what do i write on a resume cover letter

What Should You Include in Your Cover Letter? [w/ Tips for 2024]

You’ve spent weeks job hunting, and you’ve found the perfect job.

Your resume is all set, and you’re almost ready to send your application.

There’s just one thing left—you’re writing a cover letter to create a flawless job application.

The only issue? You're not sure what exactly to include in your cover letter.

There’s no need to worry! We’re here to help

In this article, we’re going to cover:

• What Is a Cover Letter
• What Elements Should Your Cover Letter Include
• What You Shouldn’t Include in Your Cover Letter

Let’s get started.

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a document that you send as part of your job application, along with your resume or CV .

The cover letter’s purpose is to introduce you and briefly summarize why your professional background makes you the right person for the job.

On average, a cover letter should be between 250 and 400 words long and fit neatly on one page.

A cover letter is one of your first forms of communication with a hiring manager. It’s your opportunity to present yourself in your own words, stand out from other candidates, and get the hiring manager interested in learning more about you.

Let’s take a look at an example of what a cover letter looks like:

Why Do Cover Letters Matter?

After you’ve spent so long making the perfect resume , you might be wondering why you should even write a cover letter.

The truth is that while not all employers request a cover letter, you should always include one with your job application.

Adding a cover letter to your job application shows the hiring manager you’re willing to go the extra mile for the job, and you’re not just randomly applying and hoping your application sticks.

A cover letter is your opportunity to give the hiring manager more information about you as a candidate. This is your chance to personalize your application and provide additional information on your skills and experiences that align with what the employer is looking for and that you didn’t have space on your resume for.

But your cover letter is also your chance to go beyond your most important skills and experience. You can use it to talk about your passion for the industry or your enthusiasm to join this specific company’s team and show the hiring manager that you’re serious about the role.

If your cover letter is good, it can complement your resume and get you that much closer to an interview.

A badly written cover letter, on the other hand, could undermine even the best resume and lead to your application getting tossed in the ‘no’ pile, so it’s crucial to get this document right.

Need help preparing for an interview? Check out our guide to the most common interview questions and how to answer them!

What Elements Should You Include in a Cover Letter?

There are a few key elements you need to include to write a successful cover letter .

Let’s take a look at them one by one:

#1. A Professional Template

Your cover letter should be easy on the eyes and even easier to navigate.

This means you have to set the right page margins, adjust the line spacing, choose an appropriate font , and set it to the correct size, all while making sure your text never spills onto page two.

But what if there’s an easier way? 

Just use one of our cover letter templates instead.

Our free resume builder comes with built-in resume templates that you can match with a cover letter template for a stylish application.

You can automatically set your font style, size, and even the dimensions of the paper you intend to print it on - standard A4 or US letter format.

#2. Neatly-Split Paragraphs

A cover letter should be easy to navigate at a glance.

If your cover letter is a huge chunk of text that fully covers the entire page, without paragraphs or ample white space, it’s going to look cramped and leave a bad impression on the hiring manager.

This is where your cover letter’s formatting comes in. You should divide the contents of your cover letter into a header with contact information, and then split the actual text into an opening paragraph, a main body, a conclusion, and a formal closing line.

Be sure to also use line breaks and bullet points to break up your paragraphs to increase your cover letter’s readability.

This can make it seem less of an overwhelming read to the hiring manager and easier for them to skim through it all to find what they’re looking for.

#3. The Date of Writing

The exact date you write your cover letter may seem like a small detail, but it can actually add an extra touch of professionalism to your job application.

This can help the hiring manager keep track of when you’ve applied for the role, and it reflects your attention to detail .

Just keep in mind that the format of the date should align with the standard in the country where you're applying. For example, in the US , the mm-dd-yyyy format (e.g., May 22, 2024 ) is the go-to, whereas most other countries prefer the dd-mm-yyyy format (e.g., 22 January 2024 ).

#4. Your Interest in the Company

It’s important to tailor your cover letter for the specific job you’re applying for to show the hiring manager that you’re a serious candidate who’s done their homework about the position.

This is why the body of your letter should always include a paragraph where you clearly explain why you’re interested in the specific company.

Start by doing some research on the employer . You have to show the hiring manager that you understand what makes the company unique and how you align with their values and needs.

Think about what you genuinely like about the company you’re applying for. Whether it’s their remote working conditions, their focus on diversity or sustainability, or something else entirely, be sure to mention it in your cover letter.

If you’ve used a product or service that the company provides, say so in your cover letter. On top of that, highlight what specific aspects of the company resonate with your career goals , such as their innovative methods or cutting-edge market strategy, that you want to be a part of.

You can also take the time to explain why you’re excited about the job itself. Talk about how your unique experience and skills make you a suitable candidate and how you’re confident you can contribute to the company’s goals.

Looking to write a cover letter for an internship ? Check out our detailed guide!

#5. A Call to Action

Every cover letter should end with a strategic call to action.

Your call to action can be a polite statement prompting the hiring manager to get in touch with you to go over your application or to discuss how you could contribute to their team.

Adding a call to action at the end of your cover letter shows that you’re proactive and eager to move forward with the hiring process. This highlights your enthusiasm for the role and makes it more likely for the hiring manager to get in touch with you after putting down your cover letter.

Here’s an example of a call to action at the end of a cover letter :

I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to discuss how my artwork can contribute to Happy Hippo Book Publisher’s track record as the best children’s storybook provider on the market. Please feel free to contact me at the provided phone number so that we can discuss my application further.

Want to give your cover letter an extra kick? Use these tried and tested cover letter tips !

What Sections Should You Include in a Cover Letter?

When writing your cover letter, you can easily split the process into several key sections.

Let’s break them down:

• Header with contact details. The top of your cover letter should include a designated header where you can input your contact information, such as your full name, email address, phone number, address, and links to any relevant social media. Make sure these details match your resume and double-check for any typos.
• Company details. Do your research so you know exactly who to address your cover letter to. Add the hiring manager’s name, department, the company’s name, and the company’s address.
• Personalized greeting. Skip the cliche and impersonal “To Whom It May Concern” and use a more memorable greeting instead. We recommend using “Ms.” or “Mr.” followed by the hiring manager’s last name.
• Opening paragraph. Your cover letter should start with a brief and attention-grabbing paragraph . This should include a couple of your top skills, an impressive achievement, or a relevant qualification.
• Main body. Take the time to explain some of your top achievements or skills in more detail, and cover anything you didn’t have the space to address in your resume.
• Conclusion. Recap the main points in your cover letter so far, then wrap it up with a polite call to action.
• Closing line. Choose an appropriate closing line to finish your cover letter with and sign your name underneath.

What Should You Never Include in a Cover Letter?

A cover letter allows you to personalize your application and provide more details about you to the hiring manager.

But that doesn’t mean everything should make the cut.

Let’s look at what you should never include in your cover letter:

#1. Irrelevant information

Your cover letter should be concise and focus on the most relevant details that make you the right candidate for the job.

Hiring managers don’t have all day to spend on your application, and when they’re reading your cover letter, they want to get to the point quickly. If your cover letter includes too many personal anecdotes or irrelevant experiences, like how you worked as a dog walker at 15, they might get bored and stop reading it altogether.

A cover letter is, first and foremost, a professional document, not a personal essay. This means that focusing too much on yourself, as well as your wants, needs, and opinions, is not a good idea.

Your cover letter should focus on what you can do for the employer, not what they can do for you. If you miss the mark here, you’ll come off as an inattentive candidate and won’t be getting an interview.

#2. Overly Long Paragraphs

A dense, difficult-to-read text can discourage a hiring manager from going through your cover letter.

For example, if the body of your cover letter is contained in a single, thick paragraph, the hiring manager might skim over it and miss your main points.

Long paragraphs can also make your cover letter look poorly organized and make you come across as someone with bad written communication skills . Your essential qualifications and skills can get lost in that sea of words and hide the most important information you want to convey.

Overly long paragraphs also imply a lack of consideration for the hiring manager’s time. Keeping your text concise and easy to follow is just as important as the content itself. Otherwise, your cover letter might not catch the hiring manager’s attention at all.

#3. Salary Expectations

Unless the employer specifically asks you to, it’s considered taboo to include salary expectations in your cover letter, and it can even leave a bad impression on the hiring manager.

Talking about money in your cover letter can make it seem like your primary interest in the job is the paycheck. And, while there’s nothing wrong with wanting a specific salary, this can seriously undermine what you want to convey to the hiring manager about your enthusiasm for joining the company and your professionalism.

You should also keep in mind that talking about salary expectations so early on can even put you at a disadvantage in potential salary negotiations . If you mention a high number too early on, the hiring manager might reject your application before you even make it past the initial screening. But if you go too low, you could undervalue yourself.

This is why it’s recommended that you discuss salary expectations during an interview once you already understand the full scope of the role and have more context.

Are you just getting started on the job market? Check out our guide to writing an entry-level cover letter !

#4. Excessive Flattery

Writing a cover letter doesn’t mean writing a love letter to the company you’re applying for.

You don’t need to shower the employer with compliments to get the hiring manager to like you. In fact, if you use too many compliments or describe the company in the exact words they use on its website, you’re going to be severely disappointed.

For example, most companies you apply to may describe themselves as “innovative” or “ team-focused .” If that’s all you can say about them in your cover letter, it tells the hiring manager that you never researched the employer or paid much attention to what they do.

If you genuinely hold the company’s values, mission, or culture close to your heart, there’s no harm in mentioning how they inspire you. Just remember to keep it professional and related to how you can enthusiastically contribute to their work.

#5. False Information

This should go without saying but lying on your cover letter is just as bad as lying on your resume – very bad.

We get it; you want to impress the hiring manager. But exaggerating or falsifying information to make yourself look like the coolest candidate ever can easily backfire.

On one hand, the hiring manager is probably going to catch onto you while reading your cover letter. They’re going to notice the inconsistencies you didn’t pay attention to, and they simply won’t call you.

But it could be even worse. You could land an interview, only to have the hiring manager discover the truth face to face. Your professional reputation could suffer some serious damage, beyond just an awkward interaction during the interview.

Trust us – lying isn’t worth it. You’re capable of writing a standout cover letter without exaggerating anything you can’t back up.

#6. Grammatical Mistakes

You should always proofread your cover letter before submitting it with your job application.

Even when you’re absolutely sure there are no mistakes, sometimes you might miss something that the hiring manager will notice immediately.

This is why we always recommend you do several rounds of proofreading and editing before finalizing your job application.

Start by carefully reading your cover letter out loud. It might sound a little weird, but it helps you notice any awkward phrases or words that are out of place.

Then, run it through a spell-checking tool like QuillBot or Grammarly . They can help you spot any errors you might have missed.

Finally, ask a friend or family member for help. A fresh pair of eyes can read your cover letter and notice mistakes that both you and your robot sidekick might have skipped over.

#7. Complaints About Employers

As a general rule, you should never badmouth your previous place of employment.

If you were unjustly fired or passed over for a promotion for personal reasons, these are best explained during an interview.

It’s important to always maintain professionalism when your past employer or coworkers are brought up, especially in your cover letter.

For example, instead of saying you had enough of a chaotic work environment, you could say you’re “looking forward to joining a team that values structure and accountability.”

Check out these more common cover letter mistakes and keep an eye out while writing your cover letter!

29 Cover Letter Examples

Looking for inspiration? Check out these perfect cover letter examples for different professions.

#1. Customer Service Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a customer service cover letter here.

#2. Marketing Executive Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a marketing executive cover letter here.

#3. Medical Assistant Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a medical assistant cover letter here.

#4. Consultant Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a consultant cover letter here.

#5. College Student Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a college student cover letter here.

#6. Retail Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a retail cover letter here.

#7. Team Leader Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a team leader cover letter here.

#8. Actor Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing an actor cover letter here.

#9. Digital Marketing Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a digital marketing cover letter here.

#10. Executive Assistant Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing an executive assistant cover letter here.

#11. Finance Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a finance cover letter here.

#12. Graphic Designer Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a graphic designer cover letter here.

#13. IT Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing an IT cover letter here.

#14. Project Manager Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a project manager cover letter here.

#15. Sales Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a sales cover letter here.

#16. Accounting Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing an accounting cover letter here.

#17. Business Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a business cover letter here.

#18. Dental Assistant Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a dental assistant cover letter here.

#19. Human Resources Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a human resources cover letter here.

#20. Nurse Practitioner Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a nurse practitioner cover letter here.

#21. Receptionist Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a receptionist cover letter here.

#22. Architect Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing an architect cover letter here.

#23. Management Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a management cover letter here.

#24. Physician Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a physician cover letter here.

#25. Substitute Teacher Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a substitute teacher cover letter here.

#26. Software Engineer Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a software engineer cover letter here.

#27. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing an administrative assistant cover letter here.

#28. Mechanical Engineering Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a mechanical engineering cover letter here.

#29. Attorney Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing an attorney cover letter here.

FAQs About What to Include in a Cover Letter

Do you still have some questions about what to include in a cover letter? Check out the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions on the topic!

#1. What is a good example of a cover letter?

There are plenty of great cover letter examples for different professions that you can look at.

Overall, a cover letter that’s well done starts with your contact information in a designated header at the top. Next, you have to add the hiring manager’s contact details and include a personalized greeting.

Write a strong opening paragraph that references the job you're applying for and includes a standout achievement or relevant experience that makes you a strong candidate.

Use the body of your cover letter to expand on your key skills and experiences that match what the employer is looking for. Give specific examples to illustrate your greatest accomplishments and how you gained your most impressive skills.

Wrap up your cover letter by recapping your key selling points and including a call to action that invites the hiring manager to reach out to you. Lastly, add a professional closing line and sign your name underneath.

#2. How do you start a cover letter?

The opening to your cover letter should be brief and attention-grabbing.

Your first few sentences should be something that makes the hiring manager want to learn more about you. You don’t want to give them too many details—just enough to pique their interest.

Explain why you’re writing and why you’re interested in the specific role. We recommend including keywords from the job ad , especially ones that match your most relevant skills, experiences, or impressive achievements.

#3. How do you write a unique cover letter?

Your cover letter is your chance to give the hiring manager a unique insight into you as a candidate. It’s your opportunity to stand out from the crowd using your own words.

The best way to write a unique cover letter is to start by researching the company and referencing anything you find attention-grabbing about it. You should be able to easily identify what you like about the specific employer, such as their contributions to the industry, their values, and reputation, and mention it in your cover letter.

Use a polite but conversational tone to convey both your professionalism and personality. Instead of using passive language to explain that you “managed” this or were “responsible for” that, take advantage of action verbs and power words to make your experiences stand out.

Avoid using generic phrases like how you’re a “team player” or have “ leadership skills ” alone, and instead provide concrete examples that back up the skills and experience that make you the right candidate for the job.

#4. Should a cover letter be fancy?

Since a cover letter is a formal document, you might be tempted to make it fancy.

There’s no need to go over the top with your cover letter. Adding too much decoration or creative flair can detract from the information you want to convey to the hiring manager.

Your focus should always be on writing a clear, concise, and well-organized text that gets your point across.

More traditional industries, like law or finance, should stick to minimalistic cover letter templates with a clean and simple layout.

For professionals aiming for creative industries like illustration or graphic design, a bit of color can make your application pop. Even then, it’s important to strike a balance between creativity and professionalism, so your cover letter’s text remains the hiring manager’s primary focus.

Key Takeaways

And that’s all there is to what you should include in your cover letter!

Hopefully, after reaching the end of our article, you feel confident that your cover letter covers all the necessary bases. Good luck on your job hunt!

But before we say goodbye, let’s briefly recap what we've covered so far:

• Your cover letter should be concise and avoid any irrelevant information. The hiring manager is interested in what you can do for the company, not in any personal information that doesn’t relate to the job.
• Overly long paragraphs and a messy layout can leave a bad impression. Instead of trying to format everything yourself, use an online cover letter builder.
• Our online resume builder offers resume templates and matching cover letter templates that you can use to create a stylish and professional job application in minutes.
• Dedicate a portion of your cover letter’s main body to express your genuine interest in the company and the specific role. Do some research beforehand so you can identify several things you genuinely like about the company and position you’re applying for.
• End your cover letter with a strategic call to action. This shows the hiring manager you’re eager to make it to the next step of the hiring process, and it makes it more likely for them to reach out to you.

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• Resume and Cover Letter
• How to Write a Cover Letter...

How to Write a Cover Letter (With Example)

10 min read · Updated on September 26, 2024

Cover letters aren't a thing of the past!

If you dread writing cover letters, know you're not the only one. You've put a lot of work into writing your resume , and now you need to sell yourself in a great cover letter.

The task can feel daunting, but it's an important one, so try to approach it one step at a time. Before you know it, you'll have the perfect cover letter to pair with your perfect resume, and you'll be ready to catch the attention of hiring managers.

Let's start with the basics, and then we'll walk you through each section of the cover letter — and even give you an example.

What's a cover letter, and why are they important?

A good cover letter is a one-page document that emphasizes to future employers what you want to do next and why you think you're the best person for the job. Yes, your resume does that, to a degree, by highlighting your skills and qualifications , but the cover letter goes a step further. 

When you write a future-facing cover letter, employers can learn about any career shifts you've had or are making. You can talk about how you've overcome past challenges and how those have prepared you to succeed in new jobs. 

Basically, your cover letter is a story employers want to read that allows them to connect what you've done in the past with what you want to do in the future. It's a chance for you to shine a spotlight on your enthusiasm, how your values align with the company's mission, and the particular things from your past that will prove beneficial to the new team. 

How to write a cover letter

Your cover letter needs to have a particular format. It should be written as a business letter and contain

A header with your contact information

A salutation, e.g., Dear So and So

3-4 body paragraphs

A call to action

A sign-off/signature

It's a good idea to have the font, margins, and alignment mirror your resume. This will help make your entire application appear more professional. Also, keep your cover letter on one page. 

Since you're trying to make a great impression with your cover letter in an attempt to distinguish yourself from other candidates, try to inject some of your personality into it. Let the hiring manager start to get to know the real you. 

How to write a cover letter: A step-by-step guide

Although cover letters are fairly short, they can be quite daunting. That's why it's important to approach your cover letter by sections:

How to write a cover letter: Header

Your cover letter and resume are a package, so you'll want them to match. Start your proper cover letter with your name (formatted like it is at the top of your resume) along with your contact information.

When you search for generic cover letter templates online, you might find ones where you'll fill in a company's contact information. That was relevant when cover letters were sent via snail mail, but these days, you can just leave it off. A hiring manager doesn't need to see the address of their office building.

How to write a cover letter: Salutation

Below your contact information, add the date you're applying and greet your intended recipient . If the job description doesn't include the name of a hiring manager or team leader, here's how to find this information:

If the job listing has an email address, use it to search for a name on Google or through an online company directory.

If the job listing is on LinkedIn, see if you can track down the original poster.

If the job description mentions who the job reports to, search for that individual or position title in a company directory.

If you still can't find a name to address your cover letter to, avoid phrases like “To whom it may concern,” “Hey,” or “Dear Sir/Madam” – these are overused cover letter cliches that won't serve you well at all. Instead, address it to the department that's hiring (e.g. Dear Editorial Team) or the team manager (e.g. Dear Customer Service Manager).

How to write a cover letter: Introduction paragraph

You should kick off your great cover letter by introducing yourself. This is the perfect opportunity to explain why you're interested in the role and the company and what you can bring to the team. 

This is also your chance to demonstrate you've done your homework, showing you know something about the company or industry. Additionally, if you found the job through a colleague already at the company or through a mutual connection, this is a great place to drop their name.

If you're confident in your writing skills and feel creative, you can swap out the standard introductory paragraph with an anecdote related to your work. This should grab the reader's attention and also illustrate the most important – and relevant – skills you possess for the job at hand. 

If you're curious to learn more about this idea, communications expert Danny Rubin explains “storytelling” cover letters with examples. This is definitely a great way to hook the reader into wanting to read your entire cover letter.

How to write a cover letter: Qualifications paragraph

After you've introduced yourself, use the second paragraph of your professional cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and qualifications . Instead of simply listing these (you already did that on your resume), use this as an opportunity to illustrate how you are qualified to do this job. Spell out how your professional experience, education , and abilities meet the position's core requirements.

This is arguably the most important section, as it clearly explains to the reader why your application is worth a read. 

Certified professional career coach and TopResume's resident career expert Amanda Augustine suggests identifying three or four core must-have requirements from the job description , listing each in its own bullet within the cover letter, and explaining how you meet these requirements.

Don't forget to tie each requirement back to the job itself; you want the hiring manager to understand exactly what you can bring to the company.

How to write a cover letter: Career achievements

As with your resume, the best way to prove you have the right skills and qualifications is to highlight career wins . But you'll do it a bit differently on your cover letter. Of course, the focus will still be on the impact you made and the skills you used to achieve results. The main challenge is converting the statements you used in your resume into a narrative.

Instead of writing something like, “Increased sales by 20% by creating comprehensive marketing campaigns,” you'd want to expand on that and turn it into a story. For example, 

“While I was at ABC Corp, I worked with department heads and senior leaders to identify goals and created a new marketing campaign that increased sales by 20% in 6 months. My passion for collaboration and strategic planning has equipped me to fulfill the tasks of the position you have available and will ensure that I can effectively work with the people on your team.” 

This works because it fuses the past with the future to show prospective employers what you have to bring to their table. 

How to write a cover letter: Close with a call to action

You're almost done! Now, it's time to wrap up your cover with a specific call to action. 

Rather than merely asking for the hiring manager or recruiter to review your resume, let them know when you will follow up with them about your application. This keeps the ball in your court and gives you a legitimate reason to follow up.

Your closer is also the perfect spot to show your enthusiasm and excitement. Don't go overboard, but don't be afraid to let them know you're excited about this opportunity.

How to write a cover letter: Sign off

Once you've thanked a hiring manager for their time and consideration, it's time to sign off.  Think about how the closing salutations you use for your professional emails. Keep it simple with “best regards,” “sincerely,” or “thank you.”

A note on cover letter keywords

As you write your unique cover letter, keep keywords in mind. Just like you added keywords to your resume , you'll want to do the same for your cover letter.

Remember, these aren't just catchy buzzwords. Keywords are the words you see repeated in the job listing. Including these keywords in your cover letter will help ensure it gets seen and prove to the hiring manager you understand the job listing.

Use this cover letter example for guidance

If you're still struggling to get started, check out this free cover letter sample to give you a better idea of how you can structure your cover letter.

Remember: The information should be tailored to the specific role and company, and the format of the cover letter, such as the font, should match the look and feel of your resume. 

How to write a cover letter: Tailoring it for each job

Now that you've got your successful cover letter let's reiterate one final point: It's important you tailor your cover letter for each job application . 

Of course, you'll want to update the company name and the position title, but take it one step further and mention specific facts about the company, the job requirements, and your most relevant skills. Doing this will woo the hiring manager and show you're serious.

You don't have to write a brand new cover letter for each job, however. Instead, create a cover letter template and make copies of it for each job application you submit. Simply leave blanks for the hiring manager's name, the specifics about the company, and your relevant professional skills, then customize them to each job description.

Once you've created a solid template, you've gotten the hardest part out of the way, and it should make applying to jobs a lot easier.

Expert Tip: Did you know that you can use AI to analyze your cover letter against a particular job description? At TopResume, we embrace the use of AI as a tool to help you do your absolute best. In this instance, all you have to do is type out a prompt that asks ChatGPT (or whatever your preferred AI platform is) to analyze your cover letter against a job description. Then, you paste both into the program and let it tell you if you're missing any relevant keywords.

Your career, your story, your future

In every interaction with a future employer, you have to put your best foot forward in a way that actually gets noticed. Too many people enter the job search without the right knowledge to successfully search for, apply for, and land a new job. By following the steps outlined here, you can create a cover letter that stands out to hiring managers and intrigues them to the point where they want to know more about you. That's what leads to interviews. 

Nailed your cover letter but still not feeling so hot about your resume? Let an expert help with a resume rewrite .

This article was originally written by Amanda Augustine . It's been updated by Carson Kohler and Marsha Hebert .

Recommended Reading:

9 Cliches to Cut From Your Cover Letter Right Now

The Right (and Wrong) Ways to Show Personality in Your Cover Letter

How to Tailor Your Cover Letter for Each Job Application

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

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How to Write a Cover Letter That Gets Noticed

8 Min Read | Feb 23, 2024

Job hunting isn’t for the faint of heart. You’re putting in extra hours after work, chipping away at application questions, polishing up your resumé, and hoping for the best. And to top it all off, you’ll sometimes have an extra item to check off your list: writing a cover letter.

Now, not all companies require a cover letter these days, so I wouldn’t worry about sending one unless the company you’re applying to asks for it. I’d rather you include the typical information found in a cover letter—like a summary of your experience and an explanation of why you want the job—in your resumé .

But if you’re filling out an application that does ask for a cover letter, write one! You want to show potential employers that you’re paying attention. So let’s go over the best method for writing a cover letter—the same one I teach on The Ken Coleman Show . We’ll also look at some sample cover letters to give you some extra direction and clarity.

What Is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a short letter written directly to the person who will read your job application and resumé. Traditionally, while your  resumé  is more of a high-level overview of your past experience, your cover letter tells your story and what you  want  to do. A cover letter is an opportunity to showcase your skills and motivate the hiring manager to consider you for the position.

How to Write a Cover Letter 

The goal of a cover letter is to convince the hiring manager that you deserve an interview . Here’s how you can put your cover letter together to make an impact.

1. Choose a template. 

There are plenty of easy-to-use, free cover letter templates that can help you figure out how to format your document. But it doesn’t need to be cookie-cutter—it should still show who you are and why you want to work at this specific company.

Think about it: When you’re writing a letter to a friend (or a text message, in this day and age), you make it personal and conversational. Each cover letter you write should be personalized for the company you’re applying to. Put yourself in their shoes. If you were hiring for this position, what would you be looking for?

No matter which cover letter template you choose, you should learn everything you can about the company and the position. Use that information to make your letter relevant and show you’ve done your homework. Keep it to around 300 words (that’s about one page), and remember, just like your resumé, don’t overdo the design. Leave the crazy fonts alone, folks. The goal is to look professional, not tacky!

2. Include your contact information in the header. 

Even if your contact information is already on your resumé, you should still put it in the header of your cover letter. Here are the important things to include:

• Phone number
• Email address
• Any helpful follow-up information: a link to your portfolio, website or LinkedIn account (if you don’t have any of those, that’s okay)

This header can go at the top of the page underneath your name or in the top right corner. If you want to get  really  formal, you could also include the name of the person you’re addressing, the name and address of the company you’re applying to, and the date of application. This info can go on the left side of the page below the header.

3. Start with the right greeting. 

Don’t start out with “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To whom it may concern.” You’re not Shakespeare! Think about how you’d say hello to someone if you were sending them a polite and professional email. Here are some options:

• Name of hiring manager : If at all possible, directly address the person who will be handling your application. See if you can figure out who it is through a mutual connection at the company, the website, or maybe even LinkedIn.
• Name of company you’re applying to : If you can’t find the name of a specific person, “Dear [Company Name] Team” is always a safe bet.
• Generic title or position : Another option is to just say “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear [Team You’re Applying For] Hiring Manager.”

4. Use an eye-catching headline. 

Treat your opening line like a hook. It needs to grab the reader’s attention and give them a reason to stick around. Make it count! For extra oomph, you can write this in large (and maybe even bold) letters to mimic a newspaper article headline.

You deserve to win at work. Our new book and assessment will show you how.

Think of the headline like a great social media post. When you’re mindlessly scrolling through Instagram or Facebook, what causes you to pause, squint your eyes, and take a closer look at what you see?

Once you’ve snagged their attention, it’s time to make your case about why you’re a good fit for the job.

5. Explain why you want the position. 

This is your chance to wow the recruiter with your knowledge and enthusiasm about the company and role. Show them you’ve done your homework by touching on the mission, vision and values of the business. Then, explain why you’d be thrilled to contribute to their work.

6. Talk about your skills and passions. 

This is the meat of the letter—but I want you to think lean. The HR team reading your application doesn’t have time for a novel. Write a couple of paragraphs, but make sure each one is only a few sentences.

Be humble—but confident—as you talk about your talents and skills. What makes you a good fit for this job? Include both hard skills (like coding or project management) and  soft skills  (like how you’re curious and always ready to learn something new).

Also, describe the passion  that drives the work you do. What makes you come alive? What activities cause you to lose track of time? Let the recruiter sense your excitement for work.

7. Wrap it up.

This is where it gets fun. When you’ve found a job that combines what you do best with what you love to do most, you’ll be producing results that matter. Talk about the core motivation that helps you wake up every morning. Tell the hiring manager how you’ll contribute your skills and passions to help move the company forward.

Then, wrap it up by thanking the hiring manager for their time and attention.

Let me be clear about something: It’s not your job to follow up. It’s  their  job to reach out to you. If you lay out your case like I’ve described, they’ll have plenty of motivation to reach out to you for an interview. You’ve done the best you can do—now relax and let the chips fall where they may.

Other Tips for Writing a Cover Letter

• Share your purpose statement . A well-crafted purpose statement that identifies your talents (the things you do best), passions (the work you love), and personal mission (the results you care about) is a great way to help the reader understand your goals and whether you’d be a good fit for the role. For some extra help on that front, check out my guide on how to find your purpose .
• Use words and phrases the company uses . Take a look at their website and social media to get an idea of their core values and culture. Using a phrase from the company itself can let them know you’re dialed in to their culture. Show them from the get-go that you’re speaking their language. Just don’t get too cheesy with this one.
• Avoid clich és. While you’re writing about what makes you a strong candidate for the job, make sure your  words are bold too . Don’t use cliché phrases like “I’m a team player” or “I think outside the box.” Instead, use specific examples to demonstrate those skills. Remember: Actions speak louder than words. Show, don’t tell.
• Proofread your letter! Grammar, spelling and accuracy  matter . Every detail in your cover letter should look, feel and sound excellent. Don’t let a few typos rob you of your shot at your dream job! So, before you hit send, double-check your spelling and grammar. You may even want to print the letter and read it out loud as a final checkup, or have a friend look it over for you.

Cover Letter Examples

Whether you’re brand new to the workforce, finding the right fit for you, or an old pro moving up the ladder, there’s a way to write a cover letter that’s best for you and your experience. Here are a few examples of cover letters for new college graduates, middle managers, folks making a career change, and senior executives that you can use as a guide.

New College Graduate Cover Letter

Mid-Career Cover Letter

Career Change Cover Letter

Senior Executive Cover Letter

You’ve Got This!

Remember this: The goal of a cover letter is not to sound like a professional writer—so there’s no need to put that kind of pressure on yourself. Instead, cover letters are all about showcasing your skills, expressing your enthusiasm for the position, and making a compelling case for why you're the perfect fit for the job. If you follow these tips, that’s exactly what you’ll do.

Writing a great cover letter is only half the battle when you’re filling out a job application—it’s usually even more crucial to pair your cover letter with a high-quality resumé. And since most recruiters only spend an average of 7.4 seconds reading each resumé, yours needs to stand out from the pack in a big way. 1

That’s why I created my free resumé guide . It’ll walk you through a five-step process for making your resumé a one-page guide that leads right to an interview. If you want to get noticed, you need to make your resumé noticeable , and this guide will help you do just that.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a cover letter be.

A good length to shoot for in your cover letter is around 300 words, or one page. Anything beyond that is too long.

What do I write in a cover letter?

When you write a cover letter, you should give a quick summary of your relevant experience and education while also explaining why you believe you’re a good fit for the job. It’s also a good idea to spell out why you want the job and how the company’s mission connects to your career goals.

What is a powerful opening sentence in a cover letter?  

You should open your cover letter with an eye-catching headline that grabs the reader’s attention and gives them a reason to stick around. Think of the headline like a great social media post—it should instantly hook the reader.

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About the author

Ken Coleman

Ken Coleman is the author of the national bestselling book From Paycheck to Purpose and the #1 national bestseller The Proximity Principle. He hosts The Ken Coleman Show, a caller-driven show that helps listeners find the work they’re wired to do. Ken also co-hosts The Ramsey Show, the second-largest talk radio show in America, and makes regular appearances on Fox News and Fox Business. Through his speaking, broadcasting and syndicated columns, Ken gives people expert advice, providing strategic steps to get clear on their unique purpose and grow professionally. Learn More.

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Resume Worded

Proven cover letter samples, curated by recruiters [updated for 2024].

Most people write generic, weak cover letters and wonder why they don't get interviews. So to help you, we've handpicked thousands of effective cover letters that got people like you hired. Use them as inspiration to write your own.

Table of contents

Data & analytics roles.

• Data Engineer Cover Letter
• Business Analyst Cover Letter
• Data Scientist Cover Letter
• SQL Developer Cover Letter
• Supply Chain Planner Cover Letter
• Program Analyst Cover Letter
• Intelligence Analyst Cover Letter
• Director of Analytics Cover Letter
• Reporting Analyst Cover Letter
• Data Specialist Cover Letter

Manager Roles

• Program Manager Cover Letter
• Project Manager Cover Letter
• Product Manager Cover Letter
• Operations Manager Cover Letter
• Social Media Manager Cover Letter
• Creative Director Cover Letter
• Product Owner Cover Letter
• IT Manager Cover Letter
• Office Manager Cover Letter
• Production Manager Cover Letter
• Project Coordinator Cover Letter
• Brand Manager Cover Letter
• Construction Manager Cover Letter
• Chief of Staff Cover Letter
• Vice President of Operations Cover Letter
• Chief Digital Officer Cover Letter
• Project Leader Cover Letter
• Technology Director Cover Letter
• Director of Information Technology Cover Letter
• Director of Operations Cover Letter
• Director of Engineering Cover Letter

Engineering Roles

• Software Engineer Cover Letter
• Software Developer Cover Letter
• Web Developer Cover Letter
• Programmer Cover Letter
• Front End Developer Cover Letter
• Full Stack Developer Cover Letter
• Java Developer Cover Letter
• Python Developer Cover Letter
• Quality Assurance Tester Cover Letter
• Quality Engineer Cover Letter
• Electrical Engineer Cover Letter
• System Administrator Cover Letter
• Scrum Master Cover Letter
• Civil Engineer Cover Letter
• Network Administrator Cover Letter
• Mechanical Engineer Cover Letter
• Network Engineer Cover Letter
• Data Integration Architect Cover Letter
• Engineering Manager Cover Letter
• Service Technician Cover Letter
• Platform Engineer Cover Letter
• Automation Engineer Cover Letter
• Project Engineer Cover Letter
• Electronic Technician Cover Letter
• System Engineer Cover Letter
• IT Specialist Cover Letter
• Packaging Engineer Cover Letter
• Cloud Developer Cover Letter
• ETL Developer Cover Letter
• Sharepoint Developer Cover Letter
• Audio Engineer Cover Letter
• Industrial Engineer Cover Letter
• Maintenance Technician Cover Letter
• Solutions Architect Cover Letter
• Implementation Specialist Cover Letter
• Software Architect Cover Letter
• PHP Developer Cover Letter
• Biomedical Engineer Cover Letter
• Security Analyst Cover Letter
• IT Auditor Cover Letter
• Director of Software Engineering Cover Letter
• Environmental Engineer Cover Letter
• Materials Engineer Cover Letter
• UAT Tester Cover Letter

Finance Roles

• Bookkeeper Cover Letter
• Financial Analyst Cover Letter
• Accountant Cover Letter
• Financial Advisor Cover Letter
• Auditor Cover Letter
• Financial Controller Cover Letter
• Purchasing Manager Cover Letter
• Loan Processor Cover Letter
• Finance Director Cover Letter
• Credit Analyst Cover Letter
• Finance Executive Cover Letter
• VP of Finance Cover Letter
• Claims Adjuster Cover Letter
• Payroll Specialist Cover Letter
• Cost Analyst Cover Letter

Marketing Roles

• Marketing Manager Cover Letter
• Event Coordinator Cover Letter
• Content Creator Cover Letter
• Content Writer Cover Letter
• Video Editor Cover Letter
• Marketing Executive Cover Letter
• Digital Strategist Cover Letter
• Brand Ambassador Cover Letter
• Technical Writer Cover Letter
• Director of Marketing Cover Letter
• Brand Strategist Cover Letter
• Campaign Manager Cover Letter

Administrative Roles

• Virtual Assistant Cover Letter
• Administrative Assistant Cover Letter
• Executive Assistant Cover Letter
• Research Assistant Cover Letter
• Inventory Manager Cover Letter
• Warehouse Manager Cover Letter
• Administrative Coordinator Cover Letter
• Project Administrator Cover Letter

Sales Roles

• Account Manager Cover Letter
• Account Executive Cover Letter
• Sales Manager Cover Letter
• Sales Associate Cover Letter
• Real Estate Agent Cover Letter
• Sales Engineer Cover Letter
• Inside Sales Representative Cover Letter
• Copywriter Cover Letter
• Buyer Cover Letter
• Director of Sales Cover Letter
• Hotel Manager Cover Letter
• Sales Coordinator Cover Letter
• Engagement Manager Cover Letter
• Sales Executive Cover Letter
• Sales Leader Cover Letter
• Relationship Manager Cover Letter

Design Roles

• UX Designer (User Experience Designer) Cover Letter
• UX Researcher Cover Letter
• Architect / Architecture Cover Letter
• Graphic Designer Cover Letter
• Game Design Cover Letter
• Interior Designer Cover Letter
• Production Assistant Cover Letter
• Art Director Cover Letter
• Design Director Cover Letter

Legal Roles

• Attorney Cover Letter
• Lawyer Cover Letter
• Underwriter Cover Letter
• Contract Specialist Cover Letter

Other Roles

• Recruiter Cover Letter
• Demand Planning Manager Cover Letter
• Consultant Cover Letter
• Correctional Officer Cover Letter
• Production Planner Cover Letter
• Teacher Cover Letter
• Plant Manager Cover Letter
• Recruiting Coordinator Cover Letter
• Business Owner Cover Letter
• Site Manager Cover Letter
• Orientation Leader Cover Letter

Research & Science Roles

• Environmental Scientist Cover Letter

Medical Roles

• General Nurse Cover Letter
• Dental Assistant Cover Letter
• Case Manager Cover Letter
• Respiratory Therapist Cover Letter
• Therapist Cover Letter
• Care Coordinator Cover Letter
• Occupational Therapist Cover Letter
• Radiologic Technologist Cover Letter
• Pharmacy Technician Cover Letter
• Medical Technologist Cover Letter
• Microbiologist Cover Letter

Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.

How to Write a Cover Letter That Sounds Like You (and Gets Noticed)

by Elainy Mata

Partner Center

Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Cover Letters

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

Introduction

These resources will help you understand and write successful cover letters. To use these pages, you may select links in the navigation bar on the left, you may select links from the list below, or you may advance through the pages using the links at the bottom of each page. Click here to download the PDF file containing sample résumés and employment letters. The cover letter pages are organized into the following sections:

• What is a cover letter?
• Why do I need to do a cover letter?
• What should I do if I'm a veteran transitioning into civilian life?
• What should I do if I'm a transitioning automotive industry worker?
• What should I do about any times I was not working?
• What should I do if I have been incarcerated?
• What should my cover letter look like?
• What should my cover letter accomplish?
• What should I do before I start writing?
• What are the sections I should include in my letter?
• Introductions
• Addressing your letter
• Body paragraphs
• How should I follow up on my cover letter and résumé?

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How to use ChatGPT to write a better cover letter

As if perfectly crafting a resume that encapsulates your entire career isn't difficult enough, job applications also require a cover letter. This letter should help you express specific details about why you are interested in the company, what makes you qualified, and, ultimately, why the company should hire you. 

How to use ChatGPT to create: Code | Excel formulas | Essays | Resumes  | Apps  | Charts and Tables  

If executed properly, a cover letter can make you stand out from other applicants by showcasing your genuine interest in the role, the experience that makes you a good fit, and what makes you different from other candidates with similar qualifications.

However, synthesizing those ideas into a one-page letter each time you apply for a job can be time-consuming and challenging. Thankfully,  ChatGPT is here to help. 

How to use ChatGPT to help craft your cover letter 

Whether you've started writing a cover letter and feel stuck or don't know where to start, ChatGPT can help you produce the exact cover letter you envisioned. 

Also:  How to use ChatGPT

All the AI needs is a couple of prompts and a little direction. 

1. Visit ChatGPT

To get started, visit ChatGPT's website. Signing in is optional but grants you extra perks, such as using the chat history feature to review your responses later. If you don't have an account, you can create one or sign in using your existing Google or Microsoft account. 

If you haven't created an account, click on Sign up. Otherwise, log in with your OpenAI credentials.

2. Ask ChatGPT to write you a cover letter

To have ChatGPT generate a cover letter for you, all you have to do is ask ChatGPT to write a cover letter for the role and company of your choice. You should also include details about the experiences you want the cover letter to highlight. 

Also: How to use ChatGPT to optimize your resume

For example, a possible input would be, "Can you write me a cover letter for the role of Associate Editor at ZDNET? I graduated from the University of North Carolina, majored in Journalism, and love technology."  

That is only a general example; you can be as specific or general as you want. However, the more direction you give ChatGPT, the better your output will be.

I included screenshots of the results for my question below. If you want to take a closer look, you can click on the upper right-hand corner to expand each photo. 

3. Kick it up a notch and paste in the job description (optional)

If you want your cover letter to be tailored to the exact role you are applying for, you can copy and paste the job description into ChatGPT before asking it to write your cover letter. This method is by far the most efficient approach to getting your cover letter written in a way that reflects the exact role and duties. 

Also: 5 ways AI can help you study - for free

As before, you also can include details about your own experience you'd like to include. Your prompt could look something like this, "Can you write me a cover letter for the position of [role title] at [employer]? This is the job description: XYZ. For context, I [include experiences you'd like to highlight]."

4. Co-edit your cover letter

Despite ChatGPT's best efforts and advanced capabilities, there might be something you want to tweak in the letter. If that's the case, it's super simple to change something. All you have to do is ask ChatGPT to tweak a specific aspect of your letter, and it will. 

Also: How to subscribe to ChatGPT Plus (and 5 reasons why you should)

For example, following the cover letter generated above, you could say, "Can you emphasize my passion for tech a bit more?" You can see how I used this approach in the illustration, below.

For an even more engaging collaborative co-editing experience, you can use the new GPT-4o with Canvas feature in beta for ChatGPT Plus users. 

If interested, click on GPT-4o with Canvas from the model toggle and paste in the cover letter, which will activate a new interface that makes collaborating on your writing projects easier by keeping your project on the right pane and the textbox on the left, with writing shortcuts, and more. 

Are cover letters necessary for a job application?

Cover letters are not always required for a job application. However, almost all job applications require one or allow you to submit one. The benefits of a cover letter include having the employer get to know more about you and helping you stand out from other applicants. 

Should you use ChatGPT to write a cover letter?

ChatGPT can write an impressive cover letter within seconds, allowing you to focus on other parts of your application that require more time and effort. ChatGPT produces the letter; you can always add your edits to give it your flair. 

What should be showcased in a cover letter?

Your cover letter should help to set you apart from other applicants. Therefore, it should communicate what interests you about the role and what experiences make you a great fit. Try not to regurgitate the information already on your resume since you want this letter to showcase a different side of you. 

Artificial Intelligence

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