excellent cover letter example uk

11 Cover letter templates with examples

Not sure what type of cover letter is going to catch the eye of hiring managers, so they actually read your CV?

A well-written cover letter can be a game-changer in your job search, so long as you think carefully about what you include.

No need to panic, though.

For an easy win, use one of our 11 impressive cover letter templates, along with inspirational examples and a step-by-step writing guide.

CV templates 

Basic cover letter template

Dear [Recruiter’s name],

I am writing to apply for the [Job title] at [Company name], as advertised on [Website name]. With [Number of years of experience] in [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

During my current job at [Company name], I [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

I am eager to bring my [Mention suitable skill + aspirations] to the [Job title] at [Employer’s name] and I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

Kind regards,

[Name] [Phone number] [Email]

Basic cover letter example

Short cover letter template

Hi [Recruiter name],

I’d like to express my interest in the role of [Job title] as advertised on [Website name].

I am currently working in a [Current role] role for [Current employer], where I am responsible for [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

I’m looking for a new challenge that will [Aspirations + mention of suitable skill].

It would be great to hear from you, and I am available to interview at any time.

Short cover letter example

Admin cover letter template

Good morning [Hiring Manager],

I am writing to submit my application for the position of [Role name] at [Company name]. As a passionate and committed individual with [Number of years] of experience and a track record of [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible], I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the continued success of your institution.

I have gained valuable insights into the [Core responsibilities of role + more quantified achievements.] In my current role as [Current role], I have continuously facilitated positive change and enhanced [Company name’s] reputation.

Some notable achievements I would like to mention include [List quantified achievements].

With all my experience and a [Qualification] in [Subject], I hope that you recognise my enthusiasm and will consider me for the position.

Kind regards, [Name] [Phone number] [Email address]

Admin cover letter example

Finance cover letter template

I am excited to apply for the [Job title] at [Company name]. As a results-orientated professional with a track record of [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible], I am confident that my expertise aligns perfectly with the needs of your organisation.

With [Number of years] of experience, I have developed [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

In my current role as a [Current role] at [Current employer], I implemented a [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of further discussing my qualifications, skills, and contributions I will bring as your new [Job title].

Finance cover letter example

Sales cover letter template

I hope you’re well. I am writing to apply for the [Job title] at [Company name]. With [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

I am eager to apply my proactive and goal-orientated approach to drive revenue growth at [Company name]. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience to discuss how my dedication and skills can contribute to the success of your sales team.

Sales cover letter example

Customer service cover letter template

I’d like to apply for the position of [Job title] as advertised on [Website name].

With [Years] of experience in customer-facing positions for leading retail companies, I have gathered extensive customer service skills in [Type of setting].

In my current role with [Company name], I am responsible for [Role responsibilities + quantified achievement if possible].

My role has given me [Aspirations + mention suitable skill].

I believe my skill sets and product knowledge will allow me to fit perfectly with the requirements you are seeking in a candidate, and I am available for an interview at short notice.

Customer service cover letter example

Project management cover letter template

I am interested in applying for the role of [Job title] . My experience in [List core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

I am enclosing my CV for your consideration, which further highlights my experience, which I am positive fully meets the demands of this role.

Project management cover letter example

Education cover letter template

I hope you’re well.

I am writing concerning the advert for a [Job title] at [Name of educational setting]. Over the past [Number of years], I have [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

I am seeking a new opportunity that will allow me to [Aspirations + mention of suitable skill].

I am keen to talk to you more about the job role, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Education cover letter example

Internal promotion cover letter template

Hey [Recruiter name],

I hope you and the team are well! I am thrilled to apply for the promotion to [Job title] of the [Department] team at [Company name], as advertised on [Website name]. With my [Number of years] of service as a [Current role], within the company, supported by [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

As a dedicated member of staff, I am eager to streamline and innovate the administrative operations at [Company name] in this new role. I would love to discuss my vision for this role further in an interview at your discretion.

All the best, [Name] [Phone number] [Email address]

Internal promotion cover letter example

Student cover letter template

Good morning [Recruiter name],

I would like to submit my application for the [Job title] at [Company name], where I believe my skills in [Industry] can make a valuable contribution.

As a highly driven [Core responsibilities of studies + quantified achievement if possible].

I am eager to continue learning and to have the opportunity to work alongside the team at [Employer’s name]. I am available for an interview at your convenience to further discuss my qualifications. Thank you for considering my application.

Student cover letter example

No experience cover letter template

I am an enthusiastic [Job title/student] at [Current employer/School or university name] with excellent [Core skills], seeking to apply for the [Job title] at [Company name].

In my current role as [Current role] at [Current employer], I [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].

I am excited to contribute my [Aspirations + mention of suitable skill]. I am available for an interview from [Insert date] and I am eager to discuss how my skills can benefit your company’s success.

Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely, [Name] [Phone number] [Email address]

No experience cover letter example

How to write a cover letter

Here are five steps on how to write a cover letter to ensure you get hiring managers in the UK and beyond to look at your CV .

Include your cover letter within the email or message

When submitting your job application, always include your cover letter within the body of your email or message. Never attached it as a separate document.

“But why?”, you ask.

Well, you should instantly grab the recruiter’s attention the moment they look at your application. If they have to endure the hassle of opening a document, it slows everything down, and they may not even bother.

Here’s how to include your cover letter in the body of your application message:

Tailor your greeting by directly addressing the recruiter

To get your cover letter off to a great start, make a brilliant first impression by using the hiring manager or recruiter’s name.

Avoid sounding overly formal or informal, though.

For instance, you could address the recruiter using:

• Hi [insert recruiter’s name]
• Hi [insert department/team name]

Skip the conventional “Dear Sir or Madam” unless you’re targeting highly formal companies.

Here are a few tips on how to locate the recruiter’s name:

• Check the job ad – Sometimes, you can find their name and email address within the job advert itself.
• Visit the company website – Look at the “About Us” section to unearth the contact info for the recruitment team or head of department.
• Use LinkedIn – If you’re having a hard time pinning down the specific team and company related to the job opening, a quick search can reveal the person in charge of hiring for that specific job.

If you have no success in finding their name, don’t stress. Just say “Hi” – that’ll more than do the trick. Aim for a greeting that is both professional and welcoming.

Here are some examples of how to address your cover letter if you have trouble finding their name:

Be personable and professional

Your cover letter should be a blend of personality and professionalism .

Coming across as too casual can make you sound a little unprofessional while appearing excessively formal can make you look stiff.

Go for a professional, friendly tone.

Begin with something such as, “I hope you’re well” to bring a personal touch.

Pinpoint your applicable skills

Your cover letter’s purpose? To entice hiring managers to read your CV . To do this, quickly allude to your relevant skills tailored to the job you’re interested in.

Review the job description and note the essential qualifications and skills the recruiter wants.

Concentrate on these skills in your cover letter and tell them why you’re perfect for the role.

This gives recruiters the confidence they need to consider you for the job.

For instance, you could say:

• Finance – “My strategic planning skills allowed me to identify key growth opportunities and revenue drivers, ultimately leading to the impressive revenue increase of over £100 million.”
• Marine engineer – “I excel in the development and implementation of predictive maintenance programs, ensuring equipment reliability and longevity. I implemented a predictive maintenance programme that reduced downtime of critical equipment by 25%, as well as saved £120K+ annually through purchasing supplies from suitable industry vendors.”
• Medical writer – “My capacity to translate complex medical information into clear and accessible content for various audiences is a core skill that has empowered me to produce 15 high-quality educational materials. Moreover, my strong research proficiency was instrumental in increasing audience comprehension and patient satisfaction scores by 30% and 15% respectively.”

Conclude and add a professional signature

Your sign-off must be warm. So, say something like “Best regards” or “Kind regards.” Just be yourself while staying polite.

To add a nice finishing touch to your cover letter , add a professional signature at the very bottom.

Doing so helps the person on the other end know how to reach you and gives your cover letter a professional touch.

Here’s what you need to include in your professional sign-off:

• Your full name – Add your first and last name, like “Jessica Smith”. It’s just there so recruiters know who you are.
• Your phone number – Preferably, put your mobile number in here so recruiters can quickly get hold of you.
• Your email address – This must be a professional email address, like [email protected]. Don’t include an overly casual email – remember, this is a job application.

If you like, you could also include a couple of extra details:

• Your job title – For example, “Administrator” or “Delivery Driver.”
• A link to your LinkedIn – If you use LinkedIn, insert a link to your profile – this is like your professional social media.

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Sample cover letter

Cover letters add context to your CV and when used correctly are a great way to convince employers that you're right for the job. This sample cover letter should help you get started

A cover letter demonstrates to recruiters how well you express yourself, so you need to make sure that you don't just repeat your CV or give rambling explanations. Instead, use this opportunity to focus on your skills and experience, saving your qualifications for your CV.

The basic cover letter structure covers:

• why you're writing the letter
• why you think you're suitable for the job (with examples)
• relevant skills and experience
• summary of your interest in the role.

Double check what you've written as spelling mistakes or lack of attention to detail will put your cover letter straight on the no pile.

Please be aware that this is an example. Use this cover letter template to help generate ideas and structure your own document but avoid copying and pasting. Your cover letter needs to be original and tailored to the job you're applying for.

Avril Lee 115 My Street Mytown WX55 1CQ [email protected] 07777999888

Harry Smith Graduate HR director Big Company Ltd Woodcotes Business Park The Midlands MX9 6PQ

5th May 2023

Dear Mr Smith

Re: Logistics graduate scheme

I would like to apply for the logistics track of your graduate training scheme, advertised on the Prospects.ac.uk website. As requested, I am enclosing my CV.

I am in the final year of my geography degree, expecting a 2:1. Always intending to have a career in business, I have taken modules on the geography of business and GIS modelling. My final-year dissertation is on changing patterns in retail. During my degree, I have developed my analytical skills and ability to read, manage and present data. I have also become familiar with a range of business intelligence sources.

As you can see from my CV I have experience in:

• Retail - moving from shelf stacker to checkout operator to team leader in my two years with Fresh Foods. I contributed to the store consistently being in the top five for the region by providing excellent customer service.
• Warehouse operations - picking and packing to meet targets over the busy Christmas period.

I have also:

• Worked in and led teams at Fresh Foods, on course projects and in sports.
• Communicated with colleagues at all levels in retail and warehousing.
• Solved problems as a team leader, ensuring staff cover and dealing with customer complaints.
• Worked flexibly doing both early and late shifts and covering for absence, sometimes at short notice.
• Managed my time when combining study with work and sport.

My semester in Germany exposed me to a different culture and improved my language skills. In addition, my voluntary work with young people has increased my resilience and ability to mix with people from all walks of life.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely

(Sign your name here)

Find out more

• Get more information on cover letters .
• If you're applying for a job that's not advertised take a look at an example speculative cover letter .
• Learn more about the 5 things to avoid when writing a cover letter .

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Home » Cover letter » Examples

Examples of UK Cover Letters

Browse our rich selection of cover letter examples for every job title, get inspired to write yours, or use our builder to get a professional cover letter tailored to your needs in minutes.

• Our customers have been hired by: * Foot Note
• Cover Letter Examples: Why It’s Important

Accompanying your CV, your cover letter can shape the way recruiters see your application. But if you’ve not written one in a while, or ever, it can be difficult knowing where to start. That’s where great cover letter examples can help.

Writing a cover letter with an example makes things a whole lot easier. It allows you to see how things are presented, structured, and worded. A good cover letter example will also provide inspiration for your own application in terms of what to include. Above all else, it provides a starting point, so you’re not left overwhelmed and frustrated.

At myPerfectCV, we have a selection of cover letter examples for job applications in a wide range of sectors. Marketing, customer service, engineering, finance – you name it, you’ll find an excellent cover letter example to guide your own letter, along with template cover letters to give you a starting point.

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Table of contents

Cover Letter Examples for Top Jobs

Examples of cover letters for an experienced job application, best cover letter examples for career change, uk cover letter examples: benefits, how to use cover letter examples to write your own cover letter, top faqs about cover letter examples, start writing a cover letter using our examples, cover letter example for customer service.

Customer service cover letter examples need to set candidates apart in a competitive sector. The candidate does so by highlighting a successful track record with references to boot.

Cover letter example for retail assistant

One of our cover letter examples for retail, this letter highlights key qualities like communication and results orientation alongside relevant skills such as stocking and sales.

Cover letter example for graduate

Graduate cover letter examples don’t come better than this clear, concise description of a candidate’s university background and how it has prepared them for the role of a trainee pharmacist.

Cover letter example for engineer

This engineering cover letter example uses a smart, simple layout to explain how the candidate fits the job requirements, including leadership skills, project management, and quality assurance.

Cover letter example for finance

A great example of a finance cover letter, which specific abilities in tax preparation, financial analysis, and payroll configuring for a role as an accountant.

Cover letter example for a teacher

The introduction to our teacher cover letter example is followed by a clear, concise summary of what they can offer to the school, from OFSTED success to SEN experience, backed by specific responsibilities.

Cover letter example for an admin assistant

Administrative cover letter examples aren’t always from those with job-specific experience. In this case, payment processing and customer service are emphasised from a previous role as a cashier.

Cover letter example for a recruitment consultant

Moving from HR to consulting, this cover letter example works to underline the key skills which are transferable between the two sectors, including employment law, recruitment processes, and organisational skills.

Cover letter example for marketing

Reflecting one of the most common career changes – student to intern – this cover letter example outlines how the candidate’s educational successes make them a good fit for a marketing role.

Make the right first impression

As the first thing recruiters see, your cover letter needs to look the part. Using our perfect cover letter examples, you can get a good idea of layout, structure, and design before starting your own CV. Base your own letter on our simple cover letter examples, or go for something bolder for a creative job application.

Customise your cover letter

Using our cover letter examples for job applications makes it easier to personalise your own letter. Cherry-pick your favourite features, let the example skills and experience inspire ideas about your own career, or even use an excellent cover letter example as a template .

A variety of roles and sectors

From architecture, accounting, and admin to law, sales, and fashion, our cover letter examples span a long list of UK sectors, roles, and experience levels. That provides better guidance for your own cover letter, with an example that’s more aligned with your own experience and skills.

Create a cohesive job application

If you’re looking for a letter template, cover letter examples are a great fit. But what about your CV? Our online builder allows you to match your CV to cover letter examples to impress UK recruiters with a cohesive job application.

Create my Cover Letter

Writing a good cover letter is a crucial task. How you present yourself can shape your potential employer’s opinion of you. To make sure your cover letter meets all the requirements, do yourself a favour and look at cover letter examples – those from your industry and beyond. This will help you understand the standards for writing covering letters and make it easier to write your own letter. Here’s how to get started:

Review multiple cover letter examples

This will help you become familiar with the style, vocabulary and structure of cover letters. Professional cover letter examples will serve as a great source of guidance and inspiration. Check out sample cover letters from your industry to learn their common points.

Learn about the company and reflect their values

Going beyond your skills and experience, your cover letter can demonstrate an alignment with the company you’re applying for. Research their ethos and values, then reflect what you’ve found in your cover letter. If they’re on a mission to go green, for example, mention your own interest in environmental matters.

Get a second opinion from a friend or relative

Writing a cover letter isn’t something you have to go alone. As well as using our excellent cover letter examples as a guide, you can call upon a trusted friend or relative for help. Get them to read through your cover letter and, quite simply, tell you what they think. Is there anything missing? How does it come across? And, of course, are there any errors or typos?

Take a break, re-read and add to your cover letter

Even with the best examples of UK cover letters at your disposal, cover letter writing isn’t something you have to rush. It’s always a good idea to take a break before coming back to proofread and improve your cover letter. When you come back with a fresh pair of eyes, you’ll be better placed to spot any errors or inconsistencies. You might also have some new ideas about the best qualities to highlight to impress the recipient of your cover letter.

Compare with a professional cover letter example

Once you’re happy with the cover letter you’ve created, it’s a smart idea to cross-reference it with a good cover letter example for a similar job application. That way, you can check whether you’ve included all the must-haves, got the tone right, and mastered the intro and sign-off.

How to write a cover letter example

Writing a cover letter like our examples isn’t as hard as it looks. For starters, you can use the same structure and layout, and even cover the same talking points. Your cover letter should outline what role you’re applying for, why you’re applying, and what makes you suitable for the job. You should draw upon past experience, qualifications, and personal qualities or interests to demonstrate what you can offer in the given role.

How to start a cover letter

Our examples demonstrate several different ways to open your cover letter and address the recruiter. Firstly, you should include the job title and reference (if provided) above the first line of your letter. If you have a name for the recruiter or hiring manager, you should use this to open the letter. ‘Dear Sarah Green’ or ‘Dear Mrs Green’ are perfectly acceptable, for example. If no name is given, you can choose from addresses like ‘To Whom it May Concern’, ‘Dear Hiring Manager’, or ‘To the Directors at [Company Name]’.

How to end a cover letter

Examples of cover letters (UK) can also assist with the way you end your cover letter. There are two main parts to consider. Firstly, you’ll need a closing statement, which thanks the recruiter for their time and encourages a response, such as ‘Thank you for taking time to consider my application. I look forward to hearing from you.’ Next, there’s the sign off. If you have addressed the person by name, ‘Yours sincerely’ is the conventional way to end a cover letter. Alternatively, use ‘Yours faithfully’ if you don’t have a name for the recruiter or hiring manager.

What is a cover letter for a job?

Our UK cover letter examples have one thing in common – they are written to accompany a CV. That’s exactly what a cover letter is intended for. It was traditionally a physical cover on top of your CV. However, with CVs sent digitally, it still remains an important step – and a great way to link the skills , experience, and qualities in your CV to the specific job role you’re applying for.

How many words should a cover letter be?

Using our short cover letter examples as a guide, cover letters should always be concise and to-the-point. In terms of pages, it’s definitely best to stay comfortably within one page with three to four paragraphs covering all the main points. While there’s no hard-and-fast rule for the word count of your cover letter, the guidelines above will usually come to between 300 to 400 words.

How can I explain career gaps in my cover letter?

A good cover letter is a perfect way to explain any gaps on your CV that could otherwise put recruiters off. Be honest and positive, explain that you were taking time to reconsider your career or focus on what you learnt in your time away from work.

How can I sell my limited experience?

Everybody starts somewhere. Sell yourself by showcasing transferable skills gained during your education or through your hobbies, and emphasise a willingness to learn and adapt.

Should I write a cover letter for each role?

Yes! Writing a cover letter for each job application allows you to tailor your experience to fit each role. It will enable you to focus on specific requirements of the job and how your knowledge and skills are the perfect fit.

Build my Cover Letter

Ready to get started on your own cover letter? Whether you’re a recent graduate or experienced professional, myPerfectCV can make the process a breeze. Take a look at our employment cover letter examples, then use our tried-and-tested cover letter builder to create your own.

Simply enter a few details about your career and skills, the job you’re applying for, and the kind of letter you want to create, then our builder will generate a great cover letter just for you. You can customise it further or download it ready to send to recruiters.

*The names and logos of the companies referred to above are all trademarks of their respective holders. Unless specifically stated otherwise, such references are not intended to imply any affiliation or association with myperfectCV.

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Cover Letter Examples & Samples

Find a sample cover letter for your CV. Just type in your job title to get started.

Want to write your cover letter fast? Use our cover letter builder. Choose from 18 professional cover letter templates that match your CV. See actionable examples and get expert tips along the way.

Sample cover letter for a CV made with our builder—See more templates and create your cover letter here .

One of our users, Nikos, had this to say:

[I used] a nice template I found on Zety. My CV is now one page long, not three . With the same stuff.

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Professional Cover Letter Builder

Zety’s cover letter builder makes writing easy for you and less time-consuming, Use our beautiful, customizable templates recommended by HR pros to wow every recruiter.

Accounting & Finance Cover Letter Examples

Have a gig in finance or accounting? Want to move up the ladder? See our sample cover letters to get you there.

• Business Analyst
• Investment Banking

Construction Cover Letter Examples

You need the right blueprint to craft your own cover letter. With our sample cover letters, you'll have the building block to finish yours quickly.

• Architecture

Creative & Cultural Fields Cover Letter Examples

No need to bury your creative side when choosing the right cover letter template, we’ve got you covered.

• Graphic Design

Education & Learning Cover Letter Examples

Think of our sample cover letters as an open book take-home test—just fill in the blanks with the right answers.

• Teaching Assistant

Engineering & Scientific Cover Letter Examples

Our cover letters have been tested in the field and the results come up positive. Replicate your own with our guides!

• Engineering

Hospitality Travel & Transportation Cover Letter Examples

Don’t take the hard road when crafting your cover letter—use our transportation and hospitality industry sample cover letters to get your profile revved up.

• Receptionist

Information Technology (IT) Cover Letter Examples

You code Java in your sleep but come up on the zero binary end when writing a cover letter. Use our examples line by line and you’ll be done in no time.

• Data Analyst

Legal Cover Letter Examples

You need a legal cover letter that won’t result in a hung (recruiter) jury. Use our sample cover letters to get a unanimous victory.

Management & Leadership Cover Letter Examples

You know how to lead and use expert advice in the best way—follow our cover letter guides for management and leadership for 100% success.

• Project Manager

Retail & Customer Service Cover Letter Examples

You promise what you can deliver to your customers — we do the same with our job-winning customer service cover letter templates.

• Customer Service

Sales & Marketing Cover Letter Examples

You know sales isn't about manipulating—it's about offering a solution to a problem. Our sample cover letter for sales jobs do just that.

• Digital Marketing
• Sales Assistant

Other Cover Letter Examples

Need a cover letter sample for different scenarios you find yourself in at this stage of your career? Check out the relevant cover letter templates you need here.

• Career Change
• Email Cover Letter
• Short Cover Letter
• Speculative Application

Examples of Cover Letter Templates

Megan Dennis

Software Engineer

4 Balsham Road

0191 565 5008

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/megandennis99

Amelia Godwin

49 Exmouth Rd

13th January, 2020

Dear Ms. Godwin,

Two months ago, I shattered a record I had previously considered unbreakable. My solutions for developing and optimising ABC's flagship apps and online software helped increase annual mean NPS to a staggering 61.8 (37% increase). Soon after that, I came across the opening for Software Development Team Lead at XYZ Corp. As a lifelong fan of your cutting-edge software solutions, I immediately knew that this post was the perfect match for my skills and expertise.

I know your main focus for the upcoming 18 months will be developing new mobile apps for personal finance management. In my current position as IT Team Lead with ABC Inc., my primary challenge has been to supervise the development and design of our mobile and desktop applications for a flawless user experience. Here are some of my most recent results:

• 3 out of the 4 apps I developed in 2018 were rated 4.7 stars in both AppleStore and Google Play.
• Upgraded premium versions of our products increased quarterly revenue by 86% in 2018 Q4.
• New Help Desk solution cut Customer Effort Score by 31%.

With more than 10 years of experience in software engineering, I am positive I can help XYZ Corp achieve similar results.

End User Satisfaction has always been the single most important KPI for measuring my team’s performance. I know that this value is also the cornerstone of XYZ’s mission and vision—that’s why I was so excited when I first saw your opening.

When can we schedule a meeting and discuss how my success at ABC can translate into IT happiness growth for you?

Yours faithfully,

General Cover Letter

A good cover letter is a personalised cover letter. Getting everything right takes time…and you need to submit your application right this second. Use this sample to create unique cover letters fast and easy—no matter if you need two or 20 versions.

18 Red Lane

079 7736 7995

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/johnqz.welch

Curtis Groom

Operations Manager

Weniger Aerospace

312 Sutton Road

13th January, 2019

Dear Mr. Groom,

I’m very excited to apply for the IT Project Manager position at Weniger Aerospace.

At A/G Systems, I saved 10 meeting hours a week for 20 engineers by using Oracle Primavera to automate program requirement management. At £90 an hour, that’s £864,000 saved per year. I’m proud of that—not least because my title wasn’t IT PMP but Program Administrator. Transitioning 100% into an IT PMP role at Weniger would use my IT skills and passion to its fullest extent.

I know you’re looking for an IT PMP with 5+ years of experience. I’ve spent 6 years creating robust IT systems with the following achievements in the skill areas you highlighted in your job offer:

• Customer Relationship Management. Worked directly with 200+ customers to integrate our software into their daily workflows. Slashed customer complaints by 25%.
• Training. Trained, mentored, and on-boarded 15 new IT hires. Handled all new user training, cutting customer issues by 30%. Provided software training to 12 business units across the UK.
• Automation. Led project to develop custom ERP software, automating requirements-tracking from 20,000 customers and 150+ programs.
• Programming. Wrote test script and coordinated testing across cross-functional teams. Expanded custom software to integrate with ERP. Slashed daily disruptions by 50%.

I’m very interested in sharing more about how I can deliver IT PLP excellence at Weniger Aerospace. Can we schedule a call?

Your faithfully,

Career Change Cover Letter

Most people don’t do the same job for years, but career changers get the double-take. This sample letter will show you how to prove you have what it takes to start a new career. Convince the employer you’re the perfect candidate with help from this example.

Spencer Gough

Graphic Designer

25 Holburn Lane

Heddon-on-the-Wall

070 3340 8500

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/spencer.zz.gough

Adam Roberts

Paralith Marketing

49 Winter Rd

7th December, 2019

Dear Mr. Roberts,

I was so excited when my protein shake packaging design was shortlisted for an Adobe Design Achievement Award.

It was no accident. Design has been a passion of mine since I was ten. I treated the coursework for my B.A. in Design at the University of Winchester as a starting off point. My classes lit the way, but I dug in deeper with:

• Extensive extra-curricular reading of over 100 books on design, art and business.
• Conducting a weekly podcast with interviews of 70+ top designers (and 1500+ subscribers).
• Freelance work on nights, weekends and in the summers designing products for small money but with great returns in terms of lessons learned.

When Dr. Stanhope suggested I apply for this internship, his reasoning was flawless. Paralith’s commitment to developing its interns far beyond mere clock-punching speaks directly to my voracious appetite for continued growth.

I would love to put my passion and skill to work for you. Can we schedule a call to discuss winning awards and accolades for Paralith?

Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.

Internship Cover Letter

Landing an internship is tough. Landing a placement that opens you up to great opportunities is even harder. This sample will show you how to make the most of your skills, education and attitude to win top companies over.

Kyle Howells

70 Lairg Road

Newcastle upon Tyne

077 0978 3656

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/kylezhowells

Head of Human Resources

Newcastle City Council

62 Gloddaeth Street

10th March, 2019

Dear Mr. Bartz,

My name is Kyle Howells and I’m in my final year of A-levels at Kenton School. I’m interested in becoming an apprentice assistant at the Newcastle City Council.

As the secretary of the debate club and model UN participant, I am a highly driven student who would help the Newcastle City Council overcome its administrative challenges.

I know the main duties for this position will be to maintain a professional relationship with visitors, answer multi-line phones and transfer calls to staff members. As the secretary of the debate club, I’ve had to maintain a professional relationship with both students and staff, while being a representative for the club. We were able to introduce several amendments to the debate club rules to make it a more inclusive and dynamic environment for students.

I am applying to the Newcastle City Council specifically as a way to become more involved in local politics and further my professional growth in the field. This is why I’m so excited about this opening. I’d love the opportunity to be involved in local politics in a more fundamental way.

Can we schedule a call next week to discuss this position further?

Student Cover Letter

Your job search is a catch-22: you want to work, but haven’t done enough work to get hired. These cover letter examples will help you escape this vicious circle. Be yourself, we’ll just help you bring out the best in you and give the employers the best candidate: you.

Naomi Fleming

7 Ings Lane

070 4005 3597

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/naomizfleming

Jennifer Scott

Marketing Manager

70 Gloddaeth Street

March 18th, 2019

Dear Ms. Scott,

It would realize a long-term dream of mine to fill the open digital marketing specialist position here at XYZ Food. When I first got my job in customer service here, it was because your team member, Arnold Dickey, advised me to take any job at the company, exceed expectations, build marketing skills and then apply for a transfer to marketing. After just two months, I was promoted to senior customer service agent for quick thinking and a strong work ethic. (I saved the company £2000 a month with one suggestion.)

I read the job posting carefully and spoke with several of your team members. I know the position calls for product knowledge, written and verbal communication, and a strong sense of who our customers are. I believe I’m the perfect fit. I’ve passed quarterly product knowledge quizzes with the highest scores in my department. I’ve used strong communication skills to achieve 95% positive customer survey scores and write up daily error-free reports. My department record of 75+ calls handled per day gives me an excellent understanding of our target demographic.

To me, the most compelling part of this position is that it’s the perfect fit. I’ve dreamed of working as a digital marketing specialist at XYZ for the past seven years, taking 15 online classes and doing 20 freelance projects on nights and weekends.

My supervisor here at XYZ customer service is happy to let me meet with you any weekday. Can we set up a time to chat about how I can exceed your expectations as I’ve exceeded hers?

Internal Position Cover Letter

A new position opened up in your company. You know you’re the best match, but you’re worried you’ll get overlooked. There’s competition, it’s not clear who gets promoted or transitioned. These cover letter samples will show you how to get the credit you’re due.

Summer Akhtar

Assistant Manager- Retail Operations

94 Ockham Road

East Thirston

070 2354 2807

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/summerzakhtar

Elizabeth Willis

Willis Wearables

4 Robertson Place

July 3rd, 2019

Dear Ms. Willis,

Presently I’m the retail operations assistant manager for Sleek and Sassy, but I just saw your advertisement for a manager at Willis Wearables and I’m excited to put forth my application. I’ve been a semi-frequent customer of WW over the years and I’ve always adored the quality of your products and the helpfulness of the staff.

During my managerial career, I've acquired many skills and much supervisory knowledge. I believe these abilities, coupled with 5+ years of management experience make me a strong contender for this position. On top of the things I mentioned, I’m also honored to have achieved some small, important successes, including:

• Reduction of employee turnover rates by 50% by creating a healthier, more family-like work environment.
• Cut overhead costs by around £3000 per month by implementing sustainable electronics and devices throughout the store.
• Increased sales by 30% in 2018 during the holiday season by spearheading a new sales and marketing campaign.

These are but a few examples, but I hope they help to show you my management experience, a love for the job, passion and dedication. I’m eager for the opportunity to bring these characteristics over to a store I’ve always admired.

If you'll give me the chance, I’d love to show you how I can build upon your current success and take Willis Wearables to the next level.

Manager Cover Letter

What makes this manager cover letter example great? It quantifies and shows a good fit:

• It uses numbers to prove this is the best candidate.
• It adds value to the profile by listing key deliverables.

Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

What makes this sample administrative assistant cover letter stand out? It shows skills like a Swiss Army knife—adaptability and an eagerness to meet any challenge. A further advantage is that it mirrors the requirements of the job ad with the best abilities the candidate has to offer.

Perfect Cover Letter Sample

• Make it easy for recruiters to contact you.
• Address a specific person with the right salutation.
• Show your worth and fit with the company.
• Sign off to make recruiters take action.

Try Zety’s professional cover letter builder now

The 23 Best Cover Letter Examples: What They Got Right

Published: December 14, 2023

I've sent plenty of cover letters throughout my career, so I know it isn't usually fun to write one. Fortunately, the cover letter examples I painstakingly gathered below show that it’s possible to have a little fun with your job search — and maybe even make yourself a better candidate in the process.

I was shocked upon learning 45% of job seekers don't include a cover letter when applying for a job. I definitely don't recommend following the crowd on this matter because your cover letter is a chance to tell the stories your resume only outlines.

It's an opportunity for you to highlight your creativity at the earliest stage of the recruitment process.

Are you ready to showcase your unique skills and experience? Or are you looking for more tips and cover letter inspiration?

Keep reading for 20+ cover letter examples, then check out tips for cover letter formatting and what makes a cover letter great .

5 Free Cover Letter Templates

Five fill-in-the-blank cover letter templates to help you impress recruiters.

• Standard Cover Letter Template
• Entry-Level Cover Letter Template
• Data-Driven Cover Letter Template

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

Cover Letter Examples

• Standard Cover Letter Example
• Data-Driven Cover Letter Sample
• Entry-Level Cover Letter Example
• The Cover Letter That Explains 'Why,' Not Just 'How'
• The 'We're Meant for Each Other' Cover Letter
• The Cover Letter with H.E.A.R.T.
• Short-and-Sweet Cover Letter Example
• The Short Story
• The Bare Bones Cover Letter
• The Breezy Follow-Up
• The Administrative Assistant Cover Letter
• The Internship Cover Letter
• The Brutally Honest Cover Letter
• The Pivot Cover Letter
• The Graphic Design Cover Letter
• Consulting Internship Cover Letter Example
• Nonprofit Referral Cover Letter Example
• General Email Inquiry Cover Letter Example
• Post-Phone-Call Cover Letter Example
• Mission-Driven Graduate Cover Letter Example
• Short Recommendation Cover Letter Example
• Professor or Research Position Cover Letter Example
• Director Cover Letter Example
• Editorial Cover Letter Example
• Promotion Cover Letter Example
• Law Cover Letter Example

Customizable Cover Letter Examples

In a hurry for a cover letter example you can download and customize? Check out the ones below from HubSpot’s cover letter template kit .

1. Standard Cover Letter Example

Download a Customizable Copy of This Cover Letter Example

This standard cover letter is among my favorite approaches because it hits all the right notes: It includes a space to give a brief summary of your experience, as well as a space to delve in-depth into the specific responsibilities of your current role.

You also have the chance to describe the challenges you’ve mastered in previous roles, showing that you’re capable of facing any problem that comes your way.

Why I Love It

I love this cover letter because it allows you to describe the high points of your career while still being professional, personalized, and succinct.

2. Data-Driven Cover Letter Sample

Numbers are worth a million words — or that’s how I think the saying should go (if only we could include pictures in cover letters).

Citing data and statistics about your achievements at your current company is an assured way to capture a hiring manager’s attention.

Over the years, I've learned most hiring managers don’t read the entire letter, so a bulleted summary of your achievements can be a powerful way to increase the effectiveness and scannability of your message.

I love this cover letter because it’s adaptable to any role. Even if you don’t work in a data-centric role, you can include any enumerable achievement.

If I worked in a creative industry, for instance, I could include the number of creative assets you designed for your current company.

3. Entry-Level Cover Letter Example

Many of us have had "first job jitters" (that's what I'm calling it) when applying for our first career opportunity.

However, my experience taught me to increase my chances of getting that first interview by including a cover letter that explains how my education can help me succeed in the role I applied for.

In fact, HubSpot staff writer Erica Santiago says highlighting her education was key to snagging her first role out of college.

"When I graduated from journalism school, I only had a couple of internships under my belt and maybe some writing clips — not enough to compete with most young professionals with more experience," she recalls.

"So, I highlighted the classes I took such as 'News Reporting and Writing' or 'Electronic News Gathering," she says, "And I explained the assignments I did and how they gave me real-world experience in interviewing and reporting."

She says that's how she got her first job as a digital journalist for WSVN in Miami.

If you need help understanding how to highlight your education in a cover letter, look no further than this example from HubSpot.

While other cover letter samples give experienced professionals the opportunity to share their experience at length, this one gives you the chance to describe your personal and professional attributes.

You can then convey how you can use your knowledge to help your target company reach its goals.

I love this cover letter because it’s easy and simple to use for a student who has little experience in their target industry — including those who haven’t yet completed an internship.

Looking for more? Download the entire kit below.

5 Professional Cover Letter Templates

Fill out the form to access your templates., best cover letter examples.

What does a good cover letter look like in practice, and how can you make yours stand out? I  found six examples from job seekers who decided to do things a bit differently.

Note: Some of these cover letters include real company names and NSFW language that I've covered up.

1. The Cover Letter That Explains 'Why,' Not Just 'How'

You may already know how to talk about how you’ll best execute a certain role in your cover letter. But there’s another question you might want to answer: Why the heck do you want to work here?

The Muse , a career guidance site, says that it’s often best to lead with the why — especially if it makes a good story.

I advise against blathering on and on, but a brief tale that illuminates your desire to work for that particular employer can really make you stand out.

Image Source

Here’s another instance of the power of personalization.

The author of this cover letter clearly has a passion for this prospective employer — the Chicago Cubs — and if she’s lying about it, well, I'm sure that would eventually be revealed in an interview.

Make sure your story is nonfiction and relatable according to each job. While I love a good tale of childhood baseball games, an introduction like this one probably wouldn’t be fitting in a cover letter for, say, a software company.

But a story of how the hours you spent playing with DOS games as a kid led to your passion for coding? Sure, I’d find that fitting.

If you’re really passionate about a particular job opening, think about where that deep interest is rooted. Then, tell your hiring manager about it in a few sentences.

Why This Is A Great Cover Letter

This example shows how effective personalization can be. The writer is passionate about the employer, drawing from her own childhood experience to communicate her enthusiasm.

Further reading: Sales Cover Letter Tips

2. The 'We're Meant for Each Other' Cover Letter

This cover letter example is a special one because it was submitted to us here at HubSpot. What does the letter do well? It makes a connection with us before we've even met the letter's author.

"Content Marketing Certified" shows the applicant has taken the content marketing certification course in our HubSpot Academy (you can take the same course here ).

Our "records" indicate he/she did indeed give an interview with us before — and was a HubSpot customer.

The cover letter sang references to a relationship we didn't even know we had with the candidate.

The letter ends with a charming pitch for why, despite him/her not getting hired previously, our interests complement each other this time around.

(Yes, the applicant was hired).

This cover letter example does an excellent job of building rapport with the employer. Despite not getting hired for previous roles they applied for at HubSpot, the writer conveys exactly why they are right for this role.

Read more: Customer Service Cover Letter Tips

3. The Cover Letter with H.E.A.R.T.

HubSpot has a lot of H.E.A.R.T. — Humble, Empathetic, Adaptable, Remarkable, Transparent.

Our Culture Code is the foundation of the company's culture, the driving force behind our mission to help millions grow better , and serves as the scaffolding for our hiring practices.

Recruiters at HubSpot look for applicants that demonstrate how they embody the Culture Code and job description, paying extra attention to cover letters that are super custom to HubSpot.

In another HubSpot submission, a HubSpot applicant writes about how she found out about HubSpot, why she likes the company, and how her professional experience aligns with H.E.A.R.T.

HubSpot's recruiting team was impressed with her dedication to the company and how she went beyond what was asked for by linking her portfolio in her closing paragraph.

Featured Resource: 5 Free Cover Letter Templates

Download our collection of 5 professional cover letter templates to help you summarize your professional journey and land your dream job – whether it's at your first or fifth company.

Short Cover Letter Examples

4. the short-and-sweet cover letter.

In 2009, David Silverman penned an article for Harvard Business Review titled, " The Best Cover Letter I Ever Received. " That letter has three complete sentences, as follows:

One might argue that this particular letter is less than outstanding, and I'll also admit it's an older example.

It’s brief, to say the least, and the author doesn’t go into a ton of detail about what makes him or her qualified for the job in question.

But that’s what Silverman likes about it — the fact that the applicant only included the pieces of information that would matter the most to the recipient.

"The writer of this letter took the time to think through what would be relevant to me," writes Silverman. "Instead of scattering lots of facts in hopes that one was relevant, the candidate offered up an opinion as to which experiences I should focus on."

When you apply for a job, start by determining two things:

• Who might oversee the role — that’s often included in the description, under "reports to." Address your letter to that individual.
• Figure out what problems this role is meant to solve for that person. Then, concisely phrase in your cover letter how and why your experience can and will resolve those problems.

The key to this standout cover letter is research.

By looking into who you’ll be reporting to and learning more about that person’s leadership style, you’ll be better prepared to tailor your cover letter to focus on how you can create solutions for them.

Read here for more tips on how to land your dream job .

5. The Short Story

Basha Coleman began her cover letter with a short story. The goal of this short story is two-fold:

• Detail the experience she already has with the organization.
• Stand out to the hiring team.

I notice her short story follows a typical narrative arc: It has a conflict/obstacle, a turning point, and a positive outcome, all created with a goal to emphasize a theme or point.

In this case, Coleman is emphasizing her existing affinity with the brand and her triumphs within the program so that she can continue on her career path.

Like the second example in our list, this cover letter does an excellent job of conveying the applicant’s existing affinity for the brand. If you are applying to a company you love, don’t be shy about showing it and explaining why.

6. The Bare Bones Cover Letter

In today's job market, cover letters aren't always necessary. Even though many recruiters won't ask for or even read them, cover letters can still be effective and convey personality to a reader.

Writing a strong cover letter can help you better convey your interest in the position and company.

This template from The Balance Careers puts together the essential components of a short cover letter: excitement about the position, your qualifications, and a call-to-action for the recruiter to follow up with you.

Combining these central aspects in a well-written, compelling narrative will go a long way in convincing readers to hire you.

This letter is organized and concise. The inclusion of bullet points to highlight key skills and help the recruiter skim the document is a nice touch.

Check out this post for more useful cover letter tips .

7. The Breezy Follow-Up

In this cover letter, Amanda Edens is following the instructions the hiring manager gave by forwarding an email with resume and writing samples attached.

This short cover letter is the result. I especially admire how she uses casual and breezy language to convey personality and enthusiasm, and she keeps her paragraphs succinct.

Not only does Amanda include links to relevant writing samples that are live on the web, but she also closes with a strong final paragraph that:

• Summarizes the expertise she has relevant to the posting
• Emphasizes that she doesn't want to simply get a job but rather help the organization accomplish their goals
• The reader gets everything they need in an organized and thoughtful manner.

8. The Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

In this cover letter the candidate, Michelle, plays up her prior music industry experience to build a connection with Epic Music Group. If you have specific industry experience for the role you are applying for, be sure to highlight that.

It’s clear that she’s passionate about not only the music industry, but Epic as a whole.

She’s done so much research on the company that she knows what software programs they use, and happens to be proficient in it to help convey value to the hiring manager.

This example further illustrates the importance of research.

Make sure you understand the culture of the company to which you’re applying before you send a completely unfiltered cover letter — if you don’t, there’s a good chance it’ll completely miss the mark.

In just three short paragraphs, the applicant uses their company research to drive home why they are the perfect fit for the role — emphasizing industry experience as well as software knowledge specific to the company.

All of this communicates that she’d be able to start with very few hiccups while getting up to speed.

Further reading: 15 Cover Letter Templates

9. The Internship Cover Letter

Maybe you’re just getting started in your career and looking to land the right internship to gain experience in your field.

In this case, you’ll need to highlight more of your educational background and transferable skills since you won’t have as much professional experience to highlight.

The cover letter above is a great example of how to emphasize your skills and accomplishments when applying to internships or entry-level positions. A few things the applicant does well:

• Highlights relevant extracurriculars and affinity networks. In this case, the applicant is applying for a business analyst position, so mentioning their involvement in a FinTech group makes sense.
• Previous internships in relevant fields: Our applicant points out that they’ve interned as a Business Analyst at another firm. Pointing out that they’ve done the role before will help make their case for fit.
• Highlight other useful skills: This applicant is fluent in both English and German. If an international company or an organization needs bilingual support, knowing multiple languages is an asset.

This cover letter example illustrates how you can leverage your education and background to get the gig even when you don’t have much working experience. Highlighting previous internships or experience in related fields can go a long way in convincing hiring managers you’re the perfect candidate for the role.

Further reading for recent graduates:

• How to Find a Job After College
• Writing a Cover Letter for an Internship

Creative Cover Letter Examples

10. the brutally honest cover letter.

Then, there are the occasions when your future boss might appreciate honesty — in its purest form.

Former Livestream CEO Jesse Hertzberg, by his own admission, is one of those people, which might be why he called this example " the best cover letter " (which he received while he was with Squarespace):

As Hertzberg says in the blog post elaborating on this excerpt — it’s not appropriate for every job or company.

But if you happen to be sure that the corporate culture of this prospective employer gets a kick out of a complete lack of filter, then there’s a chance that the hiring manager might appreciate your candor.

"Remember that I'm reading these all day long," Hertzberg writes. "You need to quickly convince me I should keep reading. You need to stand out."

The applicant did their research on the company’s culture and executed this cover letter flawlessly. It’s funny and shows off the applicant’s personality all while making it clear why they are a good fit for the role.

Further reading:

• How to Stand Out and Get Hired at Your Dream Company
• How to Find Your Dream Job

11. The Pivot Cover Letter

Making a career switch? Your cover letter can be an excellent opportunity for you to explain the reasoning behind your career change and how your transferable skills qualify you for the role.

It’s clean but effective.

Since the role she is applying for is more visual, it’s important to both show and tell why you’re a good fit.

This cover letter strikes the perfect balance between creativity and simplicity in design while putting the applicant's career change into context.

The copy is clean, with a creative font choice that isn’t distracting from the content, but still demonstrates the applicant’s knack for design.

12. The Graphic Design Cover Letter

When applying for more creative roles, the design of your cover letter can say just as much as the words on the page. Take the graphic designer letter example below.

It’s got so much going for it:

• Pop of color
• Clean layout
• Interesting fonts

Besides the style elements, this example also doesn’t skimp on the key skills recruiters are looking for. Using metrics, the applicant proves their value and why they would be a great fit.

This cover letter thoroughly conveys the applicant’s skills and qualifications using a variety of visual elements and emphasizing their greatest achievements.

Pro tip: If you're applying for a graphic design job, share a link to your graphic design portfolio website , even if it's not an application requirement.

Job Cover Letter Examples

Next up, let’s go over some classic cover letter examples for jobs, especially if you’re applying to internships or only have a few years of experience.

The below cover letters follow the golden rules and don’t deviate too much from the standard — which is ideal if you’re applying to positions in more traditional industries.

13. Consulting Internship Cover Letter Example

Many internship applicants are early on in their careers or are still in college. That means they’ve yet to gather enough experience to offer tangible proof of their ability to do the job.

That means that a cover letter is the place where an internship applicant can shine.

This cover letter example highlights the applicant’s skills in a bullet-point format. That makes it easier for an overburdened hiring manager to get the essence of her points, quickly, if they’re only skimming cover letters.

Not only that, but this applicant personalized the letter in every single sentence. She shares information about her prior conversations with some of the company’s employees and mentions the company’s name at every turn.

While she only has one prior consulting job, she deftly mentions the skills she developed in that role and ties them into her desired position at Quantcast Product Group.

This cover letter example does a fantastic job advertising the applicant’s soft skills in a highly scannable format — while still going heavy on the personalization.

Don’t be shy to lightly play with formatting to get your point across and to imbue the letter with your passion for a company.

14. Nonprofit Referral Cover Letter Example

This cover letter example for a nonprofit job hits the ground running by right away inserting the name of one of the nonprofit’s Superintendents.

That’s an excellent way to get a recruiter’s attention and make you stand out from the slush pile, even if you’re only just out of school, as is the case for this applicant.

If you’ve received an internal recommendation for a position, you’d be wise to open your letter with that information. Don’t worry about it feeling too stilted or strange — remember, hiring managers only skim letters.

Your goal is to make sure they get information about you that they otherwise won’t get from your resume.

With only three full paragraphs, this cover letter example is short, sweet, and to the point. No time is wasted, and it also goes over the critical basics, such as skills and experience.

This nonprofit cover letter includes a recommendation from an internal employee at the target organization, making it more likely to stand out from the slush pile.

I  also love that it doesn’t skimp on the basics, such as skills, enthusiasm, and experience.

15. General Email Inquiry Cover Letter Example

Even if a job opportunity isn’t available at an organization yet, it doesn’t mean that there won’t be. You can always send a general inquiry cover letter, like the one in this example.

This email cover letter for a political campaign internship is short and sweet, but includes the critical information the campaign coordinator needs to consider the applicant for any new positions that may open up.

The best part about this cover letter is that it can be easily customized from one political campaign employer to the next.

While it does include a level of personalization, it’s brief and can be easily changed to address the specific political candidate.

When sending general inquiries like this one, it’s essential to make the personalization aspect as pain-free as possible for yourself. That may mean including only one sentence or two, knowing that a general inquiry might not be replied to.

This email cover letter example hits all the right notes while keeping it brief and to-the-point. While we don’t recommend choosing this format for a formal cover letter, it works if you’re sending a general inquiry to an employer over email.

It’s also a good example to follow if you’re still in college or have very little experience.

Read more: How to Write a Letter of Interest

16. Post-Phone-Call Cover Letter Example

If you get a phone call from a potential employer and they invite you to send your resume, pat yourself on the back — that is such a win. In your cover letter, be sure to mention that right away, like this example does.

A hiring manager or an executive at a company likely has a lot of tasks on their plate, which means that they may forget about your call from one week to the next.

That is totally okay, which is why this example starts with a reminder that the applicant and the letter recipient spoke back on January 31st. It also has a few more details about why they started speaking in the first place.

Aside from leveraging the phone call that’s already occurred, this cover letter also does an excellent job explaining why the applicant is an ideal choice for the job.

It goes into detail about skills and previous experience with a high level of enthusiasm, and includes a promise to follow up at the end.

This cover letter example includes two things that will immediately draw my attention: A phone call they’ve already had, and a mutual contact at their organization.

The job and internship search can be grueling; never be afraid to use everything you have at your disposal to improve your standing over other applicants.

Read more: How to Start a Cover Letter

17. Mission-Driven Graduate Cover Letter Example

This cover letter example from a recent B.A. graduate wowed me from the first sentence.

The applicant right away explains her attained degree and her specific career interests, then dives into the aspects of her experience that make her such a great candidate.

It's so personalized to the employer’s own mission that it’s difficult to stop reading it.

Even if the hiring manager isn’t a science or health professional, they would be able to effectively gauge the applicant’s suitability for the role by the expertise she shows in her cover letter alone.

The applicant explains at length why she’s excited to work for that specific hospital. The organization serves Aboriginal populations, which aligns with her own values and research interests.

In the last paragraph, she summarizes what she knows about the employer in one sentence, then describes how each of her experiences supports the employer’s mission.

That is an exceedingly clever and meaningful way to align yourself with an organization at a deeper level.

If you’re applying to a mission-driven organization, don’t be shy about showing your excitement and expertise. You don’t need a lot of experience to show that your values align with those of your target organization.

This cover letter example is especially good inspiration if you’re making a career change, have only just a few internships under your belt, or are graduating from college.

18. Short Recommendation Cover Letter Example

Referral or recommendation cover letters don’t need to be too long, and this is a great example of that. It immediately leverages a mutual connection at the company.

The mutual connection recommended that the applicant contact the hiring manager for a role, which is a piece of information I  always recommend you frontload in your letter.

This specific cover letter comes from an applicant with little experience, making it a good example to follow if you’re switching careers or just out of college.

Instead of talking about their experience, the applicant uses anecdotal evidence to convey their enthusiasm for working at that company.

The writer also goes over their most salient skills, such as being able to speak multiple languages. They also explain how their degree directly applies to the target role.

I  love that the candidate highlights their leadership abilities and makes that an effective selling point for being hired.

This cover letter doesn’t go on for too long, which we love. It’s simple and sweet and provides all the information the hiring manager needs to look more closely at the applicant’s resume and make an interviewing decision.

19. Professor or Research Position Cover Letter Example

Academic or research position cover letters might require a little more information than the typical cover letter — and this is one such example. Why is it okay to go a little longer?

Because the letter is not only a way to supplement the PhD candidate’s academic CV, but to provide a writing sample for the search committee.

I love this cover letter because it expresses the candidate’s enthusiasm for teaching and explains her instructional ethos, such as providing out-of-the-classroom opportunities, championing communication, and encouraging students to step out of their comfort zone.

The applicant also suggests courses she may be able to teach at the target institution, and expresses her interest in developing new courses as needed.

She also suggests how she can enhance the college’s extracurricular programming by offering study abroad courses, which shows not just an interest in teaching but adding to the school’s overall culture.

While this letter goes for a little longer than recommended, it serves as a fantastic writing sample and explains the applicant’s research background at length.

If you’re applying to academic or research roles, don’t be afraid to go into detail about what most excites you in terms of research interests.

20. Director Cover Letter Example

This cover letter example — for a Director of Catering position at a university — doesn’t waste any time.

The applicant right away says that they’re a strong candidate for the role, then jumps right into three salient qualifications that make him a great fit.

I love how the applicant uses bullet points and bold text to guide an overburdened hiring manager through the cover letter — and to give them permission to scan it, if needed.

If the hiring manager would like more information or actual examples of the skills, they merely need to read the rest of the bullet point paragraph.

As mentioned, light formatting can be beneficial to your cover letter, as it draws the recruiter’s eyes and prevents them from having to fish for the information they’re looking for.

This short, sweet cover letter includes the critical information a hiring manager or high-level executive needs to make an interview decision.

I  love the use of formatting that doesn’t stray too much from regular cover letter conventions, and I  like that the applicant kept all other paragraphs extremely brief.

21. Editorial Cover Letter Example

Applying for an editorial or journalistic position? Like a cover letter example I  shared earlier, you can take a more storytelling approach to capture the hiring manager’s attention.

This cover letter example does that effectively by telling an anecdote that directly mentions the newspaper where they’d like to work.

This immediately draws the reader in and tells them that this application isn’t random at all; the applicant would like to work at the newspaper because they’ve read it every morning.

Not only that, but they have a favorite reporter on the newspaper’s staff. The applicant then jumps into the specific reason they want to take an editorial position at the Baltimore Sun.

The cover letter includes all pertinent information, such as how previous positions have equipped the applicant to take on this job. It closes with enthusiasm after keeping the reader rapt every step of the way.

The applicant uses storytelling to — you guessed it — apply for a position that needs storytelling skills. If you’re applying for a data-driven position or a graphic design position, why not showcase those skills in the cover letter itself?

I  like that this letter doesn’t diverge too much from cover letter conventions while still differentiating itself.

22. Promotion Cover Letter Example

In this cover letter example, the applicant already works for the employer and wishes to apply for the next position to move up in their career.

I  like that the letter cites the applicant’s extensive knowledge of the organization, which will no doubt give them an advantage over external applicants.

Not only that, but the applicant also references their experience before they started working at the employer and uses that information to make their candidacy even more desirable.

Lastly, this letter includes a healthy level of enthusiasm for the university and the position — something that is never extra in a cover letter.

This cover letter example does an excellent job showing the candidate’s knowledge of their current organization while stating why they’re a natural fit for the promotion.

Plus, the letter includes information on the applicant’s relevant activities outside of work — if you’re involved in any organizations that might help you do your job better, be sure to include them.

23. Law Cover Letter Example

This law cover letter example jumps right into personalization, a bold move that will serve you well if you’re genuinely interested in a company and want to stand out.

The applicant cites the recipient’s recent article on bond litigation, then ties that into the role they’d like to get at the law firm.

The applicant then goes into his skills and the feedback he’s received from past managers. This is an excellent way to introduce your skills without sounding dry — or even unfounded.

By citing positive feedback you’ve received, you’ll imply that others have praised you for having those skills, and that you’re not only "tooting your own horn."

Pro-Tip: In cover letters, it’s absolutely okay to toot your own horn — that’s what they’re for. But if you can cite others’ remarks, that also helps.)

At just two and a half paragraphs, this letter is exceedingly short but no less effective. It’s an excellent example of how to personalize your letter quickly while still conveying the essentials of a cover letter.

This short cover letter example keeps it brief while still creating high impact. The applicant personalizes the letter immediately, cites external feedback, and conveys enthusiasm.

This letter proves you don’t need to write a novel about an employer to sway the hiring manager into giving you an interview.

Now that I've shown you some excellent examples, let's talk about how you can create the best cover letter for your dream job.

What is a good cover letter?

A cover letter is used to show your interest in the role, passion for the company, and the impact you've had in previous positions. Good cover letters should include a standout opening, relevant skills and qualifications, and a strong finish with a call-to-action — all within one page and unique to each application.

What’s on a cover letter?

Before you start writing your cover letter, let's cover a few basic must-haves you'll want to include. If you’re looking for more detailed instructions, check out this guide to writing a cover letter .

Add a simple, but pleasant greeting to address the recruiter or hiring manager.

Learn more:

• Dear Sir or Madam Alternatives
• Cover Letter Greetings

Write a catchy introduction that explains why you’re interested in the role.

• How to Write an Introduction
• Tips for Writing a Good Introduction Sentence

Work Experience

This is the heart of your cover letter. It outlines your relevant experience and why you’d be a great fit for the role. You can highlight special skills, experiences, professional achievements, or education to help make your case.

• How to Write About Your Professional Background
• Professional Bio Examples
• LinkedIn Bio Examples

In this paragraph, add a call-to-action by expressing interest in an interview. Offer your contact information and sign off.

• Email Closing Line Examples
• Tips for Writing Conclusions

What does a cover letter look like?

Besides showing off your skills and qualifications, cover letters give you the opportunity to present a clear, concise, and compelling writing sample. It shows off your personality and your ability to convey ideas.

That's a lot of information to include on a single page, so it can help to have a clear structure to start with.

Check out our fillable cover letter templates to see how you should organize the content of your cover letter.

What makes a great cover letter?

A cover letter is personal, but it also needs to help you reach a goal and help the hiring team understand how you could perform that role with their company. This complexity can make cover letters really tough to write.

Because cover letters are difficult to write, many come off as boring, basic, or confusing for hiring managers to read. But the tips below about the qualities that make a cover letter great can help you take your cover letter from basic to bright.

Start with this quick video, then keep reading for more tips:

Personalized Introduction

Begin with an introduction that's personal. It should capture the reader's attention and address your recipient by name. Then, add a compelling opening sentence that emphasizes your interest in the specific role.

Helpful Cover Letter Introduction:

"Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

In an increasingly digitized world, where customer-centric strategies are vital for business success, I am thrilled to apply for the [Job Title] position at HubSpot."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Introduction:

"To Whom it May Concern,

I am applying for the [Job Title] position at HubSpot. I have some experience in marketing and can help your clients grow their businesses."

Relevant Professional Experience

It can be tempting to use the same cover letter for every job. After all, it's about your experience, isn't it? But it's not enough to rephrase the work history in your resume.

Recruiters and hiring managers are looking to fill a specific role, so you need to show how your experience translates to their unique needs.

So, the body of a great cover letter should showcase the specific professional experiences that are relevant to the job you're applying for. Emphasize your accomplishments and skills that directly relate to what the job needs.

To speed up this part of the cover letter writing process, start by creating a list of your transferable skills . Drafting this list can help you quickly focus on the skills to highlight in your cover letter.

Then, use AI tools to summarize job descriptions and narrow in on where your experience and the needs of the role you're applying for overlap. This post is full of useful AI assistant tools if you're new to AI.

Helpful Cover Letter Experience:

"At [Company Name], I had the opportunity to assist a global ecommerce retailer in enhancing their online customer experience. By conducting in-depth market research and customer journey mapping, I identified pain points and areas of improvement in their website navigation and user interface."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Experience:

"I also worked with an ecommerce retailer to improve the customer experience. We did some surveys and training, and they were happy with the results."

Useful Examples

To make your cover letter stand out, add specific examples that show how you've solved problems or gotten results in past roles.

Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible, using data to give the reader a clear understanding of your impact.

Helpful Cover Letter Example:

"I lead a team of five content writers while increasing website traffic by 18% year-over-year."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Example:

"I have a great track record of leadership and achieving fantastic results."

Research and Company Knowledge

Hiring teams aren't hiring anyone with the skills to do the job. They're hiring a person they'll work alongside at their specific company.

So, to show that you're not just looking for any job anywhere, share your knowledge of the company's industry, values, and culture in your cover letter.

Spend some time on the company website and take notes on what makes this business interesting to you and why you would want to work there.

Then, explain how your skills align with the company's mission and goals and explain how you could add to their chances of success. This will showcase your interest in the company and help them see if you are a good cultural fit.

Helpful Cover Letter Research:

"I was particularly drawn to HubSpot not only for its industry-leading solutions but also for its exceptional company culture. HubSpot's commitment to employee development and fostering a collaborative environment is evident in its recognition as a top workplace consistently. I strongly believe that my passion for continuous learning, self-motivation, and dedication to contributing to a team will make me a valuable asset to HubSpot."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Research:

"I have been inspired by HubSpot's commitment to inbound marketing and its comprehensive suite of solutions. HubSpot's dedication to providing valuable content and fostering meaningful relationships aligns with my own values and aspirations."

Clear Writing

Your cover letter needs to pack in a lot of important information. But it's also important that your cover letter is clear and concise.

To accomplish this, use professional but easy-to-understand language. Be sure to remove any grammar or spelling errors and avoid lengthy paragraphs and avoid jargon or overly technical language.

You may also want to use bullet points to make your letter easier to skim. Then, proofread your cover letter for clarity or ask a friend to proofread it for you.

• Guide to Becoming a Better Writer
• Tips for Simplifying Your Writing

Helpful Cover Letter Writing:

"In addition to my academic accomplishments, I gained valuable practical experience through internships at respected law firms.

Working alongside experienced attorneys, I assisted in providing legal support to clients. This hands-on experience helped me develop a deep understanding of client needs and enhanced my ability to effectively communicate complex legal concepts in a straightforward manner."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Writing:

"Furthermore, as a complement to my academic accomplishments, I have garnered invaluable practical experience through internships at esteemed law firms.

Throughout these placements, I actively collaborated with seasoned attorneys to conduct due diligence and furnish clients with comprehensive legal support. Notably, these experiences fostered a profound comprehension of client necessities, whilst honing my legal acumen to articulately convey intricate legal principles within a lucid and concise framework, adhering to applicable precedents and statutes of limitations."

Genuine Interest and Enthusiasm

Find ways to convey your passion for the role and how excited you are to contribute to the company you're applying to. At the same time, make sure your interest feels authentic and outline how it aligns with your career goals.

Your ultimate goal is an enthusiastic letter that feels honest and leaves a lasting positive impression.

Showing excitement in writing doesn't come naturally for everyone. A few tips that can help you boost the genuine enthusiasm in your letter:

• Record audio of yourself speaking about the role, then use voice-to-text technology to transcribe and add these sections to your letter.
• Choose your words carefully .
• Write in active voice.

Helpful Cover Letter Tone:

"I am genuinely enthusiastic about the prospect of joining [Company/Organization Name] as an accountant. My combination of technical proficiency, eagerness to learn, and strong attention to detail make me an ideal candidate for this role. I am confident that my dedication, reliability, and passion for accounting will contribute to the continued success of your organization."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Tone:

"Honestly, I can hardly contain my excitement when it comes to reconciliations, financial statement analysis, and tax regulations! Engaging in spirited discussions with professors and classmates has allowed me to foster an unbreakable bond with the fascinating world of accounting, and I'm positively bursting with enthusiasm at the prospect of applying my skills in a professional setting."

Memorable Conclusion

End your cover letter on a strong note. Summarize your top qualifications, restate your interest in the position, and express your interest in future communication.

Then, thank your reader for their time and consideration and include your contact information for easy follow-up.

To make your conclusion memorable, think about what parts of your letter you'd most like the hiring manager to keep top of mind. Then, consider your word choice and phrasing. If you're feeling stuck, this list of ways to close an email can help.

Helpful Cover Letter Conclusion:

"Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to further discuss how my qualifications align with the needs of Greenpeace. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to arrange an interview.

Together, let's make a lasting impact on our planet.

[Your Name]"

Unhelpful Cover Letter Conclusion:

"Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my qualifications further and how I can contribute to Greenpeace's mission. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to arrange an interview.

I’d like to add another stage to the job search: experimentation.

In today’s competitive landscape, it’s so easy to feel defeated, less-than-good-enough, or like giving up your job search.

But don’t let the process become so monotonous. Have fun discovering the qualitative data I’ve discussed here — then, have even more by getting creative with your cover letter composition.

I certainly can’t guarantee that every prospective employer will respond positively — or at all — to even the most unique, compelling cover letter. But the one that’s right for you will.

So, get inspired by these examples and templates. Write an incredible cover letter that shows the hiring team at your dream job exactly who you are.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in October 2020 and has been updated for comprehensiveness. This article was written by a human, but our team uses AI in our editorial process. Check out our full disclosure to learn more about how we use AI.

Don't forget to share this post!

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How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship [Examples & Template]

Letter of Interest Tips, Templates & Examples [A 2023 Guide]

15 Cover Letter Templates to Perfect Your Next Job Application

The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Cover Letter

How to Start a Cover Letter to Impress Employers [+ 14 Examples]

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• Cover Letter

How to Structure a Cover Letter in the UK in 2024: Examples

Our customers were hired by:

A cover (or covering ) letter is not an optional extra to send along with your CV, it’s fully half of your job application. It’s true that some employers will ask you not to send a cover letter. But if you were applying to one of those you probably wouldn’t be looking up how to structure a cover letter.

Like any piece of formal writing, getting the structure of a cover letter right is half the battle. Knowing what to write isn’t enough—how you write it is also critical. Luckily, these two aspects of writing—the what and the how—are linked in such a way that knowing the how makes sorting out the what easier.

This article is here to make getting the structure of your cover letter right as simple as possible. Follow along with clear instructions, nuts-and-bolts breakdowns, and UK-specific cover letter structure examples to have your cover letter mapped out and ready to write in no time.

Save time and have a cover letter ready in no time. Pick a cover letter template , use pre-written suggestions, and have your cover letter ready in minutes.

Create your cover letter now

Seeking more expert tips on cover letter writing? See these guides:

• How to Best Format a Cover Letter in 2024
• How to End a Cover Letter for Lasting Impression
• How to Start a Cover Letter to Involve the Reader
• Short Cover Letter Template & Expert Samples
• The Best Cover Letter Length to Apply in 2024
• What Is the Best Cover Letter Layout? (+ Samples)
• Writing a Cover Letter for Any Job: Examples & Tips

Cover letter structure example

How to structure a cover letter

To actually go about structuring your cover letter, think of the business letter format as a recipe. The first thing you’ll need to do is gather up all the necessary ingredients. For the header, you’ll need:

• Your contact details
• The addressee’s contact details, including position and company address
• The date of writing.

The salutation is easy, you’ll already have the addressee’s name or position. Of course, the content of the body of your cover letter isn’t laid out by the standard business letter format, but you’ll need:

• 3–4 achievements
• Some background research on the company to which you’re applying.

And, finally, the way you sign off will be determined by the salutation you used, so you’ll have everything you need there, too.

Fleshing out each of these parts and getting recruiters to give you a call is something that’s easier said than done, though. A good cover letter structure will give you a strong foundation. Check out a cover letter writing guide for plenty of examples and advice on how to build on that foundation.

You can adjust every cover letter created in the builder to meet the job requirements. Choose the name of your profession and the company to which you’re applying, and the builder will automatically adapt the content for you. Create a cover letter faster than you ever thought possible and apply for the job in record time.

1. Cover letter header

A ‘standard business letter’ is going to look different from country to country . Cover letters—being a type of business letter—are no exception. Cover letter structure can vary according to whose contact details go where, whether they’re left- or right-aligned, or the salutation used, to name just a few.

The header is perhaps where such regional differences are most pronounced. Have a look at the header example below and note the justification (alignment) used as well as how the date is written and where it’s placed. All British letters should follow this pattern but it’ll vary in other parts of the world.

Take note also of the fact that the sender’s details include a phone number and an email address. This may not strictly be part of the standard British business letter format but makes sense as part of a cover letter’s structure—you want recruiters to be able to contact you as easily as possible.

UK cover letter header example

Madison Nixon

45 Hedgerow Crescent

077 6666 7777

[email protected]

18th August 2021

Tessa Parkin

Human Resources Manager

Moore’s Business School

17 Layburn Road

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2. Salutation

Following the standard UK business letter format, you should stick with a standard, formal salutation. ‘Dear’ + the first name of the person to whom you’re writing is generally the best option. ‘Dear’ + the person’s title and surname is another option, as is ‘Dear’ + the person’s full name (avoid this if possible).

Cover letter salutation example

Dear Tessa,

3. Opening paragraph

The first paragraph of your cover letter is where you’ll make your first impression. In order to really grab your reader’s attention and make them sit up and pay attention, your opening paragraph will need to do these three things well:

• Clearly mention the company and the exact job title by name
• Show your enthusiasm for the company and the role
• Demonstrate what it is that you can bring to the company if hired.

Cover letter opening paragraph example

I was absolutely delighted to see that Moore’s Business School is looking for an administrative assistant to join its Programme Office admin team. In the 4+ years that I have been working in academic administration, I have found great satisfaction in excelling at supporting managerial, teaching and administrative staff. In my current position I reduced office operating costs by 10% and improved visiting lecturer satisfaction levels by over 40%.

4. Body paragraph(s)

This is where you’ll have the opportunity to showcase your achievements in the workplace thus far. The trick to making this as compelling as possible and standing out from the crowd is quantifying each and every achievement. This means putting numbers to your claims and backing them up with facts.

An achievement in this case is a description of actions you took and the benefits that they brought to your employer. Quantify everything you can, but focus on putting numbers to the benefits you brought your employers above all else. Estimating impacts is totally fine and often necessary.

Cover letter body paragraph example

In my current role at Griffiths College I successfully sorted through 14 years of old student records, reducing stored paperwork by 45% and freeing up significant archive space all while working strictly within college policies and GDPR requirements. I also switched office supply vendors, saving the college over £300 per month in purchase and delivery costs while changing to a more convenient delivery model. In my previous role with the Sands Institute of Technology, I did some research regarding hotels in the area and secured a preferential rate for SIT to host its guest lecturers and other VIP visitors, allowing SIT to offer its guests an even higher standard of accommodation while saving 5–15% on accommodation and taxi costs.

5. Closing paragraph and CTA

The closing paragraph, like the name suggests, aims to wrap all your achievements up and tie up any loose ends. This is not the place to introduce new information, but rather to summarise what came before. It’s a great opportunity to show off some additional knowledge about the company.

Good cover letters will include a quick expression of gratitude to the recruiter for the time and energy they’ve put into considering the application. They’ll also end on a confident Call to Action (CTA), expressing the desire to elaborate further on what the CV and cover letter contain during an interview.

Cover letter closing paragraph and CTA example

As you can see, I take the initiate whenever I can and enjoy making myself useful in ways that go beyond core administrative tasks like dealing with daily correspondence and enquiries and preparing and filing documentation. Given how small MBS’s admin team is, I think this a quality that could be very beneficial to the School.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to discussing my CV in greater detail during the course of an interview.

6. Sign off

The standard UK business letter format limits the options for ways to sign off at the end of a formal letter like a cover letter. Letters that were addressed to a specific, named person end with ‘Yours Sincerely’ whilst letter that were addressed to an unnamed recipient end with ‘Yours Faithfully’.

Cover letter sign-off example

Your Sincerely,

Madison Nixon 

How long should a cover letter be?

Following a good cover letter structure should leave you with a cover letter that’s between half an A4 page and a full A4 page long. A total of around 250–400 words, including the header, salutation, sign-off and body paragraphs:

• Opening paragraph – between 60 and 80 words
• Achievements showcase – between 120 and 200 words
• Closing paragraph(s) – between 40 and 60 words.

Other things to keep in mind when structuring a cover letter

There’s cover letter structure and then there’s cover letter format and layout. Keep the following things in mind what putting the finishing touches on your cover letter:

• The overall look of your cover letter should match that of your CV, use the same colours (if any), the same fonts, and a similar general layout
• Choose a clear and professional font like Noto, Garamond, Arial, or just stick to the default Liberation or Calibri
• Keep font sizes between 10 and 12 points
• Use white space, subheadings, bullet points and other elements of layout to direct your reader’s eye and make your documents clear and easy to digest
• Your cover letter structure will stay the same but the content should change with every new job application
• Save your documents in PDF, most of us have had bad days caused by *.docx files and their less than stellar stability.

A cover letter alone simply won’t be enough—you need an impactful CV, too. Create your CV in minutes. Choose a professional CV template and quickly fill in every CV section using ready-made content and expert advice.

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Has this article helped you get your head around cover letter structure? Please leave any questions, comments and feedback in the comments section below.

How we review the content at LiveCareer

Our editorial team has reviewed this article for compliance with Livecareer’s editorial guidelines . It’s to ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are consistent across all our career guides and align with current CV and cover letter writing standards and trends. We’re trusted by over 10 million job seekers, supporting them on their way to finding their dream job. Each article is preceded by research and scrutiny to ensure our content responds to current market trends and demand.

About the author

Since 2005, the LiveCareer Team has been helping job seekers advance their careers. In our in-depth guides, we share insider tips and the most effective CV and cover letter writing techniques so that you can beat recruiters in the hiring game and land your next job fast. Also, make sure to check out our state-of-the-art CV and cover letter builder—professional, intuitive, and fully in line with modern HR standards. Trusted by 10 million users worldwide.

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Cover letter structure

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How to write a cover letter.

A cover letter introduces you to an employer and asks them to think about your application. 

It’s a short letter, usually 3 to 5 paragraphs long.

When to include a cover letter

You should always include a cover letter when you apply for a job using a CV. 

You can write it as an email if you’re applying online or print a copy to go with a paper application.

When writing a cover letter, let the employer know you’re keen by showing that you’ve researched the company. Learn more about what they do through:

• their website
• recent news articles
• talking to people you know who work there

Send it to the right person

It's important to try to address your cover letter to someone by name. Check you have the details of the person you need to send it to. 

You'll need their name and preferred title. For example, ‘Dr’, ‘Mr’, ‘Mrs’, ‘Ms’, and their job title. You should also make sure you have the right company name and address, including postcode.

If you do not know their name

If the job advert does not include a name you can check the company website. Try to find details of the head of the department, head of human resources or a recruitment manager.

If you still cannot find a name, you can start your letter with ‘Dear Sir or Madam’.

Introduction

Introduce yourself and explain how you found the advertised job. You can mention the job title, and reference number if there is one. 

If you’re asking about any job openings and not applying to a vacancy, tell them what sort of job you’re looking for. Let the employer see how keen you are to work for them.

Show you're right for the job

Highlight the skills and experience you have that match what the employer is looking for. 

Convince them that you're enthusiastic about working for them. Let them know you share their work values, culture and style.

Give extra information

If you have gaps in your employment history, you could talk about the skills you gained while you were out of work.

If you’ve mentioned on your CV that you have a disability, you might want to talk more about this in your cover letter. Organisations like Disability UK can give you advice on how to do this. You do not have to mention your disability at this stage if you prefer not to.

You can get more help with specialist advice on finding work if you have a disability.

Ending your cover letter

Thank the employer for considering your application. Let them know that they can get more details from your CV, and tell them you're looking forward to hearing from them.

Let them know how they can best contact you. Make sure your contact details are correct on both your cover letter and CV.

Yours sincerely or yours faithfully

If you know the name of the person you’re writing to, you should end the letter with ‘Yours sincerely’.

If you’ve addressed the letter ‘Dear Sir or Madam’, you should end the letter with ‘Yours faithfully’.

Tips for writing a cover letter

When writing your cover letter, remember to:

• write a new one for every job you apply for and make sure it’s tailored to the company and the specific role
• use the same font and size as you do for your CV, so it looks consistent
• make sure the company name and recruiter’s details are correct
• use the right language and tone: keep it professional and match the keywords used by the employer in their job advert
• show you’ve done your research into the job and the company
• highlight your most relevant skills and experience to stand out from other applicants
• back up any statements you make with facts and use the STAR method
• double check spelling and grammar before you send it
• keep a copy of your cover letter as they may ask you about it in an interview

Related content

How to write a CV

Completing application forms

Interview tips

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CV and cover letter examples for teachers

If you’re struggling to write a CV or cover letter for teaching roles, here are some examples to help you stand out, whether you’re a headteacher or NQT

• More CV and cover letter templates
• Looking for teaching jobs ? View vacancies across all teaching levels at Guardian Jobs

You’ve heard about the school that’s just right for you. What next? What can you do with your application that will make you a certainty for the short list?

If you need some inspiration on what to include in your teaching CV and cover letter, here are our helpful guides – just remember not to copy them as exact templates.

Cover letter example:

Dear Ms Name,

As a [newly-qualified/experienced] teacher with [number] years experience in a [primary/secondary] school setting, I feel I would be well-suited for the role of [job title] at [name of school]. Please find my CV attached.

The nature of my work in education has prepared me for this position. My interest in [...] stimulated me to lead a project on [...] My role here was to […]. As part of this, I had to liaise with [...] meaning that I have developed skills in [...]. I faced some challenges along the way, such as [...] and overcame them by [...]. The impact of the project overall was [...]. This was measured by/ has been evidenced in [...].

In addition, I have successfully employed a [...] approach/ strategy when teaching and found that this led to many positive student outcomes, such as […]. A key part of my career is helping students reach their potential, which I work towards by focusing on [...] when teaching.

As shown by my experience in schools, I am enthusiastic about education and always strive to do the best for my students. I am able to take on responsibility for learning and have experience of successfully managing a class. I also have the enthusiasm and determination to ensure that I make a success of this role.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this application and I look forward to hearing from you in future.

Yours sincerely,

CV template:

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CV and cover letter tips:

Always make sure that your CV is up to date, and relevant to the needs of the employer. In teaching, it’s not that you’re going to be one of many recruits shuffled around until you find your niche – you’re a one-off, in your own classroom, responsible for your own pupils from day one. Any CV or cover letter you send, whether speculative or for an advertised position, needs to be sympathetic to each different context.

Your cover letter, the person specification, and the job description are pieces of a complex jigsaw. Sometimes, these pieces need more context and that’s where your research comes in. Look up Ofsted reports, local news reports, school performance information. All these pieces combined make the picture on the box, and you need to take the whole thing into account. Employers know there might be no ideal match, but to get yourself on a shortlist, and be invited for interview, you need to present yourself as close a fit as you can.

If you’re an NQT or RQT (newly or recently qualified teacher), you might think that you don’t have the skills and experience to make strong applications – but this certainly isn’t the case. Schools always need new recruits, and it’s part of their role to develop you. Show them your potential by relating what you have learned from your experiences so far, where the challenges were and how you overcame them, how you’ve made a difference and what you feel you can offer on a personal as well as professional level.

More established colleagues will have more experiences to draw on, but be careful not to fall into the trap of talking about one year’s experience repeated fifteen times – you still need to show a sense of development and further potential. Having a few years’ teaching experience to call on can help your confidence levels, but remember that you’re expected to show that you had an impact, that your own initiatives or methods made changes happen and that those changes became embedded in practice. Explain a problem that you were aware of, how you intervened and what the situation is now like as a result. Be prepared to link this to the ultimate aim of improved pupil outcomes – it’s essentially how all teachers are judged.

The higher up the professional ladder you intend to go, the more guidance and feedback you need on the application you’re about to submit. Friends and contacts in similar positions to the one you’re applying for can offer insights that official descriptions can’t. Don’t stop there, though – talk to people in more senior positions. What would they be looking for if they were recruiting for a similar role? Ask for feedback on your letter, and from people who won’t just give you an easy time. Once you’ve got that feedback, trust it. Be prepared to start again, if necessary, so allow time within the process for this to happen. Dig deep into your motives, your letter needs to reflect the factors in education that really drive you. Think about what makes you smile at work and make sure you put that in.

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