covering letter for application form

A cover letter is an application document you pair with your resume that explains why you want a particular job, and why you think you’re the right person for that job.

But seeing an example is always better than just reading a definition. So here’s an example of a cover letter to show you what a good cover letter looks like in 2023:

Download Cover Letter Example

Cover Letter Template (Text Version)

I’m writing to apply for the Restaurant Manager opening at Cool Bistro. I have more than three years of experience managing successful restaurants and bars, delivering excellent customer service, and creating unique dining experiences. I’m confident my professional expertise would make me a great addition to the team at Cool Bistro.

In my role as Restaurant Manager for Bar Louie, I proved to be an efficient, enthusiastic, and strong leader. My value quickly became apparent to Bar Louie’s owners after I trained and prepared the entire waitstaff for opening night. Not only did our team meet sales goals each month for the first year, but we received glowing reviews in the local papers as well.

I’m confident Cool Bistro would benefit from my skills in the following areas:

I believe Cool Bistro will be a great success for many years to come, and my extensive expertise will help ensure your establishment succeeds well into the future. My time spent in this industry has prepared me for such an opportunity, and I sincerely hope I can contribute soon as a member of your team.

I’d appreciate the opportunity to discuss the Restaurant Manager position in more detail soon. I’m happy to come by whenever is most convenient for you. Thank you for your time, and I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

[Your Name]

To maximize your chances of getting an interview, you need to write a cover letter that makes a strong positive first impression on employers. And if you don’t have time to write one, no worries — you can also make a cover letter quickly using online tools or a cover letter template .

Writing a cover letter for a job with no experience ? Watch the video below to get started. Or keep scrolling to learn everything you need to know about how to write a good cover letter that gets you hired regardless of your background.

How to write a cover letter for a job application

Not sure what to write in a cover letter? Follow the seven simple steps below to make a cover letter that leaves a lasting impression on employers:

1. List your contact details

An image showing how to write a cover letter header

Underneath your name in your cover letter header , list the following contact information:

2. Address the hiring manager by name

An image showing how to write a cover letter address

Here’s how the top half of your cover letter should look.

After your header, include the date and the company contact information in this format:

Cover Letter Address Format

Name or job title of the person or team you’re writing to Company name Company’s street address Company’s phone number Hiring manager’s email address

Next, address your cover letter to the hiring manager — by name if possible.

A standard cover letter salutation includes the hiring manager’s last name, and begins with “Mr.”, “Ms.”, or another relevant professional title.

If you don’t see the hiring manager’s name listed in the job ad, don’t worry. You can still easily find out who to address your cover letter to:

Ways to find the hiring manager’s name

However, if you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, using their job title or something like Dear [Department Name] Director is okay.

Here are some example cover letter greetings:

Ways to open your cover letter

3. Write an attention-grabbing opening paragraph

An image showing you how to write the opening paragraph of your cover letter

Start your cover letter with an informative, direct introduction.

In the first one or two sentences, mention the position and organization you’re applying for, where you found the position, and why you’re excited about the opportunity. Check out this example of an effective cover letter introduction:

Example of a good cover letter introduction

How to write the opening paragraph of a cover letter

Your opening paragraph should encourage the employer to read the rest of your cover letter.

Highlight your passion

You can make your introduction even more attention-grabbing by adding some personality, or by including a career highlight. Here’s a sample cover letter for a job application highlighting the jobseeker’s passion for the role.

Displaying your passion for a job

As a teenager, I would cut my friends’ hair because of my passion for haircare. Eventually, many of my friends and family would come exclusively to me when they needed their hair cut. Today, if anything, I’m even more passionate about hair care, which is why I’m applying for the open Stylist role at Grateful Dreads.

Showing personality in your cover letter helps employers understand what motivates you.

Just be sure to strike the right tone for your industry or field. For instance, if you’re applying for a job in law or finance, keep your writing formal.

Mention any referrals or contacts you have at the job

If you received a referral to the job by a current employee, your introduction is the place to mention it. Include a referral in your cover letter by quickly stating their name and your connection to them. This is a great way to quickly win over a hiring manager.

Adding a referral for a role

Your Personal Trainer, Augusta Maine, informed me about your open Executive Diary Secretary role and encouraged me to apply.

4. Explain why you’re qualified for the job

Image of a cover letter's body paragraphs

Your second and third paragraphs should convince employers that you’re the right person for the job. Use these paragraphs to best market yourself by discussing your relevant work experience, skills, and achievements.

Some things to include in your cover letter that highlight your value to employers include achievements , awards , and expertise . Here’s how you can add these elements:

An example of body paragraphs in a cover letter.

If you’ve received compliments from management or colleagues for your work, you can add them to your cover letter:

Showcasing success on a cover letter

The managing partner of the law firm, Olympia Washington — one of my references — informed me that without my research skills, we wouldn’t have been able to guarantee such a good result for our clients in a class-action suit against an eldercare facility that had been overcharging its residents.

5. Relate your experience to the company’s needs

An image showing how to begin closing your cover letter

Begin to close your cover letter by restating your interest in the job and explaining how your experience fits into the needs of the company.

For example, if you’re applying to work at a company that’s seeking to break into a new market that you have experience in, you should highlight this experience in your writing.

Showing prior experience on a cover letter

I noticed in The San Antonio Express-News that you’re expanding Los Pollos Sobrinos into neighboring New Mexico. As a supervisor at Big Kahuna Burger, I’ve onboarded 20+ new employees, and I’m sure I could help you rapidly grow and train your team.

If you’re not sure what the goals or needs of the company are, find out by doing some research online. Take note of the products or services they offer, what their work culture is like, and if they have any future goals.

The job ad is also an excellent place to find out what the company is seeking.

6. Finish with a concise closing paragraph and sign-off

An image showing the closing paragraph and sign-off of a cover letter.

When writing a cover letter closing , be polite, confident, and continue to market yourself as the best candidate for the job.

First, restate your excitement about the job opportunity. Then, encourage the hiring manager to interview you (remember to mention when you’re available), and thank them for their time:

Finally, wrap up your cover letter with a professional closing salutation. The standard closing is “Sincerely” but here are some more options:

6 more sign offs for a cover letter

Then, make two spaces below the salutation, and type your full name.

7. Check your cover letter’s content and formatting

After creating your cover letter, you need to review it before you send it off. Here are a few things to consider when reviewing your cover letter:

Double-check your cover letter formatting

A professional cover letter is normally:

Take a look at the checklist below before you submit your application to make sure your cover letter is formatted correctly.

Checklist for formatting your cover letter, an important step in making your cover letter

Simplify your writing

The trick to writing a good cover letter that gives employers an easy overview of your qualifications is to use direct language.

Ideally, a cover letter for a resume should be easy to read, confident, and friendly.

To instantly improve your writing tone:

Here’s a comparison between a friendly writing style and an overly formal one:

Excited and professional

I’m thrilled to apply for the customer service position at [Company Name]. Having been a customer service representative for 5+ years at Walmart, I’m confident I can quickly apply my experience using Zendesk and Salesforce to make a positive impact on [Company Name]’s bottom line.

It is with great interest that I apply for the open customer service position posted by your company on Indeed. I possess the requisite skill set to ably perform the customer service duties described in the job requirements.

Proofread carefully

Typos and grammatical errors in your cover letter will leave a negative impression on employers.

Here are two quick tricks professional editors use to catch mistakes:

After you’ve read your cover letter out loud, have someone else read it over. They can provide helpful feedback like whether your letter is clear and well-argued, or vague and filled with cliches. They’ll also (hopefully) notice any small grammar and spelling errors you missed.

How to make a cover letter using online software

If you’re short on time, try using a web application to quickly make a convincing cover letter.

There are several powerful cover letter builders online that you can try out. We’ll walk you through our own cover letter generator , so you can create your own letter in a few quick steps.

Step 1: Fill in your personal information

A screenshot from the beginning of the Resume Genius cover letter generator, featuring a button that says "start now"

This information is what the software uses to generate your cover letter, and includes your:

Work experience

Additionally, you’ll need to list the job title and company that you’re applying for so that the builder knows how to address your cover letter.

A screenshot from the Resume Genius cover letter generator, where the user is being asked to fill in their education history

Depending on your educational status and how much relevant work experience you have, the software will highlight different information to help put the focus on your strengths as a candidate.

For example, if you already have several years of relevant work experience, the builder won’t mention your college education because your degree is no longer your most relevant qualification.

A screenshot from the Resume Genius cover letter generator, where the user is filling out their industry and job skills

The last question asks you to explain how your coworkers might describe you (the answer ultimately being a soft skill you’ve developed over time). The builder then uses this detail in your cover letter to help further market you as the best candidate for the job.

Step 2: Select your template

A screenshot from the Resume Genius cover letter generator, where the user is being presented their completed cover letter

But before you download your cover letter, make sure it looks appropriate for the job you’re applying for and matches the design of your resume.

Click on the left or right side of your cover letter to swap between the many HR-approved templates available in our builder. We offer a variety of templates designed for different industries and levels of formality, so you’ll soon find a design that works for you:

A screenshot of our cover letter generator's template options

Step 3: Download your completed cover letter

With your cover letter written and neatly formatted, you’re ready to download your finished document.

Once you click “Proceed to Download”, you’ll be prompted to download your file in either PDF or .docx format.

In most situations, you should save your cover letter as a PDF because it’s easy for employers to open and ensures the reader doesn’t accidentally edit your cover letter when viewing it.

However, if a company specifically asks you to send your job application in .docx format, you should save your cover letter as a docx.

Frequently asked questions about how to write a cover letter

Still unsure about something? Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about writing a cover letter:

What makes a good cover letter?

A good cover letter expands upon the information in your resume, providing context for your skills and accomplishments. It also gives employers insight into your personality so they can determine if you’d be a good cultural fit for the company.

What should you not say in a cover letter?

What you shouldn’t say in a cover letter is anything that makes you seem negative . For example, avoid talking about why you hate your job , or complaining about your current employer.

Instead, focus on what you learned in your current position that will help you succeed in your next role.

Should you include salary requirements in a cover letter?

No, you shouldn’t include salary requirements in your cover letter unless the company requests it.

If the salary you state is too high, the employer might reject your application before you get the opportunity to explain why your skill set and experience warrant a higher salary.

How do you write a general cover letter for a resume?

You write a general cover letter for a resume by highlighting the skills that make you a competitive candidate in your target industry without including any specific details about the job you’re applying for.

However, keep in mind that tailoring your cover letter to each position you apply for will increase your chances of landing a job. We recommend against using a general cover letter unless you really need to save time.

Additional cover letter FAQs:

Still have some questions that haven’t been answered? Here are some of our other cover letter FAQs:

We also have the answers to many more frequently asked questions about cover letters if you don’t see your question above.

Click to rate this article

Written by Ida Pettersson

Ida is a Content Writer at Resume Genius, where she assists job seekers as they plan their next career moves. She graduated from New College of Florida with a double major... more

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Electronic Cover Letters - CDO

More in this section click to expose navigation links on mobile., who to contact.

Career Development Office

Electronic Cover Letters

Other than your resume, your cover letter or e-letter (electronically sent cover letter) is the most important document that will impact your being selected for that all important interview. Just as with your resume, your electronic letter should contain the most important facts about you that are valued by the prospective employer. A properly written letter will cover at least the following: it should identify the position you are applying for, highlight your skills and qualifications, and show how you fit the employer's needs.

An electronic cover letter should be concise and paint an accurate picture. Keep it simple and on target. Your letter should use a standard business format. For more information on writing cover letters, refer to Career Guides: Cover Letter Pointers ; Cover Letter Outline ; and Writing Job Search Letters handouts, as well as to the books about cover letter writing on the Job Search Information shelves in the CDO.

Electronic letters are sent via e-mail and tend to be very brief. It is important to include the position you are seeking in the SUBJECT of your e-mail. Then in the BODY of your letter, sell two to three points about yourself that will demonstrate that you have what the employer is looking for. Try to make your cover letter specific to the employer. The more targeted your letter is to an individual organization, the more effective it will be. Remember to research the organization you are applying to so that you can include relevant facts.

Be sure to include your cover letter at the top of your e-mail with your electronic resume following below. These documents are combined into one e-mail and then sent to a potential employer.

Electronic Cover Letter Tips

Sample Electronic Cover Letter

Your Current Address City, State Zip Code Date of Letter Person's Name, Title Organization Name Street Address City, State Zip Code

Dear Ms. or Mr. [last name]:

Opening Paragraph - Tell why you are writing; name the position, field, or type of work for which you are applying; mention how you heard about the opening or organization. Try to get the reader's attention.

Middle Paragraph (or two) - Describe your most important qualifications in relationship to the position, field, or organization for which you wish to be considered. Explain why you are interested in working for this employer, and specify your reasons for desiring this type of work. Emphasize skills or abilities you have that relate to the job for which you are applying.

Refer the reader to your resume below, but do not simply repeat the facts on the resume. Instead, interpret the facts on the resume from the employer's point-of-view. Help the reader see between the lines and draw conclusions. Be personable and enthusiastic, but also brief and specific. Remember that the reader will view your letter as an example of your writing skills.

Closing Paragraph - Use this paragraph to discuss what comes next. If references have been requested and the CDO has or will send your file, mention that fact. You can request an application or make yourself available for an interview. You can also make a specific request for an interview and indicate that you will phone after a specific amount of time to see if an interview can be arranged. Whichever approach you use, be sure that whatever action you are requesting of the reader is clear. Finally, thank the reader for his/her consideration.

Sincerely, Your Typewritten Name

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15 Cover Letter Templates to Perfect Your Next Job Application

Published: August 10, 2022

Are cover letters necessary? I'm not in HR, but I've been approached by applicants who wondered whether their cover letter would actually be read. My answer is one not many of them wanted to hear: "sometimes." Sometimes it will be read. Other times, you can get away with just sending in your resume — like when you network your way into applying for a position.

The truth is, you can't really predict on a case-by-case basis — and you're better safe than sorry. For the most part, having a cover letter will give you an upper hand in ways your resume doesn't. It allows you to show off your writing skills, provide details that you couldn't fit on your resume, demonstrate your passion, and show your willingness to put in as much time and effort as possible.

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

If you’ve ever rolled your eyes or balked at an application that required a cover letter, this guide is for you. We’ll go over how to write a cover letter and provide cover letter templates to help you perfect your own.

Application Letter

An application letter is a written document addressed to an employer by a job applicant, explaining why they're interested in and qualified for an open position. More commonly known as a cover letter, this document can come in the form of an email, MS Word document, or similar application template offered by the employer.

Seems fairly basic, right? Cover letters can hold different levels of importance to an employer depending on the industry you're in and the job you're applying for. According to a CareerBuilder survey, 49% of recruiters say sendign a cover letter along with your resume boosts your chance of landing the role.

If you do plan to write a cover letter, keep in mind there are certain qualities it should have that are not included in the definition above.

What to Include in a Cover Letter

So, what should you include? We'll let the 11 templates below this list do most of the talking. No matter which one you download, pay attention to the following elements — all of which should shine through in the letter you send to your future manager.

5 Free Cover Letter Templates

Fill out this form to access your templates., 1. contact information.

Cover letters shouldn't just carry your contact information, but also that of the company to which you're applying. Contact info includes your phone number, email address, and any social media accounts you're willing to share and receive connections to.

Home addresses aren't required, but they can be a helpful reassurance to the employer that you already live nearby and would have no trouble coming into the office.

Avoid offering phone numbers, email addresses, or actual addresses that belong to your current employer. Using your personal Gmail address over your work email, for example, ensures your correspondence with recruiters remains separate from all of your current work communication.

2. A Personal Address Line

For as often as you see "to whom it may concern" at the top of cover letters today, do your best to avoid writing this exhausted line.

Address lines that specify a person or company grab your reader's attention much more quickly, and show the employer that you've taken the time to tailor your application letter to them. Don't have the name of the hiring manager? "Employers at [company name]" will do just fine.

A "hook" is a clever introduction that "hooks" your reader into wanting to learn more. Think about yourself as a job candidate — what makes you unique? What about your career might a recruiter be intrigued by that you can package into an interesting first sentence?

4. Why You're Qualified

It's a no-brainer that you should summarize your professional experience in your cover letter. However, today's best applications describe why this experience qualifies the applicant for the job they're applying for. For example, don't just state that you spent three years writing for a company blog. Explain that this type of work lends itself to managing your new potential employer's content calendar every week.

5. General Knowledge of the Business

Grammatical errors could mean your application is thrown in the trash, but that's not the only thing that could get your letter tossed aside. Using a generic "one-size-fits-all" cover letter — especially if you forget to change the name of the company — will also hurt your chances of landing an interview.

So, if you take the time to write a cover letter, take the time to comment on the business itself. Why are you applying to this company? What about their business stuck out to you as a professional?

Now, let's take a look at an example cover letter , what makes it effective, along with 11 templates you can download or draw inspiration from.

Cover Letter Example

Image Source

The example above illustrates how to write a marketing cover letter using the elements we listed.

Besides the contact information and the address line, the first few paragraphs explain why the candidate is qualified for the position. This example uses specific data to show why they would be a good fit.

Additionally, in the second to last paragraph, the candidate discusses why they're interested in the specific company, demonstrating general knowledge of the business.

By combining all the elements to a cover letter, this is a great example to use for inspiration.

Featured Resource: 5 Professional Cover Letter Templates

14 Free Cover Letter Templates for Your Next Job Application

Template 1: basic.

Basic cover letter template with 7 qualities to learn from.

The example above is a basic (but great) cover letter. The numbered sections are explained in more detail below.

The level of formality your header has will depend on the company to which you apply. If you're applying to a formal business, it's important to use a formal header to open your cover letter, like in the sample above. Put your address, the date, and the company's address. But if you're applying to a company that isn't as formal, you don't need to include yours and the company's addresses. You can still include the date, though.

2. Greeting

Using "To Whom It May Concern" is okay, but you may want to take the time to research the name of the recruiter or hiring manager online. If you do your research and aren't confident you found the right name, then you should definitely use the generic greeting — but if you are sure, then it shows you put in the effort to find their name and it will catch the recruiter's eye.

If you have the recruiter's name, do you greet them by their full name, or by their courtesy title (i.e. Mr., Ms., or Mrs.)? Similar to the header, it depends on the company's level of formality. If you're applying to a corporate business, you may want to consider using "Mr. Snaper" instead of "Jon Snaper." If you're applying to a start-up or a business with a more casual culture, you can use "Jon Snaper," as shown in the example.

3. Introduction

Your opening paragraph should, in 1-3 sentences, state why you're excited to apply and what makes you the perfect candidate. Get right to the point, and don't worry about explaining where you found the posting or who you know at the company. This isn't a place to go into detail about why you're a great candidate — that's for the second paragraph. Here, simply list a few key reasons in one sentence to set up the rest of your letter. Keep in mind that the recruiter may cross-reference your cover letter with your resume, so make sure the two sync up.

4. Paragraph 2: Why You're a Great Fit for the Job

Next, sell yourself and your experience by choosing one or two concrete examples that show why you're a great fit for the position. What did you do at a previous company that gave you relevant experience? Which projects have you worked on that would benefit the new company? How will your prior experience help this company grow? Stay humble in your explanation of credentials while still showing that you would be an asset to the team. Use this paragraph to show you're genuinely excited and interested in the position.

5. Third Paragraph: Why the Company Is a Great Fit for You

While it's certainly important you're a good fit for the job, it's also important that the company is a good fit for you. "A cover letter typically describes why you're great for a company — but how will you benefit from getting hired?" asks former HubSpot Team Development Manager Emily MacIntyre . "We want to know why our company appeals to you, and how it will be a mutually beneficial working relationship."

In the third paragraph, show you're serious about growing and developing your career at this new company. What impresses and excites you about the company? Is there something that you feel strongly about that aligns with the company's goals? For example, the candidate in the sample letter used this space to show his personal commitment to environmental causes aligns with the company's green initiatives.

6. Strong Closer and Signature

Don't get lazy in the final few sentences of your cover letter — it's important to finish strong. Be straightforward about your interest and enthusiasm about the new position, and tell them you're available to talk about the opportunity at any time. Be sure to include your phone number and email address. At this point, the ball is (rightly) in the recruiter's court to decide how to follow up.

Last but certainly not least, thank them for their time and consideration. Use a formal sign-off like "Best," "All the best," or "Sincerely," and finish by typing out your full name. You don't need to sign it with a pen.

Template 2: Data-Driven Marketing Cover Letter

Get it here..

Data-driven marketing cover letter template

When applying to a data-driven position, it might be tempting to inject your cover letter with, well, the data to describe what you've done for other employers. But in an application letter — particularly for the marketing industry — how you convey this data is just as important as the data itself.

The cover letter template above, which we created here at HubSpot, can help you present the data that's most important to you as a candidate such that it'll matter to your future employer.

Notice the three bullet points near the center of the letter above, preceded by the statement: "... I've developed a strategy that has helped the company achieve ..." This setup is important, because while you can add as many statistics as you want to this template, your data points should describe how your current/former business benefited from your work, rather than how you, yourself, benefited.

Template 3: Straight-to-the-Point Cover Letter

cover letter template: Straight-to-the-point

Harvard Business Review contributor David Silverman hailed the above cover letter example as "The Best Cover Letter I Ever Received." For context, Silverman believes there are only a handful of times when writing a cover letter is actually necessary:

Under those three circumstances, a straight-to-the-point cover letter like the one above could be your best bet. Because it's so concise, however, make a point to add your own letterhead above the message itself. It might be easy for a recruiter to sift through a short and sweet cover letter like the one above, but it's just as easy for it to get lost in the shuffle of their application list without a unique design or format.

Template 4: Referral Cover Letter

cover letter template: Referral cover letter

Just because a friend or colleague recommended you for a job doesn't mean the company is all set to hire you. Therefore, the cover letter template above is written specifically for referrals. We made this one here at HubSpot. Download it here (it comes with four other cover letter templates , too).

As you can see in the picture above, the first paragraph of the cover letter is dedicated entirely to acknowledging the circumstances of your applying: You know someone who works there — no harm in that. But there might be harm in not mentioning it to the hiring manager. Telling the reader about your connection at the company shows you're aware and confident of the actions you take to get the opportunities you're interested in.

Ultimately, it's better than the recruiter hearing about your employee connection from somebody else.

As for the rest of the cover letter, treat your message the same way you would if you had applied with no connection from within. Your skills and successes are no less important because of your internal referral.

Template 5: Photo Letterhead Cover Letter

cover letter template:Photo letterhead cover letter by Microsoft Office

The cover letter template above was designed by Microsoft Office, and as comprehensive as it looks, it's completely free to download and modify.

As it looks right now, this cover letter contains about half photo, half text. Feel free to shrink (and change) the image to give yourself more room to tell your story. Of course, a nice washed-out image that expresses who you are can be part of that story ...

Template 6: Digital Creative Cover Letter

cover letter template: digital creative letter.

This sixth template is perfect for the applicant who wants to emphasize the many different digital channels they areon. This template goes well with a resume of the same format.

As you personalize this letter with your own experience, make note of the social networks and industry software included in this template. You'll see there’s additional space along the top to add your LinkedIn and personal website to fill with your own information.

You can improve upon this template by formatting your most important highlights and accomplishments with bullet points. This will make the document easier to read for the hiring manager and emphasizes the value you provide.

Template 7: Marketing Manager Cover Letter

cover letter template: Marketing-specific cover letter

Our seventh cover letter comes from Monster.com. This cover letter, shown above, is focused specifically on a marketing role.

Notice how the writer includes references to important marketing metrics and terminology. If you're applying to a data-driven role, you might not want to fill the page with a story of your experience in paragraph form, like Template 1 does at the beginning of this article. Instead, consider highlighting three (or four, or five) of your successes that you believe the hiring manager would resonate most with, in bulleted form.

As a marketing professional, breaking up your letter with bulleted details like the ones above shows a respect for the hiring manager's limited time — a mentality that all marketers must understand when communicating with a brand's audience.

Template 8: Career Day Follow-Up Cover Letter

cover letter template: Career day follow-up cover letter

This is a unique kind of cover letter from Princeton University.

LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Monster, and Indeed might take the lion's share of your job searches online, but still some employment opportunities come out of a trade show, job fair, or similar networking event. For those occurrences, you have the follow-up cover letter template above.

This cover letter has everything you need to help an employer recall a conversation you had with him/her at a career fair. As you can see in the second paragraph, the letter is particularly useful to people who are about to graduate college.

Template 9: Logo and Watermarked Cover Letter

Here's another cover letter template from Microsoft Office. This one has a light touch of color in the design just above the letterhead, but make no mistake — the template caters to any professional looking to make a good first impression on their future employer.

Don't let the logo space on the top-right of the page confuse you. This can be the logo of the company to which you're applying — to quickly get the attention of the recruiter — or your own logo. Perhaps you freelance on the side or simply like branding yourself. This cover letter template is meant for customization.

Template 10: Data Scientist Cover Letter

cover letter template: Princeton Data Science Cover Letter

The text emphasizes how the applicant’s academic research and projects makes them an ideal candidate for the position. The format is also simple enough to submit as a pdf, as text in an email message or an application text box.

Template 11: Business Cover Letter

cover letter template: Business cover letter

The cover letter template above is perfect for entry- and mid-level marketers who want to show a little extra professionalism in their opening note to a potential employer.

The multi-colored header (you can change the color if you wish) shows just the right amount of creativity and can go quite well with a resume of the same style. If you don't have enough experience to fill the entire page, don't worry. Feel free to write to a length you think is representative of who you are and what the hiring manager wants to see.

No matter how long your final cover letter is, the above template is your opportunity to show your attention to detail — from your contact information in the top header, to the personalized address line where you can include the name of the hiring manager. Like we said, "to whom it may concern" is pretty outdated, anyway.

Template 12: Entry-Level Cover Letter

cover letter template: Entry level cover letter

The cover letter template above, written by HubSpot, is specifically designed for entry-level applicants.

When you only have a few years experience, it's important to display how you gained your skills and what you learned from your education or internships. Additionally, it's important to mention why you want to work at the company you're applying to.

No matter your experience, the template above will help you decide what skills you want to highlight and flesh out in your cover letter.

You can download it here (it comes with four other cover letter templates , too).

Template 13: Healthcare Cover Letter

cover letter template: Healthcare cover letter

Additionally, phrases like "I'd love to put my skills to work for your clinic" and "Please contact me at your convenience and let me know how I can help you" focus on what the business will gain as a result of hiring the applicant, rather than what the applicant is looking to gain.

Template 14: Freelance Cover Letter

cover letter template: freelance cover letter

If you're looking for freelance work, your biggest goal is to get your strengths across quickly, so busy clients won't pass by your cover letter entirely. Additionally, if you're sending out multiple cover letters to different clients, you'll want to target each one to that client's unique goals.

For instance, if one client is looking for SEO-optimized content related to marketing, you'll want to highlight past experience writing marketing content; this will change if, for instance, the client is looking for fitness content.

For this reason, it's a good idea to structure your cover letter so you start with a) past credentials or references, and b) bullet-point information related to the client's goal, as shown in the cover letter above.

Template 15: Director Cover Letter

cover letter template: cover letter for director

In the cover letter above, the candidate does a good job outlining how she succeeded in a leadership role previously: "For the past five years, I have successfully developed and maintained all data systems, including schedules and records for a business employing more than 100 people."

You'll want to demonstrate how your skills align with a Director position — both through organization and leadership — and, when possible, where you received recognition for your hard work (i.e. "I earned an award for Most Valuable Administrative Staff Member").

Write a Winning Cover Letter

Writing a cover letter is easier said than done. Don't hesitate to spend a lot of time writing and editing it. Or, ask a friend or family member to read it over and give you feedback. If the recruiter does end up reading it, you'll be thankful you did.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in November 2014 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

Don't forget to share this post!

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Cover Letter

How to Format a Cover Letter: Layout Examples for 2023

You learned how to format a letter at school, but it was ages ago. No time for a trip down memory lane. See the types of cover letters & pick the best cover letter format with us.

As seen in:

Most applicants know nothing about the cover letter format—layouts are sloppy, and the contents basically put readers to sleep.

What if I told you that in 7 minutes, you’d be the only one to learn how to wake everyone up?

This guide will show you:

Want to write your perfectly formatted cover letter in 15 minutes? Use our cover letter templates here .

Create my cover letter now

Sample cover letter made with our builder— See more cover letter examples here .

Here’s how to format a cover letter step by step:

Cover Letter Format Example

Digital Marketing Specialist

linkedin.com/in/mary.chao

2509 Hall Valley Drive

Omaha, NE 72662

Dear Ashley,

Two months ago, I hit a goal I never thought I'd reach. I pushed SEO traffic to 20 million monthly views. One year ago, traffic for our four sites—all of which I manage through a team of 25 employees—rested at just 4 million per month. Upper management challenged me to lead the team toward doubling our traffic. We hit that goal in just six months, blowing away our sales revenue forecasts in the process.

I know your main upcoming challenge will be to grow revenue from your new website. With over seven years of experience in SEO and social media marketing, and as someone who is passionate about staying on the leading edge of tech, I'm confident I can repeat the growth I achieved with XYZ as your new Digital Marketing Manager.

In my current position, I successfully lead creative strategy and internal development teams. Specifically, I have:

What impresses me most about your online marketing strategy is that you’ve managed to build a self-reliant team aligned with two basic key metrics only: traffic and conversions. This perfectly reflects my core professional values.

I'm adept at reading Google and user search intent, then translating that into measurable returns. Can we schedule a call to discuss ideas for growing your revenue by 25% in 2018?

How to Format a Cover Letter?

Let me walk you through how you can format your cover letter equally well:

1. Choose the Best Type of Cover Letter

Before you get down to writing, you should learn what types of cover letters are. Otherwise, you might end up using the wrong one.

You can use cover letters for a variety of purposes. Experts name the three types of cover letters: the application cover letter, prospecting cover letter, and networking cover letter. Less common types include the email cover letter and referral cover letter.

Let’s have a closer look at these six types of cover letters:

Types of Cover Letters

So, which types of cover letters would assist you in landing a job interview?

Theoretically, every single one can help. But practically, it depends on your work profile, experience, and the company itself.

Some businesses may have a policy of hiring people through open job advertisements—in such cases, sending even the fanciest prospective cover letters won’t get you a job outside the normal recruitment process. However, there’s no harm in trying different types of cover letters for jobs.

Need a closer look at the differences between a cover letter and a letter of intent? Check here: Is a Letter of Intent or a Cover Letter Better for You?

2. Format Your Cover Letter for a Job Application

Now that you know everything about different types of cover letters, you can move on to writing the one you need. Start with the basic formatting first. Start with the basic formatting before you get down to writing. You’ll benefit from the effort you’ll put into creating your cover letter template. Here’s everything you need to know:

Are you sending a cover letter via email? Here’s exactly what you need to format your electronic letter: Email Cover Letter Writing Guidelines

3. Create a Professional Cover Letter Header

You need to have specific details handy to write a cover letter header . And they are:

Addressing the cover letter right is the single most important thing in cover letter writing . Fail at this stage, and your application is good to go (to the trash).

Here’s the correct way of formatting the cover letter header:

Professional Cover Letter Format—Heading

Leave a slightly larger space between your contact information and the date of writing.

When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check . Start building a professional resume template here for free .

When you’re done, Zety’s resume builder will score your resume and tell you exactly how to make it better.

4. Start With a Personal Salutation and a Strong Opening

There’s excellent research that shows nothing activates our brains as much as hearing or seeing our own name. So open your cover letter with the correct name, and you’ll get the attention you deserve.

You can look for the name in the job description, company website, or LinkedIn. Call the company and ask for the hiring manager’s name if you're struggling.

Cover Letter Format—Salutation

By no means open the cover letter with “ To Whom It May Concern ” or “ Dear Sir or Madam .” Nothing screams generic more than these two. Go for “Dear [XYZ Team] Hiring Manager” or “ Dear Hiring Manager ” if all strategies have failed.

Now that you have the recruiter’s attention, use one of those opening strategies:

See this example of a powerful opening paragraph:

Cover Letter Format Example—Opening

5. make an offer and explain your motivation in the central paragraphs.

In the main parts of your cover letter , focus on what you have to offer, not what you want out of a job. And then make them feel special. Let your cover letter say why exactly you want to join them, not any other company.

These points should help you figure out how to sell yourself in the cover letter :

Format of a Cover Letter—Body

Are you intimidated by those achievements? You must be at the beginning of your journey then. Read more: Cover Letter Writing Tips for No-Experience Candidates

6. Use a Clear Call to Action

The hiring manager wants to give you a shot already, so don’t let them change their mind. Finish your cover letter with a compelling call to action. This is how:

How to Format a Cover Letter—Call to Action

7. finish with a professional sign-off.

A cover letter closing format is the same as any other formal business letter. Write “Sincerely” and sign off with your full name one or two lines underneath.

Optionally, include a digital copy of your handwritten signature in your sign-off. It will add a professional touch.

Proper Cover Letter Format

Now that you’re stocked with cover letter formatting tips see what the best cover letter looks like :

If you want a format that focuses on what’s important in a cover letter, you’re right to choose Cascade. The darker sidebar covers the boring, leaving your hiring manager with the juicy and plenty of white space they can rest their eyes on.

Looking at Cubic, you can tell it was made for C-suite professionals. It’s elegant. It’s neat. It’s perfect. The heading is designed to highlight your position, so use it to your advantage if you’re a senior candidate with an impressive resume.

Are you recruiting to the creative industry? Then Iconic is a perfect cover letter format for someone with a knack for design and communication. Iconic will help you tell your story thanks to a sleek layout that feels complete.

Sometimes you want things to be uncomplicated, and you want to be direct and put your thoughts down uninterrupted. The Primo cover letter format gives you just that.

Entry-level candidates—here’s something just for you. A splash of color and square icons will add personal vibes to your cover letter. It is precisely what employers are looking for in candidates like yourself.

Key Takeaway

In this article, you’ve learned about the different types of cover letters and how you should format your cover letter to appear as professional as possible. Do you need a reminder of the main points?

In a nutshell, this is how to format a cover letter:

All check? Then you can be sure your cover letter for a job is formatted perfectly.

Want to learn more about cover letter setup? Have additional questions we didn’t answer above? Drop me a line in the comments, and I’ll be happy to chat!

Frequently Asked Questions about Cover Letter Formats

How to format a cover letter correctly.

Even if you know what a cover letter should say , it’s still important to structure the message correctly:

1. Put your contact information at the top of the letter.

2. Address the cover letter to the hiring manager.

3. Add today’s date.

4. Use a professional cover letter greeting and the hiring manager’s name.

5. Open the letter with a hook .

6. Explain why you’re a good fit for the position in a few bullet points.

7. Finish the letter with a call to action .

8. Add a cover letter closing and sign the letter.

To properly format a cover letter, use popular cover letter fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica, and set the font to 11–12 points. Remember to keep the margins 1-inch wide on all sides. The spacing of the cover letter should be 1–1.15 between lines and double between paragraphs. Your cover letter should fit on one A4 page . Use white space to separate different parts of the letter—it’ll also make it easier for the recipient to read.

How to format a cover letter for an internship?

Candidates applying for an internship can use a business cover letter format . The main difference is that instead of referring to their work experience , they should put emphasis on their academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities , and relevant knowledge they learned while studying—very similar to an entry-level cover letter .

This is how you should format a cover letter for an internship:

1. Put your name, field of study, and contact information at the top.

2. Address the cover letter to the hiring manager or internship coordinator.

3. Add the date.

4. Use a professional greeting and the hiring manager’s name.

5. Introduce yourself and provide an attention-grabbing accomplishment .

6. Explain why you’re interested in the internship and how well you fit the position.

7. Provide relevant examples of academic achievements, extracurricular activities, personal projects, etc.

8. Finish with a call to action.

9. Add a cover letter closing and sign the letter.

Remember to use a cover letter template matching your internship resume . And don’t forget to get into the details of cover letters for internships here.

What’s a good cover letter email format?

A good email cover letter format, or an online cover letter format, is shorter and less formal than a classic cover letter format. You can use such a format when the job advertisement doesn’t specifically request a cover letter. This way, you can introduce yourself and present your qualifications for the job without spending extra time on making the layout for your cover letter or choosing a Word cover letter template .

Follow our guide to read more about the best email cover letter format .

What’s the APA format for a cover letter?

The APA format for cover letters is used when submitting a manuscript for publication. It’s quite different from a formal cover letter for a job .

APA-format cover letter for journal submissions includes:

The APA-format cover letter must be addressed to the journal editor. APA, which stands for American Psychological Association, also defines the format of resumes for jobs in the psychology field .

What’s the MLA format for a cover letter?

MLA-format cover letters follow the Modern Language Association style of academic writing. They can be used when applying for research positions or academic jobs. The difference between a business cover letter and an academic cover letter is that MLA cover letters emphasize the author’s scholarly work, such as a thesis, dissertation, or research. You can send an MLA-formatted cover letter with an academic CV or a Ph.D. resume .

How to write an MLA-formatted cover letter:

1. Add your full name and contact information at the top of the letter.

2. List the employer’s address.

3. Add the current date.

4. Address the letter to the hiring director or the hiring committee.

5. Mention the job you’re applying for in the first paragraph.

6. Highlight why you’re a good fit for the position.

7. Explain how your thesis, dissertation, or research relates to the offered position.

8. Mention how your background can help you fit into the academic institution or organization.

9. Finish your MLA-format cover letter with a call to action by proposing a meeting or a phone conversation.

10. End with ‘Sincerely,’ your full name, and credentials.

What’s a T-format cover letter?

A T-format cover letter is a business cover letter that compares job requirements and a candidate’s qualifications. The name stems from the T-shape lines that divide the page into two columns. The T-format cover letter can be easier to scan than a classic cover letter format.

Follow these steps to use the T format for a cover letter:

Some career experts claim that a T-format cover letter can help you sell yourself to the recruiter better than a classic cover letter format.

How to write a cover letter in block format?

A block format cover letter is the most common cover letter format. All the information on the page is aligned to the left side, and the text uses single-line spacing, with double-spacing between paragraphs. Most free cover letter templates for G-Docs and other programs follow the block format.

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COMMENTS

How to Write a Job Application Cover Letter
Writing a cover letter is essential when applying for jobs. This is the perfect way to express how your specific skills are relevant to the open position. Wow your future employer with this simple cover letter example format.
What Are the Parts of an Application Letter?
The main parts of an application letter include the address section, heading of the letter, the opening paragraph stating the reason for writing a letter, the main body and the closing paragraph. In some cases, an applicant may add a paragr...
What Is a Solicited Application Letter?
A solicited application letter is a letter that a person writes requesting for an interview for a particular job position. It may be used to introduce the applicant to the manager and to highlight the information provided on the resume.
How To Format a Cover Letter (With Outline and Examples)
A cover letter usually is three paragraphs long and outlines why you are applying for a specific position, a brief overview of your professional
Cover Letter Samples and Templates
When you're applying for a job, a cover letter lets you show a personal side and demonstrate why hiring you is a smart decision. Cover letters should be
Sample Cover Letter for a Job Application
Tips for Writing a Cover Letter · Get off to a direct start. In your first paragraph, explain why you are writing. · Offer something different
How To Format a Cover Letter (With Examples)
Cover Letter Format Example · First Paragraph The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are writing. · Middle
How to Write a Cover Letter in 2023
A cover letter is a one-page document that you submit as part of your job application (alongside your CV or Resume). Its purpose is to introduce
Cover Letter Format: How to Format Your Cover Letter in 2023
Grab the hiring manager's attention; Provide a self-introduction; List the position you're applying for; Describe where you found the job
How to Write a Great Cover Letter for a Job in 2023
A cover letter is an application document you pair with your resume that explains why you want a particular job, and why you think you're
Electronic Cover Letters
Dear Ms. or Mr. [last name]:. Opening Paragraph - Tell why you are writing; name the position, field, or type of work for which you are applying;
15 Cover Letter Templates to Perfect Your Next Job Application
More commonly known as a cover letter, this document can come in the form of an email, MS Word document, or similar application template offered
20+ Cover Letter Templates for a Resume in 2023 (Free)
A cover letter for a resume is a document attached to your job application that will support your resume, by explaining your motivation and providing more
How to Format a Cover Letter: Layout Examples for 2023
Choose the Best Type of Cover Letter · Format Your Cover Letter for a Job Application · Create a Professional Cover Letter Header · Start With a