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What Is a Cover Letter? | Tips and Examples

What’s a cover letter and how can it help you land a dream job? Our tips and examples will help you write a polished, compelling cover letter.

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By Maria Correa 4 minute read

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Cover Letter Example

Cover Letter Example
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What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a document that you send alongside your resume that has additional information about your professional background and skills.

If we had to summarize what is a cover letter for a job, we’d say that a cover letter:

  • Is a professional letter that accompanies your resume as part of a job application.
  • Convinces hiring managers or recruiters that you are the best candidate for a job.
  • Gives more details on achievements and skills mentioned in your resume, and provides employers with more details about your personality.

Whether you need a powerful cover letter to apply for your first job or a new job, this page will give you tips on what to include in a cover letter, how to improve your cover letter and the tools you need to build a solid cover letter that grabs employer’s attention.

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Cover letter example

Use the cover letter samples below as a base to create your professional letter. You can also explore the ResumeHelp cover letter examples page for industry-specific inspiration.
Cover Letter Example
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What should be included in a cover letter?

When writing your cover letter, there are a few elements that should always be present. Whether you follow highly specific cover letter examples or a generic cover letter sample, a well-written cover letter should include the following:

1. Formal header and salutation

Every cover letter should have a header. Your header should contain your full name and contact information like your phone number and email address. You can also include elements like your LinkedIn profile or the details of other professional social media accounts.

Your salutation should include the hiring manager’s last name (e.g. “Dear Mr. Smith”), instead of something generic like “Dear Hiring Manager,” “To Whom It May Concern,” or “Dear Sir.”

2. Introduction and hook

Your introduction should give a glimpse of your personality as well as your skills and experience. It should also explain why you are generally interested in working for that company.

Here are two good examples of opening first paragraphs that may grab a hiring manager’s attention:

“I was excited to see the editorial assistant role advertised online. As an individual with three years of editorial experience and an enduring passion for journalism, I would be a valuable and motivated member of the team and would appreciate your consideration for this position.”

“I am writing to express my interest in the job opening for an early years teacher. I received high marks in all aspects of my training and have five years of teaching young children. I am a highly capable teacher with excellent communication skills who always strives to provide the best learning environment for the children in my class.”

3. Body paragraphs

The third paragraph should discuss what makes you capable of filling the role. This can include your relevant experience, certifications and hobbies if they are relevant. More importantly, you should also give hiring managers a reason to choose you over one of the other applicants.

For example, someone applying to work for a local elementary school might write:

“XYZ is an important part of this community; after seeing your involvement in [local event], I have been intensely interested in working with XYZ and taking part in these important activities.

As well as holding a BA in elementary education, I minored in Modern Languages focusing on French and have volunteered with KLM, a charity that provides supplementary teaching for children with special needs and requirements. It is my hope to use my past experiences and skills in your organization to better help other children in need.”

4. Call to action and sign-off

Your last paragraph should be a closing statement that ties together the points you have made in your cover letter. This closing paragraph should also act as a call to action, prompting the hiring manager to keep you in mind and invite you for a job interview.

An example of an effective closing paragraph could be:

“I hope to bring my experience and skills to [ABC] in the near future. I believe that I can be a valuable team member and that I would fill this role well, fitting in with the overall culture of the company. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. I hope to hear from you soon.”

Once you have written your final paragraph, you should sign off formally with something like “Yours Sincerely” or “Regards”.

For a more detailed explanation of how to effectively market yourself in a cover letter, check our How to Write a Cover Letter article.

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Types of cover letters

There are different types of cover letters that will be needed for different situations during a job search.

Cover letter for job

A job application cover letter accompanies your resume for a specific open job position. The goal of the letter is to impress the reader enough to see that you're the perfect person for the job and instigate landing a job interview.
What is a Cover Letter Example
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Reference letter

A reference letter is a document that helps support your previous experience claims made by a job applicant. A reference letter can be written on behalf of the candidate by a former supervisor, past employers and colleagues, or even a professional mentor. Typically, a hiring manager will request a reference letter if impressed by a candidate during a job interview.
Reference Letter Cover Letter Example
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Letter of interest

A letter of interest is written for a company that you may be interested in working for. It’s not written as a result of a job posting or open role. It’s an unsolicited communication sent to a company showing why you’d make a great employee and how they would benefit from your professional experience, relevant skills and educational background. A letter of interest may be used for a job candidate looking for a career change.
Letter of interest cover letter example
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Letter of intent

A letter of intent (LOI) declares your initial interest or commitment to do business with a specific company. This type of letter is utilized prior to agreeing to perform the work, more as just “stating your interest” in working for that potential employer. Oftentimes, a potential employer sends a job candidate a letter of intent, showing an interest in the candidate but unsure of which open role is the best choice. A letter of intent is also appropriate when interviewing for law or medical school positions.
Letter of Intent Example
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Internship cover letter

An internship cover letter is very similar to a cover letter for a job, as you discuss the skills you have that fit the internship opportunity. The only difference between the two is that a cover letter for an internship should focus a little more on how you and the company are a good fit, what attracts you about the industry and why you want to do an internship there.
Internship Cover Letter Example
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Motivation letter

While a cover letter focuses on skills and your years of experience, a motivation letter is a one-page document that focuses on your future goals, current motivations and past accomplishments. This type of letter is ideal for candidates who are applying for their first job, an internship, volunteer work or an educational program.
Motivation letter example
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Five key tips for a strong cover letter for a job

Our ResumeHelp experts gathered these five keys for job seekers of all levels to utilize when writing a professional cover letter:

  • Research the position and company. Show the recruiter and hiring manager that you understand the company’s mission, goals, products and clientele. They can tell when someone did their homework during their job search.
  • Tailor your letter to the job’s needs. Consider the job requirements in the job description and communicate clearly that you are the right person for this specific job. Read the listing carefully, compare the required skills to your own skill set and highlight the relevant skills and experiences that match the job listing. For example, if you’re a graphic designer and the job ad says that they’re looking for someone with experience in designing POP advertising campaigns, your graphic design cover letter should give examples of successful POP campaigns you have worked on.
  • Expand on your resume, don’t just regurgitate it. A cover letter is an extension of your resume, so avoid repeating the same information. Choose key transferable skills highlighted in your resume to talk more in-depth about them in your cover letter or mention something completely new.
  • Display your enthusiasm and personality. It’s important that your cover letter portrays a genuine enthusiasm and interest in the job position, as well as the company. Don’t be bland, show them that you’ll be a good fit!
  • Use professional examples and templates. Consider using example cover letters that are relevant to your industry. You can also make use of our cover letter templates to create a strong and effective cover letter base that you can further customize when you need to.
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More cover letter tips and resources

ResumeHelp has dozens of other resources to help you write a great cover letter. Here are just a few that can help you make a good cover letter a great cover letter!

  • Cover Letter Basics: Learn all the tips and tricks from our experts to create a good cover letter.
  • Cover Letter Builder: Let us do the heavy lifting by helping you write a cover letter in minutes.
  • Cover Letter Formats: Read and follow our cover letter formatting guide to make sure your professional letter looks the part.
  • Cover Letter Examples: Find inspiration in our library with hundreds of cover letter samples for different jobs and industries.
  • Cover Letter Templates: Select from dozens of ATS-friendly templates.

FAQ: What is a cover letter?

What is a cover letter for a job?

A cover letter for a job is an important part of your job application for any position that you apply to. It expands on the information that you present on your resume but in a direct communication addressed to the hiring manager, recruiter or prospective employer.

The cover letter should explain why you believe you’re the perfect candidate, why you want to work for the company and how that company will benefit from your expertise.

How do I write a good cover letter?

The best way to write a good cover letter is to write your professional resume first. Then, look at your resume objectively and see what areas you can expand upon.

A good example would be a particular work achievement (i.e., “helped increase product sales per month by 20%”). Use your cover letter to explain what you did to increase product sales.

Since a cover letter should be relatively short (around one page), focus on your most impressive highlights and relevant soft skills and hard skills. Adding fluff content will be a red flag to anyone reading your cover letter.

Do I really need a cover letter?

Yes, we always recommend including a cover letter in your job application because a resume alone might not be sufficient to interest most hiring managers.

Cover letters are a great way to introduce yourself to potential employers and convince them that you’re worth getting interviewed. It gives you the space to provide additional information about achievements, key skills and why you’re the best candidate for this job opportunity. It also shows that you made the extra effort to land your dream job.

How long should my cover letter be?

When you send a cover letter and resume to a potential employer it is important to be concise. Your cover letter should be one page long and typically between three to five paragraphs. Recruiters spend less than a minute reviewing job applications, so keep it short and straight to the point, otherwise, you might risk overwhelming them with too much information.

Should I address resume issues in my cover letter?

The only time you should address issues from your resume in your cover letter is if there is a glaring issue that requires an explanation.

For example, if you have a large employment gap in the “experience” section of your resume, you may want to explain the gap in your letter.

But in general, it’s more beneficial for your cover letter to focus on making a good first impression and highlighting information about your qualifications and skills. Any additional resume issues can be discussed during your first interview.

What are the different parts of a cover letter?

The different parts of a cover letter are:

  • The header with your contact information.
  • The salutation where you address the hiring manager.
  • The opening paragraph where you state your interest in the job.
  • The body paragraphs where you dive further into your relevant experience and skill set.
  • The closing paragraph where you invite the reader to get in touch with you and thank them for their time.

What does a cover letter accomplish?

The main purpose of a cover letter is to provide the recruiter or hiring manager with more information about you.

It’s a professional letter that compliments your resume by giving you the opportunity to talk further about your skill set and qualifications. You can show the potential employer your genuine interest in the company and job, make a good argument as to why you’ll be an asset to their team and at the very least, convince them to schedule an interview.

Cover letters can be a powerful tool and a deciding factor on whether you get hired or not, so we highly advise writing one.

What should be included in a cover letter?

A cover letter should include:

  • Your updated contact information.
  • The date you’re sending the professional letter and resume.
  • The company’s address.
  • The hiring manager’s name.
  • A first paragraph with an opening hook that grabs the reader’s attention. Body paragraphs that expand on your special skills, experience and touch on your genuine interest in the company, always keeping it relevant to the job posting. Short paragraphs work best.
  • A closing statement with a call to action.

We also recommend using a cover letter template that matches your resume template so your job application looks professional.

Is a cover letter just a resume?

A cover letter and a resume are two different application documents.

While both demonstrate that you’re a great candidate, a resume states the facts of your work history, skills and education.

A cover letter is directed to the attention of the hiring manager, recruiter or employer, as a way to introduce yourself and provide your key highlights.

A cover letter will provide additional information to complement your resume, explain why you’re a good fit for the job, thank the reader for considering you for the job and request a job interview.

What are some tips for writing a cover letter?

When you write a cover letter, the ultimate goal is to convince the hiring manager, recruiter or future boss that you’re the best candidate for the job.

In your first paragraph, introduce yourself with a hook and list your best achievements.

In your second paragraph, give more information about how you’re the best fit for the job, as well as more details about your past accomplishments and how you think you can make a positive impact in the new role.

Close your letter by reiterating your interest in the job and request a job interview so you can provide more information about your career and how you can benefit the company.

Finally, be sure to proofread your cover letter to avoid any glaring typos or grammatical mistakes.

What should I say in a cover letter?

A typical cover letter should enthusiastically address your interest in the job opportunity and the company.

The opening paragraph should include the specific position you are interested in before diving into the skills, experience and achievements you possess that make you a good fit for the job.

You should focus your narrative on how you can benefit the company and contribute to its goals with humility. Hiring managers don’t like candidates who are self-serving and focus too much on what the organization might do for them, so impress prospective employers by explaining how your experience can benefit the team.

What is the difference between a cover letter and a job application?

A cover letter is a one-page document that you submit to a job application along with a resume.

A job application is a form that companies use to collect information about applicants interested in a specific job opportunity.

As a job seeker, you will come across multiple job openings during your job search. The job descriptions written with the key requirements and responsibilities will typically include a button that leads you to the application, where you attach your resume and cover letter. These applications may also have a form for you to fill.

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Maria Correa Profile
WRITTEN BY Maria Correa

Maria Correa is a Puerto Rico-based Content Writer with ample background in digital marketing and copywriting. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a B.A. in English and enjoys making information accessible to others.

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