Cover Letter Examples and How to Write One

Cover letter examples

The people and companies in these examples are fictional. Instead of copying the text, adapt the structure to your own experience.

1. Recent graduate cover letter example

Dear Hiring Manager,

I'm writing to apply for the Human Resources Coordinator position posted on your careers page. I recently graduated from Example State University with a bachelor's degree in human resource management, and I'm eager to start my career in recruiting and employee experience.

During my senior year, I completed a three-month internship in the HR department of a regional logistics company. I helped draft job postings, scheduled first-round candidate interviews and updated the onboarding packet for new hires. Through the resume workshops I ran for my university's career club, I also worked one-on-one with students and sharpened my communication skills.

I've followed your early-career programs and mentoring culture with interest. As someone who is organized, eager to learn and enjoys working with people, I believe I can contribute to your team from day one.

Thank you for your consideration. I'd welcome the chance to discuss the role at your convenience.

Sincerely,

Zoe Sample

[email protected] · (415) 555-0120

2. Experienced sales representative cover letter example

Dear Mr. Lee,

I'm excited to apply for the Account Executive position. For the past six years, I've sold industrial equipment to business customers, with responsibility for both new business development and growing existing accounts.

In my current role, I manage a portfolio of more than 80 business accounts across the Southeast. I've exceeded my annual quota in each of the last two years and opened a new segment of midsize manufacturers the company hadn't sold to before. By standardizing our proposal process in the CRM, I also shortened the team's turnaround time on quotes.

I know your company is expanding into new markets with its automation solutions. My field experience and my ability to explain technical products in the customer's language can contribute directly to that growth plan.

I'd welcome the opportunity to discuss my experience in more detail. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Ben Sample

[email protected] · (404) 555-0121

3. Software engineer cover letter example

Hello,

When I saw your posting for a Backend Engineer (Node.js), I was struck by how closely it matches what I've worked on for the past three years and the problem your product solves, so I'd like to submit my application.

I currently work on the team that owns order and payment services at an e-commerce platform company. In the order service I built with Node.js and PostgreSQL, query optimization and caching significantly reduced response times during peak sales events. I also added integration tests to our CI pipeline to improve test coverage and onboarded two new engineers.

I've read about your open-source libraries and the observability posts on your engineering blog. A product-focused team that values thoughtful code review is exactly the environment I'm looking for.

You can find sample projects on my GitHub profile. I'd be glad to take part in your technical interview process.

Thanks,

Kevin Sample

[email protected] · example.com/kevin-sample-github

4. Internship cover letter example

Dear Hiring Team,

I'm a junior studying industrial engineering at Example Tech University, and I'd like to apply for your Supply Chain Intern position for the summer.

I want to apply what I've learned about production planning and inventory management in a real operation. Last semester, my class project team modeled a local bakery's ingredient orders in Excel and proposed an ordering plan to reduce waste. Running logistics for our student organization's events also taught me to communicate with vendors and track a budget.

Your company's sustainable logistics practices are a big reason I'm interested in building a career in this field. During the internship, I'll treat every assignment as a chance to learn.

Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely,

Lily Sample

[email protected] · (512) 555-0122

5. Short cover letter example for a career changer

Dear Hiring Manager,

I'm applying for the Junior Data Analyst position. For the past five years, I've worked as a retail store manager, where I analyzed sales and inventory data every week and learned to base store decisions on data.

To turn my interest in data analysis into a profession, I completed a certificate program focused on SQL and Python last year. As part of the program, I built a project that forecasts regional sales using a retail chain's public dataset. I believe my business knowledge from store management will help your team connect analysis to real needs on the ground.

Thank you in advance for the opportunity to interview.

Sincerely,

Jordan Sample · [email protected]

In this example the career change isn't hidden; the previous experience is presented as an advantage for the new role, backed by concrete steps (a certificate, a project).

Tips for writing a cover letter

• Write each one for the specific application. A generic letter with only the company name swapped is easy to spot. At least one paragraph should be specific to that company and posting.
• Don't repeat your resume. Your letter turns one or two resume achievements into a story and connects them to the posting.
• Start from the employer's needs, not yours. "This role would be great for my growth" is weaker than "My experience with X can help your team with Y."
• Keep it short. Stay under one page and use short paragraphs.
• Match the tone to the company. A large bank and a young tech startup don't expect the same voice.
• Proofread. Double-check the company name, the job title and the hiring manager's name.

Weak vs. strong cover letter sentences

Weak	Stronger
"I'm applying to develop myself."	"I want to use my reporting experience to speed up your team's monthly close."
"I'm hardworking and dynamic."	"I was part of the team that exceeded its regional sales goal in each of the last two years."
"Your company is the industry leader."	"The recycling program you launched last year strengthened my wish to work in this field."
"You can find all my details in my resume."	"The project described on my resume speaks directly to the data analysis your posting mentions."

Fill-in-the-blanks cover letter template

Fill in this outline with your own details to get a quick first draft:

Dear [hiring manager's name / Hiring Manager],

I'm writing to apply for the [job title] position. With [years of experience / field], I believe I can contribute especially in [key requirement from the posting].

At [previous job or project], I [concrete thing you did], which resulted in [measurable result]. I also [short example] related to [second requirement].

[Why you chose this company: product, project, value.] That's why I'd like to join your team.

Thank you for the opportunity to interview.

Sincerely, [Your name] · [email] · [phone]

Paragraph by paragraph: sample sentences

Openings

• "I'm writing to apply for the [position] role posted on your careers page."
• "[Mutual contact] mentioned that your team is looking for a [position], and I believe my experience is a strong fit."
• "My last four years of work in [field] line up directly with what your posting describes."

Body

• "In my current role, I took ownership of [process] and we achieved [result]."
• "The [skill] your posting emphasizes was part of my daily work at my previous job, where I [concrete example]."

Closings

• "I'd welcome the chance to discuss in an interview how my experience can help your team."
• "Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you."

Cover letter tips for special situations

If you're changing careers

Your cover letter is the best place to explain a career change. Say in one sentence why you're moving into the new field, then show with concrete examples which skills carry over from your previous work. Always mention relevant training and projects. To build the resume side the same way, see our career change resume tips.

If you have an employment gap

You don't need a long explanation. A short, positive sentence is enough, such as: "I took a year off in 2024 for family caregiving and completed a digital marketing certificate during that time."

If you're applying internally

Emphasize the results you've achieved in your current role and how knowing the company gives you an advantage in the new one. Depending on company culture, mentioning that your manager knows about your application can be well received.

If you were referred

Mention the name of the person who referred you in the first paragraph, after getting their permission. It increases the chance your letter gets a careful read.

Short email cover letter example

Sometimes the email itself serves as your cover letter instead of a separate document. In that case, keep it shorter:

Subject: Staff Accountant Application – Grace Sample

Hello,

I've attached my resume for your Staff Accountant opening. For six years, I've independently handled the general ledger, month-end close and tax filings in manufacturing. I believe my experience speeding up reporting with QuickBooks and advanced Excel would benefit your team.

I'd be glad to talk whenever it's convenient for you.

Best regards,

Grace Sample · (612) 555-0107

Checklist before you send it

• Are the company name, job title and hiring manager's name correct?
• Did you address the posting's two or three most important requirements with concrete examples?
• Is it under one page?
• Do any dates or titles contradict your resume?
• Did you check for typos?
• Is the file named "FirstName-LastName-Cover-Letter.pdf"?

Applying by email

If you're applying by email, you can paste your cover letter into the body of the email or attach it as a PDF. Put the job title and your name in the subject line: "Account Executive Application – Ben Sample". Name your attachments "FirstName-LastName-Resume.pdf" and "FirstName-LastName-Cover-Letter.pdf".

How your cover letter and resume work together

In a good application, the resume and cover letter don't repeat each other; they complement each other. The resume lists what you've done in short bullets; the cover letter picks the one or two most relevant ones and explains why they matter. Topics that don't fit on a resume, such as a career change, relocation, an employment gap or a specific interest in the company, also belong in the cover letter. After writing it, read it alongside your resume: dates, titles and numbers must match.

Phrases to avoid

• "To Whom It May Concern": suggests you didn't research who you're writing to.
• "This job would be a great opportunity for me": shifts the focus from the employer to you; explain what you'll bring instead.
• "Although I don't have much experience…": don't open with a weakness; lead with the evidence you have.
• Over-the-top praise: "the undisputed leader of the industry" doesn't sound sincere; mention something concrete about the company.
• Criticizing a former employer: describe why you're leaving briefly and positively, or not at all.

Create your cover letter in minutes

Cvbuildly's cover letter builder uses the information in your resume to help you write a cover letter with a matching design. Don't have a resume yet? Build your resume first, and if you're not sure where to start, read how to write a resume.

Sources and further reading

Official and public resources you can use to go deeper:

• CareerOneStop: US Department of Labor career tools, including job search guidance
• National Careers Service: UK government careers advice for applications
• Europass: European Union tools and guidance for CVs and cover letters