The 12 Best Cover Letter Examples

Browse our 12 most popular cover letter examples for in-demand jobs, different experience levels and common career scenarios. Pick the cover letter example that best suits your needs to get started!

  • Standard

    Stand out from the resume pile! This cover letter for a resume tells your story, sparks interest and proves you’re the perfect fit. Tailor it, quantify your impact and land that interview!

  • Career change

    Changing career paths? Show employers why you’re the fresh perspective they need with a cover letter that shows passion, transferable skills and quantifiable achievements.

  • Recent graduate

    Fresh grad, fresh start! Showcase your motivation, highlight relevant education and quantify campus wins to prove you’re ready to learn and grow. Land that dream job!

  • Entry-level

    Ace your first job with this entry-level cover letter example! Share accomplishments from projects or volunteering and demonstrate your eagerness to learn.

  • Internship

    Shine with a cover letter for an internship highlighting relevant skills and showing your genuine interest in a company. Skills and culture fit are equally important!

  • Data-driven

    Crunch the data, not words! Focus on impactful metrics, clear insights and data-driven solutions with this sample cover letter.

  • Experienced

    Show your worth as a seasoned pro! Showcase quantifiable impact, proven leadership and relevant achievements. Tailor this cover letter to their challenges and show a strategic vision.

  • Academic

    Showcase your publications, grant experience and pedagogical approaches. Tailor this sample of a cover letter to the department’s research focus and show your collaborative spirit.

  • Nonprofit

    Passion meets purpose in this cover letter example! Showcase impactful community work, relevant skills and dedication to the cause with a cover letter for a job in a non-profit.

  • No experience

    No experience, no problem! Use this cover letter sample to convince employers that a lack of formal work experience can’t stump your motivation, skills and subject-matter expertise.

  • Short

    Apply quickly to that dream role with this short cover letter example. No need to drag your letter on. Showcase your most relevant achievements in a concise paragraph.

  • Creative

    Showcase those unique skills and qualities that make you stand out as a creative. This cover letter sample focuses on your technical skills and out-of-the-box thinking.

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How to Write a Cover Letter

Writing an interview-winning cover letter is easy when following these five steps! Keep reading to learn how to write a cover letter according to the experts.

1
Pick a professional cover letter template.

Ensure you choose a template that conveys professionalism and has the appropriate cover letter format — especially on the letterhead. Our cover letter templates are preformatted, so all you have to do is input your information.

2
Include essential details in a formal header.

Share your contact information at the top and include a letterhead with the date, recipient’s details and address.

3
Peak the recruiter’s interest in the opening paragraph.

Introduce yourself to the hiring manager and state your interest in the job. Mention a relevant qualification or achievement that instantly grabs the reader’s attention.

4
Share what makes you an ideal candidate in the body paragraph.

In one or two paragraphs, share a story about your unique skill set, impressive achievements or goals within the role.

5
Close with a call to action for an interview.

In your closing paragraph, summarize your qualifications and share your interest in a job interview.

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Don’t have time to write your cover letter from scratch? Try our Cover Letter Builder! By just answering a few simple questions, our builder generates a personalized cover letter in mere minutes.

FAQ

How important is a cover letter?

A cover letter is an important aspect of the job application process. A well-written cover letter personalizes your application, showcases your passion and demonstrates how your skills align with the job. Even if not required, a strong cover letter always enhances your position.

What makes a great cover letter?

A great cover letter:

  • Is personal, concise, compelling and error-free.
  • Addresses the reader by name.
  • Is tailored to the role.
  • Is one page long.
  • Highlights your relevant skills with examples and achievements.
  • Is free of typos and grammatical errors to ensure a positive impression.

How do I write a simple cover letter?

To write a simple cover letter, follow these steps for each section:

Introduction: Greet the reader, state the job and express enthusiasm.

Body: Highlight critical skills or experiences using the STAR method (situation, task, action, result).

Conclusion: Reiterate interest and qualifications, request an interview and thank the reader.

How do I write a cover letter for an internship?

For an internship cover letter, emphasize transferable skills like teamwork, communication and eagerness to learn. Highlight academic achievements and relevant volunteer work. Show cultural fit by researching the company and mentioning specific projects or initiatives to which you’re excited to contribute.

Why is it important to tailor my cover letter to each job?

Tailoring your cover letter to each job you apply to is essential in targeting the job requirements. To be effective, include relevant skills, qualifications and experience. Use keywords from the job description and demonstrate how your skills and experiences will contribute to the company’s success.

Should I mention salary expectations in a cover letter?

Generally, no. Salary negotiations usually happen later in the process. Focusing on your values and qualifications is more effective at this stage. However, if a job expressly requests you provide your salary expectations, follow these tips for putting your salary in a resume or cover letter.

How do I address the reader of my cover letter?

If the contact person’s name is listed, use it. However, you may not always find your letter’s recipient’s name. If you must address a cover letter without a name, “Dear Hiring Manager” is always safe. Avoid generic salutations like “To Whom It May Concern.”

How long should my cover letter be?

Ideally, your cover letter should be one page long, around 300-400 words. Keep it concise and impactful, but include the details that make you stand out.

Where can I find free cover letter examples?

You can use our cover letter examples for free as inspiration for writing your own cover letter. However, to get the full experience, we highly recommend you use them with our Cover Letter Builder!

About the Author

Eric Ciechanowski

Eric Ciechanowski Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Eric Ciechanowski is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), certified by the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARWCC). He graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans with a B.A. double major in Creative Writing and Philosophy. His career background includes fields as diverse as education, hospitality, journalism, copywriting, tech and trivia hosting.

Editor: Gabriela Hernandez  CPRW, Career Advice Expert 

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