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How to explain a career break in your cover letter

June 14, 2021

Source: iStock/Brothers91

There are several valid reasons why you may need to take a break from your career for months or even years at a time.

Perhaps you need to care for a child or family member, or perhaps you took a break to travel, volunteer for a worthy cause, or work on a personal project.

Some of the most common reasons for a CV gap include:

• Time taken off due to illness 
• Caring for a relative 
• Made redundant from a previous role 
• Looking for a job
• Childcare responsibilities
• Going back into education 

Whatever the case may be, it can still feel a little awkward explaining your career break to prospective employers once you return to the job market.

With that in mind, here are some tips that can help you explain your career break in your cover letter.

Focus on what you can offer 

First of all, you don't want your cover letter to sound like a defence of why you had to take some time away from work.

Very few employers are going to worry much about your career break unless they think you're not ready to return to work, or there is some underlying factor that will affect your work with them.

Otherwise, your recruiter just wants to know why you would be the right person for the job.

With that in mind, focus on the positives you can offer your prospective employer

Instead of addressing your career gap immediately, talk about your accomplishments in previous roles. For example:

• Did you help to increase revenues for your former company?
• Did you help to finish a major project on time and within budget?
• Did you receive any specific recognition for your work?

Think about what you can share that will demonstrate your competence, industriousness, and expertise to the recruiter.

After all, the main reason you're writing the cover letter in the first place is to make yourself look as attractive to the company as possible.

Don't try to hide your career break

Even though your qualifications and value to the prospective employer should make up the bulk of your cover letter, you still need to explain your absence from the workforce at some point.

Never give in to the temptation to hide your career gap, or gloss over it.

Granted, there may be a small possibility that the recruiter overlooks the gap; but if the recruiter finds out at a later stage of the hiring process, it could become an issue. In this situation, as in all others, honesty is the best policy.

At the same time, it's a good idea to mention why you think this role is the right fit for you coming back into the workforce.

Perhaps you could reiterate your previous experience in similar roles, or how you've kept your skills sharp during your absence.

Source: Shutterstock/GP Pixstock

Don't give out unnecessary details 

When it's time for you to explain your career break in the cover letter, keep the explanation brief and concise.

Remember, you don't have to go in-depth as to why you left your previous job.

For example, let's say that you decided to leave work to care for your elderly parents. The recruiter doesn’t need to know the details about how you came to make the decision, as it is very personal to you.

Instead, you could briefly state something such as: In [insert year], I took some time away from work to care for my parents. It's simple, to the point, and tells the recruiter all they need to know about the situation.

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This post was written by: Mariana Santos, Delivery Center Manager – Global Recruitment & Training

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• Opening Statement
• Why are you suitable for the job?
• Explain The Gap
• How can you contribute to the organisation?
• Reiterate/ Summarise
• Closing statement

Cover Letter Template for Career Break

There is a range of different reasons why professionals might take up a career break. It could be to take care of an ailing family member, personal health issues, taking a break from work for mental health, relocation to a new city, taking care of infants and young kids, and many others. Whatever the reason be, getting back into the workforce is a daunting experience. Especially if you are getting into the professional world after a break of multiple years, the technologies and the processes would have evolved and that diminishes your chances to be employed at par with your last position and salary. 

In this article, we will help you understand how to write a perfect cover letter or CV after a career break and how to build your resume . Let’s get started with the structure of the cover letter or CV.

• Opening statement/ paragraph
• Explain the gap
• How can you contribute to the organization?
• Reiterate/Summarize your interest in the role
• Closing statement/ paragraph

Play it safe when you are writing the opening statement for your cover letter. Start with a brief explanation of the position you are applying for and how did you find your vacancy. Keep it relevant and to the point and make sure it is short and not a prolonged paragraph. 

Below is an example of an opening statement:

“I wish to apply for the role of data science executive featured on iimjobs.com. I have enclosed a CV for your consideration.”

At this stage do not consider anything about your career gap. Here, you mention all your skills and list down all the achievements that you have had in your previous stints. List out your academic and vocational qualifications, relevant certifications, that will help you showcase your suitability for the role. This section will essentially prove that despite your career break, you still possess the skills, qualities, and mindset to pursue the role. 

Pro Tip: Always try to quantify your achievements with the results that you achieved. For example, a 30% increase in revenue.

In the third paragraph, take the opportunity to explain your career gap as briefly as possible. But in your quest to make it short and crisp do not limit your explanation and ensure it is thorough. Also, define why is it the right role for you to return to the workforce. When it comes to career gaps, recruiters fear that candidates would not be ready to return to work. Alleviate such fears for the recruiters in this section and explain your worth. 

Example: 

“In March 2016, I gave birth to my daughter and took some time off work to give her all the care she needed. Now, she has started to go to school full-time and I am ready to restart my career and determined to take up new professional challenges.”

Also Read: Six ways to make your CV stand out from the crowd

Once the career gap is addressed and explained, you need to tell the recruiter how you will be a valuable addition to their organisation. You can do this by listing out all that you have done to improve your skills and broaden your knowledge base. This will include certifications, specialised courses, volunteer work, relevant projects you have worked on, letter of recommendation (if you have any). 

You can easily overcome your career gap by reinforcing your credentials and present yourself boldly with confidence and facts. 

“During my career break, I kept a track of how data science is improving and growing as a professional field and signed up for a data science certification course with great learning . I am now a certified data science practitioner and have proved my skills in the capstone project I did as a part of my curriculum. I have attached a brief about my project on “credit card fraud detection” with this cover letter.”

Here you would summarise your interest in the role and organisation and how you would be the right fit. 

I am confident that I can bring the required level of expertise to the role and help the organisation in building well-functioning data science models and solutions. I am available to start immediately and see myself grow along with the organisation for the long term. 

Thank the employer for their time and consideration while closing the letter an sign off with an appropriate salutation such as “Yours sincerely”, or “Yours faithfully”.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to meeting with you for an interview and take my application further. 

Yours sincerely,

Always remember that taking time off your career to take care of a personal commitment is nothing to be ashamed of. Life happens and it is not a reflection of your work. As times are changing, many employers are becoming increasingly considerate and understanding when it comes to gaps in employment history. 

Therefore, never be tempted to hide your career gap as you will risk your entire application if the recruiter comes to know otherwise. Focus on the positives and assure the employer that you are ready to return to work and possess all the required knowledge and skills for the role under consideration. 

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How to Write a Career Change Cover Letter in 7 Steps (+3 Cover Letter Examples)

• Julia Mlcuchova , 
• Updated April 17, 2024 14 min read

How do you write a career change cover letter ? You write it well, of course! After all, the cover letter can make or break your chances at successfully completing a career switch. 

Not that career change is easy to begin with. It can often feel like trying to make your way through an obstacle course — no matter where you turn, new challenges just keep popping out of nowhere. And yet, a staggering 58% of workers are thinking about changing careers , according to a FlexJobs survey .

But inevitably, there comes a moment when you'll need to justify your choice to a new employer and prove that you're more than well-equipped to handle the new responsibilities.  

And what better way to do that than via a cover letter! 

So, if you want to change careers this year, keep reading to discover:

• What is a cover letter;
• Whether you should write a cover letter for career change;
• How to write a cover letter for a career change in just 7 steps;
• And, 3 career change cover letter examples.

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

What is a cover letter?

Should you write a cover letter for career change, how to write a cover letter for a career change in 7 steps, career change cover letter examples, key takeaways: career change cover letter.

A cover letter is a formal document which, together with a resume, makes up the core of any well-rounded job application. 

It serves as the first point of contact between you and the recruiters. And for that reason, it's responsible for making the first impression (good or bad).

Unlike a resume, a cover letter allows you to:

• share a bit of your personality, 
• provide context for your background, 
• and present your career aspirations. 

It's your chance to make a compelling case for why you should be considered for the role, beyond just the bullet points on your resume. 

Yes, you absolutely should!

Let us explain: A resume is great for presenting the numbers and objective facts. But it doesn't offer you much space for creating a compelling narrative . 

When you're applying for a job as a career changer , you're already at a disadvantage - you're missing one of the crucial ingredients for the ideal job candidate.

An average recruiter needs only 6 seconds to look at your resume and recognize your lack of experience as a problem. And that's reason enough to move your application from the list of potential candidates to the bin.  

But it's all about perspective. And perspectives can change based on how you frame it — is your career change really a shortcoming? Or is it a testimony to your passion, dedication, and willingness to leave the comforts of your old job for a new one? 

Changing careers but don't feel like writing your cover letter?

Let our AI Cover Letter Writer handle it for you. Your first draft will be ready in seconds!

Although there isn't any definitive or universal manual on how to write the perfect career change cover letter, following these 7 steps will allow you to craft one which hits all the marks that matter.

Place your contact information ( including: your name; professional email address; phone number; link to your web page/portfolio/social media accounts if relevant) in the top section of your cover letter.

If you can find the name of the hiring manager, simply greet them with “Dear [full name],” or “Dear Mrs/Mr [last name],” . If not, you can address the letter more generally to “Dear Hiring Manager,” or “Dear Recruitment Office,” .

Capture the hiring manager's attention by making your goals and motivation for the new job position known. For example, you can share a personal story or an anecdote that shows your passion for the job in a unique way. 

Despite any possible discomfort, you have to be transparent about the fact that you don't have any previous work experience in the given job position. Any attempt at camouflaging could reflect badly on your professionalism and integrity. 

You must prove that despite not having previous work experience in this particular position, you're still able to handle the responsibilities and duties that define it. For this purpose, use transferable skills that you've picked up in your former profession, during volunteering, through courses, or thanks to your lifelong interest in the job position.

Additionally, establish a sentimental connection between yourself and the potential employer. You can reference, for example, the company's mission, values, recent projects, or any charities/non-profit organization the company promotes.

Finally, in the closing statement you should: 1. Reiterate your desire to work for the company, 2. Thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration, 3. Include a call for action, 4. Sign off professionally.

Now, we'll look at each of these steps in more detail.

Step 1: Start with your contact information

First of all, you need to deal with the basic conventions. After all, a cover letter is still a formal letter, though in digital form. And every formal letter needs to contain details about its sender. 

These include:

• professional email address,
• current phone number,
• link to online portfolio/web page/ social media accounts (if relevant) .

Make sure that all your contact information is updated and spelled correctly . This may seem obvious, but you'd be surprised how easily these small mistakes can creep in. 

Place your contact information at the top of your career change cover letter so that they draw the attention of recruiters immediately. 

Don't forget to also mention the company's contact information or that of its hiring manager. This isn't all that necessary but again…formalities.

Step 2: Open with a polite greeting

If you're lucky, the name of the hiring manager (or recruiter) will be mentioned somewhere in the job posting you're responding to. Unfortunately, that's not always the case. 

But with the power of the internet by your side, this shouldn't be much of a problem. Try to dig up the addressee's name from the company's official website or their LinkedIn profile .

It's always better to address the hiring manager by their name — it helps establish a personal connection between you two. 

But don't overthink it! A simple “Dear [first name] [last name],” or “Dear Mrs/Mr [last name],”  will do just fine. 

In case the hiring manager's name is nowhere to be found, you can use one of these 5 email salutations . 

Step 3: Kick off with a strong introductory paragraph

The purpose of your cover letter's introductory paragraph is to give the reader a little something to make them interested in the rest of your cover letter. 

Normally, you'd try to hook the reader by pointing out that you fulfill the main candidate requirements. Like so:

Opening paragraph example

“As a seasoned professional with a Master’s Degree in Business Economics , I bring four years of comprehensive experience in the finance sector, highlighted by leading a team that successfully increased our portfolio’s annual growth by 20%.”

But since you're switching careers, this formula won't work for you. Instead, you could charm the recruiters with your:

• motivation,
• passion, 
• or purpose. 

These are the cards you need to play when writing a career change cover letter! 

So, don't be afraid to get personal here — share a story that depicts the workings behind your decision to switch careers. Just remember to stay professional! It's a fine line, we know, but you must tread it expertly. 

For example, your introduction could look something like this: 

Opening paragraph for career change cover letter example

“My journey into the world of business finance began unexpectedly, over coffee chats and spreadsheets helping my family’s small business navigate tough financial waters. This experience wasn’t just eye-opening; it became a calling. I realized my knack for numbers and strategic planning could make a real difference beyond the classroom. That’s why I’m thrilled about the opportunity to bring my passion and fresh perspective to [Company Name] as part of your finance team.”

Step 4: Address your career change

And now it's time to acknowledge the elephant in the room!

While it may be tempting to conceal the fact that you're trying to enter a new profession, don't hide it. In the end, it could cause you more harm than good. 

Because the recruiters will know just by taking a single glance at your career change resume . 

Fail to address this, and you're running the risk of giving the impression that you're unprofessional. Or that you're being dishonest. And either of the two can leave a really bad taste. 

So, when writing about your career switch, be upfront, be direct, but don't be apologetic! Remember, you need to persuade the recruiters that you're confident in your abilities.

Step 5: Showcase your potential with transferable skills

Basically, this part of your career change cover letter is all about closing the gap between what you used to do and what you want to do. 

In other words, you must show that you have more to offer besides your unrivaled motivation. 

And the best way to do this is by talking about any relevant transferable skills you've picked up along the way. The keyword being relevant! 

For example, the project manager skills you developed while working in marketing may translate well into leading teams in pretty much any industry. Or the insights into SEO that you've gained as a copywriter can become valuable in your new PR position.

In short, your transferable skills can be anything from hard skills like computer proficiencies , to soft skills like problem-solving , leadership, communication, team management, and so on.  

Besides abilities you've gained from a previous employment, you can also focus on those you've acquired thanks to: 

• volunteering,
• lifelong interest in a specific profession,
• personal projects and ventures,
• and training/certifications/ courses .

But don't just list them! 

Instead, you need to clearly demonstrate how your new employers would benefit from your skills despite coming from a different background. 

Here's a brief how-to:

• Firstly, you need to brainstorm about what skills you possess that might be useful in your new job position. 
• Then, align them with the requirements outlined in the job posting. 
• Out of the bunch pick 2-3 skills that are essential for succeeding in the new position. 
• Finally, provide a proof that you have these skills by giving examples of how you utilized them in your previous job (back your claims by quantifiable data if possible).

Transferable skills on a cover letter example

“In my role as a Project Manager, I led a team of 10 in developing and executing a marketing campaign that resulted in a 25% increase in customer engagement over six months. This experience honed my skills in strategic planning , c ross-functional team leadership , and data-driven decision-making . I am excited to apply these skills to the role of [New Position], where I can contribute to [Company’s] success.”

Step 6: Highlight your interest in the company

And don't just say that you want to work for them because they pay more. In fact, don't mention salary at all! 

In this section of your career change cover letter, you need to show your affinity to this particular company that goes beyond mere financial gain. Why them?

But before you jump into it headfirst, do these three things: research, research, and more research! 

Read their website, stalk their social accounts, go through their quarterly reports, pull up any news articles, look at their LinkedIn page — and do all that without reservations. And try to find answers to the following questions:  

• What is the company culture like?
• What are the company values/mission?
• What projects did they work on? 
• What events did they organize?
• Do they support any non-profit organizations? 

Let the information you learn be your pointers. And then, all you need to do is try to be as honest as you can. 

For your inspiration, consider this example:

Showing affinity with company example

“I’ve always admired the Neverwas Company for not just what you do, but how you do it—especially your support for the Environment Institution in cleaning up local beaches last summer. It’s this kind of work that inspires me. In my last job, I organized community clean-up events, and I see a lot of overlap in our values. I’m excited about the chance to bring my passion and skills to a team that cares so much about making a difference.”

Step 7: Bow out with a strong closing paragraph

And now, all that's left to do is apply a few finishing touches. 

The final paragraph of your career change cover letter should include: 

• A reiteration of your desire to work for the company. But only briefly. 
• An expression of gratitude. Thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration.
• A call for action. Such as expressing your wish for a personal meeting. 
• An appropriate sign-off. Depending on how you greeted the recipient of your cover letter, you can sign off with either “Yours sincerely,” or “Best regards,”. If you addressed the recruiter by their name, sign off with the former; if not, use the latter. 

In case you'd like to see how to close the curtain with finesse, these 8 great cover letter endings are just waiting to be read. 

And now, let's put all these steps together and look at 3 complete cover letters, made with our cover letter templates .

#1 Career change cover letter example

This cover letter was written by our experienced resume writers specifically for this profession.

Why does it work?

• This example does a great job of making the text digestible and easy to follow . Because the last thing you want is to have your cover letter looking cluttered and disorganized. 
• Another interesting element is the inclusion of bullet points . It’s yet another way of making you cover letter visually distinct.

#2 Career change cover letter example

This cover letter was made using Kickresume templates.

What’s good about this example?

• The candidate’s contact information stands apart from the rest of the text, making it easy to spot. 
• Also, this person manages to bridge the gap between marketing and UX design by identifying a principle common for both - customer satisfaction. This motive is then repeated throughout the whole cover letter. 
• Another thing worth pointing out is the detailed description of the candidate's most relevant achievements .

#3 Career change cover letter example

What can you take away.

• This cover letter example opens with a bang ! The candidate communicates his passion for the new job load and clear. From his writing, it's obvious that his career change was inspired by a genuine desire to facilitate memorable events for his clients. 
• Despite the fact that accountancy and event organization have very little in common, Robert was able to draw transferable skills from his volunteering experience . 
• And, to better illustrate the scope of his skills, Bob provided quantifiable data to bolster his competencies. 

For more cover letter samples, feel free to browse our cover letter database .

To sum it all up, a compelling career change cover letter is your best bet at persuading hiring managers to give you a chance. 

As a career changer, you probably have little to no work experience that directly relates to the profession you want to transition to. That's why you should focus your cover letter on: 

• your passion and dedication to the job
• any relevant transferable skills 
• explaining your reasons for the professional pivot

To craft an effective cover letter that addresses all three themes mentioned above, we recommend following these simple 7 steps:  

• Start with your contact information
• Open with a polite greeting
• Kick off with a strong introductory paragraph
• Address your career change
• Showcase your potential with transferable skills
• Highlight your interest in the company
• Bow out with closing paragraph

Finally, if you've just started looking into a career change because you're unhappy in your current job but don't know what profession to focus on, feel free to explore how to become:

• an architect ,
• a real estate agent ,
• a psychologist ,
• a human resources manager ,
• a chiropractor ,
• or a Scrum Master .

As a rule, your cover letter shouldnt exceed one page! Anything longer than that and you're risking discouraging the hiring manager from ever reading it. Your cover letter should recount the best parts of your professional life and your motivation, not the whole story.

By far the biggest mistake you can make is NOT customizing your cover letter to fit specific requirements of the job posting you're responding to. Other minor, but no less significant, mistakes include: spelling errors, grammar mistakes, and typos. So make sure you proofread your cover letter before hitting send. 

Although your cover letter is still a formal document, it's also your chance to establish a connection with the recruiter on a personal level. And your tone of voice should reflect both of these realities. Be professional, but not too stiff; confident but not arrogant; friendly, but not too nonchalant.

That depends.You can name-drop your previous employer if you feel like it will give you more professional credit. But don't dwell on this for too long. And never EVER speak badly about your past employer, colleagues, or team. Such behaviour reflects negatively on your professionalism and integrity.

When you're looking for a new job, every moment is precious. That's why you should consider trying an AI tool that helps you create the first draft of your cover letter. Simply enter your most recent job title, press the “Use AI Writer” button and the AI writer will generate a cover letter for you. And the best thing is, you can try it for free .

Julia has recently joined Kickresume as a career writer. From helping people with their English to get admitted to the uni of their dreams to advising them on how to succeed in the job market. It would seem that her career is on a steadfast trajectory. Julia holds a degree in Anglophone studies from Metropolitan University in Prague, where she also resides. Apart from creative writing and languages, she takes a keen interest in literature and theatre.

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Cover letters and references after a career break.

Describing your career gap to potential employers

By Vivian Steir Rabin

Vivian Steir Rabin is the co-founder of iRelaunch and the co-author of Back on the Career Track (affiliate link). She is a relauncher, having relaunched her career in executive search after a 7 year career break. Vivian left iRelaunch in late 2014 in order to focus full time on VSR Advisors , a retained executive search firm focused on commercial real estate and financial services for which she serves as Managing Director and Principal.

“I’ve been out of the workforce for several years,” a reader e-mailed me. "Should I address the gap on my resume in a cover letter? What about salary requirements? And what do I do about the fact that all my references are from 10+ years ago, besides the PTA president. (I’ve already told my 12-year-old that I’m not going to use her, even though she’s teaching me power point!)"

Here’s how I responded:

If you haven’t explained the gap on your resume, then by all means explain it in a cover letter. In fact, even if you have a line on your resume about your career break, address the issue in your cover letter as well. Do it briefly and unapologetically. (See the sample below.) Do not go on and on about why you stayed home.

The key is to address the gap (so prospective employers don’t think you were in jail or conjure up other unseemly excuses for your absence from the workforce) and make it clear that you’re ready to return to work now. Employers are less concerned about the gap per se and more concerned about whether you’re logistically and psychologically ready to work and whether you have the skills, despite your absence, to perform on the job.

Your goal, in your cover letter, is to reassure them, briefly, that you are ready, willing and able to return to work.

D o not mention salary requirements at all in a cover letter, nor during the first few interviews. Wait until the employer brings it up.

As far as references go, you do not need to mention them in the cover letter or resume. But you should try to line up 2-3 references, even if they’re from years ago. (One of the three could be from your recent volunteer work, like the PTA president). Email or call your old bosses, tell them you’re seeking to return to the workforce, and ask them if they’re willing to serve as a reference. Assure them that you’ll only give their name and phone number to those who are seriously interested in hiring you. Thank them profusely. Although you haven’t spoken in years, if you did good work, they should be willing to vouch for you. And, who knows, maybe they’ll even have a job lead!

Sample Relauncher Cover Letter:

I am very interested in the A opportunity at Company B, and believe my skills and experience make me a strong candidate. As you can see from the attached resume, I spent X years doing very similar work as a Y at Z Company. In addition, I developed C skills in my D years at E Company. Although I have focused on my family for the last G years and have not worked for pay, I have kept up with developments in the field by reading Most Important Trade Magazines 1 and 2 and attending H conferences. I’ve also updated my computer skills so I’m ready to hit the ground running. Finally, my involvement with I Volunteer Organization has honed my organizational and interpersonal skills.

I am very eager to return to the workforce and believe my pent-up enthusiasm for work, combined with my relevant educational and professional credentials, will help me contribute meaningfully to the organization.

I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my potential fit for this position by phone or in person at your convenience.

Sincerely, Jane Realdough

Check out our resource center for more free sample cover letters and relauncher resume downloads!

Visit resource center, don't relaunch alone.

Join our growing relauncher communities on Facebook and LinkedIn . For more great guidance on your relaunch and updates on when return to work programs are accepting applications, events for relaunchers and more, be sure to sign up for our Return to Work Report and follow us on social media to stay informed!

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60+ Cover Letter Examples in 2024 [For All Professions]

No matter where you are in your career, or what job you’re applying for, submitting a cover letter with your resume is a must . 

Done right, a cover letter will effectively complement your resume and explain to the hiring manager in more detail why you’re the right person for the job.

Writing a cover letter, however, is easier said than done. 

You have to effectively demonstrate that you’ll be able to perform the responsibilities listed in the job description and that you’d be a better fit for the company compared to other candidates. 

And unless you’re a professional writer, this can be a very hard task.

Fortunately, we created these cover letter examples to inspire you and help you get started with your own cover letter!

Let’s dive in!

21 Cover Letter Examples 

#1. career change cover letter example .

Here’s what this cover letter does right:

• Has an ideal length. This cover letter includes all the relevant information for the hiring manager without getting into too much detail.
• Relevant introduction. The candidate explains that they’re changing careers and why they want to work in this new field from the get-go.
• Explains their related experience. The candidate explains how their previous experience in retail sales can help them succeed in PR.

Check out our guide video guide to learn how to write a Cover Letter that gets you HIRED!

#2. Recent Graduate Cover Letter Example 

• Personally greets the hiring manager. The candidate has taken the time to find the hiring manager’s name and address them by it, which makes the opening of the cover letter much more personal.
• Wraps up with a call to action. The candidate wraps up the cover letter by suggesting a meeting with the hiring manager, which makes them more memorable.
• Explains why the candidate is the right person for the internship. In this cover letter for an internship , the candidate explains how they’ve previously interned in a different firm, which gives them the experience to succeed in this role.

Have you just graduated from college? Make sure to check out our guide on writing an entry-level cover letter from start to finish! 

#3. Middle Management Cover Letter Example

• Use of bullet points. The candidate presents the information in a concise and reader-friendly way, making it easy for the hiring manager to find their key achievements. 
• Formal closing. The candidate has used a formal and polite tone to conclude their cover letter, which combined with a call to action makes them look professional and passionate about getting the job. 
• Explains how the company would benefit from hiring them. The candidate outlines exactly what they could do for the company, which not only highlights their skills but also shows they’ve done their research on the company’s needs. 

#4. Business Manager Cover Letter Example

• Detailed header. In addition to the must-have contact details, this candidate has also included their professional Twitter and LinkedIn profiles, making it easy for the hiring manager to look more closely into their career. 
• Concise and to the point. This candidate has used short paragraphs and bullet points to make the cover letter easy to skim through. 
• Wraps up with a call to action. By letting the hiring manager know they’ll be contacting them soon, they’re more likely to make an impression.

Check out this article for a complete writing guide and an inspiring business manager resume sample. 

#5. Ph.D. Cover Letter Example

Here’s what this cover letter does right: 

• Attention-grabbing introduction. In the opening paragraph, this candidate explains why they’re passionate about pursuing a Ph.D. in great detail. 
• Explains the candidate’s qualifications in detail. The candidate builds on their passion by explaining how they’re also qualified for the degree because of their education history and academic achievements. 

#6. Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

• Professional and minimalistic template. This senior executive has used a professional but minimalistic template that lets their work experience do the talking. 
• Achievement-oriented opening paragraph. Right from the get-go, this candidate explains what makes them so good at their job, effectively grabbing the hiring manager’s attention.  
• Wraps up with a call to action. By suggesting to have a meeting and discussing how they can help the company meet its goals, the candidate stands more chance to make a positive lasting impression. 

#7. Architect Cover Letter Example 

• Modern resume template. This architect has picked a template that perfectly matches his industry, as it is professional and modern at the same time. 
• A personal greeting to the HR. They address the hiring manager by their first name, which helps make a better first impression. 
• Measurable achievements. By quantifying their achievements, the candidate proves their achievements instead of just claiming them.

Struggling with your architect resume ? Check out our full guide!

#8. Business Analyst Cover Letter Example 

• Detailed contact information. The candidate has listed both their LinkedIn and Twitter profiles, providing the HR manager an opportunity to learn more about the candidate.  
• Mentions what the candidate can do for the company. This cover letter doesn’t just explain why the job would be great for the candidate, but also how the candidate would benefit the company. Win-win, right? 
• Error-free and reader-friendly. It’s super important for the cover letter to have no spelling or grammatical errors and be reader-friendly. This candidate made sure they did both.

Need a resume alongside your cover letter? Check out our guide on how to write a business analyst resume . 

#9. Consultant Cover Letter Example 

• Professional cover letter template. Being an experienced consultant, this candidate has picked a professional template that doesn’t steal the spotlight from their achievements. 
• Experience and achievement-oriented. The candidate has effectively elaborated on their top achievements relevant to the job. 
• Highlights the candidate’s passion. To show they want the job, this candidate has also explained how passionate they are about their profession.

For more advice on landing a job as a consultant, check out our guide to writing a consultant resume .

#10. Digital Marketing Cover Letter Example

• Creative cover letter template. This digital marketer highlights their originality by picking a creative cover letter template. 
• Lists the candidate’s awards. The candidate has taken advantage of the cover letter to list their most noteworthy awards in the industry. 
• Concludes with a call to action. As they used a call to action to conclude their cover letter, the HR manager will be more likely to remember them.

Want to take your digital marketing resume to the next level? Check out our guide!

#11. Graphic Designer Cover Letter Example 

• Detailed contact information. The candidate has included additional contact information such as their website link, as well as their LinkedIn and Twitter profiles.  
• Ideal length. This cover letter is concise, which means that the HR manager is more likely to read it from start to finish.  
• Draws attention to the candidate’s strong points. Although this candidate is a recent college graduate, they’ve managed to effectively show that they have enough knowledge and experience to do the job right.

Read this guide to write a graphic designer resume that’s just as good as your cover letter!

#12. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Example

• Minimalistic cover letter template. The candidate picked a well-designed but minimalistic template for their cover letter. 
• Focused on skills and achievements. This cover letter is packed with the candidate’s skills and achievements, proving he can be an excellent employee. 
• Formal closing. Politeness can go a long way and the candidate has used this to their advantage to make an impression. 

Our article on how to write an administrative assistant resume can help you take your job application to the next level.

#13. Front Desk Cover Letter Example

• Modern cover letter template. This template incorporates memorable colors and clear lines, which make the cover letter very visually appealing. 
• Attention-grabbing introduction. Using an attention-grabbing intro, the candidate is more likely to make an impression. 
• Calls the HR to action. By including a call to action, the candidate is reminding the HR of their immediate availability. 

#14. Human Resources Cover Letter Example

• It is concise and to the point. The candidate doesn’t dwell on unimportant details the HR won’t be interested in. 
• Uses a traditional cover letter template. The cover letter design is more on the conventional side, which fits the industry better. 
• Highlights the candidate’s strong points. The candidate has rich work experience and they use the cover letter to elaborate on it. 

This HR resume guide can help you get your resume just right.

#15. Sales Agent Cover Letter Example 

• Attention-grabbing cover letter template. As a salesperson, this candidate knows how important first impressions are, so they’ve picked a catchy cover letter template. 
• Has an ideal length. At the same time, they’ve also made sure to keep their cover letter at just the right length. 
• Lists the candidate’s career highlights. The candidate has made perfect use of the space by mentioning their most impressive professional achievements. 

Check out this sales agent resume guide to create an attention-grabbing sales resume .

#16. Receptionist Cover Letter Example

• Modern but minimalistic cover letter template. The template’s design hints the candidate is creative but professional at the same time. 
• Uses a catchy introduction. The candidate has used an attention-grabbing opening paragraph to catch HR’s attention. 
• Concludes the cover letter formally. The candidate proves that they’re polite and well-spoken, a quality very much important for the role they’re applying for. 

Take your receptionist resume to the next level with this receptionist resume guide .

#17. Information Technology Cover Letter Example

• Mentions measurable achievements. Numbers make an impact, which is why this candidate has included measurable achievements. 
• Lists both soft and hard skills. The candidate has mentioned a great mix of soft and hard skills, showing how well-rounded they are. 
• Contains relevant contact information. The candidate’s GitHub, website name, LinkedIn, and Twitter profiles are all great additions to the resume. 

Looking for tips to help you write a great IT resume ? Check out our guide!

#18. Real Estate Cover Letter Example

• Ideal length. Short and to the point, this cover letter is bound to get noticed by the HR manager. 
• Wraps up with a call to action. This candidate reinforces the HR to call them back through a final call to action. 
• Mentions the right skills. On top of their sales accomplishments, the candidate touch upon important soft skills such as customer service and communication . 

This real estate resume guide will help you take your resume from good to great.

#19. Teacher Cover Letter Example

• Mentions relevant contact information details. This candidate has included optional (but relevant) contact information details, such as their LinkedIn, Quora, and Medium profiles. 
• Achievement-oriented. The candidate has elaborated on their achievements in more detail throughout their cover letter. 
• Highlights the candidate’s passion. For some jobs, being passionate is much more important than for others. Teaching is one of these jobs, which is why this candidate explains their passion for the job. 

Our guide on how to write a teacher resume has all the tips you need to land the job.

#20. Project Manager Cover Letter Example

• Leverages a catchy introduction. Through a catchy introductory paragraph, this candidate is sure to grab the HR’s attention and get them to read the rest of their cover letter.
• Lists measurable accomplishments. This candidate explains exactly what they’ve achieved using numbers and hard data. 
• Personally greets the HR. A personal greeting sounds much better than “Dear Sir/Madam,” and the candidate knows this. 

This guide on how to write a project manager resume can help you perfect your appication.

#21. Paralegal Cover Letter Example

• Minimalistic cover letter template. This cover letter design looks good but doesn’t steal the show from the candidate’s abilities.
• Mentions the candidate’s academic achievements and extracurricular activities. Although the candidate is a recent graduate, they’ve used the cover letter to explain they have enough skills and achievements to do the job.
• Lists measurable achievements. The candidate proves they did well in their internship by mentioning quantifiable achievements.

Check out this paralegal resume guide to perfect yours.

40+ More Cover Letter Examples and Guides 

Couldn’t find a cover letter example for your field? Do not worry.

Below you can find a number of other cover letter examples for different fields and industries:

• Acting Cover Letter Examples
• Accounting Cover Letter Examples
• Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Architecture Cover Letter Examples
• Attorney Cover Letter Examples
• Barista Cover Letter Examples
• Bartender Cover Letter Examples
• Business Cover Letter Examples
• Business Analyst Cover Letter Examples
• College Student Cover Letter Examples
• Computer Science Cover Letter Examples
• Construction Cover Letter Examples
• Consultant Cover Letter Examples
• Customer Service Cover Letter Examples
• Data Analyst Cover Letter Examples
• Data Entry Cover Letter Examples
• Dental Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Digital Marketing Cover Letter Examples
• Elementary Teacher Cover Letter Examples
• Engineering Cover Letter Examples
• Executive Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Finance Cover Letter Examples
• Graphic Design Cover Letter Examples
• Healthcare Cover Letter Examples
• Human Resources Cover Letter Examples
• IT Cover Letter Examples
• Law Cover Letter Examples
• Management Cover Letter Examples
• Marketing Cover Letter Examples
• Mechanical Engineering Cover Letter Examples
• Medical Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Nurse Practitioner Cover Letter Examples
• Physician Cover Letter Examples
• Project Manager Cover Letter Examples
• Receptionist Cover Letter Examples
• Retail Cover Letter Examples
• Sales Cover Letter Examples
• Social Work Cover Letter Examples
• Software Engineer Cover Letter Examples
• Substitute Teacher Cover Letter Examples
• Teacher Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Team Leader Cover Letter Example

What is a Cover Letter? 

A cover letter is a one-page document that you submit as part of your job application, alongside your resume . 

Its purpose is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, your cover letter should be from 250 to 400 words long .

A good cover letter can give the hiring manager more insight into what makes you a good candidate and help them make up their mind about whether they should invite you for an interview. A bad cover letter, though, will get ignored (at best) and lose you the job (at worst).

So, to make sure this doesn’t happen, it’s essential to know how to write a convincing cover letter.

The first thing to remember is that a cover letter is a supplement to your resume, not a replacement. Meaning, you shouldn’t just repeat whatever is mentioned in your resume and call it a day. 

Optimally, you should use your cover letter to shed more light on your skills and qualifications, as well as explain anything you didn’t have space for in your resume (e.g. a career gap or why you’re changing careers).

If you’re writing a cover letter for the first time, though, putting all this together might seem pretty tough. 

Fortunately, you can follow our tried-and-tested format to make the experience much easier:

• Header - Input your contact information.
• Greeting the hiring manager - Open the cover letter with a “Dear Sir or Madam,” or use the hiring manager’s name if you know what that is.
• Opening paragraph - Grab the hiring manager’s attention by getting straight to the point. Mention what your professional experiences are, and what role you’re applying for.
• The second paragraph - Explain why you’re the perfect candidate for the job. Mention your top 2-3 achievements, your top skills, why you want to work in that specific industry, and whatever else is relevant.
• The third paragraph - End your cover letter with a call to action. E.g. “I would love to meet personally and discuss how I can help Company X.”
• Formal closing - Something like this: “Thank you for your consideration. Best, John Doe.”

Here’s what this looks like in practice:

9 Tips to Write a Cover Letter (the Right Way)

Now that we've covered the basics, let's talk about cover letter tips . Below, we'll give you all the knowledge you need to take your cover letter from "OK" to "great."

#1. Pick the right template

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

And what’s a better way to leave a good impression than through a professional, well-formatted, and visual template?

You can simply pick one of our tried-and-tested cover letter templates and you’ll be all set!

#2. Add your contact details on the header

The best way to start your cover letter is through a header. 

Here’s what you want to include there:

• Phone Number
• Name of the hiring manager / their professional title
• Name of the company you’re applying to

Optionally, you can also include the following:

• Social Media Profiles - Any type of profile that’s relevant to your field. Social Profiles on websites like LinkedIn, GitHub (for developers), Medium (for writers), etc.
• Personal Website - If you have a personal website that somehow adds value to your application, you can mention it. Let’s say you’re a professional writer. In that case, you’d want to link to your content portfolio site or blog.

#3. Greet the hiring manager the right way

Once you’ve listed all your relevant contact information, it’s time to address the hiring manager reading your cover letter. 

A good practice here is to find the hiring manager’s name and address them directly instead of using the traditional “dear sir or madam.” This shows that you’re really invested in the company and that you took your time to do some research about the job.

So, how can you find out the hiring manager’s name?

One way to do this is by looking up the head of the company’s relevant department on LinkedIn. Let’s say you’re applying for the position of Communication Specialist at Novoresume. The hiring manager is probably the Head of Communications or the Chief Communications Office.

Or let’s say you’re applying for the position of server at a restaurant. In that case, you’d be looking to find out who the restaurant manager is.

If this doesn’t work, you can also check out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.

If you still can’t find out the hiring manager’s name, here are several other greetings you can use:

• Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
• Dear Hiring Manager
• To whom it may concern
• Dear [Department] Team

#4. Create an attention-grabbing introduction

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

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

The problem with most cover letter opening paragraphs, though, is that they’re usually extremely generic, often looking something like this: 

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

As you can probably tell, this opening paragraph doesn’t tell the hiring manager anything other than that you’ve worked the job before - and that’s not really helpful in setting you apart from other candidates. 

What you want to do, instead, is start off with 2-3 of your top achievements to really grab the reader’s attention. Preferably, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position. 

For example:

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

The second example shows how the candidate is a top performer. The first just shows that they’ve worked a sales job before.

Which one are YOU more likely to invite for an interview?

#5. Show you’re the perfect person for the job

One great thing about cover letters is that they allow you to expand more on the top achievements from your resume and really show the hiring manager that you’re the right person for the job. 

A good way to do that is to first read the job ad and really understand what skills/experiences are required, and then to ensure that your cover letter touches upon the said skills or experiences.

In my previous role as a Facebook Marketing Expert at XYZ Inc. I handled customer acquisition through ads, managing a monthly Facebook ad budget of $20,000+. As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation and management process end-to-end. This means I created the ad copy and images, as well as picked the targeting, ran optimization trials, and so on.

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

• Google Search

#6. Explain why you’re a great company fit

The HR manager doesn’t only look at whether you’ll be good at the job or not. They’re looking for someone that’s also a good fit for the company culture.

After all, employees that don’t fit in are bound to quit, sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary . 

To convince the hiring manager that you’re a great company fit, do some research on the company and find out what it is you like about them, or about working there. You want to know things like:

• What’s the company’s business model?
• What’s the company's product or service? Have you used it?
• What’s the culture like? Will someone micro-manage your work, or will you have autonomy on how you get things done?

Then, turn your top reasons for liking to work there into text and add them to your cover letter! 

#7. Wrap up with a call to action

To make the end of your cover letter as memorable as possible, you want to:

• Wrap up any points you couldn't in the previous paragraphs. Mention anything you’ve left out that you think could help the hiring manager make up your mind.
• Thank the hiring manager for their time. After all, it never hurts to be polite. 
• Finish the cover letter with a call to action. A call to action is a great way to make your cover letter ending as memorable as possible. 

#8. Write a formal closing

Once you’re done with the final paragraph, all you have to do is write down a formal “goodbye” and you’re good to go.

Feel free to use one of the most popular conclusions in a cover letter:

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

#9. Proofread your cover letter

Last but not least, make sure to always proofread each and every document that you’ll be including in your job application - cover letter included. 

The last thing you want is to be claiming you’re a great candidate for the job with a cover letter full of typos! 

For an even more comprehensive guide on how to write an impactful cover letter , check out our article ! 

Cover Letter Writing Checklist 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have some questions about cover letters? Check out the answers below:

1. How do I write a simple cover letter? 

To write a cover letter that’s simple but also professional, make sure to include a header with your personal information, a formal greeting to the hiring manager, an attention-grabbing opening paragraph, a second paragraph explaining why you’re a good candidate for the job, and a formal closing (preferably with a call to action). 

2. What are the 3 parts of a cover letter? 

The three parts of a cover letter are: 

• The introduction , namely the header, the greeting to the hiring manager, and the opening paragraph. 
• The sales pitch is usually the body of the cover letter. 
• The conclusion involves a formal closing and a signature line.

3. What makes a great cover letter?

A great cover letter should be personalized for each job you’re applying for, instead of being overly generic. It’s also preferable to address the hiring manager by their name and not use the overly-used “Dear Sir/Madam.”

To make a great first impression, you should mention 1-2 of your top achievements in your opening paragraph - the more job-specific they are, the better. Also, don’t stop at showing the hiring manager why you’re a great candidate for the job. Make sure to also talk about how you’re a good culture fit for the company.

Last but not least, wrap up your closing paragraph with a call to action to give the hiring manager a little extra something to remember you by. 

4. When is a cover letter necessary?

Unless the job ad specifically states otherwise, you should always include a cover letter with your job application .

Even if the hiring manager doesn’t read it, you will look more professional simply by including one.

And that’s a wrap! We hope our cover letter examples and writing tips will inspire you to write a cover letter that will land you your next job.

If you’re looking for more invaluable career advice and articles, make sure to check out our career blog , or any of these related articles: 

• How to Write a Resume
• Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
• Cover Letter Format (w/ Examples & Free Templates)

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The Best Career Break Cover Letter Tips

So, you are ready to get back out there and give it your best shot. You already have your resume all done and written, and it looks good. There is only one little bump on your road to success – there is an employment gap in your resume.

If that gap is a month long, or even two , employers won’t look into it too much. You can probably make it work even with a 6-month resume gap. However, if your gap is longer, you will need to address it.

Why is the resume gap such a big deal? You are the same person before and after it, aren’t you?

The truth is – some are and some aren’t. There are people who are not able to hold down a job due to many reasons. Some of them are justified and some of them aren’t.

The recruiters are afraid that they will invest the company’s time, money and resources in the wrong person.

It is up to you to explain that you are a real professional who is ready to get back in the saddle. Sometimes, this is easier said than done.

Here are some of the issues people worry about when it comes to writing their cover letter:

• Is my cover letter just a copy of my CV?
• Is my work still relevant after all this time?
• Should I say what I was doing all this time?

Answers to these questions are actually some of the main rules and guidelines for writing a cover letter, so let’s start with them.

Main Rules for Career Break Cover Letter

There are many specific rules for writing a cover letter, but let’s start with some general principles and work our way down to the specifics.

• No. Your cover letter is not simply your resume in a longer, differently structured form. The recruiters have already seen your CV. They don’t need to learn the facts from it all over again. Your cover letter is another chance to prove that you are the perfect candidate. Use it to explain why you are the perfect fit and what you love about the job. Also, use it to address your employment gap.
• Keep it short . Your cover letter should never exceed one A4 page. Even that is a stretch. Keep it short, informative and to the point.
• Make it original . Recruiters will get hundreds of cover letters. If yours is generic and doesn’t respond to the job posting they created, it will fail. Recruiters can spot generic letters from a mile away.
• Include professional contact details . Don’t use email addresses that belong to a member of your family, or the emails that are funny. If possible, create a special, professional email address just for job applications.
• Mind how you start and finish your cover letter . Start it by addressing the employer or recruiter by their name (if you can discover it) and finish it with ‘Yours sincerely’.

Three Main Elements of a Career Break Cover Letter

It is time to get a bit more specific and to deal with the elements that are a part of every well-written cover letter. You need an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. Simple, right? Well, yes and no.

There are a lot of details in these three elements and there is a lot to be said about each of them. Let’s start with the introduction and list some tips on how to write it well.

Cover Letter Introduction

Keep the introduction brief, clear and to the point. Explain who you are and what is it that you do. Emphasize your career and not on your break.

This is also the moment when you should mention the position you are applying for. Make it all as short as an elevator pitch.

After you have introduced yourself, it is time to address the break. Give it a sentence or even just a half of it .

Simply state that you are “enthusiastic to get back to work after a 4-year parental break.” Mention why this position is just perfect for you to return to work.

The last part of this section should be dedicated to listing the activities you had during your break. Maybe you did some training, attended some refresher courses, or volunteered.

Perhaps you took the time to take a course for online work . Anything that shows you used your time to keep your old skills fresh or to gain some new ones is useful.

Cover Letter Body

This part of your cover letter is all about listing your achievements, accomplishments, skills, and explaining why you are the best fit for the job.

Your letter should make you shine, so go through these useful tips before you type a work of it.

Start by analyzing the job advert . Take a look at the top 4-6 requirements for the position. Then go through your work history and skills list and make a match.

The point is to provide evidence from your work history that you have what it takes to fulfill the role.

Remember, you only need to list those skills that are mentioned in the job advert or those that are closely related to them. Don’t go on listing everything you can do.

You are creating too much text in which the relevant skills for the job will simply drown and become invisible.

When listing your skills, keep in mind that there are those phrases that were used so much, they lost every meaning.

Words like “team player”, “detail oriented”, and similar, only take up precious space without adding anything to your cover letter.

Also, it is time to answer one of those three questions from the beginning – i t is absolutely OK to list former skills , roles, and abilities that you had before your break.

They are yours, after all! These skills aren’t gone. They just need a bit of brushing up and you are good to go.

Additionally, don’t be afraid of gaining new skills. Your ability to learn is also intact. Just because you took some time off, it doesn’t mean that this ability has disappeared.

It may seem to you that those skills and achievements stayed in the past because you cannot remember them all, either. In that case, dig through your old performance reviews or similar reports.

You can also call some old colleagues, as well. That can give you a better idea about what you have to offer.

Cover Letter Conclusion 

This is the part where you sum it all up. Research the company website and social media profiles and learn about the specifics.

Then include those details, so that it shows you have done your research. Use them as the reason you want to join the company.

Once you establish that you are interested in working with this company, point out, one more time, why they should pick you for the job position they are offering. Sum up why you can benefit the company.

At last, finish your cover letter with a polite greeting. One of the good choices is “Yours sincerely”. Sign your full name and that’s it! You are done!

These are some general and some more specific tips for each section of the career break cover letter.

As you can see, this letter should only mention the fact you had a career break. A brief explanation is all it takes. You should not dwell on that fact.

While you have probably been busy during your time off work, it is always a good idea to, at least, take a course so that you can prove you have been busy and proactive.  

Luckily for you the choice of online courses today is great , especially if you are trying to start an online career. It is definitely worth looking into.

Katrina McKinnon

I'm Katrina McKinnon, the author behind Small Revolution . With two decades of hands-on experience in online work, running eCommerce stores, web agency and job boards, I'm now on a mission to empower you to work from home and achieve work-life balance. My passion lies in crafting insightful, education content. I have taught thousands of students and employees how to write, do SEO, manage eCommerce stores and work as Virtual Assistants. Join our most popular course: SEO Article Masterclass

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