the point of cover letter

Skip navigation

• Spring Updates
• For Employers
• In the Know
• Make An Appointment
• Internships
• Employer Connections
• CCE Programs
• Funding Programs
• Drop-in Hours
• Career Counseling Appointments
• Practice Interviews
• Programs & Services
• Design Your Next Steps
• Resumes & CVs
• Cover Letters
• Negotiating
• Career Advancement
• Graduate School
• Premium Resources
• Communications & Media
• Engineering & Technology
• Environment & Sustainability
• Financial Services
• International Affairs
• Non-Profits & Social Justice
• Psychology, Counseling, & Social Work
• Ways to Gain Experience
• Career Assessments
• Connect With Alumni
• Student Experiences
• First-Generation/Low-Income Students
• International Students
• Students with Disabilities
• Veteran Students
• LGBTQ Students
• Visiting Students
• Students of Color

How and Why to Write a Great Cover Letter

A cover letter is a one-page business letter that you submit when applying to a job, along with your resume. As a piece of persuasive writing, your cover letter will aim to convey to the employer why you’re a great candidate for the role.

What is the purpose of a cover letter?

Your cover letter complements your resume by making it easy for the employer to see how your experience and interest connect to the position. Your goal is to convince the employer to interview you.

With your cover letter, you’ll aim to:

• Highlight your qualifications:  You’ll show how your skills and experience relate to the employer’s needs for a specific position.
• Showcase your motivation: You’ll demonstrate your enthusiasm for the specific position and the organization.
• Reflect your voice and written communication skills: You’ll give the employer a sense of your personality and writing style.

When should I write a cover letter?

Not all jobs require cover letters. So, how do you decide whether to submit one?

Submit a Cover Letter when…

• The posting explicitly requests that you do so
• You’re applying to an opportunity at a mission-driven organization
• You think that doing so could provide important information to the employer that they wouldn’t get from your resume

Consider Submitting a Cover Letter when…

• It’s marked “optional” in an application, and you have the bandwidth to do so
• You have content that you can easily recycle or repurpose into a tailored cover letter

No Need to Submit a Cover Letter when…

• A posting specifically tells you not to submit one
• There’s no way to submit one in an application portal, and doing so would require a serious workaround

If you’re applying to several similar opportunities, creating a draft cover letter in advance, geared toward that type of opportunity, can be a helpful way to save time in your actual application process.

How do I write a cover letter?

Your cover letter should articulate your qualifications and motivation for the position. Read the job description closely and research the organization. As you craft your cover letter, use examples that demonstrate your relevant skills, knowledge, and interests. The cover letter should be concise, clear, and well-organized.

Before Writing

Research the employer.

Learn enough about the organization to articulate why you are a strong fit for that firm. 

• Review the firm’s website and LinkedIn page.
• Speak with current or previous employees.
• Read articles and social media for current news.

Analyze the job description

Look for skills, duties, and qualifications of the job so you can design your letter to match these as much as possible.

Reflect on your experience and motivation

Identify skills and personal qualities you have developed which will be useful in this role. Ask yourself:

• What attracts you about this role/company/industry?
• What have you have done in your work experiences, classes, internships, activities, projects, volunteer work, travel, etc., that is similar to the duties required of the job? 

Cover Letter Structure

As a business letter, the cover letter should include:

• Heading: Include your name and contact information in the same format as your resume
• Salutation: Address your letter to the specific individual who can hire you, if this is known. If the name is not included in the job description, address the letter to the Hiring Manager or title mentioned in the job description.
• Body Paragraphs:  Discuss your experiences, interests, and skills to show the employer how you can add value to their team. See the section below for more guidance.
• Signature Line: Include a closing and your name.

The cover letter should be one page, about three or four paragraphs, and single spaced. Use 10-12 point font and one inch margins. 

When applying online, upload your cover letter as a PDF file, unless another format is specified. When sending your resume and cover letter by email, you may write a short note or paste your cover letter in the body of your email (without the address header) and also attach the PDF file.

Cover Letter Content

Your cover letter should answer who, what, when, where and why you are applying for the opportunity. 

Introduction

State the position for which you are applying. If you have a referral or spoke with someone from the company, you can mention it in the introduction. Provide some basic information about yourself; this can include your class year and what you’re studying at Columbia. Briefly outline why you’re interested in the organization and what you bring in terms of relevant experience and skills. 

Body Paragraphs

These paragraphs will highlight your qualifications and strengths that are most relevant to the organization and position. Use the job posting and your research as clues to determine what the employer is seeking in a candidate. Have your resume beside you and reflect on what you want the employer to know about you. Are there experiences you want to expand upon that demonstrate your understanding of the role and ability to do the job requirements?

Structure the paragraphs based on relevance, not chronology. Lead with your most relevant skill or strongest experience.

Start each body paragraph with a clear topic sentence.  This can highlight a key skill set, a transferable experience, or a core area of knowledge you’ve built through your studies. Walk the reader through a project or experience, integrating the relevant skills you used and qualities you demonstrated. Provide details about your accomplishments and impact. Connect how these experiences have prepared you for this role and why you are motivated to do this job. There is no need to apologize if you feel you lack experience; focus on the accomplishments that you have.

Recap what you would bring to the organization and your interest in the position. Thank the employer for their consideration. Keep your tone positive and enthusiastic. 

Check out our example of how to structure your cover letter content . 

Editing Tips

Use our  Cover Letter Checklist to make sure your format and content is in line with best practices. 

• Ensure that the content reflects the requirements in the job description
• Keep the cover letter concise, at one page or less
• Correct any errors in grammar, sentence structure, and spelling
• Use the active voice
• Avoid beginning too many sentences with “I”

Privacy Policy Accessibility Notice of Non-Discrimination Terms of Use

How to Write a Cover Letter That Will Get You a Job

I ’ve read thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of cover letters in my career. If you’re thinking that sounds like really boring reading, you’re right. What I can tell you from enduring that experience is that most cover letters are terrible — and not only that, but squandered opportunities. When a cover letter is done well, it can significantly increase your chances of getting an interview, but the vast majority fail that test.

So let’s talk about how to do cover letters right.

First, understand the point of a cover letter.

The whole idea of a cover letter is that it can help the employer see you as more than just your résumé. Managers generally aren’t hiring based solely on your work history; your experience is crucial, yes, but they’re also looking for someone who will be easy to work with, shows good judgment, communicates well, possesses strong critical thinking skills and a drive to get things done, complements their current team, and all the other things you yourself probably want from your co-workers. It’s tough to learn much about those things from job history alone, and that’s where your cover letter comes in.

Because of that …

Whatever you do, don’t just summarize your résumé.

The No. 1 mistake people make with cover letters is that they simply use them to summarize their résumé. This makes no sense — hiring managers don’t need a summary of your résumé! It’s on the very next page! They’re about to see it as soon as they scroll down. And if you think about it, your entire application is only a few pages (in most cases, a one- or two-page résumé and a one-page cover letter) — why would you squander one of those pages by repeating the content of the others? And yet, probably 95 percent of the cover letters I see don’t add anything new beyond the résumé itself (and that’s a conservative estimate).

Instead, your cover letter should go beyond your work history to talk about things that make you especially well-suited for the job. For example, if you’re applying for an assistant job that requires being highly organized and you neurotically track your household finances in a detailed, color-coded spreadsheet, most hiring managers would love to know that because it says something about the kind of attention to detail you’d bring to the job. That’s not something you could put on your résumé, but it can go in your cover letter.

Or maybe your last boss told you that you were the most accurate data processor she’d ever seen, or came to rely on you as her go-to person whenever a lightning-fast rewrite was needed. Maybe your co-workers called you “the client whisperer” because of your skill in calming upset clients. Maybe you’re regularly sought out by more senior staff to help problem-solve, or you find immense satisfaction in bringing order to chaos. Those sorts of details illustrate what you bring to the job in a different way than your résumé does, and they belong in your cover letter.

If you’re still stumped, pretend you’re writing an email to a friend about why you’d be great at the job. You probably wouldn’t do that by stiffly reciting your work history, right? You’d talk about what you’re good at and how you’d approach the work. That’s what you want here.

You don’t need a creative opening line.

If you think you need to open the letter with something creative or catchy, I am here to tell you that you don’t. Just be simple and straightforward:

• “I’m writing to apply for your X position.”

• “I’d love to be considered for your X position.”

• “I’m interested in your X position because …”

• “I’m excited to apply for your X position.”

That’s it! Straightforward is fine — better, even, if the alternative is sounding like an aggressive salesperson.

Show, don’t tell.

A lot of cover letters assert that the person who wrote it would excel at the job or announce that the applicant is a skillful engineer or a great communicator or all sorts of other subjective superlatives. That’s wasted space — the hiring manager has no reason to believe it, and so many candidates claim those things about themselves that most managers ignore that sort of self-assessment entirely. So instead of simply declaring that you’re great at X (whatever X is), your letter should demonstrate that. And the way you do that is by describing accomplishments and experiences that illustrate it.

Here’s a concrete example taken from one extraordinarily effective cover-letter makeover that I saw. The candidate had originally written, “I offer exceptional attention to detail, highly developed communication skills, and a talent for managing complex projects with a demonstrated ability to prioritize and multitask.” That’s pretty boring and not especially convincing, right? (This is also exactly how most people’s cover letters read.)

In her revised version, she wrote this instead:

“In addition to being flexible and responsive, I’m also a fanatic for details — particularly when it comes to presentation. One of my recent projects involved coordinating a 200-page grant proposal: I proofed and edited the narratives provided by the division head, formatted spreadsheets, and generally made sure that every line was letter-perfect and that the entire finished product conformed to the specific guidelines of the RFP. (The result? A five-year, $1.5 million grant award.) I believe in applying this same level of attention to detail to tasks as visible as prepping the materials for a top-level meeting and as mundane as making sure the copier never runs out of paper.”

That second version is so much more compelling and interesting — and makes me believe that she really is great with details.

If there’s anything unusual or confusing about your candidacy, address it in the letter.

Your cover letter is your chance to provide context for things that otherwise might seem confusing or less than ideal to a hiring manager. For example, if you’re overqualified for the position but are excited about it anyway, or if you’re a bit underqualified but have reason to think you could excel at the job, address that up front. Or if your background is in a different field but you’re actively working to move into this one, say so, talk about why, and explain how your experience will translate. Or if you’re applying for a job across the country from where you live because you’re hoping to relocate to be closer to your family, let them know that.

If you don’t provide that kind of context, it’s too easy for a hiring manager to decide you’re the wrong fit or applying to everything you see or don’t understand the job description and put you in the “no” pile. A cover letter gives you a chance to say, “No, wait — here’s why this could be a good match.”

Keep the tone warm and conversational.

While there are some industries that prize formal-sounding cover letters — like law — in most fields, yours will stand out if it’s warm and conversational. Aim for the tone you’d use if you were writing to a co-worker whom you liked a lot but didn’t know especially well. It’s okay to show some personality or even use humor; as long as you don’t go overboard, your letter will be stronger for it.

Don’t use a form letter.

You don’t need to write every cover letter completely from scratch, but if you’re not customizing it to each job, you’re doing it wrong. Form letters tend to read like form letters, and they waste the chance to speak to the specifics of what this employer is looking for and what it will take to thrive in this particular job.

If you’re applying for a lot of similar jobs, of course you’ll end up reusing language from one letter to the next. But you shouldn’t have a single cover letter that you wrote once and then use every time you apply; whatever you send should sound like you wrote it with the nuances of this one job in mind.

A good litmus test is this: Could you imagine other applicants for this job sending in the same letter? If so, that’s a sign that you haven’t made it individualized enough to you and are probably leaning too heavily on reciting your work history.

No, you don’t need to hunt down the hiring manager’s name.

If you read much job-search advice, at some point you’ll come across the idea that you need to do Woodward and Bernstein–level research to hunt down the hiring manager’s name in order to open your letter with “Dear Matilda Jones.” You don’t need to do this; no reasonable hiring manager will care. If the name is easily available, by all means, feel free to use it, but otherwise “Dear Hiring Manager” is absolutely fine. Take the hour you just freed up and do something more enjoyable with it.

Keep it under one page.

If your cover letters are longer than a page, you’re writing too much, and you risk annoying hiring managers who are likely sifting through hundreds of applications and don’t have time to read lengthy tomes. On the other hand, if you only write one paragraph, it’s unlikely that you’re making a compelling case for yourself as a candidate — not impossible, but unlikely. For most people, something close to a page is about right.

Don’t agonize over the small details.

What matters most about your cover letter is its content. You should of course ensure that it’s well-written and thoroughly proofread, but many job seekers agonize over elements of the letter that really don’t matter. I get tons of  questions from job seekers  about whether they should attach their cover letter or put it in the body of the email (answer: No one cares, but attaching it makes it easier to share and will preserve your formatting), or what to name the file (again, no one really cares as long as it’s reasonably professional, but when people are dealing with hundreds of files named “resume,” it’s courteous to name it with your full name).

Approaching your cover letter like this can make a huge difference in your job search. It can be the thing that moves your application from the “maybe” pile (or even the “no” pile) to the “yes” pile. Of course, writing cover letters like this will take more time than sending out the same templated letter summarizing your résumé — but 10 personalized, compelling cover letters are likely to get you more  interview invitations  than 50 generic ones will.

• ‘I Had a Great Job Interview — Why Haven’t I Heard Back?’
• How to Answer ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ in a Job Interview

What is the Point of a Cover Letter?

Written by CORBIN C , CAREER ADVISOR

Ask a room full of recruiters and hiring authorities what they think about cover letters, and you’re likely to get a lot of groans followed by a lively debate. Some employers love cover letters, and some won’t even bother to open them. So how do you know what to do?

Here are my thoughts on the cover letter questions we hear most often: 

What is the point of a cover letter?

A good cover letter explains why a job seeker is interested in and fit for the specific role, why they’re interested in the company, and any details that aren’t obvious from their resume (such as pending relocation plans).

However, employers aren’t just reading for context; your cover letter, like your resume, may be viewed as a stand-in for a work sample and judged accordingly.

Grammatical errors, missed details, and glaring mistakes in the cover letter may be used as a reason to remove a candidate from consideration — a poorly edited cover letter might be worse than none at all. 

Consider what employers are looking for in your cover letter , and how to make a strong positive impression.

Should I write a cover letter?

If a job posting specifically asks for a cover letter, yes, definitely. If you’re really excited about the job and want to communicate that, that’s also a good reason. The significance of a cover letter varies depending on the situation.

If they’re not asking for a cover letter and you’re not that interested in the job yourself, it may not be worth the time — they’re by no means required. 

What about career transitions? Can a cover letter help?

If you’re going about a career transition, you may find the cover letter to be a helpful tool in communicating your story.

However, whether or not an employer reads your letter may depend on their willingness to consider a non-traditional background, which is dependent on countless factors, the largest one being the number of competitive candidates with traditional experience to the field. Networking and informational interviewing may help you navigate where to focus your efforts.

Should I use AI to write my cover letter? I can just copy-paste the job description and the results are pretty good.

A good cover letter can’t be written (or generated) without knowing what you know about your own experience and your own interest in a role and company, so a generic AI-written cover letter probably isn’t worth sending. 

That being said, AI text generation tools are just that — tools — and you may find use for them in the process of developing and editing your cover letter, among other things. 

How should I format my cover letter?

The days of a cover letter needing fancy business headers aligned to one side or the other are behind us; think less about the formatting and more about the content. If you’re submitting an application via email, include your letter right there in the message as well.

Suggested Reads

How to Onboard a New Employee

Grammar Guidelines: Sound Smarter in a Snap!

Cover Letter Bootcamp

Upcoming workshops.

Get the scoop on future live job search workshops!

Exclusive Access to 2023 Job Market Trends!

You’ll also receive an email from [email protected] with a link to the report.

Thanks for your interest in our panel discussion on Paid Leave Oregon!

You’ll also receive an email from [email protected] with a link to the recording.

Let's Talk About Paid Leave Oregon (panel discussion recording)

• Online Degree Explore Bachelor’s & Master’s degrees
• MasterTrack™ Earn credit towards a Master’s degree
• University Certificates Advance your career with graduate-level learning
• Top Courses
• Join for Free

Cover Letter Tips: How to Stand out to a Hiring Manager

Learn how to craft a cover letter that highlights your expertise while aligning with a company’s needs.

When you apply for a job, your application will often go through two stages before a recruiter invites you to interview. The first is the applicant tracking system (ATS), which scans your resume for specific keywords to identify if your experience matches the job requirements.

If the ATS determines that you are a match, a human recruiter will look at your application materials. This is the point where including a cover letter—even if it’s optional—may help you secure more interviews.

In a ResumeGo experiment, applications with a job-specific cover letter led to an interview offer 16.4 per cent of the time, while applications with no cover letter led to an interview offer only 10.7 per cent of the time [ 1 ]. That means to get one interview, you’d have to apply for about six jobs with a tailored cover letter or about nine jobs without a cover letter.

In this article, we'll go over the sections you should include in a cover letter and additional tips to write a compelling one.

Cover letter basics

As you prepare to write your cover letter, here are a few basic tips to get started:

Header: Your cover letter is a formal document, so use a formal header. To streamline your application documents, you can use the same header that tops your resume, including your name, email address, phone number, city and province or territory, and the URL for your online portfolio or LinkedIn profile if you have one.

Format: Use standard margins for your cover letter—usually one inch on each side—and keep your font size around 11 or 12. Use a common font, like Arial or Times New Roman, to make your letter easier to read.

Length: Your cover letter should be about a half-page to one page or about 250 to 400 words. The majority of recruiters and hiring managers will only spend one minute or less reading your cover letter [ 1 ]. Help them focus on the details you want to highlight by writing concisely and precisely.

Part 1: Introduction

The first part of your cover letter is your introduction, where you can share a bit about who you are and why you’re reaching out. Similar to a resume objective, you’ll get to define yourself as you’d like a recruiter or hiring manager to see you in this section.

Address the hiring manager.

Open your letter with a personal greeting directed toward the hiring manager. Most job listings won’t include the hiring manager’s name, but there are methods to find the right recipient for your cover letter, using resources such as LinkedIn or the company website.

Addressing the hiring manager by name adds a sense of intention behind your application and shows you want to start a dialogue with a specific person. Some examples of personal greetings include “Dear” or “Hello,” followed by their name.

Introduce yourself and share your why .

You can show a bit more personality in your cover letter than you’re able to in your resume, so introduce yourself in a way that feels true to the type of employee you are and want to be. Write with a voice that feels natural to your communication style and a tone that matches the one you might use when writing work emails or giving a presentation.

This can help the hiring manager feel like they’re really getting to know you, and it can help you find a workplace that appreciates your communication style as well as your experience and goals.

Part 2: Relevant experience

In the next paragraph (or two), illustrate the perception you presented in the introduction with specific supporting details. These details should relate to your work experience, but use this as an opportunity to expand on your resume bullets rather than repeat them.

It’s worth tailoring this section to the specific role you’re applying for and highlighting how your experience connects to the company’s needs based on the job description. The majority of recruiters and hiring managers surveyed—77 per cent—said that it is either “very important” or “absolutely imperative” that applicants tailor their cover letters to the job descriptions [ 1 ].

Demonstrate fit.

As you read the job description, you likely identified several transferable skills you can bring to this role. It is not necessary to list all of those skills in your cover letter. (You should, however, list all of those skills on your resume.)

To keep your cover letter concise, use the job description to identify the skills most necessary for success in this role and show how you’ve used those skills in the past to address or resolve similar needs.

Share your accomplishments.

Once you’ve connected your skills to their needs, take it one step further by sharing the results you’ve seen when you’ve employed those skills in the past. Results can be either quantitative or qualitative:

Qualifying your experience: This typically pertains to explanations you offer about what you did. For example, "I spent months building a new data set to help us analyze our performance and improve our KPIs based on those findings."

Quantifying your experience: This typically pertains to explanations that draw on numbers to show the impact of what you did. For example, "I built a new data set that provided valuable insights, and in turn helped us lower our bounce rate by 23 percent."

Part 3: Closing

The final part of your letter is your conclusion, where you leave the hiring manager with one last impression of who you are, what you want to achieve, and how that’s relevant to the company.

Ask for what you want.

As you end your letter, reiterate your desire to use your qualifications to meet the company’s needs and explicitly ask for the next step you’re hoping to take with this hiring manager, typically a meeting or phone call. Invite the conversation to continue by letting them know that there’s more you want to share and more you want to learn from them.

Formally sign off.

Maintain the honest tone you set in the introduction all the way through your signature. Include a line expressing gratitude for their time and use a simple sign-off, such as “Thank you,” “Sincerely,” or “Best.”

Following up on an application

After you apply for a job, you can follow up on your application by directly reaching out to a recruiter. This may help you stand out amongst the pool of applicants and can help you form a direct relationship with the recruiter. Learn more about reaching out to a recruiter.

Create your cover letter template

Recruiters and hiring managers notice when applicants submit a generic cover letter—78 per cent of those surveyed said it’s “easy” to distinguish between generic and tailored cover letters. At the same time, 81 per cent of the same group said they value tailored cover letters “significantly more” than generic ones, indicating that submitting a tailored cover letter with your resume could distinguish you from other equally qualified candidates [ 1 ].

However, writing a tailored cover letter for each application can quickly become an overwhelming task for a job seeker. One way to reconcile this is to create a personalized cover letter template that enables you to tailor your cover letter for each application easily.

You’ll likely be applying for similar roles at different companies and presenting yourself similarly at each, so your introduction and conclusion probably won’t change too much from one application to the next. Once you write your introduction and conclusion, you can templatize the body of your cover letter. Here’s how:

1. List common responsibilities, skills, and needs. As you read through job descriptions that pique your interest, you’ll likely notice common responsibilities and skills associated with the roles. You also may recognize similar company needs or problems you’re excited to help solve. Compile all of these in a list.

2. Write bullets reflecting your experience with each list point. Connect your experience to each of those common responsibilities, skills, and needs with one sentence for each.

3. Where relevant, add proof. Offer specific evidence of your success with your quantitative and qualitative accomplishments.

4. Insert points into your tailored cover letters . Mix and match your pre-written points as they apply for various positions. Remember to edit the points as needed to better align with specific roles.

Cover letter examples

To help you get started, here are two examples of cover letters, one for a data analyst position and another for a project manager position.

Cover letter example 1: Data analyst

Dear Mr. Harland Sanders,

My name is Cindy Liu, and I’m a tech-savvy manager looking to flex my talents to identify new growth strategies for Corelight as a Junior Data Analyst. I’ve always been fascinated by numbers, and working in data analytics has been a long-term goal of mine. My career in the restaurant business has taught me to think strategically about problems and identify solutions. I believe this experience has prepared me for Corelight’s Junior Data Analyst role.  

Your job posting mentioned that you’re looking for an analyst with experience in SQL, proficiency in a statistical programming language, and strong time management skills. During my previous role as a restaurant manager, I had to multitask to balance the needs of the company (revenue) and the customer (service and quality standard). I’ve also been pursuing my passion for data, both at work and in my spare time. Over the past year, I’ve been able to achieve the following:

Automated repetitive restaurant payroll and accounting tasks with Python, freeing up three hours per week

Completed a case study using point-of-sales data from the restaurant to optimize our menu and pricing, leading to a revenue increase of 10 per cent

Completed the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate, which included extensive coursework in both SQL and R

I’m thrilled at the opportunity to use these experiences to fuel data-driven decisions at Corelight, and I’m keen to continue developing my skill set on the job. I am available for a Zoom call or in-person meeting to discuss how I can help Corelight improve market product performance through data.

Thank you for your consideration,

Cindy Liu, Data Analyst

Cover letter example 2: Project manager

Dear Mr Harland Sanders,

My name is George Lee, and I am excited to be applying for the Junior Project Manager position at Animax. I am currently a Project Coordinator at Square Paws, where I have supported several projects successfully to completion. I have long admired Animax’s work to improve animal adoption processes and would be delighted to contribute my skills to the team.

At Square Paws, I oversaw multiple aspects of running numerous projects. I worked closely with the project manager to develop project schedules, ensured team members had the resources they needed to complete their tasks, and coordinated communication with stakeholders on project updates. I am particularly proud of a project to roll out a feature on our app that users could use to book appointments with veterinarians. As a complex project that involved multiple stakeholders, it was important to be mindful of the details and listen continuously to feedback from users. My efforts to coordinate an early feedback system in a trial period led to the discovery of several bugs and pain points that we fixed for the launch. We were able to reduce customer concerns by 80% and ultimately completed the project under budget by $4,000.

I have long been familiar with animal adoption centres and believe wholeheartedly in Animax’s mission. I have volunteered consistently at animal shelters since high school and am familiar with their processes. In college, I took several courses that I believe can be useful to the project manager role, including zoology and business administration. Working as a project manager in this field will allow me to expand my knowledge of the industry and assist in my ultimate goal to make the world a more livable place for shelter animals.

I believe that my past experience, skill set, and passions make me a strong candidate for Animax’s team. I hope to hear from you soon. Thank you for your time.

Get additional guidance as you prepare your resume and cover letter with the Guided Project Create a Resume and Cover Letter with Google Docs on Coursera. Further demonstrate your skills in various areas like data analysis, social media marketing, and UX design with a Professional Certificate from industry leaders like Google, Meta, and IBM. Sign up for Coursera today and begin a 7-day, full-access free trial to browse more personal development courses.

Article sources

ResumeGo. “ Cover Letters: Just How Important Are They? , https://www.resumego.net/research/cover-letters/.” Accessed April 24, 2024.

Workopolis. “ How long does it take Canadians to get a new job? https://careers.workopolis.com/advice/how-long-does-it-take-canadians-to-get-a-new-job/.” Accessed April 24, 2024.

Keep reading

Coursera staff.

Editorial Team

Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...

This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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)

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

The 5 Parts of a Cover Letter for Your Job Application

When looking for a job, you probably think only submitting a resume will suffice. While that may be true, having a cover letter submitted along with the resume can also impact your chances of being hired.

Crafting the perfect resume is taught to everyone before they're sent out to the world. However, not everyone knows how to write a cover letter. Before you start drafting one, you'll need to know the parts of a cover letter. You need to consider the position you're applying for, relevant qualifications to improve, and valuable skills.

Writing a Cover Letter

Proper structuring is important when it comes to your cover letter parts. A good cover letter provides benefits compared to just sending a resume. Among other things, it helps you stand out, especially in a job opening with many applicants.

The primary purpose of having a cover letter is to engage employers when they review your application. Succeeding in this can help give you an interview and maybe even an offer. It also shows information they may not find on your resume, like your motivation.

Parts of a Cover Letter

A cover letter is a one-page document submitted along with your resume. Since all companies are different, it's important to tailor your cover letter to ensure it aligns with your job's values.

For each position, you'll need to tailor the letter in a way that helps you stand out to employers. These include regularly modifying the following depending on the job description:

The salutation part of your cover letter is your greeting. Doing this makes the letter seem much more personal since you're addressing a specific person. That means you're better off writing a “Mr.” or “Ms.” Instead of a “To whom it may concern.” To make this part more effective, you'll have to do some research to understand who will be reviewing your resume.

Opening line

The opening line sets the tone for any cover letter. It has the potential to make the entire document more memorable. Examples of strong opening lines can include jokes and puns. You can also open a cover letter with strong emotions, like passion or enthusiasm.

The story is the biggest part of your cover letter. This part is your unique selling point, covering your skills, qualifications, and what you can bring to the table if you're hired. Here, you write the details of what makes you stand out compared to others. It's nearly impossible to have a similar career journey with someone else.

Closing line

Once you finish the letter's main body, a closing line allows you to end the letter gracefully and professionally. It's also here where you can express gratitude and thank the employer for their time. A good closing line summarizes your letter, meaning you should also remind the employer why you make the perfect fit for the role.

You can find the signature at the very bottom of the cover letter. It has your name, signature, and sign-offs like “Sincerely” or “Regards.” It's perhaps the least important to include out of the five, but it's a good closer. Contact information is unnecessary here since they can already find it on your resume.

A Letter That's Got You Covered!

Cover letters are a great way to add value to your application. Drafting one also highlights your motivations and expectations for the role. It tells employers that you're a candidate they should consider because you have the qualifications and skills to fulfill the role.

A good cover letter is nothing without any prospects. With over 51,000 job openings available, Career.com can help you land your dream job today!

Supercharge Your Job Search

Select a career advice topic, other articles about resumes, cover letters, thank yous.

4 Must-Know Resume Statistics for Your Job Hunting

5 Benefits of An Applicant Tracking System You Should Know

5 Reasons Why You Have to Send a Post-interview Thank You Letter

5 Ways How to Write Your Resume Experience Section

‘Coldest Regards’ — Job Applicant’s Hilariously Passive-Aggressive Cover Letter Goes Viral Because Every Worker Can Relate

Strap in, folks, because the brutal reality of job hunting in the modern era is about to get a cheeky makeover. Picture applying to a staggering 200 jobs, and maybe—just maybe—hearing back from a humble five. Sounds fun, right? Yet, the good old days of storming into an office and flinging your CV at the unsuspecting manager like a paper ninja star are sadly long behind us. Despite your grandpa’s stories, we’re pretty sure that method wasn’t as foolproof as he’d like you to believe.

Now, in a world where most of your applications will meet with a wall of silence, one bold Redditor has discovered a way to lighten the mood. Enter u/rainingmafackas , our job-seeking hero, who has unleashed a flurry of deliciously passive-aggressive cover letters to some rather questionable job listings.

Read on to see the full cover letter and the reactions from the r/AntiWork community. Next, check out this genius resignation letter that sparked a viral conversation.

3. Redditors are calling the OP a legend, and taking inspiration

Jason Mustian

Jason is a Webby winning, Short-Award losing humor writer and businessman. He lives in Texas with his amazing wife and four sometimes amazing kids.

• All Articles
• Latest Issue

Mon, 04/22/2024

Letter From the Editor, Spring 2024

By Abby Sun

Dear Readers,

This print issue of  Documentary comes right before IDA’s biennial industry conference, Getting Real. In the tradition of past magazine issues that immediately precede the conference, this issue previews the conference’s themes of “Strategy, Networks, Access” through interviews with speakers whose work will be featured at the conference. At this point, however, I should show my hand. I’m not only the editor of this publication but also the conference director of Getting Real. These pieces illustrate the heterogeneous and earnest quality of the dialogue we hope to model at the conference—and model the actions we hope these conversations will inspire toward a more just and distributed documentary ecosystem.

Two keynote speakers are interviewed for our conference preview section. Jemma Desai, who was invited because of her longitudinal research into and engagement with institutionality in the film world, is interviewed by Arta Barzanji in the aftermath of widespread disillusionment with recent market film festivals. Cinematographer and filmmaker Kirsten Johnson is in conversation with Stephanie Jenkins in a wide-ranging treatise on the opportunities and threats of newly digital- and machine-based image-making. Jenkins is also a co-founder of the Archival Producers Alliance, whose other co-founders, Rachel Antell and Jennifer Petrucelli, speak with Williams Cole on the necessity for guardrails for the use of generative AI in documentary archival images. We will catch up with the conference’s other two keynotes, the masterful Cameroonian director Jean-Marie Teno, and the curator and institution-creator Jesse Wente, via online coverage in the coming weeks.

The cover feature is from Victor Guimarães, who returns to  Documentary with a deeply researched discourse on a little-known U.S.-based film collective, the Victor Jara Collective, and its many connections to Third Cinema. Filmmaker and journalist Julian Rubinstein and attorney Robert S. Gutierrez alternate perspectives in their explication of how an anti-SLAPP statute saved Rubinstein’s film,  The Holly . And we close out our features this issue with a trio of festival dispatches—from Sudipto Sanyal, Sevara Pan, and new contributor Matazi Weathers—which interrogate the promises of recent editions of the Kolkata People’s Film Festival, Berlinale, and Sundance, respectively, before spotlighting a bevy of standout films.

Our regularly published strands and columns return as well. The “Making a Production” strand continues with Alex Lei’s lengthy profile of an extraordinarily prolific indie production company, Memory, whose two co-founders have built a cult following out of essayistic and hybrid documentaries. The “Field Recording” for this issue is a first-person account from Moses Bwayo, whose personal life has been indelibly altered by his work on the Oscar-nominated  Bobi Wine: The People’s President . And “Screen Time” continues with capsule-length reviews, written by a formidable group of film critics, on notable new releases.

Drop us a line at  [email protected] if you have suggestions, notes, pitches, questions, jokes, feedback, or kind words. Everything is appreciated. 

Thanks for your continued readership and support.

Until the next issue,

Abby Sun  

Editor , Documentary Magazine

• documentary magazine
• Letter from the Editor