what is cover letter for job sample

How to Write a Cover Letter in 2024 + Examples

After weeks of heavy job search, you’re almost there!

You’ve perfected your resume. 

You’ve short-listed the coolest jobs you want to apply for.

You’ve even had a friend train you for every single interview question out there.

But then, before you can send your application and call it a day, you remember that the job ad requires a cover letter.

Now you’re stuck wondering how to write a cover letter ...

Don’t panic! We’ve got you covered. Writing a cover letter is a lot simpler than you might think. 

In this guide, we’re going to teach you how to write a cover letter that gets you the job you deserve.

• What’s a cover letter & why it’s important for your job search
• How to write a convincing cover letter that gets you the job (step-by-step!)
• How to perfect your cover letter with the Novoresume free checklist
• What excellent cover letter examples look like

New to cover letter writing? Give our resumes 101 video a watch before diving into the article!

So, let’s get started with the basics!

What is a Cover Letter? (and Why It’s Important)

A cover letter is a one-page document that you submit as part of your job application (alongside your CV or 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 spark the HR manager’s interest and get them to read your resume. 

A bad cover letter, on the other hand, might mean that your application is going directly to the paper shredder. So, to make sure this doesn’t happen, it’s essential to know how to write a convincing cover letter.

How does a good cover letter look, you might ask. Well, here’s an example:

Keep in mind, though, that a cover letter is a supplement to your resume, not a replacement. Meaning, you don’t just repeat whatever is mentioned in your resume.

If you’re writing a cover letter for the first time, writing all this might seem pretty tough. After all, you’re probably not a professional writer.

The thing is, though, you don’t need to be creative, or even any good at writing. All you have to do is follow a tried-and-tested format:

• Header - Input contact information
• Greeting the hiring manager
• Opening paragraph - Grab the reader’s attention with 2-3 of your top achievements
• Second paragraph - Explain why you’re the perfect candidate for the job
• Third paragraph - Explain why you’re a good match for the company
• Formal closing

Or, here’s what this looks like in practice:

How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter (And Get Hired!)

Now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, we’re going to guide you through the process of writing a cover letter step by step. 

Step #1 - Pick the Right Cover Letter Template

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

So, what’s a better way to leave a good impression than a well-formatted, visual template?

You can simply pick one of our hand-picked cover letter templates , and you’ll be all set in a jiffy!

As a bonus, our AI will even give you suggestions on how to improve your cover letter on the go.

Step #2 - Start the Cover Letter with a Header

As with a resume, it’s important to start your cover letter with a Contact Information section:

Here, you want to include all essential information, including:

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

In certain cases, you might also consider adding:

• 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 blog.

And here’s what you shouldn’t mention in your header:

• Your Full Address 
• Unprofessional Email - Make sure your email is presentable. It’s pretty hard for a hiring manager to take you seriously if your email address is “[email protected].” Whenever applying for jobs, stick to the “[first name] + [last name] @ email provider.com” format.

Step #3 - Greet the Hiring Manager

Once you’ve properly listed your contact information, you need to start writing the cover letter contents.

The first thing to do here is to address the cover letter to the hiring manager .

That’s right, the hiring manager! Not the overly popular “Dear Sir or Madam.” You want to show your future boss that you did your research and are really passionate about working with their team.

No one wants to hire a job seeker who just spams 20+ companies and hopes to get hired in any of them.

So, how do you find out who’s the hiring manager? There are several ways to do this. 

The simplest option is to look up the head of the relevant department on LinkedIn. Let’s say you’re applying for the position of a Communication Specialist at Novoresume. The hiring manager is probably Head of Communications or Chief Communications Office.

So, you do a quick lookup on LinkedIn:

And voila! You have your hiring manager.

Or let’s say you’re applying for the position of a server. In that case, you’d be looking for the “restaurant manager.”

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.

Here are several other greetings you could use:

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

Step #4 - Write an Attention-Grabbing Introduction

First impressions matter, especially when it comes to your job search.

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 #1 problem we see with most cover letter opening paragraphs is that they’re usually extremely generic. Most of them look 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.

See the issue here? This opening paragraph doesn’t say pretty much anything except the fact that you’ve worked the job before.

Do you know who else has similar work experience? All the other applicants you’re competing with.

Instead, you want to 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.

So now, let’s make our previous example shine:

My name’s Michael and I’d like to help XYZ Inc. hit and exceed their 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 excellence in sales, makes me the right candidate for the job.

See the difference between the two examples? If you were the hiring manager, which sales manager would you hire, Jonathan or Michael?

Now that we’ve covered the introduction, let’s talk about the body of your cover letter. This part is split into two paragraphs: the first is for explaining why you’re the perfect person for the job, and the latter is for proving that you’re a good fit for the company.

So, let’s get started...

Step #5 - Explain why you’re the perfect person for the job

This is where you show off your professional skills and convince the HR manager that you’re a better fit for the job than all the other applicants.

But first things first - before you even write anything, you need to learn what the most important requirements for the role are. So, open up the job ad and identify which of the responsibilities are the most critical.

For the sake of the example, let’s say you’re applying for the position of a Facebook Advertiser. You scan the job ad and see that the top requirements are:

• Experience managing a Facebook ad budget of $10,000+ / month
• Some skills in advertising on other platforms (Google Search + Twitter)
• Excellent copywriting skills

Now, in this section, you need to discuss how you fulfill these requirements. So, here’s how that would look for our example:

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 & management process end-to-end. Meaning, I created the ad copy , images, 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

Are you a student applying for your first internship? You probably don’t have a lot of work experience to show off in this section. Learn how to write an internship cover letter here.

Step #6 - Explain why you’re a good fit for the company

Once you’ve written the last paragraph, you might be thinking - I’m a shoo-in for the job! What else do I need to write? I’ll just wrap up the cover letter and hit that sweet SEND button.

Well, no. You’re not quite there yet.

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 . 

Meaning, you also need to convince the HR manager that you’re really passionate about working with them.

How do you do this? Well, as a start, you want to do some research about the company. You want to know things like:

• What’s the company’s business model?
• What’s the company 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?

So, get to Googling. Chances are, you’ll find all the information you need either on the company website or somewhere around the web.

Then, you need to figure out what you like about the company and turn that into text.

Let’s say, for example, you’re passionate about their product and you like the culture of innovation / independent work in the organization.

You’d write something like:

I’ve personally used the XYZ Smartphone, and I believe that it’s the most innovative tech I’ve used in years. The features such as Made-Up-Feature #1 and Made-Up-Feature #2 were real game changers for the device. 

I really admire how Company XYZ thrives for excellence for all its product lines, creating market-leading tech. As someone that thrives in a self-driven environment, I truly believe that I and Company XYZ will be a great match.

What you don’t want to do here is be super generic for the sake of having something to write. Most job seekers tend to mess this one up. Let’s take a look at a very common example we tend to see (way too often):

I’d love to work for Company XYZ because of its culture of innovation. I believe that since I’m super creative, I’d be a good fit for the company. The company values of integrity and transparency really vibe with me.

See what’s wrong here? The example doesn’t really say anything about the company. “Culture of Innovation” is something most companies claim to have. 

The same goes for “values of integrity and transparency” - the writer just googled what the values for the organization are, and said that they like them.

Any hiring manager that reads this will see through the fluff.

So, make sure to do a lot of research and come up with good reasons why you're applying.

Step #7 - Wrap up with a call to action

Finally, it’s time to finish up your cover letter and write the conclusion.

In the final paragraph, you want to:

• Wrap up any points you couldn't in the previous paragraphs. Do you have anything left to say? Any other information that could help the hiring manager make their decision? Mention it here.
• Thank the hiring manager for their time. It never hurts to be courteous, as long as you don’t come off as too needy.
• Finish the cover letter with a call to action. The very last sentence in your cover letter should be a call to action. You should ask the hiring manager to take some sort of action.

And now, let’s turn this into a practical example:

So to wrap it all up, thanks for looking into my application. I hope I can help Company X make the most out of their Facebook marketing initiatives. I'd love to further discuss how my previous success at XYZ Inc. can help you achieve your facebook marketing goals.

Step #8 - Use the right 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 to a cover letter:

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

And we’re finally done! Before sending off the cover letter, make sure to proofread it with software like Grammarly, or maybe even get a friend to review it for you.

Does your cover letter heading include all essential information?

• Professional email
• Relevant Social Media Profiles

Do you address the right person? I.e. hiring manager in the company / your future direct supervisor

Does your introductory paragraph grab the reader's attention?

• Did you mention 2-3 of your top achievements?
• Did you use numbers and facts to back up your experience?

Do you successfully convey that you’re the right pro for the job?

• Did you identify the core requirements?
• Did you successfully convey how your experiences help you fit the requirements perfectly?

Do you convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about the company you’re applying to?

• Did you identify the top 3 things that you like about the company?
• Did you avoid generic reasons for explaining your interest in the company?

Did you finalize the conclusion with a call to action?

Did you use the right formal closure for the cover letter?

5+ Cover Letter Examples

Need some inspiration? Read on to learn about some of the best cover letter examples we’ve seen (for different fields).

College Student Cover Letter Example

Middle Management Cover Letter Example

Career Change Cover Letter Example

Management Cover Letter Example

Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

Want to discover more examples AND learn what makes them stand out? Check out our guide to cover letter examples .

Next Steps in Your Job Search - Creating a Killer Resume

Your cover letter is only as good as your resume. If either one is weak, your entire application is for naught. 

After all, a cover letter is just an introduction. Imagine going through all this effort to leave an amazing first impression, but flopping at the end because of a mediocre resume.

...But don’t you worry, we’ve got you covered on that end, too.

If you want to learn more about Resumes & CVs, we have a dedicated FREE guide for that. Check out our complete guide on how to make a resume , as well as how to write a CV - our experts will teach you everything you need to know in order to land your dream job.

Or, if you’re already an expert, just pick one of our resume templates and get started.

Key Takeaways

Now that we’ve walked you through all the steps of writing a cover letter, let’s summarize everything we’ve learned:

• A cover letter is a 250 - 400 word document that convinces the hiring manager of your competence
• A cover letter goes in your job application alongside your resume
• Your introduction to the cover letter should grab the hiring manager’s attention and keep it all the way until the conclusion
• There are 2 main topics you need to include in your cover letter: why you’re the perfect candidate for the job & why you’re passionate about working in the company you’re applying to
• Most of the content of your cover letter should be factual , without any fluff or generalizations

At Novorésumé, we’re committed to helping you get the job you deserve, every step of the way! Follow our blog to stay up to date with the industry-leading advice. Or, check out some of our top guides…

• How to Write a Motivational Letter
• How to Write a Resume with No Work Experience
• Most Common Interview Questions and Answers

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More From Forbes

How to craft a compelling cover letter.

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During the job application process, you should always submit a cover letter alongside your resume. This is particularly important when you’re applying for more competitive, senior positions.

A carefully crafted cover letter allows you to grab the recruiter’s attention and explain to them why you're the best candidate for the job.

But this will only happen if it’s well-written, so your cover letter needs to be persuasive, concise, and engaging. That’s a lot of pressure on just a few sentences, but getting it right will boost your chances of getting a response.

Here is how to craft a compelling cover letter, along with some top tips to increase your chances of securing an interview.

Understand how to set out your cover letter

Your cover letter should appear in the body of an email or as a message if you’re applying through a job site. You should avoid attaching your letter as a separate document, otherwise the recipient is unlikely to read it.

It’s also important that you keep your cover letter short and sweet, remembering that recruiters are busy people and they have to review a lot of applications every day.

With that in mind, it’s best to stick to between 4 and 6 short and snappy sentences.

Make your subject line appealing

The first thing the recruiter will see when they open their inbox is the subject line and a bad subject can instantly ruin your chances of them opening your email at all.

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Instead, you need to stand out and give them a reason to read on.

Don’t simply label the email with the job title or the phrase ‘job application’. Go one step further to prove you are the perfect candidate in just a few words.

What this means is providing a subject line that is a short summary of your experience. For example, ‘project manager with 15 years experience’ or ‘web developer with JavaScript experience’.

Kick-off with a strong introduction

The purpose of your cover letter is to engage the reader instantly and make them want to review your resume and get to know more about you.

So you need to kick off with a strong introduction.

This means addressing the recipient by their name, whether that’s the hiring manager or the employer. You might need to do a little research to find this information, either using the job description, LinkedIn, or the company website.

You should also try to steer clear of overly formal greetings like “Dear sir/madam” and instead, take a professional but friendly tone starting with ‘hello’ or ‘hi’.

Next, your introductory sentence should outline which role you're applying for and demonstrate what makes you the most suitable candidate for the role.

Crafting a compelling cover letter can be the key to securing your next role.

Showcase your most relevant skills and experience

It can be tricky to know what to include in your cover letter , but the body of your email (or message) should be made up of three or four sentences that highlight your key skills and experience.

You can use the job description to determine which skills and abilities are most important to the employer. That way, you can highlight these and show them what you have to offer.

You should also provide examples from past roles that prove how your previous experience has shaped you and made you the ideal candidate.

Just remember that you only have a few sentences in which to impress them, so first focus on any requirements that are essential to the job. That way, the reader can instantly see that you’re a good fit.

This will encourage them to open your resume.

End with a strong call to action

You should conclude your letter by once again expressing your enthusiasm for the role and stating your desire to secure a personal interview.

Remember, recruiters are busy people, so it’s also important to thank them for taking the time to read and consider your application.

Proofread your letter very carefully

Once you've finished writing your cover letter, you need to proofread it thoroughly to make sure there are no errors. In fact, it’s best to do this several times.

A polished and compelling cover letter should not have any spelling or grammatical mistakes.

This looks unprofessional and sloppy, so take the time to re-read your application. You might even consider using an online spell checker or have a friend or family member review your letter before you send it off, just to be sure.

A well-structured cover letter, complete with tailored, impactful writing is the key to standing out in a crowded job market, and help you to land a job quicker than the average time of 3.8 months.

So, if you hope to secure an interview, be sure to use these tips and insights to craft an engaging and compelling cover letter. It may only be a few sentences long, but it really can give you a competitive edge.

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Sample Cover Letter for a Job Application

What is an Application Letter?

What to include in your application letter, tips for writing a cover letter, cover letter sample and template, email cover letter sample.

• How to Send an Email Application

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Alex Dos Diaz / The Balance

What's the best way to write a letter to apply for a job? Your letter should detail your specific qualifications for the position and the skills you would bring to the employer. What’s most important is to show the employer that you’re a perfect match for the job.

Your job application letter is an opportunity to highlight your most relevant qualifications and experience. An effective cover letter will enhance your application, showcase your achievements, and increase your chances of landing an interview.

Review what to include in a job application letter, tips for writing a letter that will get your application notice, and examples of letters and email messages sent to apply for a job.

Key Takeaways

• An application letter accompanies a resume and may be uploaded to a job portal, sent via email, or even sent by postal mail, depending on the employer’s requirements.
• Application letters are an ideal way to show your interest in a job and highlight your most relevant skills.
• It’s important to match your letter to the job description and show the employer that you have the qualifications they are seeking.

A   letter of application, also known as a  cover letter , is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information about your skills and experience to an employer. Your letter of application is intended to provide detailed information on why you are an ideal candidate for the job.

Your application letter should let the employer know what position you are applying for, what makes you a strong candidate, why they should select you for an interview, and how you will follow up.

Effective application letters explain the reasons for your interest in the specific organization and identify the most relevant skills that qualify you for the job.

Your application letter should let the employer know what position you are applying for, explain your qualifications for the job, why you should be selected for an interview, and how you will follow up.

Unless an employer specifically requests a job application letter sent by postal mail, today most cover letters are sent by email or attached as a file in an online application tracking system.

As with all cover letters, a job application letter is divided into sections:

• The heading includes your name and contact information.
• A  greeting  addressed to a specific person, if possible.
• The introduction includes why the applicant is writing.
• The body discusses your relevant qualifications and what you have to offer the employer.
• The close thanks the reader and provides contact information and follow-up details.
• Your  signature to end the letter .

Here’s how to ensure that your application supports your resume, highlights your most relevant qualifications, and impresses the hiring manager.

Get off to a direct start.  In your first paragraph, explain why you are writing. Mention the job title and company name, and where you found the job listing. While you can also briefly mention why you are a strong candidate, this section should be short and to the point.

Offer something different than what's in your resume. You can make your language a bit more personal than in your resume bullet points, and you can tell a narrative about your work experience and career.

Application letters typically accompany resumes, so your letter should showcase information that your resume doesn't.

Make a good case.  Your first goal with this letter is to progress to the next step: an interview. Your overarching goal, of course, is to get a job offer. Use your application letter to further both causes. Offer details about your experience and background that show why you are a good candidate. How have other jobs prepared you for the position? What would you bring to the position, and to the company? Use this space to  emphasize your strengths .

Close with all the important details.  Include a thank you at the end of your letter. You can also share your contact information and mention how you will follow up.

This is a sample cover letter.  Download the cover letter template  (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for an email sample.

The Balance

John Donaldson 8 Sue Circle Smithtown, CA 08067 909-555-5555 john.donaldson@email.com

September 6, 2022

George Gilhooley LTC Company 87 Delaware Road Hatfield, CA 08065

Dear Mr. Gilhooley,

I am writing to apply for the programmer position advertised in the Times Union. As requested, I enclose my certification, resume, and references.

The role is very appealing to me, and I believe that my strong technical experience and education make me a highly competitive candidate for this position. My key strengths that would support my success in this position include:

• I have successfully designed, developed, and supported live-use applications.
• I strive continually for excellence.
• I provide exceptional contributions to customer service for all customers.

With a BS degree in computer programming, I have a comprehensive understanding of the full lifecycle of software development projects. I also have experience in learning and applying new technologies as appropriate. Please see my resume for additional information on my experience.

I can be reached anytime via email at john.donaldson@email.com or by phone at 909-555-5555.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this employment opportunity.

Signature  (hard copy letter)

John Donaldson

The following is a sample email cover letter to send as part of a job application.

Email Application Letter Example

Subject: Colleen Warren - Web Content Manager Position

Dear Hiring Manager,

I'm writing to express my interest in the Web Content Manager position listed on Monster.com. I have experience building large, consumer-focused, health-based content sites. While much of my experience has been in the business world, I understand the social value of this sector, and I am confident that my business experience will be an asset to your organization.

My responsibilities have included the development and management of website editorial voice and style, editorial calendars, and the daily content programming and production for various websites.

I have worked closely with health care professionals and medical editors to provide the best possible information to a consumer audience of patients. I have also helped physicians to use their medical content to write user-friendly and easily comprehensible text.

Experience has taught me how to build strong relationships with all departments in an organization. I have the ability to work within a team, as well as cross-team. I can work with web engineers to resolve technical issues and implement technical enhancements. 

I am confident working with development departments to implement design and functional enhancements, monitor site statistics, and conduct search engine optimization.

Thank you for your consideration.

Colleen Warren colleen.warren@email.com 555-123-1234 www.linked.com/colleenwarren

How to Send an Email Application Letter

If sending your cover letter via email, list your name and the job title you are applying for in the  subject line  of the email:

Colleen Warren - Web Content Manager Position

Include your contact information in your email signature but don't list the employer's contact information.

Do you have to write a cover letter when you apply for a job?

Some employers require cover letters. If they do, it will be mentioned in the job posting. Otherwise, it’s optional but it can help your chances of securing an interview. A cover letter gives you a chance to sell yourself to the employer, showcase your qualifications, and explain why you are a perfect candidate for the job.

How can you use a cover letter to show you’re a qualified candidate?

One of the easiest ways to show an employer how you’re qualified for a job is to make a list of the requirements listed in the job posting and match them to your resume. Mention your most relevant qualifications in your cover letter, so the hiring manager can see, at a glance, that you have the credentials they are looking for.

CareerOneStop. " How Do I Write a Cover Letter ?"

CareerOneStop. “ Effective Cover Letters .”

How To Write a Cover Letter With Examples

Cover letters can help differentiate you from other job applicants and be the determining factor of landing your dream job. By taking the time to craft a custom cover letter, a single sheet of paper can help communicate all the human elements that a resume may fall short of capturing about yourself. 

But what do employers and recruiters have to say about how to write a cover letter? What are the best tips they have to offer for graduate students who are writing a cover letter?

We asked 11 employers for their best cover letter tips. Here is what they had to share.

Let it Set the Stage

In many ways, cover letters should provide background information and context to your resume, while simultaneously addressing how that resume addresses the specific requirements of the job opportunity. The cover letter is your opportunity to "set the stage" and to convince the hiring manager why your specific set of skills, experiences and interests will provide value to their team and its objectives.

Andrew Horrigan '11 BSBA (Management Information Systems), Product Manager at Cisco

Research the Hiring Manager

If possible, find out who the hiring manager is and look them up on LinkedIn. Do your research on the company you're applying for. What's their mission statement and how do they portray their company culture? Hopefully what you're looking for in a job is reflected by those things. Make sure the hiring manager knows that and understands who you are and what drives you. A resume is often about as robotic as things can be. Make sure your cover letter is the opposite—personalize it and let yourself shine through.

Joshua Schlag ’05 BS (Computer Science) ’11 MBA, Digital Marketing Manager at Pyramid Analytics

Utilize Career Development Resources

The University of Arizona and Eller College of Management go to great lengths to make sure students are prepared for their impending career journey. Because cover letters are so important to getting your foot in the door, there are several career development resources online and on campus to take advantage of. The university’s cover letter builder serves as a nice template to get started. And of course, it never hurts to make an appointment with an Eller Career Coach through eSMS to have a professional review your letter before submission. 

Brett Farmiloe, ’06 BSBA (Accounting), Founder, Featured

Discover Past Samples of the Position

Do your research on the company and personalize your cover letter to the role for which you are applying. Don't be afraid to Google, "How to write a good cover letter for X position." Seriously, it helps! There is so much information out there from various perspectives—applicants, hiring managers, etc. Most importantly be yourself and let your personality come through. And don't forget to spell check!

Mariam Nikola '17 MS MIS, Consultant at Point B

Highlight Your Soft Skills

When writing a professional cover letter, there are a couple things you can do to set yourself apart from the pack. First, make sure you tailor your letter to the specific position you are applying for. This should not be a general, "one size fits all" letter—be sure to discuss specific details surrounding the role or the company itself. Secondly, this is an opportunity for you to show a little bit of your personality. Obviously, you want to remain professional, but this is a great time to highlight some of your soft skills that might not be fully conveyed through your resume.  

Brian Ellis ’17 BSBA (Management), Staffing Manager at Randstad Office and Administrative Professionals

Fill in the “Why” Gaps

As a talent advisor, I review a lot of applicants and agree that a cover letter can be a great way to stand apart, if it is done correctly. A great cover letter for me covers the ‘why’ that I cannot understand from just a resume alone. It should clearly state why you are interested in the role, what your goals are for utilizing your graduate degree (if recently graduated) and explain any career pivots reflected on your resume. If you answer those questions in a direct, concise manner it will add value to your application.

Monica Larson , ’11 BSBA (Marketing) ‘20 MBA, Talent Advisor

Tell Your Story

A cover letter is your opportunity to tell your story—tying your experience and personal interests into why you want a position and why you are the best candidate for it. Paint the picture of your journey and what about the position excites you personally and professionally. Similar to your resume, keep it short and sweet. No need to repeat what’s already on your resume. Recruiters and hiring managers don’t have time to comb through a novel, so you need to engage them with as few words as possible while also grabbing their attention.

Kelly Castoro, ’06 BA (Spanish, Portuguese), Project Manager at Squarespace

Tailor Each Cover Letter to the Position You Are Applying

Be sure to research the role and customize your cover letter for each position, relating your experience to the particular role you are applying for. Personalization is key—research who you are sending the cover letter to and address the letter to them directly. End your letter with a call to action, stating you will follow up by phone or email if you haven’t heard from anyone. Follow ups are very important! 

Jessica Rosenzweig, ’15 BSBA (Business Management), Account Manager at PeopleWare Staffing

Communicate Bankability and Personality 

Your cover letter answers two crucial questions; are you bankable and are you someone the company will enjoy working with? Communicate bankability with your knowledge of the company, industry and why your skills, capabilities and interests are a great fit. Share your passion for their mission, culture, brand—whatever excites you about becoming a member of their team.  

When conveyed through a concise, well-formulated, well-worded cover letter, you demonstrate the ability to write an effective business case—communicating that you are a ready professional and worthy teammate who will hit the ground running.

Theresa L Garcia, ’83 BSBA (Human Resources), Senior Change Management and Organization Capability Consultant at Boeing

Keep it Concise but Compelling

A cover letter is your chance to speak directly to the hiring team and tell them why you are not only the best match for the position for which you are applying but also give them additional insight into yourself as an individual that is less visible from your experience.

A great cover letter should be attention grabbing and touch upon the qualities that make you stand out from others in the applicant pool, highlight both your recent and most distinguished accomplishments and drive home why you are the right person for the job. Professionalism is always important, but don’t be hesitant to put your voice into the letter to let your personality shine through. Research the company, understand where they currently are, where they are going and show why you are the right person to get them from point A to point B. Recruiters spend a lot of time reviewing applicants and making yourself stand apart from the crowd is key. Keep it concise but compelling!

Matt Reineberg, ’14 BSBA (Marketing), Senior Talent Acquisition Sourcer at Cox Enterprises

Highlight the “Why”

Why are you applying to this company? Why do you want this position? Your cover letter should aim to answer the why behind applying for the job. Conveying an interest and excitement for working specifically for this job at this company, rather than a desire to get any job anywhere that will give you money, can go a long way. Show the company that they should hire you and your passion over someone that might have the skills needed for the job, but doesn’t care about the work as much as you do. 

Ryan Nouis, Trupath 

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30+ Best Cover Letter Examples in 2024 [For All Professions]

Home Blog others 30+ Best Cover Letter Examples in 2024 [For All Professions]

Cover letter examples have been crucial to my job search. A good cover letter may make or ruin an interview. In a competitive job market, cover letter samples are vital for fresh graduates and experienced professionals.

Someone with several job applications needs good cover letter examples. The initial impression I make on a prospective employer may set me apart from other prospects. Early in my career, I learned the importance of personalizing my cover letter for each job. Generic cover letters are almost certain rejections. I focused on studying the company, understanding the job requirements, and demonstrating how my talents and experiences aligned with their needs.

A KnowledgeHut online course provides detailed information and practical strategies for writing a great cover letter. Industry professionals share their knowledge and real-world examples in these courses, equipping you with the skills to craft a standout cover letter. Therefore, continue reading as I share my actual experiences, case studies, and ideas to help you create captivating cover letter examples for 2024 that will impress hiring managers.

Cover Letter: Overview & Its Importance

Cover letter examples for job applications serve as a critical component, enabling candidates to effectively showcase their qualifications, communication skills, and personal brand. Here’s why they matter:

1. Personal Introduction

In the cover letter, you have the opportunity to convey your narrative before the initial interview. This allows you to emphasize your professional aspirations, justify transitions (such as a change in occupation), and provide context for your application. This element of individuality facilitates the formation of an initial rapport with the employer.

2. Showcasing Qualifications

The cover letter lets you highlight your skills and achievements in addition to your CV. It’s an opportunity to highlight how your professional expertise matches the job requirements and make a strong case for yourself. Resume cover letter examples should show how your skills and expertise fit job requirements, making you the ideal applicant.

3. Communication Skills

A proficiently composed cover letter showcases a high level of written communication acumen. Employers highly value your capacity for effective communication , considering it a valuable asset in any professional environment. They appreciate language that is plain, concise, and persuasive.

4. Personal Branding

Personalize your brand by utilizing the cover letter. Exhibit your core values and the contributions you can make to the company. You stand out and leave a lasting impression. Cover letter examples for freshers allow young graduates or those with little professional experience to highlight transferable abilities, passion, and development potential.

Cover Letter Format/Structure

A decent cover letter is essential in today’s competitive job market. Following a professional cover letter example format might improve your application. Let’s examine the perfect format to ensure your cover letter examples are well-organized, attractive, and powerful.

• Header:  After your name, address, phone number, email, and date, the recipient’s name, job title, company name, and address are included.
• Opening Paragraph:  The first paragraph should capture attention. Apply for the position and explain how you learned it.
• Body Paragraph 2:  Briefly outline your qualifications, skills, and experiences.
• Body Paragraph 3:  Demonstrate your business knowledge and how your skills meet their demands. Mention any relevant accomplishments or achievements.
• Closing Paragraph:  Thank the reader for their time, and reaffirm your job interest in the last paragraph.
• Closing and Signature: End the cover letter with a polite ending and your signature.

Cover Letter Examples by Types

Cover letters must be tailored to the purpose and circumstances. Here are some cover letter examples by type:

1. Application

Most cover letters are connected to job applications for specific positions. Customize the letter below to reflect the position requirements. Using the best cover letter examples as a reference; I will be able to demonstrate how my competence fits the job requirements by highlighting my relevant work experience and skills.

2. Career Change

Switching to a new career can be tricky, but a properly composed career change cover letter can help facilitate this change. Thus, this letter allows you to expatiate your point of consideration for the career transition while highlighting your transferable skills. To clearly demonstrate how I transitioned to a new field and transferred my special skills, narratives, and case studies will be used.

3. Networking

Establishing professional relationships is of the utmost importance in the current labor market; for this purpose, a networking cover letter can serve as an effective instrument. Write to express your interest in an industry or company to get informative interviews or career leads. Networking cover letters must demonstrate your value to potential prospects.

4. Prospecting

Sometimes, the ideal job isn’t listed, so a prospecting cover letter (or letter of inquiry) is needed. Even without a job opportunity, this letter tries to impress an employer with your talents and expertise. Many job prospecting cover letter examples have helped me get interviews and emphasize the necessity of sticking out in a competitive employment market.

Cover Letter Examples by Jobs

1. agile management.

Template Link: Agile Management (Download here)

Why This Cover Letter Works:

• Highlights specific years of experience in implementing agile methodologies.
• Provides quantifiable achievements, such as increasing team velocity and reducing defect rates.
• Emphasizes skills in team leadership, collaboration, and stakeholder management.
• Showcases a data-driven approach to continuous improvement and process optimization.

2. Project Manager

Template Link: Project Manager (Download here)

• Extensively demonstrates expertise in overseeing intricate projects from inception to completion.
• Exhibits concrete instances of effectively overseeing projects while operating under limitations.
• Prominent abilities in communicating with stakeholders, risk management, and team coordination.
• Illustrates a history of accomplishing project goals and providing concrete results.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills are emphasized.

3. Data Scientist

Template Link:  Data Scientist (Download here)

• Highlights technical proficiency in relevant data analysis tools and programming languages.
• Provides examples of utilizing data to solve complex business problems.
• Proven ability to convey findings and suggestions to non-technical stakeholders.
• Combines analytical, problem-solving, and narrative talents.
• Encourages curiosity in hidden patterns and data discoveries.

4. Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Template Link: MBA (Download here)

• Highlights recent completion of an MBA program and relevant coursework.
• Provides a specific example of a notable achievement or project during the MBA.
• Applying theoretical notions to real-world problems.
• Showcases relevant internship/work experience and acquired skills.
• Expresses genuine interest and passion for the industry/company’s mission.

5. DevOps Engineer

Template Link: DevOps Engineer Cover Letter (Download here)

• Clearly articulates experience with DevOps methodologies and tools
• Demonstrates skills in automating processes, monitoring, and infrastructure management
• Provides examples of successful DevOps implementations and measurable improvements
• Showcases proficiency in relevant programming languages, scripting, and cloud platforms
• Emphasizes a collaborative approach and ability to work cross-functionally

6. Cloud Engineer

Template Link: Cloud Engineer Cloud Letter (Download here)

• Highlights technical competence on key cloud platforms.
• Expert in cloud infrastructure design, implementation, and maintenance.
• Provides examples of successful cloud migrations and implementations.
• Emphasizes skills in cloud security, cost optimization, and scalability.
• Showcases a customer-centric approach and strong problem-solving abilities.

7. IT Service Manager

Template Link: IT Service Manager (Download here)

• Clearly states experience in IT service management frameworks (ITIL, etc.).
• Responds to incidents, solve problems, and manage service levels.
• Celebrates IT service delivery and customer satisfaction improvements.
• Emphasizes strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Showcases a process-oriented mindset and commitment to continuous service improvement.

8. BI and Visualization

Template Link:  BI Cover Letter (Download here)

• Technically proficient in BI systems and data visualization tools
• Provides examples of developing interactive dashboards and insightful reports.
• Highlights the ability to analyze large datasets and uncover meaningful insights.
• Emphasizes skills in data storytelling and presenting complex data effectively.
• Showcases a business-oriented mindset and an understanding of organizational goals.

9. Big Data

Template Link:  Data Scientist Cover Letter (Download here)

• Performs scaled data intake, processing, and storage.
• Provides examples of implementing big data solutions and optimizing performance.
• Showcases Python, Scala, and data modeling skills.
• Encourages curiosity for insights and data-driven innovation.

10. Programming

Template Link: Software Developer Cover Letter (Download here)

• Displays programming language and technical competence.
• Software developer with robust, scalable, and maintainable skills.
• Provides examples of successfully delivering complex projects or applications.
• Concentrates on problem-solving, detail, and cooperation.
• Displays commitment to industry trends and new technology.

11. Web Development

Template Link:  Web Development Cover Letter (Download here)

• Shows proficiency in web development skills and frameworks.
• Expert in responsive, user-friendly, and accessible website development.
• Examples of website speed optimization and cross-browser compatibility.
• Highlights skills in integrating with databases, APIs, and third-party services.
• Emphasizes a strong understanding of web standards, best practices, and security principles.

12. Mobile App Development

Template Link:  Mobile App Developer Cover Letter (Download here)

• Clearly demonstrates technical proficiency in mobile app development languages and frameworks.
• Provides examples of successfully developing and launching mobile apps.
• Highlights experience in designing intuitive and user-friendly mobile interfaces.
• Emphasizes skills in integrating with APIs, push notifications, and mobile services.
• Showcases an understanding of app store guidelines, deployment processes, and app optimization.

13. Software Testing

Template Link:  Analyst Tester Cover Letter (Download here)

• Articulates experience in various testing techniques (functional, integration, performance, etc.).
• Promotes software quality and defect reduction.
• Displays Selenium, Appium, JMeter, and other testing skills.
• Focuses on detail, analysis, and development team cooperation.

14. Business Management

Template Link:  Business Management Cover Letter  (Download here)

• Shows corporate leadership and decision-making skills.
• Experienced in strategic business planning and execution.
• Demonstrates team, resource, and budget management.
• Develops data-driven analysis, risk assessment, and process optimization abilities.
• Shows customer-centricity and market awareness.

15. Quality Management

Template Link:  Auditor Quality Cover Letter (Download here)

• Clearly describes ISO, Six Sigma, and other quality management system implementation experience.
• Ability to audit quality, find non-conformances, and fix them.
• Shows how to optimize processes, eliminate errors, and please consumers.
• Displays quality tools, data analysis, and root cause analysis expertise.
• Continuous improvement, regulatory compliance, and quality culture are emphasized.

16. IT Security

Template Link:  Group Security Cover Letter (Download here)

• Clearly demonstrates knowledge of security principles, threats, and best practices.
• Shows how to secure and reduce hazards.
• Shows security monitoring, incident response, and forensic analysis expertise.
• Increases security audits, policy building, and compliance abilities.
• Showcases an understanding of emerging security trends and evolving threats.

17. Digital Marketing

Template Link:  Digital Accounting Manager Cover Letter (Download here)

• Articulates experience in developing and executing digital marketing campaigns.
• Optimizes content and websites for search engines.
• Shows effective social media and content marketing campaigns.
• Showcases marketing analytics and data-driven decision-making skills.
• Focuses on inventiveness, flexibility, and consumer behavior.

18. Risk Management

Template Link:  Risk Management Cover Letter (Download here)

• Highlights strong analytical and critical thinking abilities in risk contexts.
• Experienced risk management strategy creation and execution.
• Shows risk identification, assessment, and management.
• Develops risk reporting, compliance, and stakeholder communication abilities.
• Showcases an understanding of regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

19. Finance

Template Link:  Finance Cover Letter (Download here)

• Shows financial modeling, data analysis, and reporting expertise.
• Has financial statement and audit expertise.
• Shows good financial planning, budgeting, and cost efficiency.

20. Database

Template Link:  Database Cover Letter (Download here)

• Demonstrates technical proficiency in database technologies and programming languages.
• Provides examples of successful database implementations, migrations, and performance tuning.
• Highlights experience in data modeling, query optimization, and ensuring data integrity.
• Emphasizes skills in backup and recovery, security, and database monitoring.
• Showcases an understanding of database architecture, scalability, and emerging trends.

21. Soft Skills Training

Template Link:  Soft Skills Training (Download here)

• Articulates experience in designing and delivering effective soft skills training programs.
• Demonstrates skills in creating interactive and learner-centric training materials.
• Provides examples of successfully improving communication, teamwork, or leadership skills.
• Highlights the ability to adapt training approaches to diverse audiences and learning styles.
• Emphasizes strong facilitation, public speaking, and active listening abilities.

22. CompTIA

Template Link:  Computer Technician Cover Letter (Download here)

• Highlights the attainment of relevant CompTIA certifications and technical knowledge.
• Demonstrates practical experience in troubleshooting, configuring systems, and network administration.
• Provides examples of applying cybersecurity best practices and incident response.
• Emphasizes a commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends.
• Showcases strong problem-solving abilities and a customer-service mindset.

23. Blockchain

Template Link:  Blockchain Developer (Download here)

• Clearly articulates knowledge of blockchain principles, architectures, and consensus mechanisms.
• Demonstrates experience in developing and deploying blockchain-based applications.
• Provides examples of successful blockchain implementations or projects.
• Highlights skills in blockchain security , privacy, and regulatory compliance.
• Showcases an understanding of blockchain’s potential impact across various industries.
• Highlights skills in blockchain security, privacy, and regulatory compliance.

As we have seen throughout, producing compelling cover letter examples is a critical competency for any individual seeking employment. Often serving as the initial point of contact between you and a potential employer, your cover letter can differentiate you from other applicants. Whether you are a recent graduate, a career convert, or an established professional, you must customize your approach for each opportunity.

Remember that an effective cover letter should demonstrate your communication skills, personal brand, genuine interest in the position and company, and qualifications. Incorporating personal anecdotes, case studies, or examples that highlight one’s distinctive experiences and accomplishments is not inappropriate.

If you’re still unclear about how to write excellent cover letter examples, look into the best free courses that provide complete instruction and practical recommendations from industry professionals. You can use the information in these resources to create a short cover letter sample that effectively conveys your value proposition.

In addition, many online resources provide free cover letter examples and templates that can be used as a guide to create a unique letter. Customizing these templates to suit your particular circumstances and refraining from using generic or redundant language is essential.

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Everything about a cover letter

What is a cover letter for a job.

A cover letter is part of a resume that concisely presents more information about you as an applicant. A good cover letter has several short paragraphs, shows your interest in the job and any relevant experience you have. As you discover how to write a cover letter, we have some answers to commonly asked questions.

The type of cover letter you use depends on the job description, the company at which you are applying and your personal goals. As you revise your cover letter, highlight your knowledge about the company’s mission, values and culture, and show how you fit into their long-term vision.

An application letter is not always required for job applications. However, looks more professional and shows effort on the applicant’s part. There are four types of cover letters:

• Value proposition letter: this gives a summary of why you are unique and is similar to the “tell me about yourself” interview question.
• Letter of interest: this type of letter shows that you are interested in working for a company even if they don’t have current open positions, and shows why you are qualified and an asset.
• Referral: this format is ideal when you know someone at the company who referred you to the position.
• Application: the most common cover letter, this provides details about relevant experience and education, and allows you to delve into things that aren’t appropriate in a resume .

Why is a cover letter important for a job application?

A cover letter is important for a job application because it gives more insight into your personality and qualifications than are listed on your resume. It’s an important tool to present yourself as an asset to the company. A great cover letter helps you stand out from the competition when a hiring manager may go through hundreds of applications for each job.

Your cover letter is the initial introduction a company has of you. If it’s well-written and covers your most important strengths, it may propel you to the top of the applicant pool. It emphasizes your core competencies to catch the hiring manager’s attention.

A good job letter also shows personality. Because of space constraints, resumes can often be blunt and to the point with no room for the reader to get a sense of your personality. Therefore, your cover letter highlights the personality traits that make you a good candidate. These traits include things like being self-motivated, a good leader or organized. In your cover letter, elaborate on why you want to make an employment change and why this opportunity is for you.

You can also show your passion for the industry or job. A well-written cover letter emphasizes your understanding of the company’s vision and how you fit into it. A powerful letter shows how the company benefits from your impact.

Finally, a cover letter highlights your writing ability. Employers value those who can articulate their thoughts in writing, and this shows excellent communication skills.

How should a cover letter look in 2024?

A good cover letter is both formatted and flexible. Using cover letter templates can help ensure that you get the right information across to the hiring manager, but it’s still important to adjust and tailor each letter to the specific job application.

Heading: This section should include your name, physical address, phone number and email address. Furthermore, you can use a professional email and include links to an online portfolio, your professional website or relevant social media sites.

Salutation: If you know the name of the hiring manager, use it for a personalized touch. If not, a generic "Dear Hiring Manager" can suffice.

Opening Statement: The first paragraph is an strong opening statement about who you are, what job you want and when you are available. You can skip specific details like the company name in this section.

Company Alignment: Here, dive into why you're drawn to the particular company and the role. Emphasize your passion for the industry and how you see yourself contributing to the organization's goals.

Motivation: The third paragraph is for motivating why you believe you are the best candidate for the job. Here, mention any relevant experience you’ve had, and why you will excel in this job. While your past employment and education are included in your resume or CV , this is the place to add one or two experiences that stand out and make you a good candidate. 

Conclusion: The final paragraph is an outro, and should stay simple and concise. Mention your attached resume, specify where and when you can be reached, and mention that you’d love the chance to discuss the opportunity more.

Should I customize my cover letter for every job application?

Using cover letter and resume templates is a great way to get a basic outline to start and takes save a lot of time as all the formatting is taken care for you. However, it is highly recommended that your cover letter should be customized and tailored for each specific job and role that you're applying for.

A personal cover letter shows you’ve done your research on the company and the position and it provides you with a great opportunity to stand-out from the rest of the competition.

There are several ways to make a cover letter more personal. One way is to connect your personal value to the company’s values. This requires time and research on your part. Read the website and browse their social media profiles to get an idea of what is important to them. Some companies value the bottom line while others focus on their long-term effects on the world, and if you understand that, you can tie your personal values and work ethic into their goals. 

When possible, use the hiring manager or recruiter’s name. Not only does this personalize your letter, it also ensures that your application goes to the right person. 

Share your professional goals. Discuss how the job directly impacts your career path and what you’ve done to create a solid foundation. Pinpoint how the job you’re applying for matches your long-term goals and how you will be an asset to the company.

As you do research to personalize your cover letter, you learn more about every company. This can also give you insight into companies that you don’t want to work for, whose values don’t align with yours.

How do I use Jobseeker’s cover letter generator?

Jobseeker offers CV and resume examples , as well as templates for resumes, CVs and cover letters. Our tool is easy to use and has several free options. Simply click Get Started on our website and click on create a new cover letter to begin.

You can choose from a formal letter, or email and digital text. Input a photo if you choose, your personal information, email address and phone number. There is a spot to fill in the recipient, the date and subject, the introduction, your current job situation, what your motivation is for the job and a closing paragraph. These spots include drop downs that help guide you through the creating process.

Simply fill in these spots and our tool will populate the cover letter. Choose from 12 different styles including Elegant, Professional, Modern and Simple. Adjust the font, size and color to create a cover letter that reflects your goals and personality. 

Jobseeker also allows you to digitally attach a signature, upload your resume and create a custom paragraph for any other information you want to add. This tool is available in a variety of languages and can be downloaded (in PDF format) or printed. You can use the same template to personalize a cover letter each time you apply for a new job.

Can I format my cover letter with Jobseeker’s cover letter generator?

Our convenient tool allows you to not only choose your format, spacing and font, but you can also move each section to where you feel is appropriate. To change the order, simply hover over the section and click the six dots to the left of the text. Use the mouse to move the section where you want it. 

While our examples and templates are a good guideline, we recognize that ultimately it’s your opinion that matters most. We recommend that your personal details, date and subject, recipient and introduction remain in the order we’ve provided, but ultimately you can change the order to fit the job.

Our system mimics that of other word processing programs (such as Google Docs and Microsoft Word) to make it easy to use. Within the Introduction section, our system guides you to choose between four types of applications: open application, response to ad in newspaper or magazine, response to online ad, and other. 

Once you’ve chosen from the dropdowns in each section, the text automatically populates on the cover letter. Our text gives you a starting point, but you can edit any information to match your purposes. As each paragraph is added and you make edits, read through the information and check that your tone and writing style match.

How can I send the cover letter after it is created?

Once your cover letter is done and all applicable fields are filled in, you can download the document as a PDF and send it along with your resume or CV to the recruiter or hiring manager. We also offer an option to receive the cover letter as a plain email if that option works for you.

When writing your cover letter, don’t forget to attach your resume before you send it to the hiring manager or recruiter. Proofread your cover letter every time you change it, and browse our samples to find a professional tone with appropriate language.

What makes Jobseeker’s cover letter builder the best?

When it comes to cover letter, resume and CV templates and resume templates , we have many great options to choose from. However, ease-of-use is where our builder shines above the rest. We strive to keep Jobseeker’s tools updated and customized to match your needs. The benefits of using Jobseeker include the following:

• Our user-friendly interface makes the creation process simple for those with basic technology experience.
• Our tool allows you to build a cover letter, CV or resume in more than 20 languages.
• We provide diverse options when it comes to templates, with more than ten styles to choose from.
• We allow you to adjust your text, font and spacing to be more exciting, which helps you create an eye-catching cover letter.
• With our easy formatting tool it is simple to add, remove or move various sections.
• When you use Jobseeker, you can match your cover letter template to your CV or resume template.

As you browse resume, cover letter and CV examples on our website, you can run through our cover letter maker to see for yourself how easy it is to use, and how quickly we can help you create an eye-catching, attention-grabbing cover letter. Present your best professional image with a well-written, personalized cover letter created with the the Jobseeker tool.

How many words should a cover letter be?

The appropriate length of a cover letter can vary depending on the position and industry, but as a general guideline, it is recommended to keep it concise and focused. A well-crafted cover letter typically ranges from 250 to 400 words. It is important to remember that hiring managers often have limited time to review applications, so it is best to convey your qualifications and enthusiasm in a clear and succinct manner. Instead of writing lengthy paragraphs, aim to highlight your most relevant strengths and accomplishments, using bullet points or short sentences. By keeping your cover letter within this word count range, you can ensure that it remains engaging and impactful without overwhelming the reader with excessive information.

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50 Sample Phrases and 3 Examples of Office Administrator Cover Letters

By Status.net Editorial Team on March 12, 2024 — 14 minutes to read

Crafting a strong cover letter is a critical step in the job application process. As an office administrator, your cover letter showcases your organizational skills, attention to detail, and your ability to communicate effectively. Whether you’re applying to a small business or a large corporation, your cover letter should be personalized to reflect the unique requirements of the role and to highlight your relevant experience.

Understanding the Role of an Office Administrator

• When you step into the role of an office administrator, you’re taking on a pivotal position in the business environment. Your duties include managing office procedures, ensuring a smooth operational flow, and providing support to other team members. Efficiency and organization are your key tools, allowing every department to focus on their tasks with fewer disruptions.
• Your daily tasks could range from scheduling meetings, handling correspondence, to managing databases and filing systems. It’s important for you to have a keen eye for detail when updating records or creating reports, because accuracy supports informed decision-making within the company.
• Imagine you’re the point of contact for both internal and external stakeholders. Your communication skills must be top-notch, allowing you to convey information clearly and professionally. Whether you’re answering the phone, replying to emails, or welcoming visitors, your approach should be friendly and helpful, setting the tone for positive interactions.
• In smaller companies, you might wear many hats, handling basic accounting tasks like invoicing, as well as overseeing inventory and ordering office supplies. You’ll find that your adaptability is tested often, requiring you to switch gears seamlessly between varied tasks.
• Staying up-to-date with office technology and software is not just useful, it’s important. You’ll likely be using a variety of tools for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations. Your ability to quickly learn and efficiently use these tools is what makes you an asset to the team.

Crafting a Personalized Greeting

When you’re writing a cover letter for an office administrator position, starting with a personalized greeting sets a friendly and professional tone right from the start. Rather than going with the generic “To Whom It May Concern,” taking the extra step to find out the name of the hiring manager or the person in charge can make a significant impact. If the job posting doesn’t include this information, a quick phone call to the company or a scan of their official website might yield the results you need.

Personalizing your greeting helps you to connect with the person who will be reading your letter. It shows you’ve put in the effort to address them directly, which can help your cover letter stand out. Make sure your cover letter reflects the culture of the company you’re applying to; a more creative industry might appreciate a less formal greeting, while traditional corporate environments often expect a formal approach.

Highlighting Relevant Experience and Skills

When applying for an office administrator position, your cover letter should clearly demonstrate your relevant experience and skills. This section gives you a rundown on how to showcase your administrative expertise and how to highlight your communication abilities effectively.

Demonstrating Communication Abilities

Your ability to communicate effectively is key to managing an office environment. You should emphasize your interpersonal and written communication skills by using phrases such as:

• Drafted and edited company newsletters that reached 200+ employees.
• Liaised between departments to facilitate project deadlines.
• Delivered presentations to staff and stakeholders that clarified complex processes.
• Negotiated with vendors to procure cost-effective office solutions.
• Responded to a high volume of daily emails with professional and timely correspondences.
• Authored comprehensive training manuals for new office software.
• Mediated staff disputes, ensuring a harmonious workplace environment.
• Conducted weekly team meetings to disseminate information and gather feedback.
• Composed detailed reports for executive review.
• Cultivated positive relationships with clients, enhancing company reputation.

Showcasing Administrative Expertise

Your administrative expertise is the bedrock of your value as an office administrator. You’ll want to detail your experience with specific examples that signal your competency.

• Managed a team of five office personnel, ensuring efficient task allocation and workflow.
• Implemented a new scheduling system that reduced missed appointments by 20%.
• Oversaw office supply inventory, reducing costs by negotiating with suppliers.
• Maintained confidential records with zero breaches over a two-year period.
• Streamlined office filing system, improving document retrieval times.
• Processed payroll for a staff of thirty, ensuring 100% accuracy.
• Coordinated logistics for corporate events and meetings.
• Administered company-wide communications through intranet updates and email blasts.
• Handled customer inquiries and complaints, achieving a 95% satisfaction rate.
• Assisted with onboarding new employees, from orientation to training.

Showcasing Transferable Skills for Someone With No Direct Experience

To highlight your administrative skills in a cover letter without prior experience, focus on transferable skills such as time management, problem-solving, and customer service that you’ve developed in other roles or volunteer work.

• 1. “During my time as a [previous role], I honed my time management skills by balancing multiple priorities, which I am confident will serve me well in an administrative capacity.”
• 2. “My experience as a [volunteer position] required me to solve problems quickly and efficiently, a skill I look forward to applying in an office administration role.”
• 3. “While working in [industry/field], I developed strong customer service skills that I believe are essential for ensuring smooth office operations and client satisfaction.”
• 4. “I have consistently demonstrated my ability to organize and coordinate events and projects, skills that are directly applicable to the responsibilities of an office administrator.”
• 5. “Through my academic projects, I have cultivated excellent written and verbal communication abilities, which are vital for managing the day-to-day administrative tasks effectively.”
• 6. “As a team leader in [group/organization], I learned to facilitate collaboration and support among team members, which is crucial for maintaining an efficient administrative environment.”
• 7. “My proficiency with various software programs, including [specific programs], was developed through [specific experience], preparing me to manage administrative tasks with ease.”
• 8. “In my previous role as a [role], I was praised for my attention to detail—a skill that ensures accuracy and quality in administrative work.”
• 9. “Having been responsible for maintaining records and documentation in my [previous experience], I am well-equipped to handle similar administrative responsibilities.”
• 10. “My ability to adapt to new challenges was tested and proven during my time as a [role], making me well-suited for the dynamic nature of office administration.”

Explaining Your Passion for the Position

When expressing your passion for the role of an Office Administrator in a cover letter, it’s important to genuinely reflect your enthusiasm for the work involved. Emphasize your organizational skills and your ability to manage office operations efficiently, which often goes unnoticed yet remains at the heart of a well-functioning office.

Discussing your previous experiences, highlight tasks or projects that you particularly enjoyed. Maybe you thrive on creating streamlined filing systems, or you take pride in coordinating successful meetings and events. Your passion could stem from a satisfaction in ensuring that everything is organized and that colleagues have what they need to succeed.

You should also tie your passion to the potential contribution to the company’s success. Perhaps you’re excited by the thought of bringing your innovative ideas to the team, or you’re keen on using your proactive problem-solving skills to tackle challenges that an office environment faces.

• I thrive when organizing complex projects.
• Streamlining processes excites me.
• Managing a dynamic office environment is rewarding.
• Ensuring smooth operations is what I love to do.
• I’m delighted by the impact of an efficient workspace.
• Coordinating events brings me joy.
• I’m passionate about supporting team success.
• I find satisfaction in perfecting office systems.
• Creating a positive office culture is very fulfilling for me.
• I am energized by the pace of office work.
• Mastering new office technology motivates me.
• I love fostering an environment where everyone can excel.
• I get a thrill from staying on top of everything.
• I enjoy the challenge of meeting tight deadlines.
• My passion is in facilitating smooth communication.
• I am excited about developing and implementing new processes.
• Providing administrative support has always been a highlight of my career.
• Enhancing office productivity is something I take pride in.
• I am eager to contribute to a team-oriented workplace.
• Solving the day-to-day puzzles of office management makes every day enjoyable for me.

Proactive Closing Statements

In your cover letter’s closing statements, you demonstrate enthusiasm for the position and proactively indicate your plans for follow-up. This can set you apart from other candidates by showing your initiative and keen interest in the role.

To craft a persuasive closing section:

• Express your gratitude for the opportunity to apply and for the reader’s consideration.
• State your eagerness to discuss how your skills and experience align with the company’s needs.
• Mention that you will follow up within a specific time frame, usually a week or two, confirming your proactive approach.
• Reiterate your value proposition by summarizing how you can contribute to the team.
• Politely invite the hiring manager to reach out to you for further discussion.
• Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this exciting opportunity with you.
• I’m excited about the prospect of bringing my expertise in office administration to your esteemed company and am keen to explore how I can make a substantial impact.
• I intend to follow up with you by [date] to ensure you received my application and to discuss how I can contribute to your team’s success.
• Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am readily available for an interview at your earliest convenience.
• I am eager to offer more insight into how my skill set aligns with the goals of your company during a personal interview.
• Please find my contact information at the top of this letter, and feel free to reach out at a time that suits you best.
• I’m very interested to learn more about this role and share how my background in office coordination can support your team’s objectives.
• Anticipating the opportunity to further discuss my candidacy, I will reach out next week to confirm you’ve received my application and to inquire about potential next steps.
• I’m looking forward to the opportunity to speak with you in more detail about how I can contribute to the ongoing success of your office.
• My enthusiasm for the role is matched by my commitment to excellence, and I hope to demonstrate this in a future conversation with you.

Examples of Office Administrator Cover Letters

In this chapter, we will explore three tailored examples of cover letters for office administrator positions that cater to different career stages: someone with no direct experience, the career changer bringing a wealth of transferable skills, and the seasoned professional with a track record of administrative excellence.

Example of Office Administrator Cover Letter: No Experience

Introduction : Express your enthusiasm for the role and mention the job listing. Highlight your strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Body : Discuss your educational background, such as a degree in business administration. Even without direct experience, leverage any volunteer work or internships that demonstrate your ability to manage tasks and assist in an office environment.

Closing : Show eagerness to learn and contribute to the team, and request an interview to discuss how you can support the company’s needs.

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Office Administrator position listed on [where you found the job posting]. With a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a proven commitment to excellence, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name] as an integral part of your administrative team.

During my academic career, I honed my organizational and analytical skills, which I believe are fundamental to the role of an office administrator. Although I am new to the workforce, my time as a volunteer coordinator for [Volunteer Organization] allowed me to develop a solid foundation in managing schedules, coordinating events, and maintaining meticulous records.

I am eager to apply my knowledge and enthusiasm to a dynamic workplace like [Company Name]. I am confident that my proactive approach and ability to quickly adapt to new challenges will make me a valuable asset to your team. I am particularly impressed by [something specific about the company or its culture], and I am enthusiastic about the prospect of contributing to such a forward-thinking environment.

I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss how my education and experiences align with the needs of your company. Please find my resume attached for your consideration. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to the possibility of discussing this exciting opportunity with you.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

Example of Office Administrator Cover Letter: Career Changer

Introduction : Acknowledge your transition and your keen interest in contributing to administrative success. Emphasize transferable skills like project management or customer service from your previous career.

Body : Tell the story of why you’re changing paths and how your previous experiences have equipped you with a unique perspective and diverse skills relevant to an office administrator’s role.

Closing : Mention your excitement about bringing a fresh viewpoint to the team and a desire to discuss how your background can translate into success for the organization.

As a seasoned professional seeking to bring my extensive background in [previous industry] to the administrative field, I am excited to apply for the Office Administrator position at [Company Name]. My career thus far has been driven by a passion for efficiency and exceptional service, qualities I am eager to apply in a new context.

My previous role as a [Previous Job Title] involved significant project management, team coordination, and customer relations—skills that are directly transferable to the responsibilities of an office administrator. The decision to shift my career path stems from a desire to focus on the organizational aspects of business operations, which I have always excelled at and enjoyed.

In my previous position, I successfully [mention a relevant achievement or project], demonstrating my ability to adapt and thrive in various situations. I am confident that this experience, combined with my dedication to fostering a collaborative and productive work environment, will allow me to make a meaningful contribution to [Company Name].

I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring my unique skills and fresh perspective to your esteemed team. I would welcome the chance to further discuss how my career journey and the skills I have acquired along the way can benefit [Company Name]. Please find my resume attached for your review.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to [Company Name] and to the chance to discuss my application in more detail.

Example of Office Administrator Cover Letter: Experienced Professional

Introduction : Briefly present your current role, years of experience, and interest in the new opportunity. Your familiarity with the responsibilities of an office administrator should be clear.

Body : Give specific examples of achievements in past roles, like improving office systems or successfully leading an administrative team. Quantify these accomplishments when possible.

Closing : Assert your readiness to bring your proven track record to a new environment and how it aligns with the company’s goals, asking for the chance to discuss further in an interview.

With over [number of years] years of experience as an Office Administrator, I am excited about the opportunity to apply for the position at [Company Name]. My background has provided me with the multifaceted skill set and hands-on understanding necessary to affect positive outcomes in a fast-paced administrative environment.

In my current role at [Current Employer], I have successfully managed a team of administrative professionals and implemented a new document management system that resulted in a 30% increase in operational efficiency. My approach combines a keen eye for detail with a commitment to maintaining streamlined processes, ensuring that office operations support business objectives effectively.

I am particularly drawn to the opportunity at [Company Name] because of your commitment to [something you admire about the company or its culture]. I am confident that my proactive approach and my ability to foresee and address challenges will allow me to contribute effectively to your team and help achieve [Company Name]’s goals.

I am looking forward to the possibility of discussing how my extensive experience and proven track record of successful office administration can benefit your company. Enclosed is my resume, which provides further detail about my qualifications. Thank you for your consideration, and I hope to speak with you soon to explore this exciting opportunity.

Best regards,

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key elements to include in a cover letter for an office administrator role.

Your cover letter should clearly demonstrate your organizational skills, attention to detail, and communication prowess. Mention your proficiency in office software, experience in scheduling, or any relevant project management experience.

What should I emphasize in an application letter for an administrative officer with experience?

Highlight your past achievements, showing how you’ve successfully managed office procedures or improved administrative tasks. Use metrics and clear examples, like reducing supply costs by a certain percentage or handling a number of projects simultaneously.

How do I write a compelling personal statement in my office administrator cover letter?

Share a brief story or example that illustrates your dedication, resourcefulness, or ability to thrive under pressure. Connect your personal qualities to the needs of the potential employer to demonstrate how they align.

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