21+ Cover Letter Examples in 2024 [For All Professions]

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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 .

cover letter example for career change

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 

cover letter example for a recent graduate

  • 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

Cover Letter Example for Middle Management

  • 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

cover letter example for business manager

  • 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

cover letter example for phd

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

cover letter example for senior executive

  • 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 

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 

cover letter examples

  • 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 

best 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

Cover Letter Example for Digital Marketing

  • 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 

Cover Letter Example for Graphic Designer

  • 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

Cover Letter Example for Administrative Assistant

  • 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

Cover Letter Example for Front Desk

  • 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

Cover Letter Example for Human Resources

  • 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 

Cover Letter Example  for Sales Agent

  • 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

Cover Letter Example for Receptionist

  • 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

Cover Letter Example for Information Technology

  • 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

Cover Letter Example for Real Estate Agent

  • 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

Cover Letter Example for Teacher

  • 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

Cover Letter Example for Project Manager

  • 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

Cover Letter Example for Paralegal

  • 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.

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:

cover letter structure

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!

cover letter examples templates

#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 

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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How to Write Résumé and Cover Letter Templates That Don’t Suck

I t’s easy, and frankly common, to sink hundreds of hours into a job hunt. The longer your job hunt takes, the more desperate it can start to feel and the more hours you may feel like you have to commit. That’s where templates come in: We don’t want people to be able to tell you’re using a templated, but using templates behind the scenes will save you precious time and energy and enable you to apply to more jobs more quickly.

Think of your resume and cover letter not as manifestations of who you are as a human, but as marketing materials for yourself as an employee. Like a visually boring movie poster, your resume won’t ever be able to capture every little thing about the plot (you), but instead should just highlight the most compelling things (about your work experience) and leave them interested in learning more.

Here’s how to “template-tize” your resume, cover letters, thank you notes, and networking messages without actually sounding like a template.

Create a templated “master resume”

For some reason it’s painfully difficult to find a resume template online that isn’t full of graphics, photos, and in-depth color schemes. Your resume doesn’t need to be flashy or sexy (visually boring movie poster, remember?), it just needs to highlight the most relevant things about you. Canva has plenty of over-engineered templates, but with a little tweaking this “corporate” template or this “minimalist” template could do the trick. In my opinion, your resume should only contain these things in this order:

  • Your name and critical details (email, phone number, LinkedIn, general location)
  • Your professional experiences
  • Specific hard skills and proficiencies (like Zendesk, Greenhouse, Python, or Calendly)
  • Awards and recognitions, if relevant
  • Education and degrees

In every job you’ve had, you probably did 100 different things within that one job—whether that’s driving different kinds of projects, collaborating with stakeholders, working with customers, organizing information, or putting out random fires, I’m 99% sure you accomplished a lot . While you shouldn’t waste time cataloguing every little thing you did (“responded to emails,” “attended meetings”), spend some time coming up with the top 5-10 things you accomplished in each job. These should be accomplishments , not just your responsibilities . Some examples to get your wheels turning:

> Owned creation of Product X, which accounted for 20% of total company revenue, driving market research and experience design efforts. > Directed and produced a photoshoot that launched the new Company Y identity, partnering with internal and external stakeholders to ensure seamless operation. > Achieved 100% attendance rate for Program Z, a 50% increase from the previous year. > Led event teams up to 25 people, quickly addressing unexpected challenges while protecting guest experience.

Once you’re done, add all those bullets to your resume and then do the same thing for the job before that, and the job before that, and so on. The idea is to keep one long master resume that tracks of all the amazing things you’ve done in every job. When you find a job you’re ready to apply to, compare the job description to your master resume, and start removing the bullets that aren’t directly relevant.

When you’re done, you’ll now have a resume that feels customized and highlights only your most relevant experience, without you needing to do any extra typing or too much extra thinking. Save it as a new file (something like YOURNAME_Resume_COMPANYNAME) and fire it off.

Prepare your own cover letter template

There is zero chance a recruiter or hiring manager is going to spend as much time reading your cover letter as you have spent writing it, so keep it short, sweet, and easily copy-pasted ( or skip it altogether ). Your cover letter template will be sort of like your resume template in that we want to write a lot of it in advance.

Identify your top four to six soft skills you feel confident in and have a lot of proof of experience with. I specify soft skills because I’m almost never reading a cover letter to learn more about your hard skills—that’s already listed on your resume, and/or I’ll be testing you on those during the interview process. Your cover letter should highlight the not-so-easily-measurable skills you bring to the table, and go a little more in-depth into how you’ve used them in the past.

To continue on a bullet from the previous section, if the job description specifically calls out cross-collaboration, I might prepare to embellish on that second bullet (“ Directed and produced a photoshoot which launched the new Company Y identity, partnering with internal and external stakeholders to ensure seamless operation.”) and say something like:

While at Company Y, I owned the full planning and execution of a branded photoshoot meant to highlight Company Y’s new modern look and collaborated across the company and our vendors to deliver. I researched local photographers, prepared vision decks to illustrate our desired outcome, and partnered with the Company Y executive team to achieve buy-in. Thanks to regular alignment meetings and a variety of documents and plans to keep the photoshoot in motion, we were able to achieve our goals within our planned budget and timeline.

I admit this one will take a good amount of time up front, but once you have something like this written out for your strongest soft skills, you’ll be able to copy and paste together all your future cover letters. You can also do this preparation slowly over time—every time you write a new cover letter, grab and save some of those sentences about your soft skills that you’re naturally writing about already. Eventually you’ll have (another) long master cover letter repository that you can use to cobble together customized cover letters without wasting hours reinventing them every time.

Use this (personalized) thank you note template  

A thank you note should always be short and sweet, and as personalized as you can manage.

Hi [INTERVIEWER NAME]! I just wanted to send you a note to share how much I appreciated your time [DAY OF INTERVIEW]. [SENTENCE ABOUT ONE THING YOU BOTH TALKED ABOUT AND WHY YOU FOUND IT VALUABLE]. [SENTENCE ABOUT WHY THIS COMPANY SEEMS LIKE A GREAT PLACE TO WORK/AN EXCITING OPPORTUNITY]. Thanks again, and [SOMETHING PERSONAL THAT YOU TALKED ABOUT]/have a great rest of your week/have a great weekend! All the best/Warmly/Cheers/With appreciation/With care, [YOUR NAME]

If you really can’t remember anything specific or unique you talked about, you can remove the second sentence, but I would recommend jotting down notes or writing the thank you note immediately after the interview so you can make sure to personalize it well. Don’t send the note right away, though—they haven’t had time to forget you yet. Send it or schedule it to send the following morning.

Write a genuine networking message

Networking can be a powerful tool in your job search, but actually finding and reaching out to the people you want to network with can pose a challenge. Like thank you notes, my advice on networking requests is to keep things extremely personal and relatively brief. The worst networking requests I’ve ever received were clearly copy-paste jobs that didn’t even take a moment to validate my name, my company, or my background—I don’t feel excited about networking with someone if they can’t be bothered to take one second to look at my profile.

My core tenants of networking are: Take a genuine interest in the person you’re reaching out to (as opposed to an interest purely in securing a job referral), ask for specific outcomes (not just vague requests like “I would love to talk to you”), and write like a human.

Hi [NAME]! I hope you’re having a great day/morning/week. I’m [YOUR NAME]! I wanted to reach out because I saw you [EXPERIENCE OR THING FROM THEIR LINKEDIN] and I’m [SOMETHING IN COMMON WITH THEM OR PERSONAL CONNECTION TO/INTEREST IN THEIR EXPERIENCE/EXPERIENCE]. If you have the time, I would love to have a 30-minute informational interview with you to learn more about your career and any advice you might have for someone like me. Thank you!

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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.
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Student Resources

Career exploration resources, career information system (cis360 ) previously wois.

  • Career Information System (CIS360) is a career and college exploration tool.  You can take career assessments, learn about careers and college majors/training programs to prepare for careers and save all of your assessment reports and career research to your personal dashboard!

How to log-in:

  • Students initially login with Bellevue College’s general login at: CIS360 Career Exploration. 

Log in with Username: Bellevue22 and password: 22Bellevue

2. After logging in, students create an individual account they will use in the future for logging in (they will not need the general login after they create their individual account).  This individual access allows students to access their personal dashboard, where their assessment results are automatically saved and they can store their favorite careers and colleges.

O*NET (Occupational Information Network)

O*NET (Occupational Information Network ) Find, search, or browse across 900+ occupations based on your goals and needs. Then use comprehensive reports to learn about requirements, characteristics, and available opportunities for your selected occupation.

Career Assessments (MBTI and Strong Interest Inventory)

Take the Myers Briggs and/or Strong Interest Inventory to learn how your interests and preferences align with college majors and careers.  If you are an undecided or undeclared major student, this is a great opportunity to learn more about careers!

Make an Appointment  with a Career Specialist to find out if an assessment is right for you. If it is, you will take the assessment(s) online. Next, you will meet with a Career Specialist in the CCC (online or on campus) who will provide you with the results and have a discussion about careers that fit you.

Additional Guides & Resources

Prepare for career and the hiring process:

Resume, Cover Letter, LinkedIn, and Interview Guides

Resumes, cover letters, and creating a LinkedIn profile are essential elements to landing interviews, finding jobs, and connecting with recruiters and professionals.

Job Fair & Workshop Guides

The Center for Career Connections hosts several Job, Internship, and Networking Fairs throughout the year.

Job Fairs are not just for finding a job. They are forums to learn about companies and what they are looking for in applicants. The trick is to know how to “work” the fairs to uncover this information.

Job Search Resources

The Center for Career Connections will help you find networking tools and choose methods that will be best for your job and internship search.

Salary Negotiation

Salary negotiations are an inevitable part of the job search process.

The Center for Career Connections can provide you with advice on how to effectively negotiate your salary to ensure you are fairly compensated.

Find Internships, Part-time Jobs

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  6. How to Write a Cover Letter in 2024: Examples + Tips

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  2. Creating Impactful Resumes & Cover Letters for Doctoral Students

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COMMENTS

  1. How To Write a Cover Letter (With Examples and Tips)

    Updated July 14, 2023 While cover letters are not always required, many hiring managers still rely on them to gauge an applicant's skills, experience and background. The key to writing an effective cover letter is to clearly show how your professional experience fits the needs of the open role and the culture of the hiring company.

  2. How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job in 2024

    1. Learn what a good cover letter looks like Before getting started, it helps to know what a cover letter is and what yours should look like. Here's an example to show you how to make a professional cover letter in 2024: Using a pre-written cover letter outline is a great way to speed up the writing process. Download Cover Letter Example

  3. How To Format a Cover Letter (With Outline and Examples)

    A cover letter usually is three paragraphs long and outlines why you are applying for a specific position, a brief overview of your professional background and what makes you uniquely qualified for the job. While some employers require a cover letter to apply, others make it optional. Read more: What Is a Cover Letter? Image description

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    1. Cover letter templates perfect for all kinds of jobs You'll get a chance to pick the layout from a wide selection of cover letter templates free to customize whichever way you want. Go for what stands out instead of saying yes to the mediocre. 2. Suggestions based on your years of experience and working style

  5. 200+ Professional Cover Letter Examples for Job Seekers

    December 22, 2023 Build My Cover Letter As featured in * Our list of 200+ cover letter examples is perfect for all job seekers, whether you need to write one for a specific life situation (like a career change) or you're looking for an industry-specific sample. Build My Cover Letter

  6. How to Write a Cover Letter for Any Job in 2024

    Table of Contents Show A cover letter is your unique opportunity to showcase your personality and skills. And more than that—it can also demonstrate why you're the ideal candidate for the job. Knowing how to write a cover letter can significantly influence your career trajectory.

  7. Glassdoor Guide: How to Write a Cover Letter

    Last Updated Jun 9, 2022 Guide Overview A Guide to Writing a Cover Letter that Impresses Your Reader The cover letter is a tool to help introduce yourself in a memorable, personal way during a job application.

  8. How to Write a Cover Letter in 2024 + Examples

    Step #1 - Pick the Right Cover Letter Template Step #2 - Start the Cover Letter with a Header Step #3 - Greet the Hiring Manager Step #4 - Write an Attention-Grabbing Introduction Step #5 - Explain why you're the perfect person for the job Step #6 - Explain why you're a good fit for the company Step #7 - Wrap up with a call to action Step #8 - U...

  9. How to write a cover letter

    Keep sentences short and limit paragraphs to three or four sentences. If you please the eyes first, it will make it easier to engage the brain. Our resume templates allow candidates to match their cover letter designs to their resume templates. Adding a professional sheen to your application couldn't be easier. 3.

  10. 16+ Cover Letter Templates [Get Started in 1 Click]

    1/16 A creative cover letter template that matches your creative CV to create an eye-catching application. Basic 2/16 A classic but stylish design for the basic cover letter layout that has a minimalistic approach. Combined 3/16 A cover letter that matches your resume and helps you explain your achievements and skills. Minimalist 4/16

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    Login ONLINE COVER LETTER GENERATOR Make the perfect cover letter. Writing a good cover letter takes time and effort. Our AI-powered cover letter generator makes it easy — helping you build a customized cover letter that improves your chance of getting an interview. Build My Cover Letter Save hours of time

  12. How to Write a Cover Letter in 2024 + Pro Tips

    Your cover letter should accomplish the following: Introduce yourself to the hiring managers. Provide details about your qualifications. Tell employers why you want to work for them. Illustrate why you're the best match for the job. Explain circumstances like job hopping or gaps in employment. Pro tip

  13. 320+ Free cover letter examples (+expert guides)

    8 Our example cover letters for engineers of all types not only allow you to create a document with great structure and functionality but also the right amount of visual appeal to set your application apart. Whether you are a mechanical, chemical, or structural engineer, you'll find a sample cover letter that will apply to your industry. Government

  14. Free Cover Letter Templates

    Updated May 26, 2023 Cover letters are an essential component of many professional job applications and an effective cover letter may help you sell yourself to your future employer. If you're searching and applying for jobs, it can be helpful to know which cover letter format to use and how to use a cover letter template to develop your own.

  15. How to Write a Cover Letter (With Tips)

    Here are the steps you can follow to write your cover letter: Note the date. Include your name and address. Include the recipient's name and address. Introduce yourself. Make your opening paragraph about your interest in the position. Include your background. Focus on your qualifications.

  16. 21+ Cover Letter Examples in 2024 [For All Professions]

    Content. 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.

  17. The Best Online Cover Letter Generator

    A cover letter generator is an online tool that helps job seekers create a cover letter with professionally made templates and step-by-step guidance. Here are a few benefits of using a cover letter generator: Saves time: All you have to do is answer a few prompts to generate a custom cover letter in a matter of minutes.

  18. How to Write a Cover Letter for Job Applications: Example

    Here's how to write a cover letter for a job application: 1. Start with a Professional Cover Letter Header. Let's start with the basics: your contact information and that of the hiring manager. Cover letters follow the business letter format, which means that those details need to go in the top left corner of the page.

  19. Cover Letter Generator: Build Your Cover Letter Online in Minutes

    Yes, with our Cover Letter Builder, you can make unlimited cover letters and resumes to meet your job hunt needs! According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, a job seeker that applies to 10 jobs only wins two interviews on average. So chances are, you'll have to produce a few crafty cover letters to earn your interview(s).

  20. Free Cover Letter Maker

    Select a cover letter template Pick a free template that fits your idea or the recipient of your cover letter and job application. Choose from different formats and styles, or begin from scratch with a blank layout. Personalize your message Edit your document in our intuitive editor.

  21. Free Cover Letter Template for Your Resume (Copy & Paste)

    CV Cover letter template Professional Templates A professional cover letter template suits experienced candidates applying to large companies. If you're an executive or seeking a senior position, use one of these templates to write a confident and authoritative cover letter. Minimalist

  22. How to write the perfect cover letter (With examples)

    1. Begin by introducing yourself. To start your cover letter, introduce yourself. This means including your full name, your specific interest in the position and the reasons you've chosen to apply. If you got a referral to the job from another party, ensure to mention this in the first paragraph. 2.

  23. How To Write the Perfect Cover Letter (With Template and Example)

    A compelling cover letter will convince the hiring manager to take a closer look at your resume. Cover letters provide deeper information than a resume and can help show you're a great fit for the position. In this article, we explain what a cover letter is, describe how to write a cover letter and provide a template and example. Related: 7 ...

  24. Best Resume Writing Service

    My Cover Letter, Resume, and Thank You Letter were well done. My LinkedIn makeover was incredible. Mark. From Doer to Achiever. My writer turned my resume from sounding/looking like a desperate person hoping to land a job to a mature professional with valuable contributions to offer. I chose the resume+Linkedin option and am blown away by my ...

  25. How to Write Résumé and Cover Letter Templates That Don't Suck

    Your cover letter template will be sort of like your resume template in that we want to write a lot of it in advance. Identify your top four to six soft skills you feel confident in and have a lot ...

  26. Critical Writing Seminar: Craft of Prose : 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.

  27. Nursing Cover Letter Examples and Templates for 2024

    3. Highlight your other work strengths . Add a short list of bullet points to cover your success in other key areas of nursing. With each bullet point, show the skill in action by giving an example of how you improved clinical operations or patient outcomes.

  28. Student Resources :: Center for Career Connections & The Women's Center

    Resume, Cover Letter, LinkedIn, and Interview Guides. Job Fair & Workshop Guides. The Center for Career Connections hosts several Job, Internship, and Networking Fairs throughout the year. Job Fairs are not just for finding a job. They are forums to learn about companies and what they are looking for in applicants. The trick is to know how to ...