of contributing to [Something Notable About the Company or Its Mission]. I'd be grateful for the chance to delve deeper into how my expertise aligns with your needs.

Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

The Heart of Your Job Search - Creating a Killer Resume

Your cover letter is only as good as your resume. If either one is weak, your entire application falls through.

After all, your cover letter is meant to complement your resume. Imagine going through all this effort to leave an amazing first impression in your cover letter, only for the hiring manager to never read it because your resume was mediocre.

But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered here, too.

Check out our dedicated guide on how to make a resume and learn everything you need to know to land your dream job!

Just pick one of our resume templates and start writing your own job-winning resume.

Key Takeaways

Now that we’ve walked you through all the steps of writing a cover letter, let’s summarize everything we’ve learned:

• A cover letter is a 250 - 400 word document that’s meant to convince the hiring manager that you’re the best candidate for the job.
• Your job application should always include a cover letter alongside your resume.
• To grab the hiring manager’s attention, write a strong opening paragraph. Mention who you are, why you’re applying, and a standout achievement to pique their interest.
• Your cover letter should focus on why you’re the perfect candidate for the job and why you’re passionate about working in this specific company.
• Use the body of your cover letter to provide details on your skills, achievements, and qualifications, as well as make sure to convey your enthusiasm throughout your whole cover letter.
• Recap your key selling points towards the end of your cover letter, and end it with a formal closing line and your full name signed underneath.

At Novorésumé, we’re committed to helping you get the job you deserve every step of the way! 

Follow our career blog for more valuable advice, or check out some of our top guides, such as:

• How to Make a Resume in 2024 | Beginner's Guide
• How to Write a CV (Curriculum Vitae) in 2024 [31+ Examples]
• 35+ Job Interview Questions and Answers [Full List]

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

• SUGGESTED TOPICS
• The Magazine
• Newsletters
• Managing Yourself
• Managing Teams
• Work-life Balance
• The Big Idea
• Data & Visuals
• Reading Lists
• Case Selections
• HBR Learning
• Topic Feeds
• Account Settings
• Email Preferences

How to Write a Cover Letter

Advice for tackling one of the toughest parts of the job-hunting process.

Perhaps the most challenging part of the job application process is writing an effective cover letter. And yes, you should send one. Even if only one in two cover letters gets read, that’s still a 50% chance that including one could help you. Before you start writing, find out more about the company and the specific job you want. Next, catch the attention of the hiring manager or recruiter with a strong opening line. If you have a personal connection with the company or someone who works there, mention it in the first sentence or two, and try to address your letter to someone directly. Hiring managers are looking for people who can help them solve problems, so show that you know what the company does and some of the challenges it faces. Then explain how your experience has equipped you to meet those needs. If the online application doesn’t allow you to submit a cover letter, use the format you’re given to demonstrate your ability to do the job and your enthusiasm for the role.

No one likes job hunting. Scouring through online job listings, spiffing up your résumé , prepping for grueling interviews  — none of it is fun. For many, the most challenging part of the process is writing an effective cover letter. There’s so much conflicting advice out there, it’s hard to know where to start. Do you even need one, especially if you’re applying through an online system?

• Amy Gallo is a contributing editor at Harvard Business Review, cohost of the Women at Work podcast , and the author of two books: Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People) and the HBR Guide to Dealing with Conflict . She writes and speaks about workplace dynamics. Watch her TEDx talk on conflict and follow her on LinkedIn . amyegallo

Partner Center

• Skip to Content
• Skip to Sidebar
• Skip to Footer

Resume Genius

The World's Smartest Resume Builder

Monday to Friday, 8AM – 12AM (Midnight) and Saturdays and Sundays, 10AM – 6PM EDT (866) 215-9048

Blog Cover Letter Help Cover Letter Dos and Don’ts

10 Cover Letter Do’s and Don’ts

Worried about getting your cover letter wrong? We’ve compiled a list of all the things you should be doing and all of the things you want to avoid when writing a cover letter. Check out our expert writing tips below to make sure you’ve got it covered.

As featured in *

Cover Letter Don'ts

Cover Letter Dos

Writing a great cover letter isn’t easy. With a whole page to elaborate on your qualifications, it’s hard to know what to focus on (or not to focus on) to make the best first impression possible.

@resumegenius Here are 4 mistakes to avoid if you want to write a strong cover letter and increase your chances of getting an interview 🏆 And if you’re looking for inspiration, check our cover letter examples here: resumegeniusDOTme/cover-letter-examples #coverlettertips #coverletter #resumegenius ♬ Sky Aesthetic – Tollan Kim

Our free-to-use cover letter builder can make you a cover letter in as little as 5 minutes. Just pick the template you want, and our software will format everything for you.

Cover Letter Don’ts

Here are some common cover letter practices that are best avoided:

Don’t start your cover letter with “To Whom It May Concern”

Generic cover letter salutations like To Whom It May Concern are off-putting and considered awkward by many hiring managers.

Nowadays, it’s easy to personalize your cover letter by finding the hiring manager’s name on LinkedIn or the company website. Using To Whom It May Concern gives the impression that you didn’t try to tailor your cover letter or are sending out generic applications, which can put off some employers.

However, if you really can’t find the hiring manager’s name, there are other ways to start your cover letter that aren’t as outdated as To Whom It May Concern.

For example, simply refer to their job position, department, or use “Dear hiring manager.”

Don’t submit generic cover letters

Many job seekers submit generic cover letters to save time, just swapping out a few details for each new position. However, you’re missing out on a great opportunity to connect with employers by using a generic cover letter.

Instead of using a generic cover letter, write one that is tailored to the specific job you want. Use your cover letter to mention your interest in the position, your unique qualifications for it, and the skills you bring to the table for this particular job.

Does this mean you should never write a general cover letter? Not exactly. The relevant achievements you want to highlight aren’t going to change too much, and a well-written generic cover letter is a great way to save time. But you should always make at least a few small changes to your cover letter depending on the job you want.

Don’t summarize your resume

Hiring managers are busy people who have to sift through hundreds of applications at a time. Sending them two documents that give them the exact same information is a waste of their time and might negatively impact your chances of getting an interview.

A cover letter is supposed to support a resume and add more context, not rehash it. After all, if your cover letter says the same thing as your resume, what’s the point of sending in two separate documents?

While a resume showcases all of your qualifications and achievements, a cover letter should be used to expound upon these experiences and to highlight your personal interest in the position. Beyond that, it should explain how your experience makes you the best candidate for the job.

Don’t make confessions

It’s never a good idea to use your cover letter to bring up potential red flags.

It’s helpful to use a cover letter to explain your circumstances and give employers some context around your work — like if you’re returning to work after an extended employment gap, or are changing careers.

However, you should never use your cover letter as an opportunity to tell a hiring manager why you were previously fired or to admit that you don’t have much experience.

One of the best tips for a good cover letter is to focus on the positive. Rather than drawing attention to negative details, highlight the experience, passion, and skills that make you stand out as the best candidate for the job.

Don’t go over one page

You might feel like you have a lot to say about yourself, your qualifications, and the position you want. However, hiring managers don’t have time to read your life story.

Reading a multi-page cover letter sucks up a lot of the hiring manager’s time, and can make you appear self-important, which could negatively impact their opinion of you as a candidate.

To capture and keep your hiring manager’s attention, make your cover letter length one page at most. More importantly, be brief and direct in your wording.

Being concise helps guarantee that even the busiest hiring managers will get a full picture of your relevant qualifications and achievements.

If you really want to save time and ensure that employers get the information you want out of your application, try writing a short cover letter .

Now, here are some things the best cover letters do to win over hiring managers.

Do know what to include in a cover letter

The first step when you write a cover letter is knowing what to include that will highlight your most valuable qualities and experience.

Here’s what to include in a cover letter to make your application stand out:

Your name and contact information The hiring manager’s name and contact info A salutation Your relevant achievements A mention of something you know about the company Why you are the best candidate for the position An impressive ending A standard closing Your signature

Including these elements helps you make a positive impression by giving the hiring manager all the information they need and showcasing some of your key skills and accomplishments as a professional.

Do tailor your cover letter to the position

Tailoring your cover letter to the job gives you a greater chance of getting the hiring manager’s attention because it shows them you have exactly the right skills for the job and are interested in landing that specific position.

Customizing each cover letter doesn’t take very much time, but it does take some thought.

Here are some examples of ways to customize a cover letter:

• Find out the hiring manager’s name and use it
• Explain how you found out about the position
• Tell the hiring manager why you’re interested
• Demonstrate your knowledge of the company
• Mention specific skills that fit with the job requirements
• Talk about ways you can benefit that particular company

Customizing your cover letters takes more time but greatly increases your likelihood of landing an interview. If you need some inspiration, try checking out some cover letter examples for ideas.

Do show some personality

Hiring managers spend a lot of time reading generic cover letters and dry resumes. Adding a bit of your personality to your cover letter is a great way to grab their attention and show that you’d be a good culture fit.

Here are a few of the best ways to show your personality in a formal cover letter:

• When you mention that you’re interested in the position, provide a little context by providing a personal anecdote about why you’re interested.
• When discussing what you can do for the company, mention your work style and personality. For example, mention if you’re a great collaborator, or love to participate in work events.

By adding some personal touch, you make your letter far more relatable and engaging than a boring, robotic letter.

Do sell yourself

Your cover letter is all about showing a potential employer that you have all the qualifications and skills they’re looking for in a candidate. To do this, it’s essential to highlight your key professional achievements.

A hiring manager isn’t going to be impressed by vague statements like “was responsible for” or “tasked with”, so make sure to highlight your accomplishments in quantifiable terms.

Give concrete examples that describe your specific experience and capability. For example, instead of just saying “responsible for increasing sales,” add a hard number: “increased sales revenue by 7.5% over six months.”

Giving potential employers hard figures makes your accomplishments stand out and makes you more memorable as a candidate.

Do describe how you can contribute to the company

Employers are reading your application primarily to see what benefit you can bring to their company, so make sure to outline that clearly in your cover letter. Let the hiring manager know how hiring you would benefit their business in specific terms.

Put in that extra effort to find out what the company needs and how your skills and qualifications will help them achieve it. Doing so will make the hiring manager’s job much easier, and in the process make your application much stronger.

For example, if you notice that the company you want to work for is putting a lot of resources into improving a part of their business, highlight your expertise in that particular area and how you could help them achieve their goals.

This is an effective way to convince employers that you’re worth interviewing, even if your resume isn’t perfect.

Do try using an AI cover letter generator if you get stuck in the writing process. It can help you create an impressive cover letter that shows employers your expertise and experience.

Geoffrey Scott

Professional Resume Writer, Career Coach, & Senior Hiring Manager

Geoff Scott is an experienced Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) & Career Coach at Resume Genius, where he teaches an international audience how to improve their job prospects by creating thorough, thoughtful resumes and cover letters. With 8+ years in the careers industry, he’s been cited for his expert advice by news outlets and websites like the BBC, Fortune, Forbes, and HR Brew. Geoff has an MA in History from the University of Nevada, and currently lives in Taipei, Taiwan, where he leads a 13-person in-house team of career professionals and PR experts while also acting as the office’s primary hiring manager. If you want to reach him for a quote or media-related query, he can be reached at [email protected] or via his social accounts. Please note that Resume Genius does not accept guest posts, and all such requests will be ignored.

Subscribe to our newsletter

By clicking “Submit” you agree to receive marketing communications from our site, and to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy . You can unsubscribe at any time.

Thanks for subscribing!

We're thrilled to be a part of your professional journey! Stay tuned for the most up-to-date job news, free resources, and expert advice for your job hunt and career.

Cover Letter Dos and Don’ts

Click to rate this article

4.7 Average rating

Related Articles

Cover Letter Help

Conrad Benz

Corissa Peterson

Rebecca Tay, Ph.D.

Ida Pettersson

Emily Crowley

Eva Chan, CPRW

Thanks for downloading our free template!

Would you leave us a review?

6 Tips for Formatting a Cover Letter

Your cover letter needs to grab the recipient’s attention and make an impact. It’s about showcasing your skills and standing out from other applicants.

Details matter, so it’s important to get the formatting right. A cover letter format is similar to a one-page business letter format. It should have one-inch margins on all sides, size 10–12 font in Times New Roman or Calibri, and 1.15 line spacing.

Once the formatting is squared away, your job is to make sure your cover letter is concise, relevant, and easy to read. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this comprehensive guide will help you stand out in today’s competitive job market.

Give your writing extra polish Grammarly helps you communicate confidently Write with Grammarly

What is a cover letter format?

A cover letter format serves as a structure that organizes the information within a cover letter. Cover letters, like standard one-page business letters, include:

• A salutation
• An opening paragraph

Body paragraphs

• A closing paragraph

Cover letter outline

Follow this outline to write a cover letter that is concise and professional.

Cover letter headers should include the following details:

• The date you wrote the letter
• Your contact information: name, phone number, and email address
• The recipient’s contact information: name, company, and company address

Salutation and introduction

In your salutation, formally address the hiring manager by name.

Dear Ms. Lahiri,

When you don’t know the hiring manager’s name, try to narrow it down by team.

Dear Communications Team,

As a last resort you can use the generic “hiring manager” title.

Then, in a sentence or two, open your cover letter by explaining why the position appeals to you. In three sentences or less, highlight your most relevant experience based on the job description to show why you’re a good fit and compel hiring managers to keep reading. You’ll go into more detail in the next section.

The body of your cover letter should be two to four short paragraphs. This is where you describe relevant, quantifiable accomplishments and skills that fit the job description. Be specific about what makes you a good fit for that specific position and company.

In a few sentences, wrap up your cover letter with a conclusion and a call to action. The conclusion may expand on your interest in the company and why you want to work there. Then, thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration.

The following are examples of effective cover calls to action:

• I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further. I look forward to learning more about the position and your team.
• I welcome the chance to contribute my skills and work ethic to [company name]. I look forward to discussing how my background aligns with your needs. Thank you for considering my application.
• I am excited to learn more about the position and [company name], and I look forward to hearing from you.

At the end of your cover letter , sign off professionally and sign your name. Any of the following work as sign-offs:

• Respectfully

6 tips for formatting a professional cover letter

Now that you’ve written your cover letter , clean it up with these formatting tips.

1 Font style and size

Use a clean font style, such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. The cover letter font size should be 10 to 12 point for the body text. Use a slightly larger font size, like 14 or 16 point, for the header.

One inch on all sides is standard for cover letter margins. This provides a clear and consistent border around the content. If you do need to alter this standard, do not use a margin narrower than 0.75 inch or wider than 1.25 inches.

Use single-spacing or 1.15 line spacing for the body of the cover letter. Align the text to the left-hand side and maintain a consistent margin. Insert a blank line between paragraphs to create visual separation and make the content easier to read.

4 File format

The recommended file format for a cover letter is PDF (portable document format). Saving your cover letter as a PDF ensures that the formatting and layout remain consistent across different devices and operating systems. It also prevents the content from being easily edited or altered by the recipient.

5 File name

Your cover letter file should begin with your first and last name, include the words “cover letter,” and specify the job title or company name. Separate words within the file name using underscores (_) or hyphens (-) instead of spaces to prevent any issues with file compatibility.

A cover letter should be a concise and focused one-page document. Around 250 to 400 words should cover the necessary information—and keep the reader’s attention without overwhelming them with excessive details.

Cover letter format example

Jeremy Bleau

[email protected]

617-555-4938

June 27, 2024

Nitesh Sharma MediGlobal 123 Main Street Redwood City, CA 94063

Dear Nitesh,

I’m writing to express my interest in the position of Senior Product Manager at MediGlobal. I have a deep understanding of digital product ecosystems and a passion for data-driven solutions in the healthcare industry. I’m excited to discuss how I can contribute to the ongoing growth and success of your organization.

I have more than five years of experience in marketing and digital product management, including three-plus years specifically in the medical device and biotech sector. Additionally, I have a proven track record of driving strategic global marketing initiatives, with a success rate of 85% in increasing B2B brand awareness via email marketing and search, resulting in a 21% boost in annual revenue. My expertise lies in developing and implementing shared analytics strategies that align with company objectives and enhance overall reach.

Beyond my strategic marketing skills, I bring a deep passion for data and analytics, recognizing their crucial role in informing decision-making and driving business outcomes. I’m adept at leveraging data, capturing analytics, and ensuring interoperability between digital assets and services. Throughout my career, I have established strong relationships with key opinion leaders and collaborated closely with R&D, IT, and cross-functional partners to drive digital asset development. My entrepreneurial mindset, coupled with my strategic thinking and execution abilities, enables me to identify unmet needs and implement optimal solutions.

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the growth of MediGlobal and its digital care team applications and welcome the opportunity to discuss in more detail how my skills and expertise align with the goals and requirements of the Senior Product Manager role. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the success of MediGlobal.

Cover letter format FAQs

What is the purpose of formatting a cover letter.

Formatting a cover letter is important because it helps you present yourself professionally and makes your letter easier to read for the person reviewing it.

What are the key components of a cover letter?

The key components of a cover letter are:

• An introduction
• A conclusion

What are 6 tips for formatting a cover letter?

• Use a simple font like Times New Roman or Arial in 10 to 12 point.
• Set margins to one inch on all sides.
• Use 1.15 line spacing throughout and insert a blank line between each paragraph.
• Format your cover letter as a PDF.
• Name your cover letter file with your first name, last name, the words “cover letter,” and the job title or company name.
• Keep your letter within 250 to 400 words and less than one page.

${ company.text }

Be the first to rate this company   Not rated   ${ company.score } stars   •   ${ company.industry}   •   ${ company.headquarters}

${ getArticleTitle(article) }

${ tag.display_name }, ${ getcommunityposttext(community_post) }, contributors, ${ contributor.full_name }.

${ contributor.short_bio }

• Paid time off
• Salary satisfaction
• The people you work with
• Flexible work hours
• Equal opportunities for women and men
• Learning opportunities
• Management opportunities
• Ability to telecommute
• Wellness initiatives
• Employer responsiveness
• More categories...
• By InHerSight score
• By review category
• By industry
• By company size
• Finding a job
• Interviewing
• Negotiating
• Career change
• Unemployment
• Career development
• Advancement
• Culture & professionalism
• Flexibility
• Work from home
• Inclusive benefits
• Workplace rights
• Work-life balance
• Return to work
• Women to know
• Guides to discrimination
• Equal opportunities
• Microaggressions
• Mental health
• Ask a recruiter
• Partners in diversity
• Working during coronavirus
• Employer resources

Join InHerSight's growing community of professional women and get matched to great jobs and more!

Already have an account? Log in ›

How to Write a Cover Letter (and a Template for You to Use)

Dear Sasha Fierce: Give me this job

Love’em or hate’em, if you want to get a job, you’re probably going to need write a cover letter. And in a world where recruiters receive hundreds of responses to job postings daily, yours has to stand out.

We’ll look at what to say and what not to say—the do’s and dont’s of cover letter creation—plus cover letter examples proven to work.

Wait—do I still even need a cover letter?

It’s generally accepted that a full half of recruiters don’t read cover letters ; what that means, though, is that the other half does. Unless you’re directly instructed not to include one in your job application, then yes, you need a cover letter. In many instances, they’re still expected, plus a cover letter can actually be the deciding factor as to whether you land a coveted interview or job.

Business initiatives consultant Scott Farray explains the value of a cover letter this way: “It allows an applicant to introduce themselves, provide a high-level overview of their experience, talk to the value they bring, add detail that they could not fit into the resume, and maybe even note their goals. Compared to the resume, which should have hard hitting bullets with quantifiable impacts that showcases their‘awesomeness’.”

A strong cover letter stands out to the hiring manager—it demonstrates that you’ve taken the time to think about how your qualifications and experience are valuable to that company. It’s also another opportunity to use role-specific keywords, which helps in this era of applicant tracking systems.

Read more: How Long Should Your Resume Be? 8 Resume Myths Busted

8 dos and don’ts of writing a great cover letter

Here are some pointers regarding what your cover letter should include, and what it should absolutely not include.

1. Don’t make your cover letter a repeat of your resume

That’s not its purpose. Its purpose is to expand upon and demonstrate how your experience is well-matched to the role.

2. Do address how you’ll solve that department’s pain points

This approach shows exactly the kind of value you’ll bring to the company and makes the decision to hire (or interview) easy. Use the one opportunity you have before the interview to market yourself.

3. Don’t make the letter too long

One page is plenty, and less is definitely more in this case. Remember you’re competing against strained attention spans and enormous volume here. According to SmallBizGenius staff writer Ivana Vojinovic , the average corporate job post receives 250 resumes.

4. Do include a call to action

That is usually confirming that you’re available for an interview at the employer’s convenience, and you can put your availability for the start date as well.

5. Don’t blindly follow a template

While keeping the general framework of a strong cover letter in mind is a good idea, don’t send a bland letter that doesn’t specifically connect to the job you’re applying for.

6. Do address potential questions the recruiter might have

These are questions they might have based on your resume, such as gaps in your employment. You can also demonstrate knowledge of the company you’re applying to, which shows the recruiter you’ve done your research.

7. Don’t make typos

Proofread your cover letter as carefully as you did your resume. Even one mistake can be jarring in the eyes of the hiring manager and negate much of the good impression your letter should have made.

8. Do proofread!

This can’t be overstated: Embarrassing errors happen and it can mean your note getting the interview. Foreign affairs syndicated columnist Markos Kounalakis says when he applied for an editing job, his letter read: “I am applying for your editroial position.” (He didn’t get the job.) Put your draft cover letter away for 24 hours, then come back to it for a final run-through. Use a text-to-speech reader and read along with it, then ask a human to read it for you, preferably someone who is good at spelling, grammar, and editing. Use CTRL+F or words you repeat or know you tend to have trouble with (you’re/your; it’s/its).

Read more: 9 Steps to Getting a Job Fast & Making Money While You Look

The four paragraphs of a cover letter

In her book Tell Stories, Get Hired , certified career coach and resume strategist Daisy Wright sets cover letter guidelines you can use and make your own. She’s given us permission to republish it here in full:

The first paragraph answers the “how” and “why”: how you heard about the position and why you are the perfect candidate for the role. If your application is an unsolicited one, indicate that the company is your main target and that you are exploring possible opportunities.

The second paragraph describes your skills, education, and experience and how your experience meets the company’s needs. It also shows how they align with the position and what the employer can expect from you.

The third paragraph describes your key contributions and tells stories of your achievements—how well you did what you were asked to do—and what makes you uniquely qualified for the job.

The fourth paragraph is a “call to action,” reiterating your interest in the position and indicating that you will be following up with them.

Read more: What to Do If You're Asked Illegal Questions in an Interview

A free sample cover letter template

Wright provided us with the following fill-in-the-blanks sample cover letter, based on her recommendations above. You can personalize this for the job itself focusing on the top desired skills, and your unique qualifications.

Dear [Name], I am writing in regard to your job opening of [target role]. As a candidate with extensive experience in [job title], I am highly skilled in [hard skills to job description]. My solid background in [people skills] has allowed me to manage teams with exceptional performance. The opportunity to join [organization] greatly interests me because [reasons]. As a holder of [degrees, certs], I can competently execute [job responsibilities]. I believe that I would make a valuable asset to your team and I offer my resume for your review. As per my professional summary, my qualities and experience make me highly suitable for the role of [target role]. I am highly regarded for [transferable skills]. I am proficient in [systems]. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated the highest levels of service and commitment to the mission of any organization I have worked for. [List three or four achievements relevant to the job description]. Thus, if you are looking for an organized  [“what” + “who”], you are welcome to contact me to arrange an interview. I am eager to learn more about how your organization can benefit from my contribution. I thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to hearing from you. Regards, [Your Name]

Read more: Addressing Your Cover Letter: A Quick & Easy Guide

About our expert${ getPlural(experts) }

About our author${ getplural(authors) }, don't miss out.

Create a free account to get unlimited access to our articles and to join millions of women growing with the InHerSight community

Looks like you already have an account! Click here to login ›

Invalid email. Please try again!

If you already have an account, click here to log in. By signing up, you agree to InHerSight's Terms and Privacy Policy

You now have access to all of our awesome content

On InHerSight, we connect women to jobs at companies where they can achieve their goals. View your dashboard to see your daily job matches.

• Pricing Job Posting Plans Talent Search Plans Resume Builder Plans
• Build your Network My Network Access your personal network connections and manage your contacts. Cake Meet Expand your professional network by meeting and connecting with other users. Community Engage with other users through discussions, forums, and networking events.

The Ultimate Cover Letter Format & Structure Guide (+ Examples)

In this article, you'll read about:

What Is a Cover Letter?

The correct cover letter structure, how to format a cover letter, cover letter template, cover letter sample.

A cover letter (or sometimes also referred to as a “letter of motivation” or “job application letter”) is a formal document sent along with your resume/CV for a job application. It provides additional information besides what is written in your resume with an aim to express yourself further in a more personal way. 

Recruiters can tell a lot about you from your cover letter. Aside from the information that you disclose through the content of your cover letter, recruiters can also infer your soft skills, such as how attentive to detail you are, how good you are at communicating through written language, and more through how you format your cover letter.

When writing a professional cover letter, you need to pay attention to the following elements:

• Cover letter format (i.e., structure, header, layout) 
• Cover letter style (block or semi-block)
• Cover letter line spacing 

This article will guide you through how to format a cover letter properly and provide you with cover letter layout examples.

A cover letter is a letter accompanying your resume or CV when you apply for a job, as a tool to promote or market yourself through written communication to the recruiter before you meet them face-to-face.  There is a general cover letter format for job applications that you can always follow and never go wrong with, but it is still important to keep in mind that different employers might have different specific requirements for applications. So, you have to make sure to read the job posting carefully.

Depending on the requirements and medium you use to send it, you will need different cover letter formats. 

Based on the situation and requirements of the employer, you can decide which cover letter format to go with, such as: 

• Email cover letter format: Cover letters are written as the email content when sending an application via email.
• Digital cover letter format or electronic cover letter format:  Cover letters are saved as a doc or pdf file and sent as an email attachment. 
• Printed cover letter format: Cover letters are printed out as a hard copy along with a printed resume to a mailing address.

Recruiters usually will read your cover letter before your resume. Therefore, it is important to create a good first impression with a properly written cover letter format. In this part, we will show you what elements should be included in a proper cover letter format.

Date written 

The date is a small aspect of the cover letter header format, and yet requires as much attention as others. 

The correct way to format is:  [Month] [Day], [Year]

Examples of how to format cover letter's date: 

March 30, 2022

Contact information

For printed/digital cover letter formats, both the sender’s and receiver’s contact information is usually placed at the top in the cover letter header. But, if you are writing an email cover letter, you can include your contact information at the bottom of the letter with your signature and name. No matter what, make sure you use a professional email and provide accurate information. 

Examples for email cover letters:

Best regards, Katherine Nguyen  (+1)-333-0987 |  [email protected]

Examples for printed/digital cover letter formats:

Kevin Nguyen  (+1)-333-0977  [email protected]

Richard Jenkins Head of HR at HHH Company  (+1)-992-9922  [email protected]

Salutation or opening greeting

You should directly address the person who will be going through your application for this position. They could be the hiring manager or the Head of the Department where the vacancy is from. 

💡 Pro Tip : To know who the hiring manager in charge of the position is, you can refer to the job post uploader, or do some research on the company website. You could also ask a connection that you have in the company (if any).

How to write a salutation may vary depending on the cover letter style. “Dear”, “Hello” are the safest greetings that you can go with. They sound friendly yet still maintain a professional tone.

Examples of cover letter salutations:

• Dear Mr. Jones, 
• Dear Hiring Manager, 
• Dear [Name of Department] Department Team,
• Dear Sir/Madam,

You might think, " How about using ' To Whom It May Concern ' ? " Surprisingly, this salutation is no longer considered as a good one to use in application letters as it is needlessly formal and doesn't address a specific person directly.

Opening paragraph

The goal of the opening paragraph is to explain to the reader who you are and why you're writing this letter. 

Think of it as the first introduction about yourself that will grab the hiring manager’s attention right away and stand out from the crowd. If written boringly, they may never even get to the second paragraph, and you don’t want that.

💡 Pro Tip : State an accomplishment to show your confidence, determination, and interest in the position, for example: “ I believe that… ”, “ I am very interested in… ”, “ I am writing to express my strong interest in… ”, etc. 

Here's an example of a cover letter opening paragraph:

My name is Katherine Nguyen - a registered nurse currently looking to acquire the nurse practitioner position at ENTC Hospital. I believe that my 8 years of experience in relevant roles makes me the right fit for this role. 

Middle or body paragraph

Here comes the most important section in the cover letter format for job applications. 

In this part, you need to explain why you think you're qualified for the role, in terms of expertise, work experience, and skills. You're selling your candidacy to the reader, so it's important to be as specific and concise as possible. 

Below are some tips when formatting your cover letter’s body paragraph:

• Avoid only repeating the information that’s already mentioned in your resume. 
• Make strong connections between your qualifications and the job requirements. 
• Use several shorter paragraphs or bullet points instead of one large block of text.

Here's an example of a cover letter body paragraph:

I have engaged in various industries, including technology, education, and beauty. I am a detail-oriented, enthusiastic, and diligent individual with nearly 6 years of experience in Content Marketing, SEO Writing, and Social Media Management. My major job responsibilities include: 

• Producing SEO-friendly content to publish on relevant media channels such as the company website, LinkedIn, and Instagram. 
• Conducting keyword research and leveraging SEO practices to optimize the article writing. 
• Managed multiple social media accounts to promote the company branding and  products.

In addition, I have a background in Digital Marketing and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and MBA from Western State University. In terms of language ability, I am a native English speaker with professional working proficiency in Korean and basic French.  

Closing paragraph

In the final paragraph of your cover letter, you should focus on the value you can bring to the organization.

What’s more, making a statement about how thrilled you’ll be to be a part of the team will also show your interest in the position. Besides that, don't forget to express your appreciation for the hiring manager's time and consideration. 

Here's an example of  how to format your cover letter ’s closing paragraph:

I have had a strong passion for writing since I was little. I've also been a big fan of Beauty Magazine and the impact that it brings for young girls for many years. Therefore, I hope that I can become a part of the team and contribute to the expansion of Beauty Magazine into the Asian market. 

Thank you for taking the time to review my application. Please let me know if you have any questions. I look forward to your response.

Now it's time to finish with a professional sign-off. 

You can simply end your cover letter with a formal complimentary closing, followed with your signature.

Since you're writing a formal document, avoid using casual language and tone like “Yours truly", “With love,” or "Take care".

For an email/digital cover letter format, you may need to put your contact info below your signature. For a printed cover letter format, make sure your signature is handwritten.

Examples of appropriate sign-offs to use in a standard cover letter format :

• Kind regards,
• Best regards,
• Best wishes,
• With gratitude,
• Respectfully,

Below are 5 elements that should be kept in mind for a good cover letter format. 

Similar to writing a CV or resume, it's best to keep your cover letter font professional. 

Use standard font styles such as: Arial, Helvetica, Roboto, Times New Roman, Verdana

Use fancy fonts, as hiring managers will find it hard to read and unprofessional. 

As for your cover letter font format, you should adopt no larger than a 12-point font and no smaller than a 10.5-point font. 

Good spacing is essential for a standard cover letter format. Proper white spaces will make it easier for employers to grab key information. Also, the cover letter layout will look neat and well-arranged. 

How to format cover letter spacing properly: 

• Leave space between each section (i.e., date, recipient’s address, salutation, body paragraphs, closing, and sign-off.)
• Use business letter format spacing: 1 or 1.15.

🖋 Margins & Alignment

Align your text to the left and use standard 1”-1.5” margins for all four sides. However, feel free to adjust the cover letter margins if you’re running out of space.

🖋 Cover letter full block format

There are three types of formats for how letters are typically written on paper, which are block, modified block, and semi-block format.

Most readers and job applicants prefer a cover letter in full block format since it’s most easy-to-read and looks neat. Doing this is very simple. All you need to do is put all elements of the letter aligned to the left margin of the page and all paragraphs are separated by a double line space to create a full block cover letter format.

🖋 Cover letter length

Your cover letter should range from a half-page to one full page, typically between 250-400 words. This way, you can keep it concise and informative at the same time. 

[Your Name]

[Your Address]  [Your City, State, Zip Code]  [Your Phone Number]  [Your Email Address]

[Hiring Manager’s Name]

[Company Name]  [Company Address]  [Company City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear Hiring Manager (or [hiring manager's name] ), 

My name is [your name] . I’m excited to be applying for the [job title] position at [Company Name] . [Short overview of your expertise, skills, and most outstanding accomplishments in the field] . [Your interest in this role and briefly explain how it matches your career goals] .

During my  [number of years] years of experience, I worked on  [major job responsibilities] . My greatest accomplishments are [relevant past achievements] . These experiences have allowed me to gain [skills relevant to the position] which I believe will allow me to [how you want to contribute and help the company grow] .

In addition to my experience, I have a solid educational background with a [educational degree] in [major of study] . I’m also a/an [personal trait] individual who is [soft skill #1, soft skill #2, soft skill #3…] .

I am confident that the professional experience and skills I’ve obtained in previous positions have prepared me for this opportunity. I would love to meet you and discuss further on how I might be an asset to the [name of team, department or company] . 

I have attached my resume for your reference. Thank you for your consideration and for taking the time to review my application. I look forward to hearing from you so we could discuss my contributions further in an interview at your convenience.

[Signature]

Now that you already know what a cover letter format for job applications looks like, let’s check out a formal cover letter example for a graphic designer position.

Marybelle Smiths  Victoria, TX 77979  [email protected] (+361)-443-5491

March 18, 2022

Samuel Lin Head of Marketing Team  SamaTech Corp. 90 Live Oak St., Lilita, TX77971

Dear Samuel,  

My name is Marybelle Smiths, a freelance graphic designer with 5 years of experience in the field. After reviewing your job listing, I'm excited to be applying for the Graphic Designer position at SamaTech. I strongly believe that my proven experience in various large-scale projects makes me an ideal candidate for this role.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Design from Texas A&M. During my recent 5 years working as a freelancer, I have developed the necessary skills to deliver informative and eye-catching designs, including package design and marketing collateral. I have worked with nearly 30 big clients in the FinTech, beauty, and tourism industries - not to mention 80+ small and medium-sized projects in other areas. 

The biggest achievement I have obtained is an increase in blog traffic by 145% and shares by 80% by adding my graphics to the older posts that did not have images. I have achieved many testimonials from my clients - please kindly check them out on my LinkedIn and Upwork profile. 

In addition to graphic design work, I have also expanded my expertise into web design and video production. To the best of my knowledge, SamaTech is looking for part-time assistants in these two fields.  

Therefore, I am confident that my experience and abilities will make me the right fit for the vacancy at SamaTech. I also know that I'd be able to develop my skills further should I be hired to become part of your team. 

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please let me know if you have any questions. I look forward to hearing from you and to having an opportunity for an interview.

Sincerely, Marybelle Smiths

With Cake, you can easily create a resume online, free download your resume’s PDF formats, and utilize ATS-compliant templates to create a resume. Land your dream job, create your resume online (free download) now!

Create Eesume

--- Originally written by May Luong ---

More Career and Recruitment Resources

Explore a range of job search tools and resources to achieve your dream career goals. Join the fastest-growing talent platform in the APAC region and expand your professional network.

Resume Builder

More Articles you might be interested in

What to write in an email when sending a resume [+ examples & tips], a comprehensive cv format guideline for freshers [+examples], list of 50+ best extracurricular activities for resume (guide & examples), resume format guideline: 10+ resume formats and free templates to download, how to write an appointment letter: format, sample & template, job application letter: examples, what to include & writing tips, motivation letter examples, template & writing tips, writing a thank you letter for a job offer: template, samples, guide, and tips.

Ask a Manager

here’s a real-life example of a fantastic cover letter

I often get asked for examples of good cover letters, and a reader recently sent me a great one that I want to share. This is a fantastic example of how someone without a ton of work experience (she’s still a student!) can make a compelling case for why they’d be a good hire. When I talk about how your cover letter should present info about you that’s not in your resume, this is what I’m talking about.

The caveats I’ve learned to give when sharing these:

• The writer has allowed me to share this here as a favor. Please remember she’s a real person when you’re commenting. • This writer’s voice is her voice. It will not be your voice, and that’s part of the point. • There is no single cover letter in the world that all hiring managers will love or that would be the right fit for every employer and every industry.  This one works for the writer’s particular context. But I receive letters every week from people telling me that moving in this sort of direction worked for them. • Do not steal this letter or even parts of it. It works because it’s so customized to the writer. It’s intended for inspiration only — to show what the advice here can look like in practice. (Every time I print a cover letter here, it ends up plagiarized all over the internet.) Stealing it will doom you to terrible job search luck for the next decade.

First, here’s some background from the writer:

I thought you might like to hear that I followed your advice for writing a cover letter, and it worked out great! I was applying for an internship with a fairly prestigious organization and there’s some big competition for getting any kind of work with them. I have a pretty decent resume, but I’m still finishing my degree and have limited experience in my field, so I knew I’d need to sell pretty hard to have a shot.

Well, a couple weeks after I sent in my resume, I got a call from the hiring manager: their internship was already filled, but they thought they had an actual position for me with the organization that they thought I’d be a perfect fit for! When I went for the interview (where I used a lot of your tips to really wow them), they specifically told me that they’ve never received a cover letter like mine, and really emphasized how much it had impressed them, so much so that they wanted to find a spot for me with their organization.

Today, I got the call with an official job offer, and I’m absolutely over the moon. Thank you for your wonderful advice; this has given me my first step into the field I’ve studied for, and I couldn’t be more excited!

Here’s the letter, with identifying details changed.

Dear Hiring Manager,

It’s with great enthusiasm that I am applying to be your next Intergalactic Service Intern. I know that my background and expertise would serve the Mars Agency well and leave a lasting impression in your client management department.

I’ve worked in some level of customer service since I was young, moving my way up from cashiering to supervisory and office positions. My positions went beyond simply giving change with a smile and a thank you; for many of my customers I become friend and confidant, a familiar face with whom they could discuss their day and all its ups and downs. In my long tenure at Starbucks I knew hundreds of customers by name, knew their jobs, their children, their lives—I was there to support them beyond a transaction, living up to our core value of becoming a second home. My experience there helped shape me as a person, and I still keep contact with some of my customers and coworkers to this day.

I carried these values over to my volunteering, allowing profession to grow into passion. At the Saturn Wildlife Exhibit, I prepare specimens in an open-air space that allows the public full access to our work. My days are spent speaking to children and adults alike about the exhibit, specimens, and local flora and fauna, stoking enthusiasm and awe for the natural world in the process. My interpretive conversations show a new generation that natural science is fun, exciting, and accessible to everyone.

Beyond my love of working with people, I also have a broad and expansive set of technical skills. Working at the Saturn Veterinary Clinic doesn’t just afford me client interaction and puppies to adore: every day I’m on my feet and on the move, dealing with complicated system processes and problem-solving on the fly to help ease the workload of our six doctors. Scheduling, cleaning, pet wrangling, sample collecting—you name it, I do it. I have a knack for wearing many hats, and revel in the challenges of new experiences.

I’d be thrilled with the opportunity to learn more about this internship, and would love to talk to you about the contributions I can make at the Mars Agency. Thank you for your consideration, and I hope to hear from you soon.

Warmest regards,

You may also like:

• how to write a cover letter that will help you get an interview
• if you're not getting interviews, here's how to fix your resume and cover letter
• where's the line between necessary self-promotion and overconfidence in cover letters?

{ 199 comments… read them below }

this is really great!! go you!

Yes – thank you (and the letter writer) for posting this! A real life example of your advice put into practice is SO helpful!

I would have hired her too.

Yup, same. This is very well-done – I feel like I know this person without having ever met her, and she’s delightful. Good job, OP, and good luck with the new position!

Delightful is the word! Jood job, OP!

Same! This letter is SO charming and good.

Me, too! I am a sucker for a good cover letter, and I see so few of them.

This is a really great letter, and I’m grateful the LW shared it!

Thanks for sharing! It’s so voicey and professional. LW, congrats on going in for an internship and coming out with a job! That’s awesome

I really like this letter. It explains a lot about the writer that you wouldn’t get from the resume and it seems to be in the writer’s authentic voice.

Also, I’m switching to the Saturn Veterinary Clinic.

Yeah, on top of the great letter, I really love the space theme. Being an Intergalactic Service Intern sounds fabulous!

I’m going to hug my barista tomorrow

Congratulations, LW! As a hiring manager, I find the most intriguing/effective elements to be the ways she ties her entry-level positions into the broader missions of the organizations she has worked for and volunteered with. I love that she was able to illustrate how she helped the agencies fulfill their mission/core values!

Yes! This is a real strength of this letter.

I know I’m in the minority, but I find that aspect to be…too much. I’ve worked plenty of service jobs, and if you tell me that working at Starbucks “shaped you as a person” I’m going to be deeply skeptical. (Or kind of concerned about how malleable you are as a person…)

I would want to hear that your time in retail taught you great customer service and a strong work ethic, not that everything was a huge love-fest.

I felt the same, so we are a minority of 2. What field do you work in? I wonder if it might be related to us being in roles where effusiveness isn’t a positive?

Congrats for the success of your covering letter. I, however, am a retired naval officer (30+ years) now working in a large multinational defence and corporate training company doing work I really enjoy. Unfortunately, I personally would find this almost “too enthusiastic” or “trying too hard” or something like that. Having said that I certainly don’t want to be a downer. Perhaps it’s a generational thing and I’m just some old grouch – who knows.

Or a cultural thing (or I, too, am a grouch).

I manage a customer service team as part of my work, and I would be a bit put off by the level of enthusiasm and gumption shown here. Although I have indeed formed warm, human connections with some of my customers over the years, I don’t think that’s what customer service is about. Being friendly, yes, but this sounds almost like fraternizing. But of course we don’t know what the internship / job was in this case. Plus I’m in a culture where interpersonal distance is the norm.

Anyway, this is what worked for this organization, which is exactly what a cover letter is about!

I’m in my 20s and agree with you, though I think this also might be mostly field-based. I’m a scientist and as I was reading I was just so skeptical, like “where is the evidence of your skills?” It’s the kind of letter I feel like gets written when I don’t have anything concrete to offer.

Right, it’s different in different fields. For the job she’s applying to, these ARE the skills they want to hear about.

That’s the sort of information I include in other cover letters, actually! This is specific to interpretation; our job is to inspire, less through education and more though the connection to an open and engaging adult who can be viewed as a mentor-type. I have the science education to back up everything I’m teaching — but the execution is what they’re really looking for. In my cover letter for research and field work positions (as I’m expected to do both for my degree) I emphasize my attention to detail, rigid adherence to procedures and lab safety, and my ability to work well with any team. It’s all about my audience and knowing what they need.

Your letter is brilliant. I’m a baby boomer, so my love of your letter isn’t a generational thing. I have received thousands of job applications over the past 30 years and would love to have someone like you working for my company in a customer service, marketing, or editorial position.

Thank you so much, that’s so nice to hear! I really appreciate it!

I was going to say the same thing. Was a bit too much. But then perhaps that was what the employer was looking for.

I’m thinking it shows this LW knows her audience. I volunteer at an aquarium, and this cover letter would go over really well with them. They’re really big on enthusiastic customer service and making a connection with guests, since education and inspiring people to feel more personally connected to the ocean and conservation are big parts of their mission. From the details given, I’m guessing this position may be for a similar type of organization.

Actually smoke tree, that makes a lot of sense.

Yes. Knowing your audience is a huge part of writing a good cover letter! It wouldn’t work for every position/organization and that’s sort of the point.

It is indeed in a similar field, good catch! It’s a large nonprofit that’s very well known in our area; the department I’ll work in needs people who are both knowledgeable and SUPER engaging, which is why I added 12 gallons of pep.

I actually work for a fairly warm-and-fuzzy nonprofit with many public-facing positions. I value experience in service/retail when I’m looking at resumes. But based on my own time manning cash registers and waiting tables, I think the real benefits are learning how to work hard , how to be patient and diplomatic, how to handle the less glamorous aspects of a job like that without losing positivity.

Tell me how it made you resilient and customer-service oriented, I’m impressed. Gush about making a lot of emotional connections, not so much.

And I like how she describes working at the vet clinic a lot–switching gears easily, wearing a lot of hats, doing the hard/gross stuff–that’s great.

I mean, I don’t take it at face value. To me it demonstrates that they understand that even a cashier is the face of a brand, and one bad experience can turn a grumpy person off of a company. When hiring entry-level people and interns, I think it’s really important that they understand that they are representing your agency, and that “small things” like a pleasant demeanor and good phone etiquette make a huge difference in how a client perceives your agency. I thought the writer did a great job of illustrating that while yes, these were entry-level positions, performing them well impacted customers’ perception of the agency or brand as a whole.

That was how I read it, too. I work in a professional services field, and that understanding that any external touch (client, government entity, etc.) is representative of your organization is something I’d love not to have to teach someone coming in.

“Any external touch is representative of your organization” is such a good way to word it! I will use that in the future :-P

It really does depend on the person and the job! I’ve had entry-level jobs where I really did love my repeat customers and coworkers and they shaped my outlook, and I’ve had entry-level jobs where the only thing I learned was how to vent my rage on inanimate objects to keep from venting it on live human beings.

It also probably depends a lot on how much of a people person you are–some people are going to make deeper, more lasting connections even in basic service jobs because that’s the kind of personality they have. (I, on the other hand, will sadly forget everything you said to me the minute you are not in front of me and also what your name is, but I do that with everybody because I’m a forgetful faceblind introvert)

While I cannot attest to working at Starbucks, the food service industry is a bit different. When you work at certain places you do get to know the regulars and chit chat all the time. It’s expected that you remember regular’s orders but you do quite often develop relationships with customers. They probably grew close to regulars regardless of it being a core tenant of the organization, they’re just smart enough to tie it back to that.

And depending on the time they took the job, it does shape you. Waiting tables at 15 yo definitely changed me from someone who couldn’t say boo to a stranger without anxiety attacks to a person who excels at small talk and has a steel trap memory for minutiae. (Because some people’s orders, let me tell you.)

core tenet?

That’s exactly how it was for me, too! While I did err on the side of hyperbole due to the field I’m entering, honestly my retail work did have a huge impact. I’m actually an introvert by nature, and was very awkward and anxious with people growing up. Retail positions let me craft a persona, in a way, of a very outgoing and approachable person; I can apply that now to just about everything, from work to school to general, everyday interactions. If I hadn’t had the experiences I did, I wouldn’t have been able to develop the sort of client-facing personality that’s helped me do really well in life. I wasn’t super young when I started Starbucks (early 20s) but I did work there for 7 years, and I’d already been working in similar environments since I was 16. It doesn’t define me, but it absolutely left its mark.

Not all service jobs are the same. Starbucks has explicitly positioned itself as a “third place,” and the baristas are expected to get to know their customers. While the skill set is completely analogous to other service sector jobs, the company culture and emphasis on relationship building is somewhat unique.

Agencies in particular are extremely client-focused, so her careful emphasis on her relationship building skillset makes a ton of sense, and is a very savvy move. I can safely say that this cover letter would have gotten her hired at the last three organizations I’ve worked for, and that they would love the relationship building aspect.

The people who work at my local Starbucks have no idea who I am, not do they seem inclined to care. That’s just fine with me.

Oh Lord have mercy, it was NOT a total love fest, let me tell ya — but the position I applied for is specifically in environmental interpretation, and there is a massive emphasis on connecting with people beyond an educational sense to “inspire,” as it were; there’s an entire, science-backed model on the impact of a warm and open adult mentor in kids and young adults that will impact their environmental behaviors as adults. So my big push for this letter was less “I’m a hard worker with a good ethic” (as that is an undertone, and evidenced in my resume and references) and more “I can connect with people on a level that will make a difference”.

Of course, shaping me as a person is hyperbole — but I also think that it’s important as a service worker to emphasize that these aren’t throwaway jobs where the only thing you learned is how to smile and nod while being shouted at. In an environment where personal connection is mandatory (it’s in their mission statement), I really did hone my ability to connect with people no matter their background, and no matter how sour or demanding they might be. I learned how to be funny and friendly in a huge variety of situations, even when I was tired and worn down. My whole business persona is now designed on being open and charismatic; I wouldn’t have learned that in a different environment than that. A lot of that was based on my determination and not Starbucks itself (I have plenty of unhappy experiences with the company itself), but emphasizing your connection to a company looks really good when you’re trying to enter a new one.

I think you’re awesome! I do think that sometimes (frequently?) people tend to discount the skills you learn from customer service work, so the fact that you highlighted those skills so eloquently in your cover letter is fantastic. I’m also 100% biased, since I left a store manager job to work in museum education, so…

Anyway, please keep posting here; I’m really excited to see more about all the amazing work you’re going to do!

Fellow escapee, hello!! It’s SO frustrating when our work is discounted. I supervised so I absolutely feel with you — and I’m looking at possible museum-type work so that is extra awesome! I’m so glad you got out and got into something so amazing. The skills we learn in the grind of the machine are worth a lot more than many people want to give credit for.

Wow! I wish I could write half as well as you.

I loved that bit. The whole letter says “future CEO” to me. You managed to make working the counter at Starbucks sound inspiring and fulfilling and even tie it back to the mission statement! I’m not surprised they wanted you on their team.

Removed. See rules above.

@Knork, I’m kinda with you here. Also, the letter was pretty long.

I love it!!

Wow! This is such a perfect example of how to bring “you” into an application while being perfectly polished and professional. Thanks for sharing Alison and LW!

I love that! It sounds enthusiastic in a 100% genuine way, and highlights the many ways that the LW went above and beyond their duties.

This is fantastic – I love it! Thanks for sharing. And congrats on your new position!

Not sure how other UK readers feel but I always find the tone of examples on here to be somewhat different to what I’m used to. Not dissing the LW’s letter at all – clearly, it did the trick! Just interested in how presenting oneself effectively translates to different contexts.

UK readers frequently say here that they find the tone of a lot of my sample language and the sample cover letters I’ve printed here to be too effusive for them — it seems like a clear cultural difference.

The solution to that is to ask a UK reader to submit a cover letter that worked for them!! It’s true that different countries/cultures value different styles.

I’m not equipped to judge what works well in other cultures. (And just “it got me hired” isn’t enough to know something was really good. I actually have a lot of people send me cover letters that got them hired, but the majority are sort of fine but not great — not letters I’d present as exemplars to others. This one was though!)

I actually would love to see this! For Brits or other English speaking countries. (Or non English speaking too, but the translation might be tricky.)

Perhaps the Brits could post an example (or examples) that they’re authorized to disclose in the open thread, and other Brits can weigh in on whether they found the letters effective? Or maybe it could be an “ask the readers” topic in the future?

I generally am not a fan of people posting cover letters in the open thread, because most of the examples I see people giving of “good cover letters” are not what I would endorse that way … and so if the open thread does that, I’d feel obligated to wade in and talk about them (because otherwise people assume that seeing them in an AAM context gives them some sort of endorsement, if not from me than from the readership) (and also then I feel like a jerk).

Ooo, got it, with my apologies!

Yes but also no? I think it depends on sector – I work in charities and this tone has always worked for my letters here, but I have definitely evolved it as the roles I seek get more senior. I think a lot of the ones we’ve seen here are values-y as opposed to more dry. If someone shared a successful corporate letter it might look rather different, i am guessing .

I work in a research/data heavy field and people here would HATE the cover letters that work for people in it. We tend not to do a whole lot of personality. It is more a bunch of, “in X job/project (if student intern) I learned the details of classifying the red-tailed llamas which would give me a good foundation in joining your blue tailed alpaca identification team, especially when it comes to ranking by eyelash length and Cuteness Index (CI-US).”

I just love your example! It’s good that there’s a quantifiable CI because cuteness can be so subjective.

Yeah, I’d agree with that! In UK, and would find it a little overwhelming… but it looks like was perfect for intended audience!

As a fellow UK commentator, I agree the tone is very different to what we’re used to, and probably not quite right for a British context. But I’ve used some of the general advice. I remember one of Alison’s piece of cover letter advice was that the tone should be “like you’re writing to a boss you really like”. I’ve worked in the USA, and this letter is more of an American tone for that context, but when I’ve written my UK cover letters, I’ve tried to write to a favorite boss how I would as a British person. It’s friendly, but it’s British style friendly, as opposed to American style friendly. It’s really worked for me!

also in the UK, and although i don’t see or use cover letters (since my industry is almost 100% done by recruiters/ linked in or personal contacts), i think that letter is really lovely. it is maybe slightly more than we would expect here but in a personality driven industry like mine (media/ advertising) it would definitely make the writer stand out in a good way.

Honestly, it’s a bit much from my perspective, too – and I am a product of a friendly, gregarious and occasionally even exuberant culture (born and raised in California, spent most of my adult life in the Midwest). I’m well aware that I am more reserved about such things than many other people, though, and I do still think this is a really good letter. And I completely agree with AAM’s general advice of creating a well-written, customized letter that gives people a real idea what you’re like as a person, which is exactly what we have here.

It’s a little too much from a Swedish/Scandinavian perspective as well, but the LW just sounds so incredibly nice that it would hardly register if I read the letter in real life.

Hey fellow Swede! :-)

Yes, I agree that the tone is a little over-the-top effusive for British norms – it’s a definite cultural difference.

I do think though that the general ideas that come across in the letter – making sure you relate your experience to the job/company you’re applying to, giving clear examples, not just saying ‘I love space so I’d be great at this job’, etc – are excellent rules of thumb for cover letters in the UK as well as the USA. The cover letters I write are broadly similar to this one – leading the reader briefly through my career and experience and how it matches up to the job description being advertised – so I think although the language is definitely different, the overall idea is the same.

It sounds like the job itself might require a high level of American effusiveness. Or maybe the company exudes this type of enthusiasm in its job announcement and the applicant is reflecting their tone.

So much American effusiveness. Good God, so much. (But it does really important work so I am very excited!)

How do you stock up on American effusiveness? Does it come in cans or does the powdered version go further? ;)

You actually keep it in a Cheez Whiz bottle so you can squirt it directly into your mouth any time you forget to be loud and terrifying to non-Americans. Though it does also come in a liquid form that can be ingested by wearing it in one of those drinking hats with the straws that go right in your mouth, that works pretty good too.

And that, children, is how you truly strike terror into the hearts of non-Americans. :D

I’m in the US and this is more enthusiastic than what I would write, but I think it’s great considering that she’s applying for an internship. I always want interns who are excited about the role, because they often don’t have a lot of experience. Their passion is what sets them apart and helps them go the extra mile. For a higher level position, perhaps a more sober tone would make sense, but I love this for an intern. I would hire her in a flash.

I think it also matters that OP was applying for an internship in a customer service-oriented department (or at least that’s how I read her cover letter). The degree of effusiveness is high, even in the U.S., but as you noted, OP’s experience level and desired role definitely affect whether the tone reads as “appropriate” or “over the top.”

(I don’t think OP was over the top—I would hire her as an undergrad intern.)

Yes, that is important as well. I don’t think it would be as effective as, say, a CIO or something. It would still be strong, but the tone highlights her strong customer-facing personality. You want your content and personality to come across as a match for the job.

And it sounds like she was applying to a mission-oriented organization. Nonprofits also have different norms, and expressing enthusiasm for the overall work of the organization (beyond your specific role) is one of them.

Yeah, this is what I was going to say too. I’ve done nonprofit and public sector work my whole life and this is a perfect cover letter in that context – but I can see how it would be a bit weird in the private sector. My husband works for a big corporation and when we’ve asked the other to critique cover letters in the past, it’s hard to do it in a useful way because the norms seem so different.

I may be misremembering, but I feel like a lot of the cover letter samples Alison posts tend to be for roles where personality matters a lot–often someone who is switching careers, or restarting their career, or new to a field. I feel like for a more technical job, there is less leeway to show your personality, but maybe I’m just unimaginative. I also feel that when you have a fair amount of technical experience, it seems a little silly to refer to personality quirks in a cover letter–for example, if you’re an experienced proofreader, do you really need to say that you obsessively colour-code your underwear to prove that you care about detail and organization?

The internship part of this is key as well. Internship generally implies that you don’t have much experience and haven’t had as many opportunities to build skills, so passion is important. If a college student submitted something more dry that was just a run-down of their skills and experience, it could potentially come off as arrogant. I think this is a fantastic internship cover letter as enthusiasm is pretty important in an opportunity that is designed to be a learning experience.

(sorry, comment early-posted /o\)

and also in the way that people from a more customer-service or business oriented position can come across as too effusive to people from tech positions.

So – full points for knowing your audience to the author!

Irish woman living in the US. Very similar cultural difference and I have really struggled to inject that pep into my cover letters, and even into my interviews and thank you notes. I would not consider myself a particularly reserved person but I see how my peers here talk about the jobs they’re going for and I realize that I have likely come off borderline disinterested to potential employers! I think I’ve found a decent balance now. I’ve ramped up the effusiveness but it’s still at a level that feels pretty comfortable – and, most importantly, sincere – to me. I notice that it helps if I can find something about the company that I’m genuinely excited about or at least intrigued by, which isn’t always possible because, you know, work is work and sometimes you just need a job.

It’s so funny though. My experience of the Irish is that they are so enthusiastic in person but reserved in formal ways. I once got a job at an outdoor store in Dublin because I was going through the aisles commenting on the gear to a fellow backpacker. I got all excited about some of it and one of the owners got one of the other sales people to come over and tell me to bring my resume by (formality that he couldn’t/didn’t do it?). But in a classic Irish “it’s who you know” kind of thing my dad (!!!) sent a thank you letter to the owners after I’d left (??) because it “cements the bonds” and that’s how you stay connected to people back home. This explained much for me about (strange) job advice I’d gotten from him. But, sure enough, I stopped back in the shop a couple months later and they told me about the letter (I’d not known, I was mortified, for the record: Canadians don’t do this). They’d loved it. “Ah sure, yer da seems lovely” etc etc. 3 years later I went back to Dublin for a summer and got my job back “no bother”. So tanks a million da’!

I am in the US and this cover letter (albeit fantastic) is not my writing style. I think my cover letter/s come across as positive, upbeat, and energetic but they are also far less effusive than this. I did have someone call me about a job based solely on my cover letter, so I think I am doing a good job with it. But yes, you should definitely use your own voice and what works for you in your culture and just for your personality.

I’m in the US and I think it’s different compared to a lot of other US cover letter advice and also the cover letters that I’ve read when I’ve been a part of the hiring process. To be clear, I think this cover letter is awesome. Even after reading AAM for years, I still get nervous on submitting a cover letter with this tone.

Even as an American I struggle to balance AAM’s advice about what a cover letter is for – giving a snapshot of who you beyond what can be seen on a resume – and the sample language printed. Every sample letter is far more bubbly and effusive than I am and I feel so over-the-top trying to write with a comparable voice.

I’m never sure if I should just write with my own voice and risk employers thinking I’m an unenthusiastic dullard or write in a voice that doesn’t really feel like my own.

I’d say you want to show personality, but that personality doesn’t need to be a bubbly/effusive one.

Manon, if it helps, this sample letter shows the letter writer’s personality – which is not yours and not mine. Maybe think about some adjectives you’d use to describe your best traits, e.g. organized, thoughtful, smart, calm amidst chaos, reliable, sincere, etc and see if your sample letters reflect that.

This letter writer is, to me, bubbly, enthusiastic, friendly and extroverted. Those traits don’t describe you – so find your own voice to convey your traits!

I know this isn’t a particularly reasonable ask, but if possible could you share one at some point which does show more of a subdued personality that you also consider a great cover letter? If I recall correctly, most of the cover letters you’ve shared with us have been fairly close to this in tone (or at least far more effusive than would be appropriate for my field).

Yes! I can only share ones people send to me and offer to let me share, and there aren’t a ton of those (and most in that group are more “fine but not great” — not strong enough that it makes sense to share them as an exemplar). But I will keep an eye out for that in particular.

(I do see them in my actual hiring work, but those aren’t people offering to have them shared!)

Thank you!!

I feel like bubbly and effusive people might be self-selecting to be the ones to send you successful cover letters? Like, the kind of person who would be inspired by their excitement at getting a job to share their methods with everyone at AAM. Also, those who are at more senior levels, and thus might end up writing drier letters that discuss much more specific, experience-based things, might be somewhat less likely to be excited into sharing (since they probably 1. have written more letters in their lives, and 2. are less likely to attribute their success so much to the cover letter, as their experience carries more of the load than with these younger applicants, who have little experience and thus have to wow with an exciting cover letter).

Do you welcome people to submit successful cover letters/resumes, on the off chance that they might be good examples for others? I’ve considered it before, but thought that it would be more of a nuisance given that I didn’t have a question, and wasn’t certain that it actually was a fabulous letter to begin with.

This is probably pretty obvious but have you tried asking for them in a tweet or something? More subdued people are much less likely to just volunteer letters if they weren’t requested.

I would also appreciate this if possible. Although I am American I find the examples I’ve seen similarly rather effusive for my personality. I mean, I’ll admit to being a bit dour and overly serious but I struggle with applying the examples to my own life because I’m just not that enthusiastic about anything, ever. I’d love to see a great cover letter from a grouch like me!

I’m another UK person and it does feel a bit over the top in tone to me, but I think the content, the way that she sells the experience she has, with specifc examples, would be pretty effective here, too.

I do tend to mentally ‘dial down’ the tone of letters etc I see here to allow for the cultural difference. !

Yeah, we have a very different set of expectations over here. I’m delighted for the OP that this worked for them (and it sounds like this isn’t just a US vs UK thing but also to do with the nature of the role they applied for) but as a Brit my eyebrows were getting higher and higher as I read. This… would not be a successful approach anywhere I’ve ever worked. I actually often find it very uncomfortable reading AAM’s recommended language, as it tends to an emotive over-intensity that makes me feel very weird about the person saying it.

Mostly this just makes me glad I never followed through on younger me’s desire to move to America, though. It took me a long time to realise how very different the countries are culturally!

I’m the flip side of this coin (American who thought it would be fun to move to the UK, but never did). Every time a cover letter example is posted here, the UK readership doesn’t like the tone. I would definitely (however inadvertently) bother the heck out of people over there… Ah cultural differences!

I think the usefulness of the example is precisely because of its specificity.

In a different sort of position, especially for an experienced candidate, quantifiable results would be more relevant than enthusiasm and gregariousness. For a more reserved national or corporate culture, working within those norms is part of being a good fit.

But for this position (sounds like customer relations in a mission-driven org), the attitude & people skills are a huge selling point.

Same here – I’m from NZ, and the tone of American writing/speech can often come across too effusive or salesy here. Most of the letter would actually go over pretty well here, I think, but the part about Starbucks was just … too much.

In my long tenure at Starbucks I knew hundreds of customers by name, knew their jobs, their children, their lives—I was there to support them beyond a transaction, living up to our core value of becoming a second home. My experience there helped shape me as a person, and I still keep contact with some of my customers and coworkers to this day.

Congrats though, OP, it is a great letter!

This is awesome. Knocked it out of the park. It’s professional and conveys both skills AND personality. It’s not all dry or boring, but really adds an extra layer of depth to what I assume is contained in the resume. I mean, I assume working at Starbucks is on the resume with the attendant skills associated with the job, but not “I was there to support [customers] beyond a transaction, living up to our core value of becoming a second home.” Wow, that’s a great addition.

This just blew me away!! Amazing cover letter, LW! I might have to save this as future inspiration!

I would hire you nine times, dear LW. Nine times!

I like the personalized tone, it stands out among the very generic cover letters that I see when I’m lucky enough to even get a cover letter submitted.

Not to nitpick, but isn’t this- “I know that my background and expertise would serve the Mars Agency well and leave a lasting impression in your client management department.”

something that is recommended we don’t do, since we don’t actually KNOW that?

Just wondering if I’ve misunderstood previous advice, or if this is just one blip in an otherwise great letter.

Eh, a blip. It’s not the way I’d write that, for the reason you say, but it doesn’t matter when the letter is taken as a whole. (And to be explicit about this — with all the real-life cover letter examples I publish, there are things where I might write it differently, but they still work well overall.)

Thanks, makes sense.

I think this is the most missed concept by job seekers. The isn’t a magic formula that you can break down, create a checklist, complete the checklist and all of a sudden you note have a great cover letter.

People checking application materials are looking at them as a full package, not analyzing every sentence and entry individually.

I really enjoyed this. For me, reading this, I think what especially wins out (well aside from some good accomplishments overall and how she treated her jobs in the past) is the personality in this letter. Even “puppies to adore” in regards to the vet clinic feels more like personal phrasing than stuffy and robotic writing. It has a warm element with a hint of what we all wish could be our job =P Its nice though to get a sense of the person behind the writing and to avoid being too formulaic (or run the risk of sounding robotic) and can be hard for people to achieve in varying regards.

This is a wonderful cover letter. Professional, yet friendly and light. The puppy part gave me warm and fuzzy feels.

Great job! And it reminds me of some of mine, I’ve had success using Alison’s advice too! Congrats LW! :)

::heart eyes emoji::

Fantastic letter! Congrats on the new role, LW!

I wish I had that kind of relationship with my barista. Cinnamon dolce for the win!

I also wanted to offer my praise for the organization of this letter. Each paragraph nicely conveys one central idea with an appropriate amount of detail and is not too long. I do a lot of editorial work, and it takes work to achieve that balance.

Yeah, I was thinking something similar. Specific individual elements might not be convincing alone, but they come together with such good flow that the overall argument is powerful. I think that’s especially important for people who are early in their careers or changing fields to notice, because a lot of things people are commenting about in this letter (tone, being “over-friendly”) are among the few things you can do to set yourself apart in early jobs in fields that rely on customer relationships. OP is saying that what set them apart in their field is the ability to build relationships, and the letter shows how they were able to do that during small-talk type interactions. The tone and the claims to experience align really well.

There is one teensy point that I would adjust, and that is the phrase “since I was young.” If this applicant is still in her 20’s, a lot of people who will be reading this would consider her to be young still. People can have hangups about age and experience, and some might not be totally pleased at the idea that a 20-something doesn’t believe herself to be young (we must seem ancient to her!). I would instead say how many years I have worked in customer service.

It’s funny, I didn’t even think of that! I’m actually a returning student, so I’m in my 30s; I forget that most college students graduating are 20-22. (My department has a lot of older students too, we average 30-50 interestingly enough.)

Ah, good to know. It’s truly a non-issue in the context of such a nice letter, but you never know when your application is going to be read by Kelly from The Office. “No, no, no no. She’s young, okay? Because if you are saying Hillary Swank isn’t young, then you are saying that I am not young. Because obviously I am not as young as Hillary Swank!” [runs away in tears]

Nice! I can see why she was offered the post, the letter comes over as genuine, and the way that she’s actualy managed to present the work at Starbucks so it genuinely shows what skills she gainsed is very good . Congratulations to her on her new post.

This is really good, thank you for sharing. I have a background (career and education) in writing and I am surprised at how hard cover letters seem to be for people. They just freeze at the thought of writing. Sincerity and a reasonable amount of enthusiasm go a long way, as someone who has had to read a good number of them over the years. ALWAYS SUBMIT ONE!!! So many lackluster resumes have made the cut because of a compelling cover letter.

Wow, so enthusiastic! I would’ve guessed the response to that would be “simmer down a little” haha I’m recalibrating

Cheers to your good work paying off!

I must be a huge outlier, because I don’t like cover letters with overly gushy and enthusiastic tones, which is not to fault to OP’s letter, but maybe no letter is perfect for every hiring manager? I don’t care if your love of something lead you to developing skills for dealing with complicated system processes and problem-solving, so I just skimmed the letter thinking, “How super for you, but quit with the fluff. I want to know this job gave me X, Y, and Z specific technical skills and P, R, and Q specific workplace management skills”. I wonder if it is somewhat field related since I tend to work in a more analytic/research oriented role?

I think perhaps it sdepnds a bit on the field of work, and maybe also the role. I think for someone who is at the very start of their career and doesn’t yet have a lot in the way of technical skills, this is pretty effective.

What I get from the letter is that she maybe doesn’t yet have the specifc skills forthe post, but she knows that, she’s giving information about general skills she has got which may be adapable for the specifc workplace, and also addressing dome of the assumptions which might be made about the type of work she has done in the past – she comes over as pretty self aware about her level of skill, and that’s a big plus.

I’d also expect toee things like specifc skills relevant to the job in the CV/Resume .

I do think that the fact she was applying for an internship is relevant to how effective the letter is.

And that’s actually awesome because it means that they’re probably not a culture fit either, so it’s a good first flag there!

Whereas the typical generic summary of their resume gives me the “I can read your resume, give me something else or just don’t bother with a cover letter at all” reaction. And have found people with those cover letters also spill over into the vague, not much deeper than the resume surface interviews that do not result in a job offer kind of setup.

Yep, from the intro: “There is no single cover letter in the world that all hiring managers will love or that would be the right fit for every employer and every industry. “

So true. Which is why as a frequent hiring manager, I hate when friends and family ask for advice on their resume and/or cover letter when applying for jobs. I have to give a million disclaimers of “this is what *I* like to see, but there are people who really prefer this other thing, that drives me up a wall. And without knowing the individual preferences of the person who will see your resume/cover letter, you cannot know if it will resonate”. I encourage them in all the most generic ways (clarity, brevity, clean formats, etc.), but there’s just no universal way to get a manager’s attention (and sometimes the screener likes different things than the hiring manager so people get weeded out before they even hit the right person).

Would you not normally look for those things in the resume?

This is definitely a field related thing! Along with this work, I’m expected to get field work and research experience as well; my cover letters for those are direct and data-driven, with emphasis on my field experience, rigid attention to procedural detail, and my ability to mesh with a team in often hot and miserable environments.

I think this cover letter is great, and part of what makes it great is the effusiveness. Reading between the lines (which I’m sure LW’s resume makes explicit), she worked at Starbucks, she volunteered as a docent at a science exhibit, and she was an aide or assistant at a vet clinic. These are all great jobs for an undergrad and are fine on a resume, but they don’t “speak for themselves,” as it were, regarding her actual skill set or abilities.

In my opinion, the letter doesn’t actually tell me a lot more about LW’s hard skills. What it shows me is that she is able to write well, present truthful information in a positive and appealing light – which involves careful analytic skills in itself – and that she sounds like a person with a great personality and sense of humor.

This cover letter is really like an audition, and it’s just terrific.

I like this letter very much, but I think much of what makes it great is the writer and her personality. I don’t know many Starbucks type of retail workers who are that dedicated to their jobs that they know all the customers (and their kids) names or still keep in touch with them :) That unique style spills over into her writing and it just sounds very genuine

This is a good cover letter. But what is one supposed to do if one is an introvert? Just never apply for a customer service job? Technically, all jobs require customer service to some extent, because at a minimum, you have people internally who you are doing work for.

You use the cover letter to talk about evidence that you’d excel in the role (beyond what’s on your resume). Your evidence will be different from this OP’s evidence, and that’s as it should be!

I don’t think this has much to do with introversion/extroversion. I’m an introvert, I’ve had some similar jobs to what the OP has described in her letter, and the only parts of her letter I couldn’t 100% truthfully say about myself are “I still keep in contact with some of my customers” (not really an introvert issue, just… not my style) and “my love of working with people” (okay, this part is probably introversion-related).

I do feel pretty strongly that you don’t have to be an extrovert to work in customer service, or to be good at it or even enjoy it! You may find it more tiring or more difficult than if you were an extrovert, or have to work a little harder to pitch yourself to a hiring manager (if you feel you can’t honestly say “I love working with people!”, for example), but like… I love customer service! I like people pretty well and find it extremely satisfying to Solve A Problem for somebody! I just also need a nice quiet lunch break where no one bothers me.

Millions of us introverts work customer service roles.

Introvert/extrovert refer to how you recharge your energy, not if you are good with or like other people. Plenty of introverts can excel in customer service and plenty of extroverts don’t thrive serving strangers even if they do get their energy from time with friends.

Yes, this! I’m an introvert, but I’m really really good with customer service, public speaking, small talk, etc. And then I go on my lunch break and hide so I can do a crossword.

I look at my customer service/people facing time as being “on stage”; I do best at jobs where I can have at least as much time off stage, but my stage persona is such that even a lot of long time coworkers don’t get that.

I feel like most of the examples AAM has given of excellent cover letter have been in this vein: effusive, bubbly, using the phrase “wear many hats”, applying for a position where extroversion is a big plus… What about for jobs/fields/people where this isn’t the case? I have trouble imagining how I would write my own version of this type of coverletter because none of the apparent positives apply at all.

This is so bizarre. I literally just did a search on AAM for good cover letter example.

This site is such an amazing resource! Thanks for all you do, Alison!

Wonderful cover letter!

I just received one where the opening paragraph was a flowery description of the person walking in the rain and reflecting on the professional journey which lead them to this moment. They then concluded the paragraph with “My name is First Last, and I’m applying for your Assistant Teapot Coordinator.” Ya know…because their name wasn’t already in bold at the top of the letterhead.

::head desk::

That’s such an awkward way to end a letter. You sign off with a salutation, so they know your name, maaaaaaan. Along with the letterhead if you’re using that and it’s attached to your resume but I guess they’re going along with some kind of “say it as many times as possible so it really stick sin someone’s mind!”. I don’t remember you for the reasons you wish I did, please just don’t.

“I’m First Last, and I approve this cover letter.”

Apparently a student of the infamous “sensual wrist” cover letter from a couple years ago… https://www.askamanager.org/2016/08/whoever-told-you-to-be-creative-in-your-cover-letter-has-led-you-horribly-astray.html

Now I want to read about walking in the rain, purely for instructional purposes. :)

It was really really cringey. I won’t post it here (even though I’m like 99.9999% sure they don’t read this blog b/c THEN THEY WOULD KNOW BETTER), but ya know…just in case.

I also once had one that opened with a description of the spring weather – something about “The trees are blooming, birds are singing, and everyone’s thoughts turn to the Higher Ed job search…”

On the other end of the spectrum, I also get ones where they misspell the name of our institution or put in the wrong institution, so they got that going for them…

Oh Lord. Just thinking about reading that gives me enough second-hand embarrassment to choke on. At my current office, we once received a cover letter where literally every other word, I am not kidding, was followed by an emoji. Needless to say that was passed around to every single person working there to gawk at in horror!

This is a great letter. I wonder if it would work in the UK where people are generally more formal (at least this is the impression that I have.)

I think it would. I got my current job (in a stuffy, formal environment in London) through using my version of this letter. Mine wasn’t quite as effusive – I’m a few years older than the OP – but it was very much tailored to me, and written in a style that is very much mine (I’m thinking especially of word choices and a humorous phrase or two).

Its a good letter. I could imagine its effectiveness and her very personable and bubbly personality straight through it. My complaint is with the curse aam puts on those who copy parts of it at the end. I am not saying that for myself, its a letter that wouldn’t work for a lot of people for a lot of reasons. But how absolutely nasty and not really even funny, even if it was meant that way. Don’t post it then. She didn’t create the phrases in a vacuum.

What’s absolutely nasty is stealing someone else’s work word-for-word and presenting it as your own! Which routinely happens with cover letters posted here. I stand by my curse of people who do that.

When I was hiring for a particular position, I was looking at past applicants, successful and unsuccessful, to calibrate what my bar should be for a good cover letter. In the application of one successful applicant (she got the job) I recognized a cover letter from your site! It was almost exactly the same with just a few cosmetic changes for the organization name, etc.

I alerted my supervisor, but to my surprise, she wasn’t bothered. That particular position required sending out a lot of template-based emails and she said that using a template for a cover letter didn’t seem like a big deal to her. I was horrified though and think it shows a lack of ethical and professional judgement to copy a cover letter word for word.

So I guess what I’m saying is that I’m finding this thread very interesting because I would also curse someone for plagiarizing, but clearly not everyone would.

Someone who would copy this word for word is doing themselves a huge disservice – there’s a big AAM readership, and not to mention, if the cover letter doesn’t match the interview or the wording / tone of the resume, this letter is a Google search away.

Yep. Shoot, even look at the comments. It would fall flat with certain people in certain fields, even in a beginning, undergrad intern role. because there is no one CL to rule them all

Yes, and apart from being specific to the letter writer and her personality, a good cover letter is also written for a specific audience. As many people have noted, the tone and style of this letter wouldn’t be appropriate for every field or region or position, but I suspect it was perfect for the organization the letter writer applied to.

I mentioned that thoughtfully in my comment. I think her cursing people is still highly ineffective and mean spirited. Oh well. I try to write a response that covers those things and people go right over it. When most people say copying it, they usually mean any part of it and anything styled like it also.

I don’t actually think that’s what “copying” means. You seem very well-meaning, so maybe it seems highly unlikely to you that someone would actually copy all or most of the letter, just substituting their own job title instead of the LWs.

Meh, I think its a sense of humor thing. I highly doubt anyone (maybe besides you?) thinks Alison has actually cursed them, it’s so obviously a joke I don’t quite get the offense. She’s just saying don’t plagiarize.

You do know curses aren’t real, right?

I did not say word for word. I agreed with that. Please read what I did say which was a part of it. I really don’t even mean actually copying it. I just don’t know that putting such horrible designs on people makes a lot of sense.

You didn’t say word-for-word, but AAM did. The curse doesn’t apply to those who don’t plagiarize. People who plagiarize deserve the consequences. Don’t plagiarize and you won’t get cursed. It’s that simple!

If we are going to nitpick words, Alison never said curse. Maybe palagrasing and not doing the work yourself has the natural consequence of a bad job search?

…Do you actually believe curses are real?

Wait, “don’t post it then” – you mean, don’t post it if you don’t want people to plagiarize? As if being posted means people should feel free to plagiarize – yikes! Posting the letter gives people real life, concrete examples of good writing, and illustrates general advice with specific examples. It’s a good way to help people figure out a difficult part of the job process. Yes, some people are obnoxious and will plagiarize it – but let’s not let those people be the reason we can’t have nice things, yeah? The “curse” is to remind people, some of whom apparently need reminding for some reason, that stealing someone else’s work is wrong.

A prophecy isn’t a curse. People who plagiarize off the Internet are going to get caught. Or they’ll wind up in a job that’s a terrible fit because they presented themselves inauthentically. Or both.

There’s a difference between coincidentally using some of the same words or phrases and copying someone else’s work. Using “Beyond my love of working with people, I also have a broad and expansive set of technical skills.” verbatim isn’t a great idea. Communicating the idea that you both love working with people and have a wide array of technical skills is fine (if both are revelant to the job you’re applying for).

Nicely done, OP!!

It makes me so happy to see someone in college using AAM’s advice to get job offers! I didn’t discover the blog until about 5 years post-grad, and I think those five years would have looked very different if I actually knew what I was doing when it came to applying for jobs. Way to get a jump start on your career, OP!

In the spirit of discussion, may I respectfully submit that this tone and style of writing will not feel comfortable for many people and will not be so highly thought of by many others. Personally, as a writer at heart and a former manager, I feel it’s “gilding the lily” and I would have encouraged the applicant to pare it down a bit. However, AAM loves it and it was successful, so that shows there is absolutely no advice that can be given that will fit every situation, applicant, manager, and so forth. If this tone feels strange to you, please seek out other examples to inspire you. If you use someone else’s voice and are not chosen to interview, will you wonder if you would have had a chance if you had just presented your best self?

If I were impart anything to anybody (and I do often, I’m an older college student so I try and help out a lot of my younger colleagues) that it’s so, so important to write to your audience instead of making a blanket letter for anything. That’s probably one of the biggest things I’ve taken from AAM, actually! This is heavily tailored to a non-profit that values this level of enthusiasm. I’m also after a research position to work along with this one; that cover letter focuses heavily on my abilities in fieldwork, my dedication to procedure, and my ability to mesh with a team. So if there’s any takeaway I’d push, it’s knowing who you’re writing to and what they want. (I researched this role heavily before I applied; always read up!)

i like this, will take this framework in consideration as a student seeking internship too. i got my resume down but i still struggle with cover letter. i havent written that many since not a lot require it but this is good reference if i need to write it

This is a phenomenal letter. Congrats, OP!

My natural inclination is to be reserved. But I have to admit it’s gone well at job interviews where I felt I was being “over the top”, but probably wasn’t actually. Enthusiasm can be good. Figuring out the balance is tough. I haven’t hired for this sort of position, but I would definitely bring the letter-writer in for an interview.

Personality, enthusiasm, and a real voice. Love it.

Is there anyone you’d recommend to help craft a better cover letter for federal jobs? The HR staff don’t always understand the job requirements, and I’ve heard they rely heavily/exclusively on automated word matching. I’ve heard “paste the job description verbatim into your cover letter,” which I’ve never been able to bring myself to do, but I struggle with writing a human readable version that would also clear the word matching hurdle.

Do some reading about copywriting or blogging for SEO keyword optimization. Poorly done, keyword “stuffing” sounds spammy. But it can be done judiciously and come out sounding natural.

I think the most important piece of the federal hiring process is the resume. Throw out everything AAM has ever said about writing a resume. Federal government resumes are routinely 5-10 pages (if not longer for more senior positions). The descriptions/accomplishments in your resume must match exactly what the job announcement says. Any skills you claim to have on an assessment or cover letter must be thoroughly demonstrated in your resume.

For instance, if the job announcement says they’re looking for someone who has briefed senior leaders, use that phrase in your resume (Briefed senior leaders on quarterly earning report). Don’t rely on “presented quarterly earning report to management” to count as qualifying experience. If the assessment asks how frequently you’ve done something, mention that frequency in your resume and in every job. For instance, if the fed position wants someone who frequently managed social media and you manned the social media page in three jobs, mention it in all three even if it was minor side duty in one of the jobs.

FYI, not all departments have a computer read the application material. I know at least one Department that has a human look over every single application received. Also, this advice is geared towards applications from USAJobs and doesn’t apply to jobs for the IC (which uses its own application system), Foreign Service positions (which have a separate hiring process), or internship applications.

Great letter! I like how you showed your personality yet kept a professional tone that was upbeat and in sync with the job you were applying for. And you wove a smooth story about your job experience throughout that was geared towards what the new job is looking for. Too many cover letters just recite the same dry stuff from the resume.

This letter is also a good example of how to promote your experience gained from entry-level jobs, which a lot of people really struggle with.

Congratulations!

Wow. Not just the writing, that’s very nice, but you just don’t see people who are that excited about customer service very often. I totally get why they’d hire her!

This is a great example of tying disparate, seemingly unrelated experiences together into a cohesive story.

And it’s the story that does the selling.

Hey, question:

Having worked in print journalism and publishing for most of my career, I’ve always wondered about openings like “It’s with great enthusiasm…” If you’re writing a pitch or a query letter, it’s essential that your first sentence not be super conventional or clichéd. (Like, you wouldn’t open with “According to Webster’s Dictionary, the definition of…” either.)

Obviously, this is because in such letters, you’re showing that you understand the need to write creatively and can do so; and pitches and query letters aren’t the same as cover letters. But they’re similar . So whenever someone asks for my help with a cover letter, my instinct is to open with something a little more distinctive or attention-grabbing (though not, of course, over the top).

IS MY INSTINCT WRONG? Am I overthinking this because of my background? Do hiring managers care at all about the opening line of a cover letter (as long as it’s not for a writing or editing job)? I have wondered this for so long.

(For the record, I do think this is a great letter, full of clear and concrete reasons the author would be a strong fit for the job. I recently helped a senior academic apply for positions at several new institutions, and oof, such a smart person, but really a challenge to get them to present that kind of objective evidence of their qualifications, even though there was plenty of it. Scientists, man.)

Something like “I’m writing to apply for your X role with great enthusiasm” is fine. You don’t need a creative opening. It’s basic and it gets the job done. It’s fine.

Creative opening lines designed to grab attention … are often really bad. They often sound salesy or insincere. Occasionally they’re good! But often not. In general, though, I wouldn’t say you need one.

It could be different for your specific field though.

Thank you! This really has confounded my overactive and anxious brain for years.

I love this! I would have hired you too, LW. I like the way you outline your relationships with your Starbucks customers–that’s the type of warm relationships we often have to have with our customers, and your fourth paragraph reads as very genuine. The ability to self-start and handle what comes your way is an important skill for our entry level hires and it can be hard to find.

I have to say, I’ve been following AAM’s cover letter advice, and keep getting calls from things I’ve applied for! It’s a bit overwhelming, actually. I followed bad advice for years, and I love the freedom to be conversational.

I have heard that cover letters are not as big a thing in the US as they are in Germany. But I have to say, looking at that cover letter, my very fast response was: tl;dr

I will look at the resume and see what skills, job experience, etc, there is. But the cover letter seems too long in my eyes, and also… kinda too eager? ‘with great enthusiasm’? Like, calm down, honey. You are applying for a job here, not trying to get me to assign you power of attorney for Queen Elizabeth II.

I prefer a cover letter that informs me where you saw that I am looking for someone (it could help in letting the company know where the highest traffic for job applications comes from), give a *quick* introduction of yourself, and then list your biggest advantages. (Like how many years you have worked in this type of field; what languages you speak), and then get to the goodbye that includes that you are hoping for/expecting a swift answer.

Details, and your (professional) life story, will be brought up in an interview and read in your resume.

That’s not what a cover letter is for, at least here in the UK, in professional settings, and a cover letter that restricted itself to only what you are expecting to see would get even a good CV binned, unless there was a deficit of qualified candidates. As Alison has highlighted at the top – no cover letter will make everyone happy, or even be suitable for every industry or professional norm.

Here in Germany, a cover letter is supposed to be akin to a short letter that basically amounts to, “Hey, I saw you had this open position here, and I would like to apply for said position” and a quick overview of you as a person. Most of the time, I think people don’t even *read* the cover letter anymore, let alone the attached resume/CV.

Yeah, that’s definitely NOT what they are for in the US. That’s just a waste of everyone’s time and is pointless. It’s super weird to me that Germany has a cover letter expectation but expects it to be a useless formality rather than a meaningful contribution. That’s the worst of both worlds!

A lot of what you’re seeing is absolutely field-specific. Enthusiasm IS the job; we’re a large and well-known educational non-profit, and my department focuses on interpretation. We have to be charismatic, engaging, and fun to make the work we do effective. My research and field work cover letters focus on the skills needed for those specific jobs.

I would argue though (especially as someone who used to do hiring!) that the cover letter you describe defeats the purpose. My years of experience, skills, and history are in my resume; if I got something from somewhere just summarizing what they’re already telling me, with no engagement or excitement, I’d probably pass them over. But if that works for your field, then that works for your field.

Yep, defeats the whole point if the cover letter just repeats what’s on your resume. I don’t need/want to read that twice!

I am a 20-year veteran of the museum and nonprofit field and this letter reads exactly like something I would write. My cover letters always begin with “It is with great enthusiasm that I submit my qualifications for ___ position.” Even the organization and tone of the letter is exactly what I have written in the past.

What does this mean? Over the years I have had several jobs and contracts within my field and have received an interview for at least 90% of the opportunities I pursue. I have been told time and time again that this is because the cover letter stands out. Her letter shows a clear understanding of organizational culture within the field AND she is able to connect skill sets from outside of the field to the work that she was pursuing. That’s talent right there.

The tone and candor she used in this cover letter it might not work for all industries, but I think the important takeaway here is that job applicants should understand the culture of the industry they are pursuing, and act accordingly.

Also, I always thought my cover letters were pretty darn unique and stand out from the crowd. Now I’m a little bit miffed knowing that someone out there has the exact same language. Ha! I wish her the best, she has an excellent start and will do well in her field.

As someone going into those exact fields, it’s actually really wonderful to hear that! (And it’s a pretty big honor to hear my letter bears any resemblance to a veteran of these types of organizations!) I’m so looking forward to having a position in a field I’m actually passionate about, after years of just doing whatever work could get me by. Thank you so much for your vote of confidence!

I love this cover letter! It feels very personalized and conveys the writer’s warmth and genuine interest in helping people. It’s easy to see why the company wanted to speak with her!

Great letter! I like the changes to identifying info, haha.

A wonderful cover letter. Congratulations to the writer and I hope everyone can benefit from this example!

Am I the only one singing the Golden Girls theme song?

I love this and it’s very timely for me as I’m considering applying to something soon that would be considered a new industry/field and so it’s helped me think about common threads in all my jobs and how to talk about them to sell myself. (The “customer service” aspect in particular is extremely relatable to me.)

Thanks for the inspiration! Will have to brush up on Alison’s other cover letter articles to help me out when I go to write my actual letter…

It’s fascinating to me to read the cover letter examples (good and bad) posted to AAM, and I really wish I had found this site during my last (protracted, multi-year) search for a job better than the one I had.

I just reviewed the cover letter I wrote more than a year ago that got me the job I have now. The tone is certainly much less personable than the one used in this (brilliant, for the sort of job in question) example, which is fine; I was applying for a role as a manager of scientists, and understatement is often valued! I violated some of the AAM rules for cover letters by reiterating a lot of resume material, but I succeeded (I think) in explicitly linking my technical skills and (limited) management experience to the stated requirements of the job. I had been using more or less the same cover letter for years, but I had put some time into improving it and tailoring it for the specific job prior to submitting it. Were I applying to a new job now, I would probably rewrite large sections of the letter to better display a personality beyond “Serious Scientist” and remove a lot of the discussion of information that is also in the resume. My hope, though, is that I will never need to write another cover letter and that I continue in my current job for a very long time (it is, precisely, the job title and responsibilities I had been seeking for years) or move up to a different or better one within my same organization (since it is exactly where I had most wanted to work all that time). It seems almost sad to me that the cover letter, resume, and interview skills I’ve picked up from reading this site stand a good chance of never being deployed.

The whole thing reminds me a bit of my experience in dating after my divorce. I set out to learn how to date: How to pick good potential partners, circumvent and mitigate my chronic awkwardness, convey who I am and learn about who they are in the best possible way, and to build real emotional and physical connections. Just when my skills were starting to develop, I found a nearly perfect partner. We’ve been together more than five years, and I’m happier than I have ever been in my life. My dating skills, though, are now in mothballs, destined to never see use again.

This is a really great letter but I would never see it … the last three companies I’ve worked for, including my current position with the largest tech giant in the world, doesn’t ‘do’ cover letters … no means to upload them and if somehow one is bundled with the resume, it is removed. Alison puts a lot of weight on cover letters and this example shows how it can strengthen a candidate’s pitch, but companies in some industries are definitely shifting away from them.

Awesome. Copying and pasting as we speak and inserting my name at the bottom. Fingers crossed I get the engineering job!

Wait, people still read cover letters? lol

Thank you so much for the wonderful comments, everybody, I read every one! (The UK thread is fabulous, I love thinking about how bizarre a letter like this would be over there.) Since it’s come up a few times, the really up-beat and effervescent tone for this is 100% intentional; this company is a major nonprofit in my area, and this specific department is sort of like a roving educational thing where I’ll be interacting directly with the public and getting them engaged with science and ecology. To make it in this sort of position you’ve got to have a lot of energy and be really outgoing. The position I was actually offered is within this same department, but along with public engagement I’ll be responsible for a team of volunteers who we need to ensure are enjoying their time with us while knowing where to go and what to do, as we wouldn’t be able to run without them! They told me they offered me this spot because they thought I would be able to connect with lots of different types of people while using my supervisory experience to keep my team organized and happy. I’ve applied to research and field work roles too since my degree has lots of requirements, and those cover letters are less bubbles, more facts, but still with a warm and engaging tone.

Also to clear up something with age, I’m actually a returning student in my 30s! I’ve worked lots of different jobs (and I worked at Starbucks for 7 years!), but this is my first one where I’m doing something I’m specifically studying for, which is part of the reason I’m so excited for it. After what felt like a lifetime of going nowhere, I’m finally moving in a direction I’m really passionate about. I read all of Alison’s advice on cover letters — along with the other examples people have graciously submitted — to write mine, and it’s really been amazing the level of response I’m getting because of it. Alison, you are an absolute queen, and I’ve been directing all of the students in my graduating class (younger and older folks alike) to your website for advice. Thank you for all that you do, and for your help in starting my new career!

I agree that this is a fantastic cover letter. It clearly touched on the exact elements the hiring manager sought, and it displayed the intern’s relevant talents and her personality.

I think part of the reason why it’s so difficult for candidates to write well about themselves is because it is so hard to find good help with such a free-range format. In interviews the questions (from both sides) guide the experience. There’s lots of great advice out there about elevator pitches — interestingly enough with a healthy understanding that there are many types of successful pitches. I have found that there isn’t as much of this understanding when it comes to cover letters. Even among the most well-meaning editors you tend to find a very rigid idea of what the letter should look like, to say nothing of what constitutes as “good writing.” Quite frankly, it’s enough to dilute and dissect any potential for the extraordinary.

I highly recommend any candidate read William Zinsser’s “On Writing Well” — or consult a resource with guidelines that apply across all genres. This will help the would-be writer sharpen her message, avoid clichés, and find her voice. I would start there and then proceed to refine with advice specific to a cover letter.

One of the greatest cover letters I ever reviewed was rooted in data analysis, so I know it is possible to accomplish a similar effect with different tools and a more reserved manner. The key is to describe your qualifications in a focused way. I find the most persuasive applications are those where the specific examples all show me more than one thing about the candidate (1. She has this hard skill. 2. She has applied it in a comparable and impressive way. 3. She thinks strategically., etc. ) and all work together towards a big picture statement about the candidate — rather than cramming the typical endless list of hard skills into one page.

Despite debates concerning the tone and specific elements of this letter, I think we can all agree that it made a clear statement about who the candidate is and the value she could bring to the company. That is what makes this piece a worthy sample.

Thanks for posting this. I’m in a very different part of the world and I’m therefore used to different norms for cover letters, but this is still very useful, especially because I feel like the norms for what constitutes a good cover letter keep changing every few years. For example, when I just started job searching half a page with a little more than the basic information was pretty standard. Five years later this method proved ineffective and it got me much further to treat my cover letter as sort of a short press release: immediately cutting to the chase by mentioning the main reasons why I’d be good for the role and not having the whole thing longer than five lines. The idea behind it was that hiring managers have tons of cover letters to get through, that they pretty much just scan a letter for the key points they’re selecting on, that making yours too long would only annoy them and lessen your chances, and that your cv should do most of the talking anyway. It worked really well at the time and I got lots of interviews. Now, years later, I’ve started job searching again and find that this method does me no favours at all, and I’m having to figure out cover letters all over again. Has anyone had the same experience?

Comments are closed.

Skip navigation

• Summer Updates
• For Employers
• In the Know
• Make An Appointment
• Internships
• Employer Connections
• CCE Programs
• Funding Programs
• Drop-in Hours
• Career Counseling Appointments
• Practice Interviews
• Programs & Services
• Design Your Next Steps
• Resumes & CVs
• Cover Letters
• Negotiating
• Career Advancement
• Graduate School
• Premium Resources
• Communications & Media
• Engineering & Technology
• Environment & Sustainability
• Financial Services
• International Affairs
• Non-Profits & Social Justice
• Psychology, Counseling, & Social Work
• Ways to Gain Experience
• Career Assessments
• Connect With Alumni
• Student Experiences
• First-Generation/Low-Income Students
• International Students
• Students with Disabilities
• Veteran Students
• LGBTQ Students
• Visiting Students
• Students of Color

How and Why to Write a Great Cover Letter

A cover letter is a one-page business letter that you submit when applying to a job, along with your resume. As a piece of persuasive writing, your cover letter will aim to convey to the employer why you’re a great candidate for the role.

What is the purpose of a cover letter?

Your cover letter complements your resume by making it easy for the employer to see how your experience and interest connect to the position. Your goal is to convince the employer to interview you.

With your cover letter, you’ll aim to:

• Highlight your qualifications:  You’ll show how your skills and experience relate to the employer’s needs for a specific position.
• Showcase your motivation: You’ll demonstrate your enthusiasm for the specific position and the organization.
• Reflect your voice and written communication skills: You’ll give the employer a sense of your personality and writing style.

When should I write a cover letter?

Not all jobs require cover letters. So, how do you decide whether to submit one?

Submit a Cover Letter when…

• The posting explicitly requests that you do so
• You’re applying to an opportunity at a mission-driven organization
• You think that doing so could provide important information to the employer that they wouldn’t get from your resume

Consider Submitting a Cover Letter when…

• It’s marked “optional” in an application, and you have the bandwidth to do so
• You have content that you can easily recycle or repurpose into a tailored cover letter

No Need to Submit a Cover Letter when…

• A posting specifically tells you not to submit one
• There’s no way to submit one in an application portal, and doing so would require a serious workaround

If you’re applying to several similar opportunities, creating a draft cover letter in advance, geared toward that type of opportunity, can be a helpful way to save time in your actual application process.

How do I write a cover letter?

Your cover letter should articulate your qualifications and motivation for the position. Read the job description closely and research the organization. As you craft your cover letter, use examples that demonstrate your relevant skills, knowledge, and interests. The cover letter should be concise, clear, and well-organized.

Before Writing

Research the employer.

Learn enough about the organization to articulate why you are a strong fit for that firm. 

• Review the firm’s website and LinkedIn page.
• Speak with current or previous employees.
• Read articles and social media for current news.

Analyze the job description

Look for skills, duties, and qualifications of the job so you can design your letter to match these as much as possible.

Reflect on your experience and motivation

Identify skills and personal qualities you have developed which will be useful in this role. Ask yourself:

• What attracts you about this role/company/industry?
• What have you have done in your work experiences, classes, internships, activities, projects, volunteer work, travel, etc., that is similar to the duties required of the job? 

Cover Letter Structure

As a business letter, the cover letter should include:

• Heading: Include your name and contact information in the same format as your resume
• Salutation: Address your letter to the specific individual who can hire you, if this is known. If the name is not included in the job description, address the letter to the Hiring Manager or title mentioned in the job description.
• Body Paragraphs:  Discuss your experiences, interests, and skills to show the employer how you can add value to their team. See the section below for more guidance.
• Signature Line: Include a closing and your name.

The cover letter should be one page, about three or four paragraphs, and single spaced. Use 10-12 point font and one inch margins. 

When applying online, upload your cover letter as a PDF file, unless another format is specified. When sending your resume and cover letter by email, you may write a short note or paste your cover letter in the body of your email (without the address header) and also attach the PDF file.

Cover Letter Content

Your cover letter should answer who, what, when, where and why you are applying for the opportunity. 

Introduction

State the position for which you are applying. If you have a referral or spoke with someone from the company, you can mention it in the introduction. Provide some basic information about yourself; this can include your class year and what you’re studying at Columbia. Briefly outline why you’re interested in the organization and what you bring in terms of relevant experience and skills. 

Body Paragraphs

These paragraphs will highlight your qualifications and strengths that are most relevant to the organization and position. Use the job posting and your research as clues to determine what the employer is seeking in a candidate. Have your resume beside you and reflect on what you want the employer to know about you. Are there experiences you want to expand upon that demonstrate your understanding of the role and ability to do the job requirements?

Structure the paragraphs based on relevance, not chronology. Lead with your most relevant skill or strongest experience.

Start each body paragraph with a clear topic sentence.  This can highlight a key skill set, a transferable experience, or a core area of knowledge you’ve built through your studies. Walk the reader through a project or experience, integrating the relevant skills you used and qualities you demonstrated. Provide details about your accomplishments and impact. Connect how these experiences have prepared you for this role and why you are motivated to do this job. There is no need to apologize if you feel you lack experience; focus on the accomplishments that you have.

Recap what you would bring to the organization and your interest in the position. Thank the employer for their consideration. Keep your tone positive and enthusiastic. 

Check out our example of how to structure your cover letter content . 

Editing Tips

Use our  Cover Letter Checklist to make sure your format and content is in line with best practices. 

• Ensure that the content reflects the requirements in the job description
• Keep the cover letter concise, at one page or less
• Correct any errors in grammar, sentence structure, and spelling
• Use the active voice
• Avoid beginning too many sentences with “I”

Privacy Policy Accessibility Notice of Non-Discrimination Terms of Use

Protect your data

This site uses cookies and related technologies for site operation, and analytics as described in our Privacy Policy . You may choose to consent to our use of these technologies, reject non-essential technologies, or further manage your preferences.

• Resume and Cover Letter
• Perfect Cover Letter...

Perfect Cover Letter Salutations: Start Strong

11 min read · Updated on April 24, 2024

Greet your future employer professionally with these cover letter salutations

Cover letters – some recruiters love them; some recruiters hate them. Unfortunately, you'll rarely know which type of recruiter you're contacting, so the safest bet is always to send one, just in case. 

The aim of a cover letter is to make the reader want to find out more about you, so in this article, we're looking at starting strong. 

Which are the best cover letter salutations to make a great first impression?

What is a cover letter salutation?

When we say “salutation,” we mean the opening line of the letter where you greet the person you're writing to. For example, when you write to thank your aunt for the jumper she knitted for Christmas, you might use “Dear Aunt Betty” as your salutation. These days, the salutation may refer to the opening of an email as much as to the opening of a handwritten or printed letter. 

While cover letter salutations generally refer to the opening line of your epistle, some people also refer to the sign-off as a salutation as well, so we'll look at that at the end of the article. 

Considerations when choosing cover letter salutations

A cover letter is a formal business document that you use to try to make yourself more memorable. Remember, though, you want to be remembered for the right reasons and not the wrong ones! 

Starting your letter “Yo!” or “Hey” doesn't convey the impression of a competent professional who knows the unspoken rules of office writing etiquette. 

While not everyone is a natural writer, relying instead on personality, speech, and body language, cover letters depend very much on the written word. In fact, a cover letter, along with your resume, is part of your personal sales brochure. You need to choose the right words to sell yourself effectively. 

Stick to these guidelines, and you can't go far wrong.

Keep it formal and professional

Your tone should be aligned with the tone you'd use when speaking to a teacher, religious leader, or grandma, not the tone you'd use with your mates or kid brother. This is the first impression you'll make on your potential employer, so it's important to show that you can communicate professionally , with respect, and in line with workplace norms. 

Personalize wherever possible

Bonus points if you know, or can find out, the name of the person who will be reading the letter. If you can address them by name, you're instantly showing that you've made the effort, done your research, and have taken the time to write a personalized letter rather than firing the same one off to multiple vacancies. 

Always use a salutation

Even if you can't find out the recipient's name, never leave the greeting line blank. It conveys the impression of someone who lacks attention to detail or is just plain lazy. Not a great impression to create on someone you need to impress! 

This doesn't just apply to the cover letter salutation but to the entire document. Punctuation is important as it enables your reader to accurately interpret your meaning. Use capital letters for names and add a comma after the salutation. Get a trusted friend or family member to check over your letter when it's written to help you give it the polish it needs. 

Options for cover letter salutations

Let's take a look at some different salutations you could use on your cover letter. 

Dear Mr Donnelly 

Addressing the hiring manager by name is the ideal option. If it's not given in the job posting or provided by the person connecting you, it's fine to resort to good old Google. You may find their name on the company website or be able to track them down on LinkedIn. It's also perfectly acceptable to contact the company directly and ask them who you should address your application to.

If you're lucky enough to know the name of the hiring manager, you should always use it in the cover letter salutation. Bear these considerations in mind, though: 

Double and triple check the spelling – even the most common names sometimes have unconventional spellings 

Default to “Mr,” “Mrs,” or “Miss” plus their surname and use the generic “Ms” if you're not sure whether “Mrs” or “Miss” would be most appropriate

Reflect the gender-neutral title “Mx” if that's what you find online or on the job advert

Dear Doctor Foster

If the recipient has a professional title, it's recommended you use that instead of “Mr,” “Mrs,” or “Miss.” Examples could include “Dear Professor Dumbledore,” “Dear General Eisenhower,” or “Dear Doctor House.” 

While the formal “Dear Ms Farrell” is the preferred and most formal option, if you only have the hiring manager's first name, it's perfectly acceptable to use it to open the letter. Again, check the spelling. A slightly less formal salutation here isn't a reason to take a less formal tone throughout the rest of the letter, however. This is a suitable salutation for a job application email, as you can get away with a slightly more relaxed approach in an email.

Dear HR team

If you need a greeting for a cover letter to an unknown recipient, this is a popular option. It's not ideal, but your letter is likely to be forwarded to the right department at least. If you can't find the name of the hiring manager, this is a viable Plan B. 

Dear hiring manager

This is an alternative cover letter greeting when you have no name available. It's better than leaving a blank space, but it's far from warm and personal. Additionally, your letter may not find its way to the right person if the company has different teams hiring for different roles. Try to avoid this unless you've run out of other options.

Dear Sir / Madam

This cover letter salutation is falling out of favor. It's not just impersonal; it doesn't even address a specific team or department. Still, it's better than an overly casual greeting or a blank space. 

How NOT to address a cover letter

As we've already said, there are some greetings that are just too informal to use as cover letter salutations. There are others, however, that tread a very fine line. We'd advise avoiding these openings, as they're either too colloquial or too stuffy. 

To whom it may concern

We're not in the 19th century anymore. Trim your whiskers and relegate this stuffy greeting to history, it's too impersonal even for the most uptight offices. 

Using “dear” on its own, with no name or further greeting attached, gives the wrong vibe. It sounds like a combination of your old aunt, someone unfamiliar with the English language, and someone who's forgotten to fill in a blank on their template. Literally, anything is better than nothing after the word “dear.”

Hi, hello, hi there!

While these cover letter salutations certainly aren't stuffy or over-formal, they fall too far in the other direction. They're friendly and casual but too much for an initial introduction. Save these for the interview. 

Expert tip: Read this article to find out more about cover letter mistakes to avoid: 10 of the Worst Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid  

Cover letter closing salutations

How you end is just as important as how you begin. After all, you want to end on a high! Before you come to an abrupt end, you'll want to do both of these things: 

Thank the reader for their time and consideration 

Add a call to action, for example, directing them to look at your resume or give you a call

Cover letter salutations to close 

You've started strong and used the body of the email to convince the hiring manager that you're the ideal candidate for the role. Now, it's time to choose your sign-off. 

Yours sincerely, yours truly

These two phrases should be your go-to sign-offs for a formal business letter. If you've started your letter with the recipient's name, choose sincerely; otherwise, choose truly. 

Best regards, kind regards, regards

These are all acceptable closing phrases but better suited to an email than a full letter. They veer towards the casual and aren't generally considered the best letter-writing etiquette. 

Respectfully

This is a polite way of signing off a letter, although not especially conventional or formal. While it's better than no closing at all, it would be wiser to choose a more formal option. 

How NOT to sign off a cover letter 

Just as there are ways not to start a cover letter, there are ways not to sign off. 

Well, it's polite but way too informal. “Thank you” would be better, but a line within the body of the letter saying that you appreciate the time they take to consider your application would be best. 

Just no. You're not taking leave of a friend you've just dropped in on; you're addressing your potential future employer. A more formal and respectful tone is needed. 

However you choose to end your cover letter, remember to finish with your name – and leave space above to sign it if you intend to print it out.

Cover letter examples

Below you'll find two cover letter examples with strong salutations, one a traditional letter and one an email, that you can use for inspiration. 

Traditional cover letter example

Dear Ms Searle, 

Re: Sales Manager vacancy 

Having seen your advertisement for a Sales Manager on LinkedIn, I would like to outline my professional experience and strong track record. I believe I can make a very significant contribution to Acme Corp.

In addition to extensive experience in a sales environment, I also have a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and a proven ability to meet targets. As you will see from my enclosed resume, I am a natural people person, communicating effectively with a diverse range of people and demonstrating excellent negotiation and influencing skills. My leadership abilities mean that I am able to successfully engage and motivate teams – my current team has surpassed its Q1 targets by 23%. 

I am driven, ambitious, and keen to progress my career in a growing and innovative business such as Acme Corp. I am confident that my strong work ethic, combined with my sales results and integrity, will enable me to play a key role in your success. 

Please do not hesitate to call me at 555-555-5555 so we can arrange an interview to discuss my application in greater depth. I appreciate your consideration. 

Yours sincerely,

Email cover letter example 

Dear Liz, 

Re: Assistant Security Manager vacancy (ref: 12345)

Having read your advertisement for an Assistant Security Manager with interest, I am writing to outline my extensive professional experience. I believe that I possess the talents necessary to make a positive contribution to your hotel.    

I have a comprehensive understanding of security and a commitment to exceptional service. As a Police Officer, I led teams of up to 6 personnel, overseeing security patrols and managing performance. Colleagues would recommend me for my ability to build and motivate teams to achieve exceptionally high standards and positive outcomes. 

As a manager, I take pride in providing training and development opportunities across the team to improve individual skill levels and ensure the achievement of organizational objectives.

The position at Acme Hotel is particularly appealing to me as I believe it will make the best possible use of my security and leadership skills whilst providing opportunities for further development. 

Please do not hesitate to call me at 555-555-5555 so we can arrange an interview to discuss my application in greater depth. I appreciate your consideration of my application and look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards, 

Choose the right cover letter salutations to set the right tone

As you can see, there are several options for opening and closing a cover letter. Make sure you choose one that is professional, has the right amount of formality, and shows you understand corporate communication. 

At TopResume, we create impactful resumes that land jobs. If you need help with your cover letter, we can do that, too! Why not contact us for a strong start on your journey towards a new career? 

Recommended reading: 

Resume vs Cover Letter: How They're Different

What is the perfect cover letter length?

How to Tailor Your Cover Letter for Each Job Application

Related Articles:

How to Maximize Your Resume Action Words to Wow the Employer

Resume Spelling and Accent Explained

Guide to Writing a Great Resume with No Work Experience

See how your resume stacks up.

Career Advice Newsletter

Our experts gather the best career & resume tips weekly. Delivered weekly, always free.

Thanks! Career advice is on its way.

Share this article:

Let's stay in touch.

Subscribe today to get job tips and career advice that will come in handy.

Your information is secure. Please read our privacy policy for more information.

The 46 Best Cover Letter Examples: What They Got Right

Published: May 22, 2024

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

Table of Contents

Customizable Cover Letter Examples

Best cover letter examples, short cover letter examples, creative cover letter examples, job cover letter examples, career cover letter examples, what is a good cover letter, what’s on a cover letter, what makes a great cover letter.

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

Download Free

All fields are required.

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

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

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.

Don't forget to share this post!

Related articles.

How to Write an Internship Cover Letter [Expert Advice & Examples]

How to Start a Cover Letter That Gets You Your Dream Job

General Cover Letter: 15 Cover Letter Templates to Perfect Your Next Job Application

Is a Cover Letter Necessary in 2024?

Letter of Interest Tips, Templates & Examples [A 2023 Guide]

The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Cover Letter

Eight Cover Letter Greetings for Every Situation

7 Expert Cover Letter Tips to Get the Job

Marketing software that helps you drive revenue, save time and resources, and measure and optimize your investments — all on one easy-to-use platform

Resumes and Cover Letters

A compelling resume and cover letter can be your ticket to an interview.

Take the time to format and customize your cover letter and resume so you will stand out from the crowd. See the CVC's best practices below.

Not sure where to begin? Make an appointment! Our trained staff are happy to review your resume or cover letter to provide tips and insights to help you put your best foot forward.

Make an Appointment for Resume Help

Submit your resume or cover letter for virtual help.

Resume Template

Take a look at the CVC's resume template as a starting point to draft your own. Keep scrolling for formatting tips and more sample resumes.

Main Resume Template

Cover Letter Template

Download a copy of the CVC's cover letter template as a starting point for your own.

CVC Cover Letter Template

More Resume Resources

Formatting your resume.

Download this PDF for some of the CVC's best tips on formatting your resume.

Resume Format Matters PDF

Cover Letter Outline

Writing a cover letter is more of an art than a science; there isn't always a strict formula to follow. Download this PDF to learn more.

CVC Cover Letter Outline PDF

Tailoring Your Documents

Customizing both your resume and cover letter to each individual application will help you stand out from other applicants. Download this PDF to learn more about tailoring your documents.

Resume and Cover Letter Making Them Yours PDF

Sample Resumes

Click here for more sample resumes tailored to different majors, fields, and school years.

Resume Samples

• Entertainment
• Sports Podcasts Better Planet Vault Mightier Autos Newsletters Unconventional Vantage Experts Voices
• Subscribe for $1
• Better Planet
• Newsletters
• Unconventional

Are Cover Letters Necessary?

Do cover letters matter these days? It depends on who you ask.

Some recruiters love learning more about each job applicant, while others find the practice antiquated. So should you write one if it might not even be read at all?

Keep reading for advice from career coaching experts, plus:

• When you should (and shouldn't) write a cover letter
• What to do when a cover letter is "optional"
• Tips for writing an effective cover letter
• What an effective cover letter template looks like

Do I Need a Cover Letter ?

In most cases, yes—you should submit a cover letter with your resume.

While the cover letter has increasingly become a divisive topic among recruiters and job seekers , it's still often listed as a requirement on job applications .

But regardless, many recruiters still think cover letters are important.

According to a 2023 study by recruitment website Zippia , more than a fourth (26 percent) of recruiters "always read cover letters " and think they're an important component of the hiring decision. And almost half (45 percent) said that not including a cover letter could get your application rejected.

So in most cases, it's best to be cautious and include one.

• 6 tips for crafting an executive-level resume
• Seven red flags to look out for on a job ad, according to business experts
• How to ask for a raise in 7 steps

In short, including a cover letter will almost never hurt your job search —but it can help.

Here's how:

• It can help you stand out from the crowd . Recruiters read through countless resumes for just one role. If you have similar qualifications as other candidates, a cover letter allows you to showcase your personality and unique skills.
• It shows you're willing to go the extra mile . Searching for a new job is already a lot of effort, so it may be difficult to rationalize writing a customized cover letter for each role. But the Zippia study found that 61 percent of hiring managers consider a customized resume (with a cover letter, portfolio link, etc.) the "number one tactic for applicants to boost their chances of getting a job."
• You can address potential biases . In a perfect world, recruiters wouldn't count you out based on things like employment gaps or " job hopping ." Career coach Marlo Lyons recommends using your cover letter to "fill in any gaps" and provide context about these types of situations so recruiters don't get the wrong impression.

When You Should Include a Cover Letter

It's ultimately up to you whether you include a cover letter.

Octavia Goredema, career coach and author of Prep, Push, Pivot , says that the decision to submit a cover letter hinges on "where you are in your career journey and your personal career goals."

In addition to when it's a required part of the job posting, here are scenarios where it's in your best interest to submit one:

• If someone referred you to the job : According to Goredema, "If you were referred to an opportunity by someone at the company or have a personal history that correlates with the role, a cover letter enables you to share that."
• If you want to add additional information : Say the job you're applying to requires candidates to live on a specific coast. If you don't currently live in the area but are willing to relocate, mention that in your cover letter so you aren't automatically rejected based on your current location.
• If you're changing careers : Goredema recommends writing one "if you're in the early stages of your career or making a professional pivot. A cover letter provides the opportunity to add additional context to the information included in your resume."
• If you don't have any previous work experience : If you're new to the workforce, you may not have any applicable previous positions to include on your resume. Use your cover letter to highlight transferrable skills and explain why you think you'd still be a good fit.

Lastly, Goredema suggests that "if this is your dream job, a cover letter provides the space for you to explain with impact and highlight what you do best."

Debra Boggs, founder and CEO of D&S Executive Career Management, adds: "As long as a cover letter is well-written and error-free, it will never hurt your chances of winning an interview."

So the more important the role is to you, the more effort you should put in.

When You Shouldn't Include a Cover Letter

There are certainly times when you should send a cover letter with your resume—but are there times when you shouldn't send one in? Here are a few instances:

• If the application platform doesn't have a space to upload one : If there isn't a space for you to attach your cover letter or other supporting documents, don't sweat it. This means that other applicants won't be able to send one either.
• If the job posting doesn't require one : If the post specifically states that you shouldn't include a cover letter, it's not a trick. The recruiter likely doesn't plan to read it, so it's best to reserve your time for other job search activities .
• If you aren't a strong writer : Lyons recommends forgoing a cover letter if you aren't a good writer and don't have anyone to help you. "The cover letter could be your first impression, and a badly written one—especially with grammatical errors—could make recruiters not want to screen you for the job."
• If you don't have time : Strapped for time? Goredema suggests "[focusing] on your resume and the application requirements versus haphazardly throwing together a few sentences just to meet an application deadline."

What To Do When a Cover Letter is 'Optional'

"Optional" cover letters can feel like a trick. You want to show the recruiter you're interested in the role, but you don't want to waste your time if it isn't necessary.

Lyons recommends skipping the optional cover letter "if your resume and LinkedIn profile are complete and no further explanation is needed."

However, it can be helpful to write one if "your resume doesn't tell the whole story about you." (Think resume gaps or career changes.)

Goredema believes it can be helpful to include a cover letter, regardless of whether it's a requirement. "Why not take the opportunity? It may help you to stand out. Going the extra mile by sending a well-written, personalized cover letter can only work to your advantage versus working against you."

So it can be helpful to put in extra effort if you have more to add to your application. But you shouldn't include a subpar cover letter just for the sake of it.

7 Tips for Writing an Effective Cover Letter

Regardless of your feelings toward the now-controversial cover letter, you'll likely find yourself writing one for at least some of the jobs you apply to.

Here's how to draft one that actually grabs a recruiter's attention:

1. Keep Things Short

Lyons suggests writing "three to four paragraphs at most, with two to three sentences in each paragraph."

Goredema adds: "Avoid long rambling sentences and keep your letter concise to make it easy to read."

Even if a particular recruiter loves cover letters, they might sift through hundreds of applications to find the right candidates. So it's best to be brief.

2. Follow the Rules

Some recruiters will ask you to include a portfolio link, send the cover letter via email, ask you to answer specific questions, etc. Be sure to fully read the job post's requirements—you don't want to be counted out for failing to follow directions.

3. Don't Repeat Your Resume

Lyons cautions repeating information the recruiter already has access to. Instead, "Tell the story of you—something important that you did not cover on your resume and how that story connects to the current position."

Think of it as connecting the dots between your experience, skills and capabilities. Explain why you'd be a good fit for the role rather than repeating the skills section of your resume .

4. Use Active Voice and Action Verbs

With active voice, the subject of a sentence performs the action. Passive voice puts more emphasis on the object of the sentence.

Using active voice is more direct and straightforward. Plus, it helps keep things brief.

Aim to use active voice throughout your resume and cover letter. This will help you sound clear and confident.

Here's an example of passive voice, plus how to fix it to use active voice:

• Passive voice : The treats were eaten by the dogs.
• Active voice : The dogs ate the treats.

If you struggle with writing in active voice consistently, think about the action verbs you'd use to describe your skills and experiences.

For example, instead of "I was tasked with x," you could say, "I managed x."

5. Be Specific

Include specific examples (i.e., instead of "I'm a team player," allude to a situation where you were a team player). If you've ever taken a writing course, you've probably heard the advice "show don't tell." The same advice applies to your resume and cover letter.

You could say "I have marketing experience," but what does that communicate to the reader? Not much.

Be specific about your experience and accomplishments. Instead, say "I led a marketing campaign that increased quarterly newsletter sign-ups by 40%."

6. Proofread

Check your cover letter for grammar and spelling mistakes before submitting it to avoid a professional faux pas.

Use spellcheck or an external app like Grammarly, which is also compatible with web browsers.

7. Customize It

At best, a generic cover letter is boring or a little awkward. At worst, it can be unprofessional if what you wrote about has nothing to do with the job you're applying for.

Think about it this way: your cover letter might be the deciding factor between you and another candidate with the same skills and experience. So you want to grab the recruiter's attention.

You don't need to spend tons of time rewriting your cover letter for every job application, though. Here are a few things you can do to stand out:

• Address the hiring manager or recruiter by name (you can sometimes find this information on the LinkedIn job post)
• Include the company name and job title
• Mention what you like about the specific company and its culture
• Detail skills and experience specifically mentioned on the job post

Boggs advises to "create a template that you can easily customize to include the relevant skills and experience for each job and employer."

Read on for inspiration for your own template.

Cover Letter Template

It can be time-consuming to write a new cover letter for every job application. Here's a template you can customize for different positions:

Dear [name of recruiter, "hiring manager"] ,

I saw the job posting for [exact title of role] and am excited about the opportunity. [1-2 sentences detailing why you're interested in the role/company.]

In my previous role, [brief description of your accomplishments beyond what your resume states.] I also have [1-2 sentences detailing relevant experience, including specific skills and level of proficiency.]

[If applicable: include a short paragraph with a link to your portfolio or any other relevant links.]

Thank you for your time—if you'd like to schedule an interview, please feel free to contact me [brief description of the best time and method for contact.]

[Your Name]

[Phone Number]

Cover Letter FAQs

Still wondering if you need a cover letter for your specific situation? Or if recruiters actually read every cover letter? Read on for answers.

Do I Need a Cover Letter for a Part-Time Job?

The same advice applies to part-time jobs—cover letters aren't always necessary, but they can help you stand out. If you're especially interested in a part-time role, it's a good idea to submit a cover letter.

Do I Need a Cover Letter for an Internship?

Many people who apply for internships don't have significant prior work experience, so a cover letter is especially helpful here.

Instead of previous jobs, you can talk about:

• Your education
• Extra-curricular activities
• Transferrable skills
• Volunteer experience

You can include similar points if you're looking for an entry-level job and don't have prior work experience.

Can I Use AI To Write a Cover Letter?

Proceed with caution when using ChatGPT or a similar tool to write content for you. Employers may be using AI content detectors to identify which candidates used a shortcut.

AI programs like ChatGPT create content based on their existing libraries, so content is never really "new." Meaning it's impossible to tell if you're accidentally plagiarizing someone unless you heavily edit the chatbot's answers.

Goredema points out a potential pitfall in relying too heavily on AI: "If your goal is to get an interview, you don't want there to be a huge gap between how you communicate on paper versus how you communicate in person ."

Here are a few ways you can use AI to add to the writing process :

• Checking for active voice
• Adding action verbs
• Creating a rough draft
• Checking your writing tone

Do Recruiters Actually Read Your Cover Letter?

The big question—is the effort behind your cover letter worth it? Again, there's no perfect answer.

The most important thing is to ensure hiring managers have all the information they need to fairly consider you for a position.

Boggs cautions: "Remember, not all recruiters and hiring managers read cover letters, so make sure to include all your relevant qualifications and accomplishments in your resume as well, so these details don't get missed."

But there are other creative ways to stand out apart from a cover letter.

According to Goredema, "The general feedback I hear from the recruiters I work with is that a resume accompanied by their LinkedIn profile supersedes a cover letter because they will tell a recruiter at first glance what they need to know about a candidate."

So, are cover letters really necessary these days?

Lyons says that recruiters primarily care about two things:

• "Does an applicant have the skills and capabilities to do the job?"
• "Will the applicant fit the culture of the team and the company?"

Cover letters can help you stand out among a sea of applicants or explain difficult job situations—so in most cases, it's helpful to include one with your resume.

But whether you decide to send a cover letter with your resume or not, be sure the recruiter has all the information they need to be confident about you and your experience.

About the writer

Kelly Lyons is a Newsweek editor based in the Chicagoland area. Her focus is lifestyle content. Kelly joined Newsweek in 2023. She is a graduate of Lewis University. You can get in touch with Kelly by emailing [email protected]. Languages: English.

• Newsweek magazine delivered to your door
• Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
• Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
• Comment on articles
• Newsweek app updates on-the-go

Top stories

Donald Trump Favorite to Win Election With Bookmakers Again

New York Robberies Are Still On The Rise

Donald Trump Tears Into 'Highly Overrated Jewish Governor' Josh Shapiro

'Muslim Women for Harris' Disbands, Say They Can No Longer Support Her

•   Recalls
•   Business Education
•   News Releases
•   Regulatory Robot
•   Calendar Events
•   Multimedia

Generator In-use Cover Recommendation Letter

Attachment Generator_In-use_Cover_Recommendation_Letter.pdf (125.81 KB) Type Other Items Posted Date Friday, July 26, 2024 - 11:03 Product Category Home Appliances, Maintenance and Structures Subject/Disposition Other

You are about to leave the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) public website.

The link you selected is for a destination outside of the Federal Government. CPSC does not control this external site or its privacy policy and cannot attest to the accuracy of the information it contains. You may wish to review the privacy policy of the external site as its information collection practices may differ from ours. Linking to this external site does not constitute an endorsement of the site or the information it contains by CPSC or any of its employees.

Click Ok if you wish to continue to the website; otherwise, click Cancel to return to our site.

‘Safer supply has been an unmitigated disaster.’ Readers on the closing of supervised drug-use sites, plus other letters to the editor for Aug. 22

A row of empty booths in the InSite supervised drug consumption site in the Downtown Eastside in Vancouver on Nov. 14, 2023. Jesse Winter/Reuters

Treatment and recovery

Re “ Ontario to close drug-use sites in shift on addictions policy ” (Aug. 21): Huge kudos to the Ford government for making the protection of children a top priority. Supervised consumption sites have sprung up like mushrooms in many major Canadian cities. The concept of providing clean needles to drug addicts so they can shoot up street drugs, often purchased with the proceeds of crime and of unknown quality, seems a seriously flawed one.

Surely governments would do better and show much more compassion by setting up treatment centres to wean addicts off their drug addictions. People enslaved to their addictions would likely live longer, more productive lives, while taking some pressure off Canada’s ailing health care system.

Larry Comeau Ottawa

Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones’s definition of health care is far more narrow than mine. What happened to the “care” part? The shift in policy by the Progressive Conservative government, which neglects a crucial part of the continuum of care (prevention/harm reduction), will leave many denied care and marginalized. Tragically, there will be more deaths owing to drug overdoses. Sure, there are problems in communities disproportionately affected by drug use. How about solving problems by bringing together local stakeholders, including residents, outreach workers and those with lived experience to sort out how to improve their communities? Leaving lives at risk, as the government meddles with current services, is not health care, especially when we are in the middle of a toxic drug crisis.

Sheila Lacroix Toronto

I am pleased to read today’s article. Safer supply has been an unmitigated disaster, in that drugs obtained at these sites are bartered/sold and the proceeds used to buy fentanyl and other potent opioids.

Transitioning to treatment hubs, where those with substance use disorder will receive access to treatment with buprenorphine or methadone, mental-health support and access to housing is just the Rx that is necessary.

Expansion of access to opioid agonist treatment saves lives, as confirmed by the literature.

The government of Ontario has finally gotten it right.

Mark A. Greenberg, MD, CCFP, CCFP(AM), FCFP, ASAM Consulting staff, department of psychiatry, addiction medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Toronto

Keeping Alberta beautiful

Re “ Alberta solar, wind to bring in $54-million in taxes ” (Report on Business, Aug. 20): The geniuses at the province of Alberta are concerned about the look of the province, and I’m so glad there are new rules about “pristine landscapes” now. I assume that means they’ll be taking out all industrial blight, the oil refineries, drilling rigs and rusting steel I see wherever I drive around the province. Please move them far out of sight. Start with the Strathcona Refinery in Edmonton, a giant blot on the horizon if ever there was one. The beautiful river valley landscape there has been destroyed. But let’s face it, that isn’t going to happen because the oil business is so good-looking compared to solar panels, right?

Ronald Kelly Surrey, B.C.

Africa policy reset

Re “ Joly heads to Africa as Ottawa revives strategy ” (Aug. 20): I am agog that Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly’s four-day trip to two countries in Africa marks a revival of Canada’s entire strategy for the continent. The previous La Francophonie strategy was an unmitigated disaster and a waste of resources. Canadians must be delighted that the required time and energy for a continentwide reset is just four days. Robert Burns wrote, “Such a parcel of rogues in a nation!” It fits this government perfectly.

William MacLachlan Calgary

Rail strike

Re “ CN Rail, Canadian Pacific Kansas City wind down operations as possible shutdown nears ” (Report on Business, Aug. 19): Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne says more competition in the grocery sector would help keep prices low for consumers. Perhaps Mr. Champagne should look at competition in the railway sector, where the Teamsters is the only union providing labour services to CN and CPKC. Also, these two railways are almost the only providers of long-haul transportation in Canada.

Greater competition would mean more alternatives in long-haul shipping, fewer supply chain disruptions and smaller consumer price rises in the event of a work stoppage by two railway companies.

Constance Smith Victoria

Secret Canada

Re “ How transparent is your city? Audit of access requests finds vast differences ” (Aug. 19): While Canada’s freedom-of-information/access-to-information regime is undoubtedly broken, the metrics in this article are misleading. FOI/ATI legislation requires line-by-line review of records. Response packages can consist of a couple of pages or thousands of pages. They may contain structured records (for example, forms) or unstructured records (e-mails). These conditions affect the time required for a careful line-by-line review. Volume of pages actually processed, not the number of FOI requests received, would be more telling in terms of whether a public body is transparent.

Percentage of records released also isn’t necessarily revealing. FOI/ATI processes should be reserved for complex cases where competing access and privacy rights collide. Treating every single request as an FOI, even when the records could obviously be routinely disclosed, creates unnecessary barriers to access. A public body could appear transparent, while in reality being the opposite.

Alexandra Wieland North Vancouver, B.C.

A cross Jordan

Re “ The (re-)education of Dr. Peterson ” (Opinion, Aug. 14): I very much enjoyed the humour. Still, we should not lose sight of the fundamental importance of the Supreme Court’s decision to allow professional associations to regulate individual speech. This is the legal precedent we need to eliminate unwanted opinions. While the specific allegations in the Jordan Peterson case are unclear, it is heartening to know that professional associations can arbitrarily discipline their members based on their rigorous social-media standards. It is pathetic that Mr. Peterson has launched an entire online cut-rate university in a misguided attempt to re-educate the people trying to re-educate him, and I can only hope his ridiculous attempt to bring classical Western standards of professional competence back to the fore exposes him as the shill Andrew Coyne has so brilliantly portrayed.

Peter Gatis Barrie, Ont.

Grammar nerds

Re “ Good point ” (Letters to the Editor, Aug. 19): Just to add to the recent notes from letter-writers commenting on apostrophes, fellow grammar nerds would love Bethany Keeley’s The Book of “Unnecessary” Quotation Marks , a compilation of photographs of actual signs. She curates a blog of the same. The cover of the book is a rural sign that reads: FRESH BROWN “EGGS.” Another hilarious compilation is Delusions of Grammar – The Worst of the Worst , also illustrated with signs. We do need a laugh in these troubling times!

Heather MacAndrew Victoria

Letters to the Editor should be exclusive to The Globe and Mail. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. Keep letters to 150 words or fewer. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. To submit a letter by e-mail, click here: [email protected]

Report an editorial error

Report a technical issue

Editorial code of conduct

Interact with The Globe

How to Start a Cover Letter: 30 Creative Opening Sentences Recruiters Will LOVE

Wondering how to start a cover letter? Traditional cover letter wisdom might tell you to begin with something like, “Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to apply for the marketing manager position with the Thomas Company.” But we say: A cookie cutter cover letter intro feels as outdated as a Hotmail address.

A cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself to a hiring manager—who you are, what you have to offer, and why you want the job—but you have an extremely limited amount of space to do it. If you really want to get noticed, you’ve got to start right off the bat with something that grabs your reader’s attention.

What do we mean? Well, we won’t just tell you, we’ll show you. Keep reading to find tips on how to start a cover letter, along with 30 creative cover letter opening lines and sentence examples.

Still looking for that perfect next role? One of these open jobs on The Muse just might be the one »

5 tips on how to start off a cover letter

Here are a few pointers to guide you as you use our example cover letter openings—we’re getting there, we promise!—to craft your own:

1. Avoid boring or overused openers

Recruiters have read cover letters that start with lines like “I’m excited to apply for the front-end engineering position,” or “Your job posting on The Muse prompted me to…” so often they could wallpaper their homes with them. While those are OK and still acceptable, you'll have a better shot at impressing potential employers with a less cliché opening line.

2. Be lively and personable

People like reading interesting, engaging stuff—the kind that paints a picture, tells a story, and maybe even makes them smile. People like it when you’re human, genuine, and memorable. So figure out something about yourself and your background that relates to the company or position you're interested in, and use that to build a connection.

3. Show what you bring the company

You’ll get more into the details after your opening paragraph, of course. But your cover letter opener should still tell the reader, “This person can do something for us,” rather than, “This job would really help them.”

4. Stick to the point

Your opener, while creative, should still be relevant to the job. Don’t begin by highlighting an unrelated accomplishment or recounting an anecdote that never connects back to why you’re applying for the job. Part of writing an effective cover letter is curating key information that relates to that specific job opportunity and shows the reader that you're a good fit for the role.

5. Don't start with “To Whom It May Concern”

Find an alternative to “ To Whom It May Concern .” Seriously, banish those five words from your cover letter vocabulary forever. Nowadays, this phrase is seen as outdated, overused, and even rude—especially when better options exist.

30 cover letter opening sentence examples

We’ve come up with 30 creative cover letter opening sentence examples and separated them by the method they use to grab the reader’s attention. We don’t recommend copying and pasting because, well, your cover letter should be unique to your stories, background, and interests.

But you can most definitely use these examples to get inspired for your next application. (If you’re looking to see what an entire cover letter might look like, check out our article on the best cover letter examples for every type of job seeker .)

Start with passion

Employers want to hire people who care about what they’re doing. If you start your cover letter off talking about your passions and how they relate to the job, you’re telling the reader that you’ll be an engaged and motivated employee who’s likely to stick around. Plus, it’s a good way to tell the company a bit about who you are as a person right off the bat. Just be honest and realistic.

If truly loving data is wrong, I don’t want to be right. It seems like the rest of the folks at [Analytics Company] feel the same way—and that’s just one of the reasons why I think I’d be the perfect next hire for your sales team.

I’ve been giving my friends and family free style advice since I was 10, and recently decided it’s time I get paid for it. That’s why I couldn’t believe it when I found an open personal stylist position at [Company].

After about three years of trying out different roles at early-stage startups around San Francisco, watching more “ find your passion “ keynotes than I’d like to admit, and assuring my parents that, yes, I actually do have a real job, I’m starting to come to terms with the fact that I’m happiest when I’m doing two things: writing great content and getting it out into the world.

The other day, I took a career assessment , which told me I should be a maritime merchant. I’m not quite sure what that is, but it did get me thinking: A role that combines my skills in business development with my lifelong passion for the ocean would be my absolute dream. Which is how I found this role at Royal Caribbean.

As a kid, I once gave up a day of a family vacation to transport an injured lizard I found by our hotel two hours each way to the nearest animal hospital (and talked my dad into driving me pre-GPS!). When I was a bit older, I found out I could care for animals every day for a living, and I’ve been working toward that goal ever since.

I am constantly checking my LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram feeds—and not because of FOMO. Because I’m someone who wholeheartedly believes in the power of sharing ideas in online communal spaces, and I’m positive that I can help spark meaningful conversations as your next social media assistant.

When I was growing up, I wanted to be one of those people who pretend to be statues on the street. Thankfully, my career goals have become a little more aspirational over the years, but I still love to draw a crowd and entertain the masses—passions that make me the perfect community manager.

Start with admiration

Companies often want to hire people who already know, love, eat, and sleep their brand. What better to kick off your cover letter than a little flattery? Of course, remember when you’re telling a company why you love it to be specific and genuine. Because while everyone likes a compliment, no one likes obvious self-serving B.S.

I pretty much spent my childhood in the cheap seats at Cubs games, snacking on popcorn and cheering on the team with my grandfather. It’s that memory that’s shaped my career—from helping to establish the sports marketing major at my university to leading a college baseball team to an undefeated season as assistant coach—and what led me to apply for this position at the Chicago Cubs.

It was Rudy, my Golden Retriever, who first inspired me to apply to your operations assistant opening—not only have we used your app to find other dogs to play with in our neighborhood, he’s really excited about the prospect of coming to work with me every day. As I learned more about how [Company] is using modern tech to help pets thrive in cities, I couldn’t help but get excited to be part of it, too.

Example 10:

When I was seven, I wanted to be the GEICO gecko when I grew up. I eventually realized that wasn’t an option, but you can imagine my excitement when I came across your events manager position, which would have me working side by side with my favorite company mascot.

Example 11:

When I attended SXSW for the first time last month, I didn’t want to leave. So I decided I shouldn’t—and immediately went to check out job openings at the company.

Example 12:

If I could make the NYC apartment rental process better for just one person, I would feel like the horrors of my recent search would all be worth it. So a customer service role at [Apartment Search Company], where I could do it every day? I can’t think of anything more fulfilling.

Example 13:

[Vacation Rental Company] is synonymous with luxury and escape, known for spaces that inspire. I’ve felt this firsthand every time I’ve stayed at one of your properties—whether I was throwing a bachelorette party or working from home in a new locale—and I would love the chance to contribute to this reputation as your destination manager.

Example 14:

I was an hour out from hosting my first big dinner party when I realized I had forgotten to pick up the white wine. In a panic, I started Googling delivery services, and that’s when I first stumbled across [Delivery Service Company]. I’ve been hooked ever since, so I couldn’t help but get excited by the idea of bringing this amazingness to nervous hosts like me as your next social media and community manager.

Example 15:

Though I’m happily employed as a marketing manager, seeing the job description for your company’s PR director position stopped me in my tracks. I’ve been wearing your glasses for many years, and have always been impressed by the way the company treats its customers, employees, and the community at large.

Example 16:

A group of us IT folks were sitting around talking about our favorite Pacific Northwest companies this morning (coincidentally, over coffee). As you might figure, Starbucks was among the first names that came up. What makes you such a standout among Seattle-based corporations? Here’s the list we compiled:

Start with accomplishments

For any given job, you’re going to be competing with a lot of other job seekers—presumably, a lot of other similarly qualified people. A great way to stand out in your cover letter is to highlight something about yourself—a character trait, an accomplishment, a really impressive skill—that’ll quickly show how you stand out.

Example 17:

My last boss once told me that my phone manner could probably defuse an international hostage situation. I’ve always had a knack for communicating with people—the easygoing and the difficult alike—and I’d love to bring that skill to your open office manager position.

Example 18:

Among my colleagues, I’m known as the one who can pick up the pieces, no matter what amount of you-know-what hits the fan. Which is why I think there’s no one better to fill this customer service leader position.

Example 19:

Last December, I ousted our company’s top salesperson from his spot—and he hasn’t seen it since. Which means, I’m ready for my next big challenge, and the sales manager role at your company is exactly what I’m looking for.

Example 20:

After spending three years managing the internal communications for a 2,000-person company, I could plan a quarterly town hall or draft an interoffice memo in my sleep. What do I want to do next? Put that experience to work as a consultant for executives looking to level up their communications strategy.

Example 21:

While you won’t find the title “community manager” listed on my resume, I’ve actually been bringing people together online and off for three years while running my own blog and series of meetups.

Example 22:

If you’re looking for someone who can follow orders and doesn’t like to rock the boat, I’m probably not the right candidate. But if you need someone who can dig into data, see what’s working (and what’s not), and challenge the status quo, let’s talk.

Example 23:

I recently relocated my family to Texas. As we neared our new home, I noticed with intrigue the many wind turbines dotting the landscape. Suddenly, it hit me: “This is the career for me.” After unloading the moving van, I promptly researched companies in this sector that may benefit most from a skilled field engineer with expert electromechanical skills. And I discovered that [Company] is where I want to be.

Example 24:

You might be wondering what a 15-year veteran of the accounting world is doing applying to an operations role at a food startup. While I agree the shift is a little strange, I know you’re looking for someone who’s equal parts foodie and financial expert, and I think that means I’m your person.

Example 25:

Over the last 10 years, I’ve built my career on one simple principle: Work smarter. I’m the person who looks for inefficient procedures, finds ways to streamline them, and consistently strives to boost the productivity of everyone around me. It’s what’s earned me three promotions in the supply chain department at my current company, and it’s what I know I can do as the new operations analyst for [Company].

Start with humor and creativity

OK, before you read any of these, we have to stamp them with a big, blaring disclaimer: Do your homework before trying anything like this—learn everything you can about the company and the hiring manager to gauge whether or not they’d appreciate some comedic relief or a bit of snark. If it seems like they would, it’s a great way to make them smile (then call you). If they don’t? Try a different approach.

Example 26:

Have you ever had your mom call five times a day asking for a status update on how your job search is going, and then sound incredulous that you haven’t made more progress since the last phone call? That’s my life right now. But I’m hoping that soon my life will revolve around being your full-time social media manager. The good news is, I bring more to the table than just an overbearing mom. Let me tell you more.

Example 27:

Thank you so much for offering me the marketing manager position at [Company]! I wholeheartedly accept. OK, I know we’re not quite there yet. But if we were, here are just a few ideas for what I would do once in the role.

Example 28:

I considered submitting my latest credit card statement as proof of just how much I love online shopping, but I thought a safer approach might be writing this cover letter and describing all the reasons I’m the one who can take [E-Commerce Company]’s business to the next level.

Example 29:

I never thought that accidentally dropping my iPhone out of a second story window would change my life (it’s a funny story—ask me about it). But thanks to my misfortune, I discovered [Phone Repair Company]—and found my dream job as an expansion associate.

Example 30:

If we were playing “Two Truths and a Lie,” I’d say: I’ve exceeded my sales quotas by at least 20% every quarter this year, I once won an international pie-eating contest, and I have an amazing job at [Company]. The last, of course, is the lie. For now.

Frequently asked questions

How do you start off a cover letter.

When unsure how to open a cover letter, a good rule of thumb is to steer clear of clichés or overused opening lines. Instead, start by highlighting a passion or accomplishment relevant to the company or role you're applying for. You could also mention something about the company that caught your attention. Get creative, but keep it professional and make sure your narrative makes sense in that context.

How to start a cover letter greeting?

Try to find the hiring manager's name on LinkedIn or the company's website and address them directly, like “Dear Jane Doe”. If you can't find their name, “Dear Hiring Manager” is a good alternative. Avoid using “To Whom It May Concern” as it sounds outdated and impersonal.

How do I introduce myself in a cover letter?

Introducing yourself in a cover letter is straightforward: just share a bit about yourself. For example, “I'm a copywriter with seven years of experience in online content writing. At least officially. Since my first year of college I've been working on personal projects and keeping a track record of my accomplishments throughout the years.” No need to repeat your name since it's already in your contact information at the beginning of the letter.

How to start a cover letter without a name?

If you don't know the name of the person receiving your cover letter, start with “Dear Hiring Manager” or similar. Other possibilities include: “Dear Hiring Team”, “To the Hiring Team”, “To the Hiring Team”, “Dear Recruiter/Recruiting Team”, or “Dear Hiring Committee” if your industry evaluates cover letters and applications through a board.

Jenny Foss , Erica Breuer , Regina Borsellino , Amanda Cardoso also contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.