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Graduate School Cover Letter Examples

With writing tips and a step-by-step guide.

Graduate School Cover Letter Examples

Looking at graduate school cover letter examples is a good idea if you plan on applying to a graduate school program, as you may be required to include a cover letter with your  CV for graduate school  and other application components. Even though it is not a required document for all grad school programs, a well-written graduate school cover letter can help you stand out to the admissions committee and improve your chances of being accepted into your chosen program. This is especially true if you are applying to a highly selective institution or trying to  get into graduate school with a low GPA.

This blog will discuss everything you need to know about writing a cover letter for graduate school. You will learn why cover letters are important, learn tips to make your graduate school cover letter stand out, and you will get to review cover letter samples that will inspire you to write your own. 

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Article Contents 10 min read

What is a graduate school cover letter.

A graduate school cover letter is a brief letter that applicants attach to their graduate school application. Much like a work cover letter, such as a  research assistant cover letter , for example, graduate school cover letters are meant to introduce you and your application to the reader. They give you an opportunity to make an excellent first impression, tell the admission committee that you are interested in their graduate school program and why you believe it is a good fit for you. 

Graduate school cover letters have become less popular as graduate schools typically ask students to fill out their personal information and submit materials online. If you are sending specific application materials or your entire application by mail, then you will need to include a graduate school cover letter. Additionally, a few institutions, like the University of Illinois graduate college, for example, require students to submit a graduate school cover letter with their application, even when it is online. 

Furthermore, even when a graduate program does not explicitly ask for a cover letter, including a well-written and informative letter can help differentiate you from the other students by leaving a lasting impression on the admission committee, thus increasing your chances of admission. That said, before you start writing a cover letter for such a program, you should verify the school's admissions website to ensure that the school accepts additional documents. 

It should also be noted that many graduate students look for work and research opportunities at the school that they will be attending. If that is the case for you, then you will need a graduate school cover letter with your application for that school-related internship, job, or research opportunity. For example, if you’re interested in conducting research with a specific professor while you complete your master’s, then it would be a good idea to send them your application with a cover letter attached so that you can communicate your suitability for their research project.

Graduate school cover letters are academic letters, meaning that they need to be formatted in a way that is professional, clear, and concise. Your graduate school cover letter should be no longer than a page, written in a classic font that is easy to read, such as Times New Roman or Calibri, sized 11 or 12.

The text of your letter should be organized and separated into paragraphs. Keep in mind that your letter may go through several readers, and not all of them may be experts in the field you intend to study, so do not use overly technical language or industry-specific jargon. Keep your language succinct, clear, and consistent throughout the letter.

Lastly, your letter needs to provide a quick introduction to you as a candidate and pique the reader's interest so that they want to read the rest of your application. This means that you should not use your cover letter to list all of the experiences and skills that make you perfect for this graduate program. Simply express your interest in the program, select one or two experiences, skills, or values to focus on, and relate those to your suitability for the program you're applying for.

Wondering how to get into grad school with a lower GPA?

Step 1: Brainstorm & plan 

The first thing you want to do before you start working on your cover letter, or any graduate school admission essay, is make a plan. Think about what you want to say in your cover letter and write it down. Remember that you only have a few paragraphs to work with, and you do not want to repeat information from your personal statement or other application components. 

Once you know what you want your cover letter to say, organize it so that it flows nicely, and it is easy to follow. Your graduate school cover letter should follow the structure of a typical letter. It should have an introductory paragraph, the main body, and a closing paragraph. 

Step 2: Address your letter 

As mentioned earlier, your graduate school cover letter is, in fact, a letter! Therefore, you should begin by addressing it the way you would in a formal letter. Write your full name and mailing address at the very top. We also recommend including your email address and phone number, but this is optional. On the following line, write out the date, and then write the recipient's name (typically, this is the name of the head of the department or just the name of the school you are applying to) and their address. You should verify the school's admissions webpage for this information. If it is unclear and you are unsure whom to address in the letter, contact the school and ask for this information to ensure that your documents get to the right person. 

This first section of your letter should follow this template:

1234 Imaginary Lane

NameofCity, TN 34421

December 12, 20XX

Dr. John Smith

Department of Psychology

BeMo Academic University

66 University Circle

NameofCity, TN 34457

Once again, because this is a formal letter, you want to open your letter with the appropriate greeting or a personal salutation. If you have the name of a specific recipient, you can use the most common salutation for graduate school cover letters, which is "Dear [recipient's name]." Do not forget to include the recipient's title if you have it. If you do not have the name of a specific recipient, then you can simply address the letter "To Whom It May Concern". 

Step 4: Introduce yourself and express your interest in the graduate program

The reader will already have your name at the top of the page, but your introductory paragraph should tell them why you're writing this graduate school cover letter. You should use it to state your interest in your chosen graduate program and briefly mention your academic background and accomplishments thus far. 

Take a look at this example for context: 

I am pleased to submit my application for the Master of Applied Psychology program at X university. As a recent psychology graduate of YZ university, this graduate program is the perfect next step toward achieving my goal of becoming a clinical psychologist. 

Step 5: Talk about your suitability for this program

This is the main body of your graduate school cover letter. You should try to limit this to one paragraph, but you can use up to two of them if necessary. You should briefly touch on why you chose this particular school and program, what skills you have that have prepared you for this program, and what makes you an ideal applicant. 

You can talk about what you intend to do after this degree or specific professors and faculty members you wish to work with. The information you share here will be personal, so there is no golden template. Just ensure that it is written in an organized fashion that is easy to read and understand. 

Step 6: Conclude and close your letter 

In your last paragraph, make sure you thank the recipient for their time and consideration. You should also encourage them to reach out to you if they need additional information, or if they have any questions. Then finally, You can close your cover letter with a warm, professional closing salutation. "Sincerely" or "Warm Regards" followed by your name are some acceptable closing salutations you can use.

Step 7: List enclosed documents

This section of your graduate school cover letter will look different depending on the school you are applying to, and the application format used. If you are applying by mail, you should list the enclosed documents in the same envelope as your cover letter. If you are applying online or by email, verify that all of the documents listed on your cover letter are attached and ready to send. 

This section should be at the very bottom of the page. It should list the documents in a bullet point format, in the order in which they are enclosed. The list should look something like this: 

Sincerely, 

Jane Doe 

  • Program application form 
  • Statement of purpose
  • Academic transcripts

Letters of recommendation

Graduate school cover letter examples 

Graduate school cover letter example #1.

Candice Williams

1234 Dream St. 

Winnipeg, MB R3J 8T6

[email protected]

204-990-887

August 12, 20xx

Dr. Trevor Thorne

Department of English, Theatre, Film & Media

Toronto, ON M4C 2Y9

Dear Dr. Thorne,

I am excited to submit my application for consideration for the English literature master's program at BeMo Academic University. I have spent the past four years learning the basics of literature analysis through my bachelor's degree in the field, and I am eager to take this next step in my educational journey in order to further my training.

My undergraduate studies allowed me to explore and learn about different forms of literature from around the world. Still, I often found myself drawn to the impressive works of Shakespeare, Milton, Bronte, and many other great English writers. I had the opportunity to study in London for a year, where I attended a seminar on the impact of Charlotte Bronte's work on modern feminism led by none other than Prof. Jane Smith. She is one of the many brilliant professors in the English, Theatre, Film & Media department at BeMo that I hope to learn from. 

You will find enclosed the required application documents, including my academic CV, which provides more information on the research I have been able to do and publish so far in my short academic career. I am especially interested in the role that authors such as William Shakespeare played in the development of modern English, and I wish to explore that further through research. I feel that the rigorous curriculum this program offers will inform my future writing and research efforts, and allow me to achieve my goals. 

Thank you for your time, attention, and consideration. It is truly appreciated. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any additional information. 

Program application form

Statement of purpose 

Graduate CV

Official undergraduate transcripts

Angela Wong

102-9876 Mainland Rd.

New Haven, CT 44567

[email protected]  

April 8, 20XX

University of BeMo

175 Academy lane

New York, NY 34567

To whom it may concern,

It is my pleasure to submit my application for the Master's degree in Early Childhood Development in the Psychology department at The University of BeMo. I am currently completing my bachelor's degree in psychology and plan to graduate in the fall. Since my goal is to pursue a career as an educational psychologist, this particular program is the perfect next step toward achieving my goal. 

My undergraduate degree includes coursework in childhood psychology, special needs education, school and family crisis intervention, and many other courses that have given me the basics required to keep up with the thorough coursework that awaits me in your rigorous program. 

I have also gained valuable knowledge in the field through shadowing and internships in different schools in my community. Observing other child educators at work confirmed that this is the right career path for me, and it motivated me anew to learn how I can best help children develop a love of learning from the early stages of their educational careers. I know that there is only so much I can learn from observing, and the fact that this program provides six months of hands-on training is one of the many reasons why I am hoping to be a student at BeMo next year. 

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any additional information or documents. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Research Interest Statement

Cover letters are supposed to be a brief introduction to your application, so unless otherwise specified by the school, they should not be longer than one page. We recommend sticking to three to four paragraphs, as this is long enough to share substantial information without losing your audience. Keep in mind that your reader will also be reviewing your other application components, so you do not need to address everything in this one letter. The information in your other application components, such as your  statement of purpose , will complement your cover letter. So, treat your cover letter like a summary of your candidacy; keep it short but impactful.

Have you started working your graduate school CV? Check out this video for tips:

Be genuine & professional

The individual or committee that will review your application will probably be people that help run the program you're applying to. It is, therefore, best that they get a sense of who you genuinely are. Communicate honestly and let your personality shine through. This will help make your cover letter more memorable. That said, keep in mind that this is a professional document and that genuine does not mean informal or unprofessional. Your tone should still be courteous and consistent throughout the letter.

Proofread & edit carefully

We cannot stress how important this is. Remember that your graduate school cover letter will be one of, if not the first, document that the admissions committee will see from your application. You do not want their first impression of you to be negative. Your letter should be easy to read and follow, and it should be error-free.

Take the time to review your letter multiple times and edit for flow, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and typos. Better yet, reach out to a  grad school essay tutor  for assistance. They can review your cover letter and help you edit it to make sure it is up to par.

Grad school essay tutors can also help you with other tricky written application components, such as  grad school career goals statements . So, do not hesitate to contact one if you need  grad school application help. ","label":"Bonus tip","title":"Bonus tip"}]" code="tab1" template="BlogArticle">

It is a brief letter that you attach to your graduate school application. This letter should state your interest in the program, and briefly explain why you chose it, as well as why you are a good fit for it.

Many programs do not request graduate school cover letters, but they are more common than most people think. Additionally, several programs accept grad school cover letters even when not required, so you can still submit a cover letter to help your application stand out.

That depends on the program that you are applying to. Some schools may request a cover letter for online applications, and others may not require one, but they allow students to submit them as an optional component.

Graduate school cover letters are not replacements for admission essays like a personal statement or  statement of intent . So if your school requires a graduate school cover letter, do not assume that this means you will not have to write any grad school admission essays.

Unless you are given the name of a specific member of the admission committee, you should address your graduate school cover letter to the "Admissions team," "[subject] Head of Department," or "To Whom It May Concern."

You can make your graduate school cover letter stand out by making sure your personality shines through in your writing, telling a short anecdote or interesting fact about you in the body of the letter, and detailing your relevant skills and experience.

Graduate school can be pretty competitive, but the level of competition depends on the specific program you will be applying to. Some programs have acceptance rates as high as 60%, while others admit less than 10% of applicants.

Graduate school advisors are admission experts who help students plan and prepare for graduate school applications.

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how to write a grad school cover letter

Applying to graduate school means getting together a lot of materials. Most likely, you’ll need transcripts, letters of recommendation, a CV or resume, and a statement of purpose—but do you also need a cover letter for graduate school?

Read on to learn whether you need to submit a graduate school cover letter and how to make one. We’ll also give you six essential tips for making your cover letter for graduate school shine.

Do You Need a Cover Letter for Graduate School?

Generally, you don’t need to submit a cover letter with your graduate school application. Since most programs require you to input your personal information using an online application system, you usually won’t have to submit a separate cover letter as well.

In fact, your statement of purpose already accomplishes most of what a cover letter does: it introduces who you are as well as your academic interests, accomplishments, and goals. Therefore, you most likely won’t need to write a cover letter for your application.

Rarely, a program may ask you to submit a cover letter with your application (or allow you to submit one, even if it’s not required). If you are applying to graduate school by mail, you may want (or need) to include a cover letter in order to highlight your interest in the program and ensure it reaches the correct department.

However, most programs require you to apply online, so you can’t send in an application by mail unless your program allows it.  Aside from these relatively isolated cases, you shouldn’t need to submit a cover letter for graduate school.

That said, if you’re applying for a school-related job or internship, it’s common (and often necessary) to submit a cover letter with your application.  For example, if you were a current grad student looking to conduct research under a specific professor, you could submit a cover letter to that professor explaining who you are and why you’re interested in conducting research with him or her.

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Or, let’s say you’re applying for a part-time job or internship at your school. In this case, you’ll most likely need to submit a cover letter to introduce yourself, your skills, and your employment history.

How to Write a Cover Letter for Graduate School: Step by Step

If you plan to submit a graduate school cover letter, it’s important to know what to include on it so that you can make a positive impression on the admission committee (or employer).

In this section, we go over the six essential steps for writing a great cover letter for graduate school. With each step, we give you examples using our original graduate school cover letter sample .

body_addressed_envelope

Step 1: Address Your Letter

A clear and organized cover letter is key to making a good impression. Open your letter with your name and contact information followed by your recipient’s name and contact information (as if you were addressing an envelope).

Write your full name first and then use the lines directly beneath it to write your home address. You may also include your phone number and/or email address on a fourth or fifth line after your home address; however, this is optional.

Next, insert a blank space after your contact information and write today’s date. You may use the month-day-year format (e.g., September 4, 2017) or the more formal day-month-year format (e.g., 4 September 2017). Either is fine!

Leave another blank space after the date and  write your recipient’s contact information (i.e., to whom you’re sending your cover letter and application).

The name you use here depends on where you’re sending your application. If applying for admission to a graduate program, address your letter to either the head of the department or the head of the admission committee. If you’re not sure whom to address your letter to, contact your program and ask.

Write the name of the recipient with his or her title, if applicable. On the next line, write the name of the department/school for which the recipient works along with the address of the department/school.

body_grad_cover_letter_contact_info_sample

Step 2: Use a Salutation

Like all letters, you should begin your cover letter with a greeting, or salutation, to your recipient.

The most common salutation for cover letters is “Dear [Recipent’s Name]” followed by a comma or a colon.  A comma is a little less formal than a colon, but either mark is acceptable.

If you can’t figure out whom to address your cover letter to, write, “Dear Head of Admissions,” “Dear Graduate Coordinator,” or “To Whom It May Concern.” All of these salutations are acceptable, though less personal than a name; thus, it’s best to find a specific person to address your letter to.

body_grad_cover_letter_salutation

Step 3: Introduce Yourself (Paragraph 1)

Now, we get to the heart of the cover letter. Use this first paragraph to briefly introduce yourself and what program or position you’re applying for.  Also, talk a little about what your background in the field is, why you’re interested in this position/program, and how you heard about it.

body_grad_cover_letter_paragraph_1

Step 4: Summarize Your Background and Qualifications (Paragraph 2)

For this next paragraph, you’ll give a brief summary of any relevant skills and experiences you have that make you an ideal applicant for this program/position. Be sure to focus on transferrable skills— skills that can be applied across a range of fields and positions.

In addition, think deeply about why you’re drawn to this program/school and what it can do for you. What are your research interests and how will this program help you fulfill them? What do you plan to do after completing the program?

Finally, consider how you’ll fit with the program. Do your interests match what the program offers or specializes in? Are there any specific professors or faculty members you wish to work with?

body_grad_cover_letter_paragraph_2

Step 5: Thank Your Reader and List Enclosed Materials (Paragraph 3)

The final paragraph will be a short concluding paragraph in which you thank your reader(s) and give a list of enclosed materials.

When listing what’s enclosed, you may use commas or insert a short bullet list. Normally, you’ll enclose some or all of the following materials:

  • Application for the program/position
  • Statement of purpose
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation

Be sure to list the enclosed materials in the order in which they’re enclosed. Programs may ask you to submit materials in a specific order, so check that you’re following your program’s directions exactly (and aren’t forgetting to include any documents either).

Another option is to include a list of your enclosed materials at the end of your letter instead of in this final paragraph (see step 6 for more information).

body_grad_cover_letter_paragraph_3

Step 6: Add a Closing Greeting

The last step is to wrap up your letter with a polite closing salutation. There are many greetings you can use to close your letter, such as “Sincerely,” “Yours Truly,” “Warm Regards,” and “Respectfully Yours.”

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After this greeting, insert a blank line and then type your name.  Traditionally, you’d insert three or four blank spaces before typing your name; these spaces would then be used to sign your name in pen. Nowadays it’s OK to skip this step, especially if you’re trying to save space!

Take care to avoid any overly sentimental greetings, such as “Love” or “Forever Yours,” as these are inappropriate for a professional cover letter. Likewise, avoid using the single-word closing “From,” as this can sound a bit rigid and emotionless.

body_grad_cover_letter_closing

As I mentioned before, you may also insert a list of enclosed materials after your greeting (if you didn’t list them in your concluding paragraph). To do this, insert a space after your typed name and write “Enclosed,” “Enclosure,” or “Enc” followed by a colon. Then, insert a bullet list of the enclosed materials (in the order in which they’re enclosed). Here’s an example:

body_grad_cover_letter_closing_2

6 Tips for a Great Graduate School Cover Letter

Your cover letter for graduate school needs to make a great first impression on your program’s admission committee. Here are our top tips for ensuring your cover letter exceeds even your own expectations.

#1: Use a Polite, Professional, and Positive Tone

Because your cover letter is the first document the admission committee will see, be sure to do the following:

  • Avoid slang and casual phrases. Nothing says unprofessional like “gotta” and “gonna,” so limit these words to conversations only. Remember, the cover letter is a formal document, much like an essay for school, so it’s better to err on the side of too formal than on the side of too casual.
  • Be enthusiastic. Nobody wants to admit an unenthusiastic applicant, so use strong, positive words to convey your pleasure in applying to the program. Stick with upbeat words and phrases such as “happy,” “pleased,” “excited,” “thankful,” “accomplished,” etc.
  • Thank your readers. Being polite is all about saying “thank you.” In your letter, thank your readers for their consideration and make it clear that you understand they’re spending a lot of time looking over your application. Don’t thank them over and over, though—this wastes valuable space and ultimately makes you sound desperate!

#2: Be Concise

The cover letter is not the time to delve deep into your personal reasons for pursuing a graduate degree (this is for your statement of purpose!), so be concise without forgoing critical facts about you and why you’re applying.

You’ll typically want to keep your cover letter at a maximum of one page,  with no more than two to four paragraphs. Since this letter is short, avoid getting verbose: don’t use tons of flowery language or open with a broad statement. Rather, get straight to the point of who you are, what program you’re applying to, and why you’re a qualified candidate.

If you’re not sure what to include in your letter, read through your resume/CV and statement of purpose to make note of what you’ve already mentioned in those documents. Then, cut down (or remove completely) any similar parts in your cover letter. In short, don’t repeat information you’ve already talked in detail about in other parts of your application.

#3: Use a Neutral Font Face, Size, and Color

Because the cover letter is a professional document, you’ll want to keep its format simple and elegant, as you would a school essay.

Stick with basic “generic” fonts,  such as Times New Roman, Arial, Tahoma, and Calibri. Don’t get creative by choosing fonts such as Comic Sans and Chiller—this will make your cover letter look wildly unprofessional and implies you’re not taking the application process seriously.

In terms of size, don’t use a super small or super large font size. You shouldn’t need to squeeze in tons of information on your cover letter, so an 11- or 12-point font should work fine.

Finally, use a regular black font color (on regular white computer paper). Wacky colors, like wacky font faces, will only make you look unprofessional!

body_colorful_paints

#4: Single-Space Text

Unlike school essays, for which you always double-space and indent your paragraphs, the cover letter is single-spaced and uses block paragraphs. This means that instead of pressing the “tab” button to indent each paragraph, you’ll separate each paragraph from the next using a single blank space.

You should also insert a blank line when indicating any sort of transition from one element in your cover letter (e.g., a salutation) to another (e.g., a paragraph). Use our graduate school cover letter sample  to better understand how spacing should look.

#5: Align Everything Left

On cover letters, everything needs to be aligned left, from your address and date to your salutations and paragraphs. As I mentioned above, you do not  need to indent your paragraphs, so keep these aligned left as well.

There’s no need to justify your paragraphs.  In fact, I advise against doing this, as the justification tool on Word often inserts bizarre spacing between words, making paragraphs more difficult to read.

#6: Edit and Proofread

Like every part of your application, take time to edit and proofread your cover letter. Go over the technical and stylistic sides of your writing: make sure your paragraphs flow well together, and check that you haven’t made any glaring grammar, spelling, or formatting mistakes. (For specific tips on formatting, see tips 3-5 above as well as our graduate school cover letter sample .)

I also strongly suggest getting someone else to read your cover letter. A separate pair of eyes will ensure that your letter is as clear and cogent as it can be.

Remember, your cover letter is the first part of your application the admission committee will see, so it must be as close as possible to perfect. Typos and errors will set a negative tone for the rest of your application, even if your other materials are strong. Don’t let the cover letter be your downfall!

body_keyboard_typing

Recap: How to Write a Cover Letter for Graduate School

Cover letters for graduate school are generally quite rare. Most programs require you to fill out your personal information and submit materials online, so you won’t usually need to submit a cover letter with your application.

That said, if you are applying for a graduate program by mail, have been asked to submit a cover letter, or are applying for a school-related job or internship, you’ll need to know how to write a cover letter for graduate school.

A graduate school cover letter must include the following elements:

  • Your name and address
  • Your recipient’s name and address
  • A greeting (usually “Dear [Name]”)
  • Two to three paragraphs explaining who you are, what you’re applying for, and why you’re a qualified applicant
  • A concluding paragraph thanking your recipient for considering you and including a list of any enclosed materials (e.g., a statement of purpose, transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.)
  • A closing greeting with your name (typed, or typed and signed)

Finally, to make a great cover letter for graduate school, be sure to follow these six tips:

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  • Use a polite, professional, and positive tone
  • Use a neutral font face, size, and color
  • Single-space text
  • Align everything left
  • Edit and proofread

You should now have no trouble creating a strong cover letter for graduate school!

What’s Next?

You know how to write a graduate school cover letter—but what about a CV? A resume?  Check out our guides on how to write a CV and  resume  to learn what to include, what to leave out, and how to raise your odds of getting accepted to your program. And if you get stuck, use  our high-quality resume and CV templates  as a guide!

Need to write an essay for graduate school, too?  Learn how to write a personal statement  and how to write a statement of purpose using our in-depth guides and expert tips. We’ve also got samples of both personal statements (coming soon) and statements of purpose .

Ready to improve your GRE score by 7 points?

how to write a grad school cover letter

Author: Hannah Muniz

Hannah graduated summa cum laude from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in English and East Asian languages and cultures. After graduation, she taught English in Japan for two years via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel. View all posts by Hannah Muniz

how to write a grad school cover letter

The Graduate College at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Writing academic cover letters.

The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce yourself and demonstrate the fit between your background and the advertised position. A cover letter must accompany and be tailored to any application you submit.

Take this opportunity to:

  • Briefly tell your story, explaining why you are applying for this position and will be a good fit.
  • Guide the reader’s attention to the most significant portions of your CV.
  • Explain how your particular experiences and education have provided you with the skills and experiences you need to be successful in the position.
  • Convey enthusiasm for the position for which you are applying.
  • Focus on your potential contributions to this institution—not just on why you need or want the job.
  • Answer any questions they might have. For example, “When will you complete your degree?” or “When are you available?”

What to Write About

Although most cover letters follow a similar structure, you should tailor each one for the job to which you are applying. STEM letters should typically be one page, and letters for the humanities and social sciences should not exceed two pages. Sample academic cover letter can demonstrate the basic structure.

Research each institution to which you are applying, especially its philosophy, mission statement, size, and internal structure. The Carnegie Classifications website is a great tool to assist your research. Identify the areas you find most interesting and think about ways in which you could make a contribution to the department and/or institution as a whole. Work this information into your letter. This research personalizes your letter and demonstrates your sincere interest and potential fit.

  • Address the letter to the person named in the job description, or with “Dear Members of the Search Committee.”
  • Proofread and spell check!
  • Your cover letter is a writing sample. Write concisely and effectively.
  • Single-space text with a line of space between paragraphs.

Opening paragraph

  • Introduce yourself: Mention the university you attend, your degree program, and when you expect to graduate.
  • Refer to the specific position for which you are applying.
  • Briefly, but specifically, describe what attracted you to the position and institution to which you are applying.
  • Demonstrate your enthusiasm and include a thesis statement outlining the reasons why you are a good fit for this position.

Body paragraphs

  • Use these paragraphs to paint a picture of yourself in this position.
  • Highlight your achievements and qualifications, your interest in the position, and match your skills, experiences, and philosophy to the position. Support your statements with specific examples of your skills.
  • Tailor to each application. For instance, if you are applying to a teaching-focused institution, lead with one or more paragraphs about your teaching experience and commitment. (In a letter to a more research-focused institution, these paragraphs may instead come at the end of your letter.)
  • Indicate your knowledge of the institution and perhaps give examples of how you could fit in there. For example, if there are faculty or research centers that are potential collaborators, mention these.

Concluding paragraph

  • Reinforce your interest in the position and enthusiasm for the institution.
  • Take care of any final business matters, such as indicating that letters of recommendation are being sent under separate cover (and from whom).
  • Offer to provide extra materials or additional information if necessary.
  • Indicate what you would like to see as next steps. For example, you look forward to speaking with the search committee.
  • Thank them for their time and consideration.
  • End with a professional closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Kind Regards” and your full name.

Emailing Application Materials

  • If email application is encouraged, send documents as attachments.
  • Use a short email message to indicate your application materials are attached. Then attach your cover letter and other materials as PDF document(s).

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Cover Letter Guide

For positions in industry, government, and non-profits, a cover letter is a one-page document that typically accompanies a resume. You should send a letter even if it is not requested or listed as optional.  

Formatting Essentials

  • For most job applications, cover letters should be kept to  one page .  In general, a 3-4 paragraph letter is best.  As with resumes or CVs,  refrain from disclosing personal data  (marital status, weight, race, etc.) that does not support the goal of the cover letter. 
  • Find out who you should address the letter to.   This may involve emailing or calling the company to ask directly.  Dear Dr. Smithis a much stronger opener than to Whom It May Concern.
  • Single spacing is standard for cover letters.
  • As with a CV or resume,  use a 10-12 point font .  Use the same font that you plan to use in your resume or CV.
  • In your heading, include your name, address, and other contact information.  This is followed by the date, and the name and contact information of whom you are addressing the letter.

What to Write

  • In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and answer the reader's question, "Why should I be interested in this candidate?" Name the position you are interested in, and how you learned about the opening. If appropriate, say who referred you. State where you currently work or attend school and why you believe you are a good fit for the position.
  • In the middle paragraph(s), directly link your experience to the needs of the employer. Give specific examples of transferable skills, accomplishments, and results. 
  • Your cover letter should convey confidence in a professional way. Avoid coming on too strong ("You should hire me for this position"). 
  • Create a concluding paragraph that reiterates your interest and qualifications for the position. Refer the reader to your enclosed resume and state you will follow up within a given period of time. Confirm how to contact you (phone and email), and thank the reader for reviewing your application.
  • Research the employer before you write the letter. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you would be a strong candidate for the position.  For example, instead of stating your skills, "Communication and outreach skills," show you're experienced with evidence and provide an example: "I am proficient in communicating scientific concepts to non-scientific audiences, as exemplified by my experiences teaching introductory science courses at Michigan State University and volunteering with grade school students at the annual Science Fest event in East Lansing." 

If you are having difficulty getting the tone of your cover letter right, you’re not alone. Many job seekers struggle with cover letters that sound artificial or too impersonal. If you find yourself in that situation, try this:

  • Write a letter to someone you know well. Tell them about the position you are applying for, how you found it, why you are interested/excited, why you think you would be a good candidate, what parts of the job you would especially enjoy, and what you know and like about the employer.
  • Now that you have a letter that sounds like you, put it into cover letter format, fill in any pieces that are missing, and edit the language to make it a little more professional or formal if needed. It’s much easier to make something informal sound more formal than the other way around.

Need additional assistance? Log in to Handshake and  make an appointment  with a career advisor; we can help with formatting and give your letter a final review!

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Harvard College Resumes & Cover Letter Guide

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A resume is a concise, informative summary of your abilities, education, and experience. It should highlight your strongest assets and skills, and differentiate you from other candidates seeking similar positions.

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how to write a grad school cover letter

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Craft a Noteworthy Cover Letter

Before you apply for a job, it is critical that your application package, including your cover letter, is the best that it can be. Learn how to write a cover letter that leaves a great impression and makes a potential employer want to know more about you.

How to Write a Cover Letter

Get their attention. Intro Paragraph

  • Explain why are you writing this letter.
  • Indicate the position you are applying for and how you learned of the position.
  • If you are “prospecting” to determine if the organization has unpublished opportunities, or acting on a referral from one of your professional friends, indicate how you learned about the organization.
  • Integrate the company research you'd done by explaining why you want to work there.
  • Outline the specific reasons why you are ideal for the position.  
  • Show off your experience.

Make them want to know more. Body Paragraph(s)

  • Describe yourself and why you're worth inviting for an interview by demonstrating to the employer how your interests, education and experience fit the requirements described in the position postings. 
  • Show, don’t tell. Use specific examples that illustrate your related skills and experience. Your goal is to set yourself apart from other applicants.
  • If you are prospecting, describe how do you see yourself fitting with this organization.
  • Refer to your resume, but don't list the contents of it. 
  • Emphasize how your variety of experiences and transferable skills that you've gained are connected to the position and will benefit the organization.

Tip: It is acceptable to break this into two paragraphs and use bullets.

Make it easy for them to take the next step. Closing Paragraph

  • Refer to your resume for further details about your experiences and qualifications.
  • Reiterate why you want to work at that specific organization.
  • Offer your contact information.
  • Thank the employer for their time and consideration.

(Your Signature)

Tips to Make Your Cover Letter Stand Out

  • Customize your cover letter to each position to demonstrate your interest and that you’ve done your research.
  • Feature the right experiences from your resume that make you a perfect fit for the position.
  • Be clear and get to the point.
  • Use the body of the email as your cover letter. Your resume can be an attachment. 
  • Keep it to a single page, pay attention to details (e.g., address the letter specifically to the hiring manager by name).
  • Try not to repeat your resume. Instead, describe additional details that you weren’t able to squeeze onto your resume.
  • Proofread. Ask family or friends to check for spelling and grammatical errors.
  • Get it reviewed by an expert . UB's Career Design Center is available for  drop-in appointments  Monday through Friday.

Additional Resources

Visit the Career Design Center website for many great resources, including resume, CV, cover letter and thank you note samples.

6 New Grad Nurse Cover Letter Examples + How To Write

how to write a grad school cover letter

Finding your first nursing position after graduation can be a daunting task. Knowing what steps to take to find your dream job will help propel you toward your goal of gainful employment as an RN. Once you have prepared an excellent resume, be aware that you have one final action to take in the application process; that of a persuasive cover letter. You may be unclear about how to write an exceptional cover letter and wonder what are some excellent examples of new grad cover letters? Using a professionally prepared cover letter as a guide is a great way to learn how to compose a top-notch document. Read the following article “6 best new grad nurse cover letter examples + how to write” for recommendations that will help you get started on your best ever nursing cover letter without stress.

What Exactly Is A New Grad Nurse Cover Letter?

How is a new grad nurse cover letter different from an experienced nurse cover letter, 4 reasons why an excellent cover letter makes a difference to new grad nurses, 1. nurses are professional-, 2. leads to an interview-, 3. expands on resume-, 4. you may be up against experienced nurses-, what are some excellent examples of new grad nurse cover letters, example #1: cover letter of diane joyner, what makes this an excellent new grad registered nurse cover letter:, example #2: cover letter of jan bock, example #3: cover letter of joan zimmerman, example #4: cover letter of lizzie arndt, what makes this an excellent new grad registered nurse cover letter: new grad nurse cover letter examples, example #5: cover letter of lynn horton, example #6: cover letter of paul linney, how to write an excellent new grad rn cover letter, 1. heading-.

• Your Name and Contact Information • The date • The recipient's name and address

2. Opening Paragraph-

• Your professional credentials (RN or BSN) • Which specific job you are applying for • A few brief points about why you are a great fit • Why you want to work for this particular institution or position

3. Background-

4. qualifications-.

• Specific clinical experience • Other job or volunteer transferable experience • " Soft skills " such as communication, leadership, group experience, compassion, and problem-solving

5. Closing Paragraph and Sign-Off-

6. don't just reiterate your resume-, 7. outshine with your willingness to learn-, 8. detail why you want the job-, 9. showcase your exceptional side-, 10. fashion the letter to the exact position-, 11. show your passion-.

• Adaptability • Ease with technology • Willing to accept change • Eager and positive attitude • Fresh perspective

12. Proof Read-

7 common mistakes to avoid when writing your new grad nurse cover letter, 1. too general-, 2. improper format-, 3. too wordy-, 4. duplicate resume-, 5. not selling yourself to the job-, 6. too informal-, 7. spelling and grammar errors-, 3 consequences of a poorly written new grad rn cover letter, 1. you may not be granted an interview-, 2. you may misrepresent yourself-, 3. compensation and opportunities may be compromised-, my final thoughts, frequently asked questions answered by our expert, 1. what is the difference between new grad nurse cover letter and new grad nurse cv, 2. is a cover letter necessary for a new grad nurse, 3. can i use the same cover letter for all new grad nurse positions i'm applying for, 4. how many cover letters do i need when applying for new grad nurse job positions, 5. can my new grad nurse cover letter expire, 6. my new grad nurse job applications says a cover letter is optional, should i still submit one, 7. do cover letters for new grad nurses have to be long, 8. as a new grad nurse, when should i write my cover letter, 9. what should be included in a new grad nursing cover letter.

• Heading • Salutation • Opening paragraph of who you are and your intentions for which specific job • Background paragraph, where you highlight your education and clinical experience • Qualification paragraph, which is used to “sell” the employer on your qualities and abilities as a nurse • Closing paragraph and sign-off

10. What Should Not Be Included In A New Grad Nursing Cover Letter?

11. how much time does it take to write a cover letter for a new grad nurse, 12. can i ask someone else to write my new grad nurse cover letter, 13. is it a good idea to use ready templates to write my new grad nurse cover letter, 14. are there any online apps or tools that make writing a good cover letter for a new grad nurse easy.

how to write a grad school cover letter

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Critical Writing Seminar: Craft of Prose : Cover Letter Resources

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Cover Letter resources

  • Cover Letter Writing Guide - Penn Career Services  - A writing guide on cover letters prepared by Penn Career Services that covers the purpose of cover letters, cover letter etiquette,  
  • Job Search Letters - Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL)  - These OWL resources will help you write job application letters, thank you and follow up letters, as well as effective acceptance and rejection letters. Also included are links to other OWL resources geared for entry-level and skilled labor positions.
  • Microsoft Office Templates - Access a wide selection of MS Word templates with formatting for various styles of resumes and cover letters. 

Cover Art

  • Skill Sumo Future Proof: How to Craft a Cover letter This video, from Academic Video, will teach you how to craft a cover letter.
  • What to Include in the Resume and Cover Letter. From Sage Video, this online tutorial provides tips for developing your resume and for writing cover letters.
  • << Previous: Resume Resources
  • Last Updated: Feb 12, 2024 12:03 PM
  • URL: https://guides.library.upenn.edu/WRIT0020-302

The Cut

How to Write a Cover Letter That Will Get You a Job

I ’ve read thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of cover letters in my career. If you’re thinking that sounds like really boring reading, you’re right. What I can tell you from enduring that experience is that most cover letters are terrible — and not only that, but squandered opportunities. When a cover letter is done well, it can significantly increase your chances of getting an interview, but the vast majority fail that test.

So let’s talk about how to do cover letters right.

First, understand the point of a cover letter.

The whole idea of a cover letter is that it can help the employer see you as more than just your résumé. Managers generally aren’t hiring based solely on your work history; your experience is crucial, yes, but they’re also looking for someone who will be easy to work with, shows good judgment, communicates well, possesses strong critical thinking skills and a drive to get things done, complements their current team, and all the other things you yourself probably want from your co-workers. It’s tough to learn much about those things from job history alone, and that’s where your cover letter comes in.

Because of that …

Whatever you do, don’t just summarize your résumé.

The No. 1 mistake people make with cover letters is that they simply use them to summarize their résumé. This makes no sense — hiring managers don’t need a summary of your résumé! It’s on the very next page! They’re about to see it as soon as they scroll down. And if you think about it, your entire application is only a few pages (in most cases, a one- or two-page résumé and a one-page cover letter) — why would you squander one of those pages by repeating the content of the others? And yet, probably 95 percent of the cover letters I see don’t add anything new beyond the résumé itself (and that’s a conservative estimate).

Instead, your cover letter should go beyond your work history to talk about things that make you especially well-suited for the job. For example, if you’re applying for an assistant job that requires being highly organized and you neurotically track your household finances in a detailed, color-coded spreadsheet, most hiring managers would love to know that because it says something about the kind of attention to detail you’d bring to the job. That’s not something you could put on your résumé, but it can go in your cover letter.

Or maybe your last boss told you that you were the most accurate data processor she’d ever seen, or came to rely on you as her go-to person whenever a lightning-fast rewrite was needed. Maybe your co-workers called you “the client whisperer” because of your skill in calming upset clients. Maybe you’re regularly sought out by more senior staff to help problem-solve, or you find immense satisfaction in bringing order to chaos. Those sorts of details illustrate what you bring to the job in a different way than your résumé does, and they belong in your cover letter.

If you’re still stumped, pretend you’re writing an email to a friend about why you’d be great at the job. You probably wouldn’t do that by stiffly reciting your work history, right? You’d talk about what you’re good at and how you’d approach the work. That’s what you want here.

You don’t need a creative opening line.

If you think you need to open the letter with something creative or catchy, I am here to tell you that you don’t. Just be simple and straightforward:

• “I’m writing to apply for your X position.”

• “I’d love to be considered for your X position.”

• “I’m interested in your X position because …”

• “I’m excited to apply for your X position.”

That’s it! Straightforward is fine — better, even, if the alternative is sounding like an aggressive salesperson.

Show, don’t tell.

A lot of cover letters assert that the person who wrote it would excel at the job or announce that the applicant is a skillful engineer or a great communicator or all sorts of other subjective superlatives. That’s wasted space — the hiring manager has no reason to believe it, and so many candidates claim those things about themselves that most managers ignore that sort of self-assessment entirely. So instead of simply declaring that you’re great at X (whatever X is), your letter should demonstrate that. And the way you do that is by describing accomplishments and experiences that illustrate it.

Here’s a concrete example taken from one extraordinarily effective cover-letter makeover that I saw. The candidate had originally written, “I offer exceptional attention to detail, highly developed communication skills, and a talent for managing complex projects with a demonstrated ability to prioritize and multitask.” That’s pretty boring and not especially convincing, right? (This is also exactly how most people’s cover letters read.)

In her revised version, she wrote this instead:

“In addition to being flexible and responsive, I’m also a fanatic for details — particularly when it comes to presentation. One of my recent projects involved coordinating a 200-page grant proposal: I proofed and edited the narratives provided by the division head, formatted spreadsheets, and generally made sure that every line was letter-perfect and that the entire finished product conformed to the specific guidelines of the RFP. (The result? A five-year, $1.5 million grant award.) I believe in applying this same level of attention to detail to tasks as visible as prepping the materials for a top-level meeting and as mundane as making sure the copier never runs out of paper.”

That second version is so much more compelling and interesting — and makes me believe that she really is great with details.

If there’s anything unusual or confusing about your candidacy, address it in the letter.

Your cover letter is your chance to provide context for things that otherwise might seem confusing or less than ideal to a hiring manager. For example, if you’re overqualified for the position but are excited about it anyway, or if you’re a bit underqualified but have reason to think you could excel at the job, address that up front. Or if your background is in a different field but you’re actively working to move into this one, say so, talk about why, and explain how your experience will translate. Or if you’re applying for a job across the country from where you live because you’re hoping to relocate to be closer to your family, let them know that.

If you don’t provide that kind of context, it’s too easy for a hiring manager to decide you’re the wrong fit or applying to everything you see or don’t understand the job description and put you in the “no” pile. A cover letter gives you a chance to say, “No, wait — here’s why this could be a good match.”

Keep the tone warm and conversational.

While there are some industries that prize formal-sounding cover letters — like law — in most fields, yours will stand out if it’s warm and conversational. Aim for the tone you’d use if you were writing to a co-worker whom you liked a lot but didn’t know especially well. It’s okay to show some personality or even use humor; as long as you don’t go overboard, your letter will be stronger for it.

Don’t use a form letter.

You don’t need to write every cover letter completely from scratch, but if you’re not customizing it to each job, you’re doing it wrong. Form letters tend to read like form letters, and they waste the chance to speak to the specifics of what this employer is looking for and what it will take to thrive in this particular job.

If you’re applying for a lot of similar jobs, of course you’ll end up reusing language from one letter to the next. But you shouldn’t have a single cover letter that you wrote once and then use every time you apply; whatever you send should sound like you wrote it with the nuances of this one job in mind.

A good litmus test is this: Could you imagine other applicants for this job sending in the same letter? If so, that’s a sign that you haven’t made it individualized enough to you and are probably leaning too heavily on reciting your work history.

No, you don’t need to hunt down the hiring manager’s name.

If you read much job-search advice, at some point you’ll come across the idea that you need to do Woodward and Bernstein–level research to hunt down the hiring manager’s name in order to open your letter with “Dear Matilda Jones.” You don’t need to do this; no reasonable hiring manager will care. If the name is easily available, by all means, feel free to use it, but otherwise “Dear Hiring Manager” is absolutely fine. Take the hour you just freed up and do something more enjoyable with it.

Keep it under one page.

If your cover letters are longer than a page, you’re writing too much, and you risk annoying hiring managers who are likely sifting through hundreds of applications and don’t have time to read lengthy tomes. On the other hand, if you only write one paragraph, it’s unlikely that you’re making a compelling case for yourself as a candidate — not impossible, but unlikely. For most people, something close to a page is about right.

Don’t agonize over the small details.

What matters most about your cover letter is its content. You should of course ensure that it’s well-written and thoroughly proofread, but many job seekers agonize over elements of the letter that really don’t matter. I get tons of  questions from job seekers  about whether they should attach their cover letter or put it in the body of the email (answer: No one cares, but attaching it makes it easier to share and will preserve your formatting), or what to name the file (again, no one really cares as long as it’s reasonably professional, but when people are dealing with hundreds of files named “resume,” it’s courteous to name it with your full name).

Approaching your cover letter like this can make a huge difference in your job search. It can be the thing that moves your application from the “maybe” pile (or even the “no” pile) to the “yes” pile. Of course, writing cover letters like this will take more time than sending out the same templated letter summarizing your résumé — but 10 personalized, compelling cover letters are likely to get you more  interview invitations  than 50 generic ones will.

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by The Cut; Photos: Getty Images

IMAGES

  1. Cover Letter For Graduate School: Sample And Tips

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  2. Cover Letter For Graduate School Application—Examples & Tips

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  3. Recent Graduate Cover Letter Example & Writing Tips

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  4. Recent Grad Cover Letter Examples

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  6. Cover Letter for Graduate School: Examples & Writing Tips

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COMMENTS

  1. Cover Letter for Graduate School: How To Write One

    Follow these steps to write a cover letter for graduate school: 1. Begin by addressing your cover letter The first step to writing any cover letter is addressing it properly. You should begin by writing your full name and address. You may also include your phone number or email address on an additional line, but this is optional.

  2. Cover Letter For Graduate School Application—Examples & Tips

    How to format your cover letter for graduate school. A fill-in-the-blanks template that will produce your grad school cover letter within 15 minutes. Save hours of work and get a cover letter like this. Pick a template, fill it in. Quick and easy. Choose from 18+ cover letter templates and download your cover letter now.

  3. Top graduate school cover letter examples

    10 min What is a graduate school cover letter? The format of a graduate school cover letter How to write your graduate school cover letter - a step by step guide Graduate school cover letter examples 3 tips for making your graduate school cover letter stand out FAQs What is a graduate school cover letter?

  4. Steps and Tips for an Impressive Graduate School Cover Letter

    Be genuine. Communicate honestly in your letter to establish your credibility and build trust. The individual or graduate committee reviewing your application will probably be people that help run the program you hope to join. Candid writing will build respect. Revise and edit carefully.

  5. Cover Letter for Graduate School: Sample & How to Write It

    How to write a cover letter for grad school sure to appease the admissions committee. Want to write your cover letter fast? Use our cover letter builder. Choose from 20+ professional cover letter templates that match your resume. See actionable examples and get expert tips along the way. Create your cover letter now

  6. Do You Need a Cover Letter for Graduate School Applications?

    Step 1: Address Your Letter A clear and organized cover letter is key to making a good impression. Open your letter with your name and contact information followed by your recipient's name and contact information (as if you were addressing an envelope).

  7. Writing Academic Cover Letters

    The Basics Address the letter to the person named in the job description, or with "Dear Members of the Search Committee." Proofread and spell check! Your cover letter is a writing sample. Write concisely and effectively. Single-space text with a line of space between paragraphs. Opening paragraph

  8. Cover Letter for Graduate School: Examples & Writing Tips

    This is how not to lose points on your cover letter format: 'Align Left' the text, and don't use justification. Set even, margins on all sides, 1-inch at a minimum. Match your CV font —go for the classic. Garamond is probably bordering in wild in the context of a grad school cover letter. Use 1.15 line spacing.

  9. PDF Graduate School Application Cover Letters

    Cover letters should be approximately 1-2 paragraphs and contain: 1) What is enclosed in the envelope and why. Do not make the reader guess why you are sending the following materials. State what program you are applying for and for what year/semester. 2) Tell specifically how you heard about their program.

  10. Cover Letter Guide

    Single spacing is standard for cover letters. As with a CV or resume, use a 10-12 point font . Use the same font that you plan to use in your resume or CV. In your heading, include your name, address, and other contact information. This is followed by the date, and the name and contact information of whom you are addressing the letter.

  11. How to Write a Standout Letter of Intent for Graduate School

    When you apply to graduate school, you'll need to pull together a variety of materials for the admissions committee to review, including your CV, undergraduate transcripts, letters of recommendation, and in some cases GRE or GMAT scores (if your school uses a standardized graduate admissions test).

  12. Graduate Cover Letter Example & Writing Guide · Resume.io

    The primary purpose of your graduate cover letter is to work alongside your resume to create a complete picture of personality, experience and strengths as a candidate. Whereas a resume has clearly defined sections that are constructed based on your actual education and work history, a cover letter is a bit looser.

  13. Harvard College Resumes & Cover Letter Guide

    It should highlight your strongest assets and skills, and differentiate you from other candidates seeking similar positions. View Resource Contact & Location 617-495-2595 [email protected] Harvard University 54 Dunster Street Cambridge, MA 02138 MCS Hours

  14. Craft a Noteworthy Cover Letter

    (Your Signature) Name Tips to Make Your Cover Letter Stand Out Customize your cover letter to each position to demonstrate your interest and that you've done your research. Feature the right experiences from your resume that make you a perfect fit for the position. Be clear and get to the point.

  15. How to write an impressive cover letter

    "Don't just say 'I'm interested in your position, attached is my CV,'" says Landrum. "That's a wasted opportunity." Instead, take the time to research the position and the university or organization and create a cover letter that makes it clear you are qualified for the requirements listed in the job ad.

  16. Recent Graduate Cover Letter Example & Writing Tips

    2518 Lilac Ave. North Charleston, SC, 29405. (803) 847-1043. [email protected]. Dear Ms. Johnston, My name is James Amore, and I'm excited to apply for the position of Junior IT specialist at the French Central Inn, Charleston. I'm a recent graduate (June 2023) in Management Information Systems (MIS) from Charleston Southern ...

  17. 6 New Grad Nurse Cover Letter Examples + How To Write

    2. Leads to an interview- The main reason to develop an excellent new grad RN cover letter is to lead to an interview as the end result. By capturing the attention of a potential employer through an impressive and appealing cover letter, you will hopefully sway the reader to want to meet you for a formal interview.

  18. Cover Letter Resources

    Cover Letter Writing Guide - Penn Career Services - A writing guide on cover letters prepared by Penn Career Services that covers the purpose of cover letters, cover letter etiquette, ; Job Search Letters - Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) - These OWL resources will help you write job application letters, thank you and follow up letters, as well as effective acceptance and rejection letters.

  19. How to Write a Cover Letter That Will Get You a Job

    So let's talk about how to do cover letters right., First, understand the point of a cover letter., The whole idea of a cover letter is that it can help the employer see you as more than just ...

  20. Cover Letter Samples and Templates

    A cover letter should include the following parts: Header; Salutation; Introduction; Body paragraph; Closing paragraph; Letter ending and signature; The following cover letter samples and examples will show you how to write a cover letter for many employment circumstances. Browse cover letters by job title for inspiration.