What’s the Difference Between a Cover Letter and a Resume?
Understanding the Basics
Key differences between a cover letter and a resume, when to use a cover letter vs. a resume, how to complement your resume with a cover letter, common mistakes to avoid with cover letters and resumes, tips for writing effective cover letters and resumes, final thoughts on using cover letters and resumes together, additional resources, frequently asked questions about cover letters vs. resumes.
Cover letters and resumes are essential to introduce yourself to prospective employers, but there are some critical differences between them. Learn more about what those differences are, the function of each document, and how they can work in tandem to help you market yourself for potential roles.
What is a resume?
A resume is a document that outlines a job candidate’s qualifications, shares highlights from their job history, and lists skills and accomplishments. It’s meant to be an easily digestible snapshot that job recruiters and hiring managers can quickly scan.
The critical components of a resume include contact information, summary, work experience, education, and skills. There are also different resume formats, including chronological, functional , and combination . Chronological resumes, which focus on your professional history, starting with your recent job and working backward, are the most common.
What is a cover letter?
A cover letter is written to accompany your resume and/or other job application materials. It lets you directly address the job recruiter and quickly summarize why you’d be a good fit for their organization.
Cover letters are narratives with three main sections: an introduction, a body, and a closing.
These letters vary depending on which documents you include, such as an application, referral, or prospecting letter.
To break down a cover letter vs. a resume, here’s a look at the various components of each.
Purpose and function
- Resume: Provide a summary of qualifications, skills, and experience
- Cover Letter: Offer a personal introduction, express interest in the role, and explain why you’re a good fit
Content and tone
- Resume: Should be concise and factual, offering quick facts and data points
- Cover Letter: A more personalized approach, speaking directly to the reader
Structure and format
- Resume: Structured format with section headings and bullet point lists
- Cover letter: Formal letter format with paragraphs and a salutation
- Resume: Typically one to two pages , depending on level of experience
- Cover Letter: Usually one page
In some situations, you can use either a cover letter or a resume without the other. Here are some suggestions for various job-seeking scenarios.
Applying for jobs
In most cases, applying for a job with a cover letter and a resume is beneficial. The letter lets you include your personality, while the resume lists facts (such as skills and accomplishments).
That said, there could be scenarios in which only a resume is needed. For example, if you have a contact at an organization, you may not need the cover letter since the person already knows you. Another time you might not send a cover letter is if you’re filling out an online application that already includes questions about your job history, goals, and qualifications. In those situations, you can use similar content to your cover letter.
Networking and referrals
If someone for a job referred you, that’s an example of when a cover letter can be effective. It lets you “name drop” the person referring to you and hopefully catches the reader’s attention.
You can also use a cover letter to mention an affiliation you have in common with the recruiter, such as being an alum of the same college or fraternity or perhaps meeting at an industry event.
Follow-up and thank-you letters
Cover letters should be distinct from others you may send during your job search, as each type has a specific purpose.
For example, the follow-up letter is a brief note for when you have not heard back after sending your original letter and resume. The tone should be friendly and straightforward.
Thank-you letters are usually sent after you’ve been interviewed by or received feedback from a hiring team member. Again, keep the tone upbeat and thank the person for their time. You can also include some follow-up information regarding something you spoke about.
Resumes and cover letters work best when used in tandem. A good analogy might be to think of the cover letter as the opening act of your show, and then your resume is the headliner. There should be a natural flow from the cover letter to the resume.
Customizing content for each application
Explain why you are perfect for a particular role to improve your odds of getting called for an interview. To do this, personalize your cover letter and customize your resume to correspond to what the hiring company is seeking.
Take clues from the job description and research the organization’s values. Address a couple of those points in your letter and resume.
Highlighting key skills and experience
Since a resume consists of quick bullet points, your cover letter (and your interview) are opportunities to elaborate on those points.
Here's an example:
Your company’s reputation for delivering top-notch customer experience aligns with my professional background. During my time with JCPenney, I oversaw a team of over 12 associates that contributed to a 20% sales increase and improved revenue by $300,000 within one year. My unique blend of leadership and retail management experience would benefit your team. As my attached resume illustrates, I’m dedicated to driving customer success.
Addressing potential resume gaps
A cover letter can also be helpful for someone with employment gaps or career changes. Employers will be curious to know what you did during a two-year period when no jobs were listed, for example.
Here’s an example of how to address such concerns proactively in your cover letter:
In 2022, I took some time off from human resources (HR) work to pursue an entrepreneurial endeavor, which provides a passive source of income. During that period, I also had time to become a Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Certified Professional (SHRM-CP). I attended several conferences and webinars to better position myself to transition back into the HR field.
When creating your cover letter and resume, these are the most common missteps that job seekers make.
Overlapping content
These documents will be read together, so it’s best to avoid repetition. You can preview what will be on your resume in your cover letter, but don’t simply copy and paste. Remember the primary purpose of each document, and stay on point.
Focusing too much on the resume
Your resume is likely the more important document of the two, but still invest time into crafting a solid cover letter. Remember that a recruiter might look at 100 resumes with similar formats and talking points daily.
Conversely, the cover letter lets you make your “elevator pitch” and engage the reader so they want to see your resume.
Ignoring formatting and presentation
Think of the cover letter and resume as a package that has consistency in design and formatting.
You must also proofread your cover letter and check for errors. One big mistake to avoid is addressing the wrong person or company or misspelling the person’s name.
Researching the company and role
You must learn something about the company and the position you’re applying for so you can tailor your cover letter accordingly. Look at the job posting, the career section of the company’s website, and the company’s social media pages for some insight.
Then, use this intel to write the profile section and some bullet points on your resume.
Using keywords from the job description
Including relevant keywords on your resume is crucial if it might be going through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) before it gets to a human recruiter. ATS is programmed to look for specific keywords and phrases to flag possible matches.
Cover letters could be scanned by these systems as well, so try to mention the most important keywords there as well.
Showcasing your unique value proposition
Incorporating personalized examples in your letter and resume can help you stand out from the competition. Other applicants may have similar career backgrounds and education credentials. Still, you’ll differentiate yourself if you can focus on your impact, the results you’ve driven, and the value you’ve brought to organizations.
When in doubt, including a cover letter is always a good idea. It can effectively establish that you fit the role in a best-case scenario.
Before sending your cover letter and resume, ask a trusted peer or career advisor for feedback and make any necessary updates and improvements.
Once you send out your cover letter and resume, please follow up with the recipients after one to two weeks if you are still waiting to hear back.
Links to cover letter and resume templates
- Are Resume Templates a Good Idea?
- Basic Resume Templates and Examples for 2024
- How To Build A Professional Resume (Plus Examples and Templates)
Online tools for resume and cover letter writing
- How to Write an Effective Cover Letter
- How To Write a Resume Summary (With Examples)
- Resumes, Cover Letters, and Job Applications
Even if you submit a cover letter, your resume should have a summary at the top just in case others are looking at it without the letter. It should be original content that differs from the cover letter, though you can touch on similar themes.
Though a cover letter may not be required, including it when applying for work is good. It's another opportunity to present yourself as a strong candidate.
The introduction of your cover letter should explain who you are, which job you're applying for, and why. It could also mention where or from whom you heard about the job.
Executive Resume Writer and Career Coach
Andrew Stoner is an executive career coach and resume writer with 17 years of experience as a hiring manager and operations leader at two Fortune 500 Financial Services companies, and as the career services director at two major university business schools.
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The Ultimate Cover Letter Writing Guide
The complete guide to writing an effective cover letter.
Any of these sound familiar? The simple answer is yes, having an effective cover letter is completely necessary and highly recommended and we’ll tell you why you need a cover letter as well as a resume!
When you’re applying for a job, whether it be for an entry-level position after graduating or for a high-level executive vacancy with a professional resume , a cover letter is essential to make your application stand out .
Without this extra introductory letter, a resume alone could easily be discarded by a hiring manager. CareerBuilder estimates you’re 10% more likely to miss out on an opening if you don’t include a cover letter.
Writing a good cover letter it’s not a skill many many people master, but that doesn’t mean it’s an impossible feat!
With our complete cover letter guide , you’ll learn how to write a cover letter that will attract the hiring manager and convince them to read your winning resume.
What is a cover letter?
A cover letter is an extension to your job application. It is not obligatory but including a well-written cover letter is strongly advised by all human resource experts . By definition, a cover letter is an accompanying, explanatory letter.
All jobseekers need a sales pitch of sorts, they need to hook the reader and demonstrate to the hiring manager why they are the right person for the vacancy on offer. This style of self-marketing for a job application must come in the form of a winning resume and cover letter combination that complement one another.
A simple cover letter is an introduction to the candidate behind the qualifications and experience. The aim is to show a prospective employer how you can take on the role and what you can offer the company in question.
Cover letters generally follow a basic structure and can be in either hard or digital format, that is to say, either printed and sent via regular mail or as a document scanned and attached to send digitally, or written directly in an email cover letter .
Why include a cover letter on a job application?
If you want to stand any chance at all of catching the eye of a potential employer , it is imperative to include a cover letter with your job application.
Simple – even if you create an effective, outstanding resume , using all the right keywords and qualifications etc. it’s possible there are candidates more qualified than you or with more experience so it’s necessary to add a cover letter to back up your resume and allow the hiring manager to see more of your personal side that is relevant to the vacancy.
- The cover letter demonstrates your communication skills.
- The cover letter serves as an introduction to the resume.
- The cover letter can be used to emphasize certain skills, or mention skills that you couldn’t fit on the resume (it serves as an addendum).
- The cover letter is what you customize for each position, to show why you are the right person for “That” role, as opposed to the resume which stays pretty much the same for all applications.
A cover letter is the added value that you need in a job application to ensure the call-back you’ve been waiting for.
To create a unique, tailor-made job application , each candidate should use a cover letter to highlight their strengths and elaborate on relevant achievements that demonstrate their ability to take on the new responsibilities.
Is it practically always sensible and appropriate to write a cover letter to accompany a resume for a job application that should be customized for the role you’re applying to including any explanations of information that might be missing from the resume, such as employment gaps, traveling, periods of study etc.
The only time it is acceptable to not include a cover letter in your job application is if the job listing specifically requests that you do not.
Advantages of Writing a Cover Letter
A cover letter directly adds to the likelihood that you are called in for an interview and gives you a better chance of being hired .
If you’re successful in writing an effective cover letter , it will offer you the following advantages:
- Hiring managers will see your added effort
- Demonstrates you put in the time to learn about the company
- It will add a personal touch to your application
- It shows your enthusiasm for the opening
- Hiring managers will become acquainted with your best qualities
Knowing exactly what is in a cover letter will ensure that it gives you a major advantage over the other applicants.
What are the 3 Types of Cover Letters?
Adding a cover letter is almost always essential, but choosing the appropriate letter will also be key. Depending on the job post you are applying for, you will need to select the best type of letter to send along with your resume.
There are 3 types of cover letters that you can send to a hiring manager. The 3 types are:
- Application cover letters
- Letters of Interest
- Email Cover letters
The letter you write is influenced by whether you are going to apply for a job directly , citing a referral, or asking about vacancies that are not advertised.
Whatever the case may be, ensure that the cover letter is specific to the job vacancy . It’s always important to avoid making a generic cover letter for every single job you apply for.
So, what are the 3 types of cover letters you should consider sending to a job recruiter?
Application Cover Letter
This is your classic cover letter that you send to a hiring manager when you spot a company advertising a job opening. When you want to directly apply for a position, it is mandatory to send this, unless you are specifically asked not to.
Using this letter, you can mention why you want to work for a specific company and why you are the perfect candidate for the position.
Letter of Interest
Say you notice a company that you would really like to work for. It fits your sector, and you know it offers great benefits and good pay. However, you can’t find any openings that match your skill set.
If that’s the case, you don’t need to sit around and wait for the company to have a job vacancy. You can take action with a letter of interest. This type of cover letter states your interest in being employed by a company that isn’t currently advertising any vacancies.
This type of letter goes by a couple of other names, such as:
- Letter of intent
- Statement of interest
Of course, since there is no vacancy there is no role you can specifically mention, which is the major difference between a letter of intent and a traditional cover letter. Your objective will be to advertise yourself well enough that an employer will just have to interview you.
Email Cover Letters
Over the years, the job application process has shifted to a nearly 100% online hiring process . Due to this, it may be necessary to send your cover letter in an email as part of your job application.
While applying, there may not be an option to upload your cover letter. Or maybe you would just like to send it in the body of your email along with your resume . You can send it in one of two ways, in the body of your email or as an attachment (in PDF).
How to write a cover letter
A cover letter, although short in length generally, can take time to elaborate as it is important to get it right. Sometimes, due to the scarce space for writing, candidates find it difficult to know what to include in a cover letter and what to leave out .
However, knowing how to do a cover letter can make all the difference to your job application and be the just the thing to capture the attention of a hiring manager.
A professional cover letter should be well-formatted, following a structure with a header, an opening paragraph, a second main paragraph, a final closing paragraph and a closing with signature/electronic signature.
To begin writing a cover letter for a job application , candidates should analyze their skills, qualifications, accomplishments and experience to decide which are the most fundamental aspects to include in their personalized cover letter.
Next, each jobseeker will have to select the most job-relevant of these elements to include by comparing them with the required or desired qualifications and experience in the job description.
Finally, the applicant should choose some memorable examples which demonstrate evidence of each element included in their cover letter, aiming to tell a story which shows their aptitude concerning each skill or qualification.
Jobseekers should also ensure to explore how to make a cover letter for their specific role or industry because, similarly to resumes, each cover letter should be tailored for the vacancy and company to which it will be sent.
It is vital for candidates to consider several factors when it comes to writing their professional cover letter . A jobseeker must review their resume work history section as well as any skills and honors included to find the most pertinent experiences that can be explored further. Detailing examples of when a candidate demonstrated certain abilities or expertise is how a candidate can convince a hiring.
One way to create a winning cover letter is to use an online cover letter creator or take advantage of cover letter templates as a stepping stone as well as checking out cover letter examples that can serve as a great source of inspiration for you to make your own unique cover letter .
Our cover letter builder forms part of our resume builder and allows jobseekers to create a more complete job application. Users can write their cover letter with pro tips and design help thanks to our pre-designed templates. Read our cover letter writing guide to get to grips with cover letter writing techniques and tips before using our online cover letter builder!
How to Structure a Cover Letter
The structure and layout of a cover letter is essential to make sure the letter displays each point that you wish to get across clearly and concisely . This means it’s necessary, in general, to follow a commonly-accepted format for an effective cover letter.
Similarly to a resume format , designing and writing a cover letter has certain rules which should be adhered to in order to convey the necessary information in a brief and to the point introductory letter.
Check out some of the cover letter best practices as advised by human resources experts below:
- It’s imperative to begin a cover letter with a header , including the candidate’s name and contact information as well as the date. This primary cover letter section can also include the job title, website and other relevant personal information.
Following this, the letter should include the details of the company and person to whom you are writing, with the full name, job title or team, company name and address.
- The main body of a cover letter should be divided into three sections : an introduction, a bullet list of accomplishments followed by a paragraph highlighting skills, and a closing paragraph inviting the hiring manager to contact you. By using bullet points when detailing your achievements and capabilities, you can make sure that recruiters will be able to quickly pick out key information. This is especially important as studies have found that recruiters spend very little time reading each individual application.
- Finally, the letter should be electronically or physically signed with your full name in a formal manner.
The universally-accepted cover letter length is no longer than one letter page, which in total has about 250-300 words for the main body of text.
Don’t repeat information or be too detailed because hiring managers simply do not have the time to read it all and will simply skip to the next one. Resumes that run over 600 words get rejected 43% faster and cover letters can easily fall into this trap too.
Keep your cover letter short and sweet and to the point!
Get more cover letter formatting advice in our guide on how to format a cover letter with tips and information about all aspects of a good cover letter structure.
Cover letter advice
The importance of including a cover letter with your job application is often overlooked by jobseekers of all categories, however this can seriously reduce your possibilities of getting an interview with a prospective employer.
Therefore you need not ask yourself when to write a cover letter because the answer is just that simple – it is always appropriate to include a cover letter in your job application , unless the listing explicitly requests that you do not.
Check out the following expert cover letter tips to create a winning cover letter that will convince the hiring manager to give you a call:
- We may be quite repetitive with this one but the sheer quantity of resumes and cover letters that are disregarded simply for forgetting this vital and basic rule is incredible: USE A PROFESSIONAL EMAIL ADDRESS for your contact details and that does not include your current work email but a personal, suitable email address.
- It is essential to remember to maintain your focus on the needs of the company you’re applying to and the requirements and desired abilities of the ideal candidate for the role. Do not focus on how you can benefit by becoming a member of their team, but on how the team can make the most of your experience and knowledge.
- Remember to highlight your transferable skills , especially in cases where you may not meet all the required qualities in the job description such as in student resumes and cover letters.
- Each cover letter for a job application, cover letters for internships , for further study or even volunteer experience should be tailored to their specific organization and position with the pertinent keywords.
- Use specific examples to demonstrate the candidate’s individual capacity to take on the role and tell a story with your cover letter to convey more of your personality and passion towards the sector or profession.
- Towards the end of a cover letter , each candidate should write a convincing finish to entice the hiring manager and in sales terminology “ seal the deal ”.
- Finally when you have completed your polished cover letter, potentially one of the most important steps in the process is to PROOFREAD . Candidates should request that a friend, mentor, teacher or peer takes a look at their cover letter for not only grammatical and spelling errors but also any unwanted repetition or unrelated information .
Some jobseekers doubt whether a cover letter is necessary or not , but as most human resource professionals agree without a well-written cover letter, candidates lose the possibility to demonstrate different aspects of their profile from those included in their resumes which could easily be the deciding factor in your application!
An easy and fast way to write an effective cover letter for a job application is to employ an online cover letter creator that will offer advice on how to complete a cover letter with examples and HR-approved templates.
Cover Letter FAQs
What do employers look for in a cover letter, can a cover letter be two pages, what is the difference between a cover letter and a resume, should you put a photo on a cover letter.
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60+ Cover Letter Examples in 2024 [For All Professions]
No matter where you are in your career, or what job you’re applying for, submitting a cover letter with your resume is a must .
Done right, a cover letter will effectively complement your resume and explain to the hiring manager in more detail why you’re the right person for the job.
Writing a cover letter, however, is easier said than done.
You have to effectively demonstrate that you’ll be able to perform the responsibilities listed in the job description and that you’d be a better fit for the company compared to other candidates.
And unless you’re a professional writer, this can be a very hard task.
Fortunately, we created these cover letter examples to inspire you and help you get started with your own cover letter!
Let’s dive in!
21 Cover Letter Examples
#1. career change cover letter example .
Here’s what this cover letter does right:
- Has an ideal length. This cover letter includes all the relevant information for the hiring manager without getting into too much detail.
- Relevant introduction. The candidate explains that they’re changing careers and why they want to work in this new field from the get-go.
- Explains their related experience. The candidate explains how their previous experience in retail sales can help them succeed in PR.
Check out our guide video guide to learn how to write a Cover Letter that gets you HIRED!
#2. Recent Graduate Cover Letter Example
- Personally greets the hiring manager. The candidate has taken the time to find the hiring manager’s name and address them by it, which makes the opening of the cover letter much more personal.
- Wraps up with a call to action. The candidate wraps up the cover letter by suggesting a meeting with the hiring manager, which makes them more memorable.
- Explains why the candidate is the right person for the internship. In this cover letter for an internship , the candidate explains how they’ve previously interned in a different firm, which gives them the experience to succeed in this role.
Have you just graduated from college? Make sure to check out our guide on writing an entry-level cover letter from start to finish!
#3. Middle Management Cover Letter Example
- Use of bullet points. The candidate presents the information in a concise and reader-friendly way, making it easy for the hiring manager to find their key achievements.
- Formal closing. The candidate has used a formal and polite tone to conclude their cover letter, which combined with a call to action makes them look professional and passionate about getting the job.
- Explains how the company would benefit from hiring them. The candidate outlines exactly what they could do for the company, which not only highlights their skills but also shows they’ve done their research on the company’s needs.
#4. Business Manager Cover Letter Example
- Detailed header. In addition to the must-have contact details, this candidate has also included their professional Twitter and LinkedIn profiles, making it easy for the hiring manager to look more closely into their career.
- Concise and to the point. This candidate has used short paragraphs and bullet points to make the cover letter easy to skim through.
- Wraps up with a call to action. By letting the hiring manager know they’ll be contacting them soon, they’re more likely to make an impression.
Check out this article for a complete writing guide and an inspiring business manager resume sample.
#5. Ph.D. Cover Letter Example
Here’s what this cover letter does right:
- Attention-grabbing introduction. In the opening paragraph, this candidate explains why they’re passionate about pursuing a Ph.D. in great detail.
- Explains the candidate’s qualifications in detail. The candidate builds on their passion by explaining how they’re also qualified for the degree because of their education history and academic achievements.
#6. Senior Executive Cover Letter Example
- Professional and minimalistic template. This senior executive has used a professional but minimalistic template that lets their work experience do the talking.
- Achievement-oriented opening paragraph. Right from the get-go, this candidate explains what makes them so good at their job, effectively grabbing the hiring manager’s attention.
- Wraps up with a call to action. By suggesting to have a meeting and discussing how they can help the company meet its goals, the candidate stands more chance to make a positive lasting impression.
#7. Architect Cover Letter Example
- Modern resume template. This architect has picked a template that perfectly matches his industry, as it is professional and modern at the same time.
- A personal greeting to the HR. They address the hiring manager by their first name, which helps make a better first impression.
- Measurable achievements. By quantifying their achievements, the candidate proves their achievements instead of just claiming them.
Struggling with your architect resume ? Check out our full guide!
#8. Business Analyst Cover Letter Example
- Detailed contact information. The candidate has listed both their LinkedIn and Twitter profiles, providing the HR manager an opportunity to learn more about the candidate.
- Mentions what the candidate can do for the company. This cover letter doesn’t just explain why the job would be great for the candidate, but also how the candidate would benefit the company. Win-win, right?
- Error-free and reader-friendly. It’s super important for the cover letter to have no spelling or grammatical errors and be reader-friendly. This candidate made sure they did both.
Need a resume alongside your cover letter? Check out our guide on how to write a business analyst resume .
#9. Consultant Cover Letter Example
- Professional cover letter template. Being an experienced consultant, this candidate has picked a professional template that doesn’t steal the spotlight from their achievements.
- Experience and achievement-oriented. The candidate has effectively elaborated on their top achievements relevant to the job.
- Highlights the candidate’s passion. To show they want the job, this candidate has also explained how passionate they are about their profession.
For more advice on landing a job as a consultant, check out our guide to writing a consultant resume .
#10. Digital Marketing Cover Letter Example
- Creative cover letter template. This digital marketer highlights their originality by picking a creative cover letter template.
- Lists the candidate’s awards. The candidate has taken advantage of the cover letter to list their most noteworthy awards in the industry.
- Concludes with a call to action. As they used a call to action to conclude their cover letter, the HR manager will be more likely to remember them.
Want to take your digital marketing resume to the next level? Check out our guide!
#11. Graphic Designer Cover Letter Example
- Detailed contact information. The candidate has included additional contact information such as their website link, as well as their LinkedIn and Twitter profiles.
- Ideal length. This cover letter is concise, which means that the HR manager is more likely to read it from start to finish.
- Draws attention to the candidate’s strong points. Although this candidate is a recent college graduate, they’ve managed to effectively show that they have enough knowledge and experience to do the job right.
Read this guide to write a graphic designer resume that’s just as good as your cover letter!
#12. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Example
- Minimalistic cover letter template. The candidate picked a well-designed but minimalistic template for their cover letter.
- Focused on skills and achievements. This cover letter is packed with the candidate’s skills and achievements, proving he can be an excellent employee.
- Formal closing. Politeness can go a long way and the candidate has used this to their advantage to make an impression.
Our article on how to write an administrative assistant resume can help you take your job application to the next level.
#13. Front Desk Cover Letter Example
- Modern cover letter template. This template incorporates memorable colors and clear lines, which make the cover letter very visually appealing.
- Attention-grabbing introduction. Using an attention-grabbing intro, the candidate is more likely to make an impression.
- Calls the HR to action. By including a call to action, the candidate is reminding the HR of their immediate availability.
#14. Human Resources Cover Letter Example
- It is concise and to the point. The candidate doesn’t dwell on unimportant details the HR won’t be interested in.
- Uses a traditional cover letter template. The cover letter design is more on the conventional side, which fits the industry better.
- Highlights the candidate’s strong points. The candidate has rich work experience and they use the cover letter to elaborate on it.
This HR resume guide can help you get your resume just right.
#15. Sales Agent Cover Letter Example
- Attention-grabbing cover letter template. As a salesperson, this candidate knows how important first impressions are, so they’ve picked a catchy cover letter template.
- Has an ideal length. At the same time, they’ve also made sure to keep their cover letter at just the right length.
- Lists the candidate’s career highlights. The candidate has made perfect use of the space by mentioning their most impressive professional achievements.
Check out this sales agent resume guide to create an attention-grabbing sales resume .
#16. Receptionist Cover Letter Example
- Modern but minimalistic cover letter template. The template’s design hints the candidate is creative but professional at the same time.
- Uses a catchy introduction. The candidate has used an attention-grabbing opening paragraph to catch HR’s attention.
- Concludes the cover letter formally. The candidate proves that they’re polite and well-spoken, a quality very much important for the role they’re applying for.
Take your receptionist resume to the next level with this receptionist resume guide .
#17. Information Technology Cover Letter Example
- Mentions measurable achievements. Numbers make an impact, which is why this candidate has included measurable achievements.
- Lists both soft and hard skills. The candidate has mentioned a great mix of soft and hard skills, showing how well-rounded they are.
- Contains relevant contact information. The candidate’s GitHub, website name, LinkedIn, and Twitter profiles are all great additions to the resume.
Looking for tips to help you write a great IT resume ? Check out our guide!
#18. Real Estate Cover Letter Example
- Ideal length. Short and to the point, this cover letter is bound to get noticed by the HR manager.
- Wraps up with a call to action. This candidate reinforces the HR to call them back through a final call to action.
- Mentions the right skills. On top of their sales accomplishments, the candidate touch upon important soft skills such as customer service and communication .
This real estate resume guide will help you take your resume from good to great.
#19. Teacher Cover Letter Example
- Mentions relevant contact information details. This candidate has included optional (but relevant) contact information details, such as their LinkedIn, Quora, and Medium profiles.
- Achievement-oriented. The candidate has elaborated on their achievements in more detail throughout their cover letter.
- Highlights the candidate’s passion. For some jobs, being passionate is much more important than for others. Teaching is one of these jobs, which is why this candidate explains their passion for the job.
Our guide on how to write a teacher resume has all the tips you need to land the job.
#20. Project Manager Cover Letter Example
- Leverages a catchy introduction. Through a catchy introductory paragraph, this candidate is sure to grab the HR’s attention and get them to read the rest of their cover letter.
- Lists measurable accomplishments. This candidate explains exactly what they’ve achieved using numbers and hard data.
- Personally greets the HR. A personal greeting sounds much better than “Dear Sir/Madam,” and the candidate knows this.
This guide on how to write a project manager resume can help you perfect your appication.
#21. Paralegal Cover Letter Example
- Minimalistic cover letter template. This cover letter design looks good but doesn’t steal the show from the candidate’s abilities.
- Mentions the candidate’s academic achievements and extracurricular activities. Although the candidate is a recent graduate, they’ve used the cover letter to explain they have enough skills and achievements to do the job.
- Lists measurable achievements. The candidate proves they did well in their internship by mentioning quantifiable achievements.
Check out this paralegal resume guide to perfect yours.
40+ More Cover Letter Examples and Guides
Couldn’t find a cover letter example for your field? Do not worry.
Below you can find a number of other cover letter examples for different fields and industries:
- Acting Cover Letter Examples
- Accounting Cover Letter Examples
- Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Examples
- Architecture Cover Letter Examples
- Attorney Cover Letter Examples
- Barista Cover Letter Examples
- Bartender Cover Letter Examples
- Business Cover Letter Examples
- Business Analyst Cover Letter Examples
- College Student Cover Letter Examples
- Computer Science Cover Letter Examples
- Construction Cover Letter Examples
- Consultant Cover Letter Examples
- Customer Service Cover Letter Examples
- Data Analyst Cover Letter Examples
- Data Entry Cover Letter Examples
- Dental Assistant Cover Letter Examples
- Digital Marketing Cover Letter Examples
- Elementary Teacher Cover Letter Examples
- Engineering Cover Letter Examples
- Executive Assistant Cover Letter Examples
- Finance Cover Letter Examples
- Graphic Design Cover Letter Examples
- Healthcare Cover Letter Examples
- Human Resources Cover Letter Examples
- IT Cover Letter Examples
- Law Cover Letter Examples
- Management Cover Letter Examples
- Marketing Cover Letter Examples
- Mechanical Engineering Cover Letter Examples
- Medical Assistant Cover Letter Examples
- Nurse Practitioner Cover Letter Examples
- Physician Cover Letter Examples
- Project Manager Cover Letter Examples
- Receptionist Cover Letter Examples
- Retail Cover Letter Examples
- Sales Cover Letter Examples
- Social Work Cover Letter Examples
- Software Engineer Cover Letter Examples
- Substitute Teacher Cover Letter Examples
- Teacher Assistant Cover Letter Examples
- Team Leader Cover Letter Example
What is a Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a one-page document that you submit as part of your job application, alongside your resume .
Its purpose is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, your cover letter should be from 250 to 400 words long .
A good cover letter can give the hiring manager more insight into what makes you a good candidate and help them make up their mind about whether they should invite you for an interview. A bad cover letter, though, will get ignored (at best) and lose you the job (at worst).
So, to make sure this doesn’t happen, it’s essential to know how to write a convincing cover letter.
The first thing to remember is that a cover letter is a supplement to your resume, not a replacement. Meaning, you shouldn’t just repeat whatever is mentioned in your resume and call it a day.
Optimally, you should use your cover letter to shed more light on your skills and qualifications, as well as explain anything you didn’t have space for in your resume (e.g. a career gap or why you’re changing careers).
If you’re writing a cover letter for the first time, though, putting all this together might seem pretty tough.
Fortunately, you can follow our tried-and-tested format to make the experience much easier:
- Header - Input your contact information.
- Greeting the hiring manager - Open the cover letter with a “Dear Sir or Madam,” or use the hiring manager’s name if you know what that is.
- Opening paragraph - Grab the hiring manager’s attention by getting straight to the point. Mention what your professional experiences are, and what role you’re applying for.
- The second paragraph - Explain why you’re the perfect candidate for the job. Mention your top 2-3 achievements, your top skills, why you want to work in that specific industry, and whatever else is relevant.
- The third paragraph - End your cover letter with a call to action. E.g. “I would love to meet personally and discuss how I can help Company X.”
- Formal closing - Something like this: “Thank you for your consideration. Best, John Doe.”
Here’s what this looks like in practice:
9 Tips to Write a Cover Letter (the Right Way)
Now that we've covered the basics, let's talk about cover letter tips . Below, we'll give you all the knowledge you need to take your cover letter from "OK" to "great."
#1. Pick the right template
A good cover letter is all about leaving the right first impression.
And what’s a better way to leave a good impression than through a professional, well-formatted, and visual template?
You can simply pick one of our tried-and-tested cover letter templates and you’ll be all set!
#2. Add your contact details on the header
The best way to start your cover letter is through a header.
Here’s what you want to include there:
- Phone Number
- Name of the hiring manager / their professional title
- Name of the company you’re applying to
Optionally, you can also include the following:
- Social Media Profiles - Any type of profile that’s relevant to your field. Social Profiles on websites like LinkedIn, GitHub (for developers), Medium (for writers), etc.
- Personal Website - If you have a personal website that somehow adds value to your application, you can mention it. Let’s say you’re a professional writer. In that case, you’d want to link to your content portfolio site or blog.
#3. Greet the hiring manager the right way
Once you’ve listed all your relevant contact information, it’s time to address the hiring manager reading your cover letter.
A good practice here is to find the hiring manager’s name and address them directly instead of using the traditional “dear sir or madam.” This shows that you’re really invested in the company and that you took your time to do some research about the job.
So, how can you find out the hiring manager’s name?
One way to do this is by looking up the head of the company’s relevant department on LinkedIn. Let’s say you’re applying for the position of Communication Specialist at Novoresume. The hiring manager is probably the Head of Communications or the Chief Communications Office.
Or let’s say you’re applying for the position of server at a restaurant. In that case, you’d be looking to find out who the restaurant manager is.
If this doesn’t work, you can also check out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.
If you still can’t find out the hiring manager’s name, here are several other greetings you can use:
- Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
- Dear Hiring Manager
- To whom it may concern
- Dear [Department] Team
#4. Create an attention-grabbing introduction
Recruiters get hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of applications. Chances are, they’re not going to be reading every single cover letter end-to-end.
So, it’s essential to catch their attention from the very first paragraph.
The problem with most cover letter opening paragraphs, though, is that they’re usually extremely generic, often looking something like this:
Hey, my name is Jonathan and I’d like to work as a Sales Manager at XYZ Inc. I’ve worked as a sales manager at MadeUpCompany Inc. for 5+ years, so I believe that I’d be a good fit for the position.
As you can probably tell, this opening paragraph doesn’t tell the hiring manager anything other than that you’ve worked the job before - and that’s not really helpful in setting you apart from other candidates.
What you want to do, instead, is start off with 2-3 of your top achievements to really grab the reader’s attention. Preferably, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position.
For example:
My name’s Michael and I’d like to help XYZ Inc. hit and exceed its sales goals as a Sales Manager. I’ve worked with Company X, a fin-tech company, for 3+ years. As a Sales Representative, I generated an average of $30,000+ in sales per month (beating the KPIs by around 40%). I believe that my previous industry experience, as well as my excellence in sales, makes me the right candidate for the role of X at Company Y.
The second example shows how the candidate is a top performer. The first just shows that they’ve worked a sales job before.
Which one are YOU more likely to invite for an interview?
#5. Show you’re the perfect person for the job
One great thing about cover letters is that they allow you to expand more on the top achievements from your resume and really show the hiring manager that you’re the right person for the job.
A good way to do that is to first read the job ad and really understand what skills/experiences are required, and then to ensure that your cover letter touches upon the said skills or experiences.
In my previous role as a Facebook Marketing Expert at XYZ Inc. I handled customer acquisition through ads, managing a monthly Facebook ad budget of $20,000+. As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation and management process end-to-end. This means I created the ad copy and images, as well as picked the targeting, ran optimization trials, and so on.
Other than Facebook advertising, I’ve also delved into other online PPC channels, including:
- Google Search
#6. Explain why you’re a great company fit
The HR manager doesn’t only look at whether you’ll be good at the job or not. They’re looking for someone that’s also a good fit for the company culture.
After all, employees that don’t fit in are bound to quit, sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary .
To convince the hiring manager that you’re a great company fit, do some research on the company and find out what it is you like about them, or about working there. You want to know things like:
- What’s the company’s business model?
- What’s the company's product or service? Have you used it?
- What’s the culture like? Will someone micro-manage your work, or will you have autonomy on how you get things done?
Then, turn your top reasons for liking to work there into text and add them to your cover letter!
#7. Wrap up with a call to action
To make the end of your cover letter as memorable as possible, you want to:
- Wrap up any points you couldn't in the previous paragraphs. Mention anything you’ve left out that you think could help the hiring manager make up your mind.
- Thank the hiring manager for their time. After all, it never hurts to be polite.
- Finish the cover letter with a call to action. A call to action is a great way to make your cover letter ending as memorable as possible.
#8. Write a formal closing
Once you’re done with the final paragraph, all you have to do is write down a formal “goodbye” and you’re good to go.
Feel free to use one of the most popular conclusions in a cover letter:
- Best Regards,
- Kind Regards,
#9. Proofread your cover letter
Last but not least, make sure to always proofread each and every document that you’ll be including in your job application - cover letter included.
The last thing you want is to be claiming you’re a great candidate for the job with a cover letter full of typos!
For an even more comprehensive guide on how to write an impactful cover letter , check out our article !
Cover Letter Writing Checklist
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you still have some questions about cover letters? Check out the answers below:
1. How do I write a simple cover letter?
To write a cover letter that’s simple but also professional, make sure to include a header with your personal information, a formal greeting to the hiring manager, an attention-grabbing opening paragraph, a second paragraph explaining why you’re a good candidate for the job, and a formal closing (preferably with a call to action).
2. What are the 3 parts of a cover letter?
The three parts of a cover letter are:
- The introduction , namely the header, the greeting to the hiring manager, and the opening paragraph.
- The sales pitch is usually the body of the cover letter.
- The conclusion involves a formal closing and a signature line.
3. What makes a great cover letter?
A great cover letter should be personalized for each job you’re applying for, instead of being overly generic. It’s also preferable to address the hiring manager by their name and not use the overly-used “Dear Sir/Madam.”
To make a great first impression, you should mention 1-2 of your top achievements in your opening paragraph - the more job-specific they are, the better. Also, don’t stop at showing the hiring manager why you’re a great candidate for the job. Make sure to also talk about how you’re a good culture fit for the company.
Last but not least, wrap up your closing paragraph with a call to action to give the hiring manager a little extra something to remember you by.
4. When is a cover letter necessary?
Unless the job ad specifically states otherwise, you should always include a cover letter with your job application .
Even if the hiring manager doesn’t read it, you will look more professional simply by including one.
And that’s a wrap! We hope our cover letter examples and writing tips will inspire you to write a cover letter that will land you your next job.
If you’re looking for more invaluable career advice and articles, make sure to check out our career blog , or any of these related articles:
- How to Write a Resume
- Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
- Cover Letter Format (w/ Examples & Free Templates)
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Do employers review your resume or cover letter first? Most application processes are online, so resumes and cover letters may pass through an electronic screening to identify keywords in your application materials before an employer reviews them. Once your resume and cover letter pass the initial screening, the employer typically reviews a ...
When to use a cover letter with a resume. While some roles require both a resume and a cover letter, there are times when a cover letter is optional but beneficial, such as when applying through referrals or networking. There are also times when a cover letter is not welcome. Pay attention to the employer's requirements.
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Unlike your resume or Indeed profile, cover letters allow you to go into more detail about your professional career and explain why you're a good fit for the role and company. ... Review the job description, then read the cover letter. In the first example, you'll see how specific phrases from the job description are used in the letter. The ...
Resume Vs Cover Letter: 3 Key Differences. When you're on the hunt for a new job, understanding the difference between a resume and a cover letter is crucial. They might seem like they serve the same purpose at first glance, but they're actually quite different in terms of format, tone, and purpose. Let's break down these key differences to ...
A cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself to a hiring manager—who you are, what you have to offer, and why you want the job—but you have an extremely limited amount of space to do it. If you really want to get noticed, you've got to start right off the bat with something that grabs your reader's attention.
First of all, it should complement your resume, not copy it. Your cover letter is your chance to elaborate on important achievements, skills, or anything else that your resume doesn't give you the space to cover. For example, if you have an employment gap on your resume, the cover letter is a great place to explain why it happened and how it ...
Key Differences Between a Cover Letter and a Resume . To break down a cover letter vs. a resume, here's a look at the various components of each. Purpose and function. Resume: Provide a summary of qualifications, skills, and experience; Cover Letter: Offer a personal introduction, express interest in the role, and explain why you're a good fit
Get more cover letter formatting advice in our guide on how to format a cover letter with tips and information about all aspects of a good cover letter structure.. Cover letter advice. The importance of including a cover letter with your job application is often overlooked by jobseekers of all categories, however this can seriously reduce your possibilities of getting an interview with a ...
Top ↑ 21 Cover Letter Examples #1. Career Change Cover Letter Example #2. Recent Graduate Cover Letter Example #3. Middle Management Cover Letter Example #4. Business Manager Cover Letter Example #5. Ph.D. Cover Letter Example #6. Senior Executive Cover Letter Example #7. Architect Cover Letter Example #8. Business Analyst Cover Letter Example #9. . Consultant Cover Letter Exam