If you’re looking for cover letter examples, you’re probably trying to figure out what “good” actually looks like for your role and industry. The best examples are specific, match the job posting, and show proof in a few clear stories. This guide helps you build that kind of cover letter without sounding generic.
Key Elements of a Strong Cover Letter
Start by naming the role and company, then connect your background to what they need most. A strong opening makes it clear you understand the job and you’re not sending the same letter everywhere.
Pick one or two achievements that match the job’s top priorities and explain them in plain language. Add a metric when you can, but a clear outcome and your actions matter even without numbers.
Show you understand the environment you’re entering, like fast-paced startups, regulated healthcare, or client-facing agencies. You can do this by referencing the kinds of projects, stakeholders, or constraints you’ve worked with before.
End with a simple ask, like an interview, and a quick reminder of the value you bring. Keep it confident and polite, and make it easy for the reader to picture you in the role.
Cover Letter Structure
1. Header
Include your name, phone, email, and location, plus the date and the company’s name. If you have a portfolio, LinkedIn, or GitHub that matches the role, add one link that you’re comfortable having reviewed.
2. Greeting
Use a real name when you can, like “Dear Ms. Lopez,” or “Hello Jordan Lee,” based on what you find on the job post or company site. If you cannot find a name, use “Hello Hiring Manager” and keep it professional.
3. Opening Paragraph
State the job title you’re applying for and why you’re interested in that specific company. Then add one sentence that connects your experience to their needs, so the reader knows what to look for in the next paragraph.
4. Body Paragraph(s)
Choose one or two role-relevant examples and explain what you did, how you did it, and what changed because of your work. Tie each example back to the job posting, using the same skill words they use, but only when they truly fit your experience.
5. Closing Paragraph
Reconfirm your interest and summarize the match in one sentence, focusing on the outcome you can help create. Ask for an interview and mention your availability or flexibility, keeping it short and easy to say yes to.
6. Signature
Close with “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” then your name. If you’re sending a PDF, you can add your phone and email under your name so it’s easy to contact you.
Dos and Don'ts
Do tailor your cover letter to the job posting by matching your examples to the top 2 to 3 requirements. This shows you read the role carefully and respect the reader’s time.
Do keep it to one page with 3 to 5 short paragraphs. Hiring teams often scan, so make your strongest points easy to find.
Do include one specific story that shows how you work, not just what you’ve done. A clear before-and-after makes your value feel real.
Do use simple, direct language and active verbs. Your goal is clarity, not sounding fancy.
Do proofread names, titles, and company details before you submit. Small errors can make your application look rushed.
Don’t repeat your resume line by line. Use the cover letter to add context, motivation, and a couple of standout examples.
Don’t start with a generic line like “I’m writing to apply for…” and nothing else. You can apply and still open with a reason that feels personal and specific.
Don’t include every skill you have. Focus on what matters most for this role, and support it with proof.
Don’t apologize for being new or for gaps. You can address a concern briefly, then shift to what you can do now.
Don’t use vague claims like “hardworking” or “team player” without a quick example. The reader trusts evidence more than labels.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making it all about what you want, instead of what you can help the company achieve. You can mention goals, but connect them to the role’s needs.
Writing a long first paragraph with no specifics. Your opening should quickly answer why you and why this role.
Using the same cover letter for every application and only changing the company name. Hiring teams can usually tell, even when the wording sounds polished.
Adding too many buzzwords and not enough proof. If a sentence cannot be backed by an example, rewrite it.
Practical Writing Tips & Customization Guide
Build a small library of cover letter examples by role, like customer support, marketing, software, and operations. Then swap in the most relevant story for each new application.
Mirror the job posting’s keywords in your own words, especially for skills and tools. This helps both human readers and screening systems connect the dots.
If you’re changing careers, anchor your letter on transferable work, like managing stakeholders, improving a process, or hitting targets. Keep the explanation short, then show proof.
Ask a friend to read it for one thing only, clarity. If they cannot summarize your main value in one sentence, tighten your opening and first example.
Overview: What an Effective Cover Letter Does
A strong cover letter does three things: it introduces you, proves fit with concrete results, and asks for the next step. Aim for 250–400 words split across 3–4 short paragraphs.
Start with a specific hook—mention the role and one fact about the company or hiring manager: for example, “I’m applying for Marketing Manager after your Q4 product launch increased user sign-ups 18%.
In the body, pick 1–2 achievements with numbers. Use statements like: “In my last role, I grew web traffic 42% year-over-year and converted 3% of visitors into paid customers, generating $180K in new ARR.
” Then connect those results to the employer’s needs: explain how the same approach will address a stated challenge from the job posting.
Close with a one-line request: propose a 20–30 minute call, suggest dates, or say you will follow up in a week. Keep tone professional but personable; use active verbs and short sentences.
Finally, proofread for typos and ensure formatting is ATS-friendly—plain text or a clean PDF.
Takeaway: Write a concise, quantified story that links your wins to the employer’s priorities.
Key Subtopics and When to Use Them
Targeting the right subtopic helps your cover letter speak directly to the role.
- •Entry-level and recent grads: Highlight 1–2 internship projects, a GPA if over 3.5, and measurable outcomes (e.g., “improved on-campus event attendance by 60%”). Keep length to 200–300 words. Action: lead with a class project that mirrors the job’s main task.
- •Career changers: Translate transferable metrics—hours managed, team size, budget handled. Example: “Managed a $75K annual budget and a 6-person team; I’ll apply that budgeting discipline to your operations.” Action: create a short bullets section mapping old tasks to new-role needs.
- •Senior roles and executives: Use a one-line profile, then 2 results-driven paragraphs showing impact (revenue, efficiency, headcount). Quantify with percentages or dollar figures. Action: include a brief leadership example with timeline.
- •Remote and hybrid positions: Emphasize asynchronous communication, tools (Slack, Zoom), and outcomes—e.g., “led a remote team of 8 across 3 time zones, delivering Q2 goals two weeks early.”
Takeaway: Pick the subtopic that matches your situation and prove it with 1–3 metrics.
Practical Resources: Templates, Tools, and Timelines
Use a combination of templates, editing tools, and a clear timeline to produce strong cover letters.
Templates and examples:
- •ATS-friendly template: single-column, 250–350 words, name/contact at top.
- •Creative template: short header, one-sentence hook, two proof paragraphs. Use for design or media roles.
- •Email cover letter: subject line + 2–3 short paragraphs, 100–150 words.
Editing tools:
- •Grammarly or ProWritingAid for grammar and clarity. Aim for fewer than 5 passive constructions.
- •Hemingway Editor to keep sentences under 20 words; strike long clauses.
Research sources:
- •Company press releases or annual reports for specific metrics (revenue, growth %).
- •LinkedIn job descriptions to extract 3–5 keywords to include verbatim.
Timing and checklist:
- •Spend 30–60 minutes tailoring each letter.
- •Checklist: customized hook, 1–2 quantified achievements, link to role, call-to-action, final proofread.
Takeaway: Combine a tailored template with focused editing and a 30–60 minute workflow for best results.