cover letter format copy and paste

Cover Letter Templates: How To Write & Examples

3 Examples of Cover Letter Templates

While there’s no “right” way to write a cover letter, these templates are a great jumping off point for writing your own.

Simple Cover Letter Template

Thank you for your time and for considering my application for the [job title] position at [company name].

I’m writing to you today because I believe my experience in [relevant experience] and my skills in [relevant skills] are a perfect fit for the job. I believe that my experience [relevant experience] would allow me to hit the ground running in this role, and my skills in [relevant skills] will help me succeed in it.

I know that [company name] is a great place to work, and I'm excited to be part of an organization that cares so much about its employees. I'm sure that if you give me the opportunity, I’ll be able to make a positive contribution to your organization.

Thank you again for considering me for this opportunity. If you have any questions about my experience or skills, please feel free to reach out.

[your name]

More : Use this free template to create your simple cover letter in seconds

Short Cover Letter Template

Dear [name],

I'm writing to express my interest in the [job title] position at [company name]. I'd like to discuss my experience and skills with you in more detail.

I've been working in [industry] for [number of years]. I have experience working as [title], where I used my skills in [skill]. I’m passionate about [company's mission], which is why I am writing to you today.

I believe my experience and skills would be a strong addition to your team. I would be grateful if you would consider me for this position.

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

More : Use this free template to create your short cover letter in seconds

Professional Cover Letter Template

Hello! My name is [your name], and I'm a [your job title] at [current company name]. I've been reading about the work you do in your industry, and I'm very intrigued by it. I think your company is doing incredible things, and I'd love to be able to work with you and your team in some capacity.

I have a [your degree] and I've been in this field for [x] years. I'd be happy to talk about my time at [current company name] if you'd like more details about my experience.

I'm interested in working with you because I believe in your mission and vision for the future of your company. I think that I could bring a lot to the table as we work together. Thank you for considering me for this position.

More : Use this free template to create your professional cover letter in seconds

How to use Copy.ai’s free cover letter template

You’ve found it—the perfect job. You meet the job requirements, and the company has lots of the benefits and perks you’re looking for.

You go to apply, and that’s when you see it—the dreaded “Attach cover letter here” button.

With an average of 250 applicants for each job posting, it’s important to stand out. Cover letters can help you do just that—but they can also be confusing and tedious to write.

Let Copy.ai help. Use our free cover letter template to craft an engaging, personalized cover letter, so you can land the job you’ve been looking for.

To access the cover letter templates, click here . You need to be logged in to see the template.

You’ll be directed to a page that prompts you to fill out the main points of your template, including:

• Company name
• Company description
• Relevant experience

Let’s say you’re applying for a job in healthcare as an executive assistant at a hospital specializing in cancer care. Here’s what it would look like when you’re filling out the form:

You choose the “professional” tone and click “Create content,” generating this cover letter:

When submitting your information in our cover letter generator, be sure to add experience details that help you stand out from other applicants. In this example, highlighting from the start that you already have a number of years working in a similar role in the same type of setting shows that you can handle the pressure and demands the role requires.

How do you write a cover letter?

If you have more time and are feeling up to the task, you might be interested in writing a cover letter from scratch. But maybe you’re not sure where to begin. Here are three simple steps to get started.

Research the company and position

Take some time to look into the company where you’re applying and the position you’re interested in. You can see if the company has been in the news for any achievements or read reviews that might give insight into the company culture.

Read the job description thoroughly so you understand the role. In addition to the job duties and requirements, be sure you understand the expected schedule—is it strictly work-from-home, or is it more of a hybrid model?

The more you know about the place you’re applying to and the role you want, the more personalized your content will be.

Outline your letter

The structure of your cover letter is as important as the content. There are lots of job seekers out there, so you want your cover letter to be easy to read for whoever receives it.

Here’s a sample cover letter outline to follow:

• Greet the reader in the opening paragraph
• Introduce yourself and why you’re writing
• Explain your interest in the job and the company
• Describe your relevant experience and skills
• Thank the reader for their time and consideration
• Sign off with a promise to follow up in the near future

Some people also include their contact information and their LinkedIn account at the end of the cover letter or in a header.

Be mindful of the tone

You want to be enthusiastic and authentic. Express your excitement about your potential move into the role you’re applying for, but don’t make any sweeping, potentially fake-sounding statements about the company.

Don’t be afraid to talk yourself up

Sure, a professional resume will have all the stats, but the cover letter is where you can shine.

Sure, your resume will show you have X amount of years in a certain position, but in the cover letter, you can go deeper. Tell a brief story about your responsibilities or explain how you made a positive impact in that role. You want your future employer to see what you’re capable of and how you can make a difference.

Help land your dream job with Copy.ai’s free cover letter templates

Stand out from the other applicants vying for the job you want with a strong cover letter. Use Copy.ai’s simple cover letter template to show hiring professionals and companies why you’re the ideal candidate for the job.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Cover Letter Format (w/ Examples & Free Templates)

Give someone who knows nothing about cooking the ingredients to a perfect meal and you’ll end up with a disorganized, very possibly inedible, meal. 

The same disorganized, quite possibly tasteless, fate awaits your cover letter if you don’t know how to properly format it. 

Getting the cover letter format right is the same as having those coveted cooking skills that can turn the right ingredients into a meal that leaves you wanting more.

Now, if you’re wondering whether your formatting skills are enough to impress recruiters, there’s no need to worry. 

This article is going to show you exactly how to format a cover letter the right way. 

Here’s what we’re going to cover: 

• What Should Go On a Cover Letter?
• How to Format Your Cover Letter
• (Free) Cover Letter Templates You Can Use
• How to Format Your Cover Letter When Sending It Via Email

The Best Cover Letter Format - What Goes on a Cover Letter

Your cover letter’s format is both how your cover letter looks and how it’s structured. 

So, cover letter formatting includes everything from page margins, spacing, and font size to how long your cover letter should be, how many paragraphs it should have, and what each paragraph should contain. 

Pretty substantial, if you ask us - which is exactly why we’ll go over these elements one by one. Before we do, however, let’s first get the essentials out of the way. 

What exactly goes into a cover letter? The short answer is as follows:  

• A header , which contains your contact information and the employer’s or recruiter’s contact information.
• A greeting to the recruiter and the opening paragraph , which you want to use to grab the reader’s attention.
• The body of your cover letter , which is between 1-3 paragraphs.
• A closing paragraph , which usually contains a call to action.
• A formal salutation .

And here’s what that looks like in practice: 

A Look into Your Cover Letter Format, by Section

In theory, all these rules are pretty straightforward...

But if you’ve ever written a cover letter before, you’ll probably agree with us that actually writing one ain’t all that simple.

In this section, we’ll take you through the entire process of creating a cover letter, section by section!

Starting with:

#1. Header 

Your cover letter’s header should contain your contact info, the date, and the hiring manager’s or employer’s contact info. 

If you’re wondering which contact information you should include and which you should leave out, here are the essentials: 

• Full name and professional title (where applicable) 
• Phone number
• Name and professional title of the hiring manager
• Name of the company you’re applying to 
• Company address 

Here’s a visual representation of this: 

If you want to know more about header formatting, such as what you can optionally include and what you should definitely leave out, head over to our guide on how to start a cover letter . 

#2. Greeting 

After listing your contact information, it’s time to address the cover letter . 

First things first: the impersonal and overly popular “To Whom It May Concern” and “Dear Sir/Madam” are yesterday’s news. They’re impersonal and just about every other applicant uses them. 

And you want your cover letter to stand out, right?

So, greet the hiring manager directly, instead. For example: 

Dear Mr. Brown, Dear Mrs. Waldorf,

If, however, you are unsure about their title, gender, marital status, or pronouns, use their entire name to avoid any mistakes, such as: 

Dear Alex Brown, Dear Blair Waldorf,

Alternatively, the recruiter may hold a title, such as Doctor, Professor, or sergeant, or you might be addressing a letter without a contact person. 

In such cases, here are some do-s and don’t-s to keep in mind: 

Dear John Doe, Dear Mr./Mrs. Doe, Dear Dr. Leonard, Dear Rev. Owen, Dear Marketing Hiring Team, Dear Director of Marketing,

To Whom It May Concern, What’s Up Hiring Team, Dear Sir/Madam, Hey John, Hi there Hiring Team,

#3. Opening Paragraph 

The opening paragraph of your cover letter is where the recruiter first gets to really hear your voice. As such, you’ve got to make it count and grab their attention before they move on to the next applicant.  

And how exactly do you do that? Well, for starters, avoid being generic. You don’t want your opening paragraph to sound as if you’re applying to dozens of jobs with the same letter.

Instead, you want your opening paragraph to mention:

• Your name, profession, and years of experience.
• 1-2 of your top achievements (to help you stand out).
• The name of the firm and position you’re applying for.

Here’s what this would look like in a cover letter:

My name is Ellen and I’d like to join Company X as a marketing expert. I believe that my 5+ years of experience as a marketing specialist, as well as my skills in PPC management and copywriting, will help me drive new users to your platform Additionally, I believe that my past experience in the financial industry will help me excel at the role.

Struggling with writing your own cover letter introduction? Check out our guide on how to start a cover letter effectively! 

#4. Cover Letter Body 

The body of your cover letter usually consists of 1-3 paragraphs and is where you convince the recruiter that you're the right person for the job.

We have a few pointers to help you do that:

• Don’t just rehash your CV. The recruiter already read it. Instead, use your cover letter to elaborate on your achievements and back them up with even more evidence. 
• Understand the job requirements. Check the requirements for the position in the job listing, see how you can match them with your strengths and qualifications, and use the body of your cover letter to show you’re a good fit for the job. 
• Research the company. Also important is to show that you match the company’s culture. Read up about the company you’re applying for and learn what’s their product/service, what are they known for, what kind of culture they have, and so on. Then, in your cover letter, mention a bit about the company’s culture and talk about how you’re a good fit.

And here’s hows the body of your cover letter would look like in practice: 

In my previous role as a Marketing Expert, I also handled the company’s Digital Marketing. During the course of one year, I managed the company’s monthly Facebook ad budget, which amounted to $20,000+ and the process of ad creation and management end-to-end. The process involved creating ad copies, images, picking out the targeting, running optimization trials, and so on. 

In addition to Facebook advertising, I am also knowledgeable in other Pay Per Click channels, such as: 

I actually learned a lot about PPC management basics from your company YouTube channel, and really admire how you guys manage your ad accounts. Since I’m already familiar with how Company X handles ads, I believe that I’d be able to really excel at the role.

#5. Closing Paragraph (And a Call to Action) 

Now, how you end a cover letter is just as important as how you start it. 

As you wrap up your cover letter, it’s important to do the following:

• Mention anything that you couldn’t in the previous paragraphs . If you have anything left to say, mention it here. 
• Thank the hiring manager for their time . Good manners go a long way. 
• Finish the cover letter with a call to action . Your cover letter’s last sentence should be a call to action, such as asking the hiring manager to take some sort of action. 

Here’s an example of that: 

In conclusion, thank you for considering my application. I hope I have the chance to help your company take its marketing initiatives to the next level. It would be great to discuss how my experience so far can make that a reality. 

As for your formal salutation, you can use any of the following “tried and tested” greetings: 

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

Cover Letter Format Guide 

We went over what goes in your cover letter section by section. However, how your cover letter looks on the outside is just as important. 

Following some standard formatting tips will show the hiring manager that you took the time and put in the effort to hand in the best version of a cover letter, which is sure to help your case. 

Here are the rules that you need to follow: 

• Keep your cover letter between half and one page in length to make sure the recruiter actually reads the whole thing (if you had to read 100+ cover letters, you’d want applicants to stick to one page too). That’s between 250-400 words long . 
• Use 1 or 1.5 line spacing throughout your text , and double spacing between paragraphs. 
• Go for a simple and readable font and set your font size to 11 or 12 pts . Using custom fonts may seem like a good idea, but there’s no guarantee the hiring manager’s computer will have that specific font installed.
• Save your cover letter in PDF format to make sure the layout stays the same despite the type of software or Operating System (OS) that opens it. 

Or Choose One of Our Cover Letter Templates 

The cover letter is an inseparable part of any application package. As such, you want your cover letter format to be as impeccable as possible. 

And while the formatting rules we’ve listed above aren’t complicated to follow, you’d rather not take any risks with your cover letter format.  

Want to make sure that your cover letter format is impeccable?

Just use a cover letter template!

The format is done for you - all you have to do is fill in the contents. 

Our cover letter templates are well-designed and guaranteed to leave a good impression on the recruiter!

On top of that, all of our templates come with a matching resume template , ensuring that your job application stands out from the rest.

Sending Your Cover Letter Via Email? Here’s How To Do It! 

It’s safe to assume that nowadays, most cover letters are sent via email. That means that you’re probably submitting your email in one of two ways: 

• Sending it as an email attachment.
• Uploading it to the company’s webpage.

If that’s the case, you’re good with the formatting rules listed above. 

If, however, you’re sending your cover letter in the body of the email, here’s what you need to do differently: 

• Write a professional subject line. The best and safest formula is “Name - Position you’re applying to” (e.g. “Helen Simms - Application for Marketing Expert Position”).
• Remove the header. As the hiring manager’s contact details and the date are no longer necessary, remove the header altogether and place your contact information underneath the formal salutation. 
• Look out for typos. Check your cover letter and then double-check it. Typing on a keyboard can be tricky; sometimes, a typo might just be a matter of fast typing. Avoid that by being extra careful. 

And you’re about ready to press “Send.”

Key Takeaways

Your cover letter format is a big part of the impression your job application can make. As such, it’s important to get the formatting right. 

Here are the main points this article covers to achieve that: 

• Make sure to structure your cover letter the right way. 
• Address your cover letter the right way and write an attention-grabbing opening paragraph.
• Wrap up your cover letter with a call to action. 
• Pay attention to the margins, space lining, font size, and cover letter length.
• If you’re sending your cover letter as the body of your email, make sure to tweak the formatting accordingly.  

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Land the job with cover letter templates

Show hiring managers why you're the perfect job candidate with professional, customizable cover letter templates. find the perfect cover letter template for any industry or career path..

Download free cover letter templates

Stand out from other job applicants with free, professional cover letter templates. Cover letters are a perfect complement to your resume and provide an effective opportunity to show your personality and enthusiasm for a position. Focus on writing a compelling cover letter and let a professionally designed template do the rest.

These free cover letter templates are perfect for any stage of your career, whether you're looking to land an internship or your dream job. If you're applying for a corporate position, you may want to opt for a simple cover letter template. There are a variety of other cover letter designs available, from basic cover letter templates to creative cover letter templates.

Each of these cover letter templates is customizable in Word , so you can add your own text, change design elements, and more. Print out your cover letter or download it for free to use for online job applications. Once you've customized the perfect cover letter, explore resume templates that will match your cover letter design, or download free business cards for your next networking event.

• Cover Letter Templates

Choose from 12 unique cover letter templates that will make you stand out from the pile of applications. Simply choose, edit, and download.

A straightforward cover letter template that’s suitable for most jobs that you apply.

A modern cover letter template ready to help you stand out in the tech and IT industries.

Highlight your experience logically –– focus your cover letter on your top achievements.

Best for legal and banking jobs, a classic cover letter template is a time-proven choice.

Multicolumn

Have a standout cover letter header and get your name and contact info in focus.

Tell more about your career with our compact cover letter template.

High Performer

A template that matches your attitude, the high performer makes you stand out.

Simple, yet unique, the minimal cover letter template is those who want to focus on the story

A No-Nonsense Copy/Paste Cover Letter Template

Our team of career counselors has made a generic cover letter template that you can use for your next job. Just copy and paste it and change the content within the brackets with your own!

Cover Letter Templates by Job

Take advantage of cover letters that have earned Enhancv users their dream job. Explore real-life examples and make a cover letter that gets you the job of your dreams.

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Cover Letter Templates by Career Situation

Entry-level cover letter.

**Sarah Parker**

7 Victoria Dr.

Miami, FL 33161

(781) 182-1110

[email protected]

Dear Mrs. Parker,

Since my sophomore year at university, DELL has been an industry trend-setting company which I would love to work for. Luckily, yesterday my colleague Marko Marletti (one of the organization's employees) called me in a hurry to inform me of DELL`s brand new Graduates program. I'm delighted to express my motivation for the entry-level ICT Assistant role.

As a recent graduate from the University of San Francisco with a B.S. in Computer Science, I would bring to the team my strong knowledge of Microsoft SQL, MS Dynamics, MS SharePoint, as well as Linux systems. Moreover, I am very passionate about backend coding, and last year I completed with excellence one of the most prestigious boot camps in San Fransisco - Nucamp.

Almost throughout my whole study, I have been working part-time as a System administrator, as I aspired and was eager to get both theoretical and practical knowledge at the same time. In this role I gained invaluable experience in server maintenance, assistance in the roll-out of Release & Deployment campaigns, setting up and configuring desktop computers, peripherals, and accounts, and assigning security levels. I built proficiency to efficiently troubleshoot a variety of technical issues for staff and end-users.

I feel ready to rise up to the challenge of an ICT Assistant role at DELL. Enclosed, please find my resume, which further illustrates my skills and educational background. Should you have any follow-up questions, I`d be happy to answer them. I look forward to further discussing this great opportunity and DELL`s needs from the Graduates program.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Carlos Sanches

Career Change Cover Letter

Dear [Mr./Mx./Ms.] [Manager’s Name],

I’m writing to you regarding the currently open role of Project manager at Max Legal, which I came across on your company website. After carefully reviewing the job description, I was delighted to find out that my academic accomplishments and professional background meet all of the necessary requirements.

For the last 5 years, I have had the chance to acquire invaluable experience as a Project assistant in a multinational organization like Hewlett-Packard. I have established myself as the go-to trusted advisor for Project managers and other functional experts regarding

Project documentation excellence. My daily coordination and interaction with the big teams regarding readiness for bid submission have let me in on many insider's secrets from the PM field. One of my biggest achievements is getting the award PMO Employee of the year in 2020.

I am passionate about applying my PM expertise from the streamlined processes in a large corporation to the exciting Project manager role in Max Legal.

In addition, I am certain I can bring a high-value proposition to the team, as I have made sure to accompany my practical experience with getting PMP (Project Management Professional) certified last year. During my study, I have strategically focused my coursework and practical assignments in the following areas:

• Project plan design
• Project resources designation
• Scope of work and Work breakdown structure
• Budget plan
• Stakeholders management
• Project monitoring and project lifecycle management

Lastly, my colleagues say that I have naturally grown to the role of Project manager and I am excited to bring this expertise on-board.

I would be delighted to have an opportunity to personally interview you. Please accept the enclosed resume and feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Scholarship Cover Letter

[Scholarship organization name]

[Organization address]

[Organization phone number]

Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Recipient’s name] / [Scholarship Committee],

My name is [NAME] and I have recently graduated with my Master in Child Psychology from UVIC - Universitat Central de Catalunya. I have found out about the Scholarship from my professor at Clinical Psychopathology - Dra. Jane Peterson, who believes I would be a great match for your Scholarship program at Child Care Association “Anima”.

Personally, I feel very passionate about working with children with special needs and enabling them to become more autonomous in daily life and self-empowered. Hence, it would be an honor for me, should I be selected for the Scholarship position of Child Assistance Counselor at Association “Anima”. In addition to my in-depth academic knowledge in the field, my value proposition to the organization is also in having 3+ years of Volunteer experience as an Assistant teacher of disadvantaged children via several ERASMUS+ international projects.

Thanks to this work I have practiced with the kid's modalities like Play therapy, Art & Music therapy, and English lessons. Apart from becoming proficient in structuring and successfully delivering Didactical lessons, I have built the necessary instrumentarium of skills to create safe emotional connections and rapport with the children.

As you can see, my expertise is a very close match to what the beneficiaries of Association “Anima” - children with disabilities, need.

Should you require references for my credentials and suitability, please do let me know.

I am really inspired by this opportunity to make a difference in the life of children and looking forward to further discussing it with you.

[Sincerely / Best / Best regards],

[Your name]

Resources to Write the Best Cover Letter 
in the World

• How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship
• Cover Letter Checklist: Learn How To Impress Recruiters
• What Is The Purpose Of A Cover Letter In An Application
• How To End A Cover Letter - Free Samples, Examples, Formats
• What Should A Cover Letter Say? Here's What You Need to Know
• What Should Your Cover Letter Say | Enhancv
• What's The Best Way To Address A Cover Letter?
• How To Craft an Eye-Catching Cover Letter Header (Examples and Template)

Why Enhancv’s Cover Letter Templates?

Matching resume to pair with your cover letter, 500+ job-specific examples for inspiration, templates suitable for your industry, role, and experience, easily make multiple cover letters tailored to different jobs, professional and communicative design, swiftly edit, customize and download, frequently asked questions, what should a cover letter include.

Your cover letter should include your biggest accomplishments in your career. Don’t just restate what you already have in your resume –– rather, focus on one or two accomplishments that are relevant to the job you’re applying for and expand from there. Your cover letter should have a header , salutation, opening paragraph , body paragraph , a call to action, and a closer .

Read more: How to Structure a Cover Letter

What is the best cover letter template for 2024?

How is a cover letter different from a resume, how long should my cover letter be, where can i see cover letter examples for my job, should i have a matching cover letter and resume, can i use a cover letter for my cv, do i need a unique cover letter for every job, what do i do if i can’t write a good cover letter, can my cover letter be an email, is it free to use enhancv’s cover letter and resume builder.

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

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What’s a cover letter?

What does a cover letter include, 3 cover letter samples to make your own, 3 more tips for a winning cover letter, letter for success.

You studied the job application, polished your resume, and are ready to hit “send.” But before you do, you need to craft a cover letter to support your candidacy. 

A hiring manager’s job is to quickly gauge whether you have the know-how to fit the roles and responsibilities of a job. And they also want to know if you possess soft skills that bring value to company culture and the business as a whole. Every document you send to a potential employer should prove you’re the best person for the job. 

Your resume or CV showcases your professional development based on skills and work experience. But the best resumes are concise, with bullet points that lead the reader to the most important information. You often don’t have enough space to truly express your value.

A good cover letter is an opportunity to highlight your experience and display your workplace personality . It gives a hiring manager a taste of what it’ll be like to work with you — and going the extra mile shows you’re genuinely interested in the job description.

To help you write a successful application for your dream job, here’s information around cover letters plus three cover letter examples to adapt to your needs. 

A professional cover letter is a document you submit to a hiring manager or recruiter with your application. It’s a persuasive letter that dives deeper into your skills and experience. 

But an effective cover letter should do more than just copy and paste the content of your resume. It describes how you’ll use those skills on the job. You can highlight your most relevant personal achievements and speak directly about the value proposition you’ll bring to the company.

Think of your cover letter like a movie trailer. It should make an engaging first impression , tell an exciting story , and entice the hiring manager to learn more about you. 

Many people dread writing cover letters . They take time to compose, and you never know if hiring managers will actually take the time to read them. But submitting one at all shows the company that you’re serious about earning a position , proving you’re a high-quality applicant who cares about the job.

Most professional emails and letters follow the same format, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Typically, a cover letter is between 250 and 400 words and fits onto one page. 

You can send a cover letter in three ways: as an email attachment, in the body of an email, or as part of an online application. Pay careful attention to the instructions in the job posting .

Some companies may prefer a specific file attachment for easy internal sharing, and sending the right format tells the hiring manager you have an eye for detail and take direction. 

Here’s an example of what you’ll find in a basic cover letter template:

Header with contact information: Let your reader know who you are, with your full name and professional email address at the top of the page. You may include additional information like a personal website or LinkedIn profile , location, and contact information like a phone number. 

Opening paragraph: Begin with a professional salutation . Research the company and try to find the hiring manager or recruiter's name to demonstrate professionalism and due diligence. Your opening paragraph should be a quick show of gratitude that thanks them for their time and consideration. 

Body: Your second and third paragraphs should tell an engaging story introducing you as a person and an employee.

This might include a relevant anecdote about why you’re interested in the company and a personal achievement that connects the role to your professional development goals .

Always tie in skills and keywords from the job posting, and consider researching the company’s core values and wrapping them into the text. 

The closing sale: Your final paragraph should reiterate your main selling points, demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job, and thank the person for their consideration. Conclude with an appropriate email sign-off . 

Professional communication should be short and to the point, whether you’re writing an out-of-office message , letter of interest , or promotion announcement . Developing a cover letter format that self-promotes your best qualities without losing your reader’s attention requires careful, purposeful writing. 

To write your own, here are three examples to edit based on your needs and the new job's requirements:

1. Simple cover letter template for an entry-level job

This basic application letter tells a hiring manager or recruiter what they need to know about your potential, even without years of experience.

It shows off important soft skills like enthusiasm, initiative , and goal-setting that provide insights into the type of worker you are. This cover letter also highlights necessary information and your unique value proposition. 

[your name]

[email address]

Dear [hiring manager’s name], 

I hope this letter finds you well. Thank you for considering me for the [position] at [company name]. As a recent college graduate with a [degree title], I’m eager and excited to enter the workforce. 

I’m a creative and innovative person who excels in [type of work]. When deciding what major to choose, I found that [topic] was a career path that allowed me to nurture my natural critical thinking abilities and find out-of-the-box solutions.

At school, I balanced my coursework between [subject], [subject], and [subject], whic h helped grow my passion for [industry]. That led me to find [company name], an organization I really admire for its [attributes and company goals].

While wrapping up my degree, I completed an internship at [company name] as part of [department]. The experience tested my understanding of [topic] with real-life scenarios and proved that I excel equally in independent research and fast-paced, collaborative environments.

It cemented my motivation to continue to push my career in this direction, and I hope to continue my work with your team.

Thank you again for taking the time to read my application. I hope to have the opportunity to interview and discuss more about the job, along with how I can contribute to [company name]’s goals. I have attached my resume and am happy to provide you with professional references . 

Sincerely, 

[LinkedIn profile URL]

2. Creative cover letter template for an internal promotion

A great cover letter grabs a hiring manager's attention like a gripping story, and this is especially true when you’re already passionate about the company you work for.

This cover letter provides an emotional hook and supports itself with specific examples that promote the right experience level, attitude, and know-how for an internal promotion .

Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the [job title] opening. Having dedicated the past [number] years to working on [previous team], I feel deeply connected to [company name]’s mission and culture.

I’m ready to take the expertise I’ve learned in my current [title] role to contribute to the success of the business in new ways while also pushing my own career growth forward.

If you’re unfamiliar with my work, last summer, I supported [project] and used my [skills] to bring it to fruition. Building a [type of project] from the ground up and working strategically across [fields] was an eye-opening and formative new experience, and it taught me [more specific skills].

I’m proud to say we [achievements with metrics], and I know I can bring that expertise to [new position],

While I have enjoyed the challenge of [previous title], that experience taught me that I excel with [skills], which I know I can apply to [new title]. I'm ready to translate my knowledge of [topic] to a more wide-reaching role handling [new responsibilities].

The creativity , collaboration, and flexibility I’ve shown in my current role show that I’m up for the next challenge. 

Thank you again for inviting me to apply. I look forward to this opportunity to continue pushing our company toward success. 

3. Best cover letter template for a freelancer or contractor

For a contract or freelance job, a hiring manager wants to know that you’re thoughtful, competent, and independent enough to finish your work on time without too much guidance.

Similar to a letter of intent , researching the company and drawing parallels to your skills and experience will capture the hiring manager’s attention.

I hope you’re doing well. I’m excited to apply for the [contract role] you’ve posted. 

With [number] years of experience working independently for a wide range of companies, including startups, small businesses, and national brands, I have a proven ability to adapt my skills to any business model and complete [type of work] that meets your goals. 

Throughout my career, I’ve always prioritized working with companies that emphasize impact beyond their bottom line. Your commitment to [company values] speak directly to the values guiding my work.

I’m confident we can develop the solutions you’re looking for [cite goal listed in the job post, like increasing market share] while respecting the ethos of our work philosophies.

As a [job title or topic], I’ve worked with nearly [number] brands and continue to regularly consult with [number]. My approach is [describe work ethos]. I value quality over quantity. Building trust and long-term relationships while contributing truly valuable work is what matters most. 

I’m fluent in [skill], stay on top of emerging AI technologies, and thrive on [skill/topic]. My top concern is always making the right recommendation for the client, not the market.

I pride myself on my adaptability and ability to tease out the best strategy for my clients. Over the past year, my work has contributed to over [number] in net profits for clients of a similar size to your own. 

I’m eager to hear more about your long-term objectives and bring my expertise to your mission. 

Best regards,

[professional website URL]

Remember that a cover letter is specific to the job and to your experience, and even putting in just five extra minutes of effort can show a potential employer you care. Here are some extra tips to make sure your application is perfect:

Prepare ahead of time: There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all application. The perfect resume is specific to the job search, responsibilities, and company you’re applying to — and the same goes for your cover letter.

Read the job post thoroughly for keywords and use them to guide your writing. Incorporating company language into your own will show that you fit the team. 

Double-check your work: Misspellings, grammar mistakes, and inconsistent formatting can ruin your chances of getting an interview . Small or consistent errors insinuate that you lack effort and care.

Ask a colleague to give it a read-through to make sure you're effectively representing yourself. Likewise, run your final draft through a grammar app to ensure punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure are perfect. 

Use a cover letter builder: If you’re drawing a blank on the best cover letter design or can’t find the right words, lean on available online tools. You can use a professional cover letter template on a resume builder site to guide you and ensure you check off all the right boxes for a hiring manager. 

While your resume highlights your skills in a structured format, the cover letter gives you more freedom to showcase your positive personality traits , celebrate your achievements, and impress a potential employer. While not every job will require a cover letter, it’s never a bad idea to go the extra mile to make a case for yourself as the best candidate. 

Now that you have several cover letter examples, it’s time to get writing. Research the company, study the role, and draw the right parallels between its needs and your abilities. It could be just the motivation for a hiring manager to give your resume a little extra attention — and for you to land your next job. 

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Elizabeth Perry, ACC

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

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