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  • How To Make Your Cover Letter Stand Out In 12 Easy Steps
  • How To Write A Cover Letter
  • When Is A Cover Letter Necessary
  • Free Cover Letter Templates
  • Cover Letter Mistakes To Avoid
  • Cover Letter Tips
  • How To Sell Yourself In A Cover Letter
  • Cover Letter Examples
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  • College Student Cover Letter
  • Entry Level Cover Letter
  • Legal Cover Letter
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  • Cover Letter With No Experience
  • Short Cover Letter Examples
  • How To Send An Email Cover Letter
  • How To Write A Cover Letter For A Job With No Experience In That Field
  • Cover Letter Format
  • Salutation and Greeting
  • Who To Address When Unknown
  • How To Start A Cover Letter
  • How To End A Cover Letter
  • Best Cover Letter Font And Size
  • Cover Letter Spacing
  • Cover Letter Length
  • Key Elements Of A Cover Letter
  • How To Write An Address
  • Official Letter Format
  • Cover Letter Opening
  • Tips For Addressing Cover Letter
  • Dear Hiring Manager
  • Make Your Cover Letter Stand Out
  • How To Sign A Cover Letter
  • Salary Requirements In Cover Letter
  • Referral In Cover Letter
  • Cover Letter Body
  • Use Dear Sir Or Madam?
  • Use Mrs. Or Ms.?

Find a Job You Really Want In

There’s a lot that goes into writing a cover letter . If you’re new on the job scene, you’ve got to scrounge up some experience to include, learn how to make your writing readable to someone other than yourself, and you have to find out which mistakes to avoid so you don’t end up looking like a job-hunting rookie. Ugh, when does it end?

Here’s the deal:

Writing a cover letter can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be scary. In fact, there are many tips and tricks of the trade that can make your cover letter better than you ever thought possible. Lucky for you, we’ve got them all right here. You’re welcome.

Here’s everything you need to make your cover letter stand out in 12 easy steps:

1 Address Your Cover Letter to a Specific Person

Do what you can to find the exact name of the person who’s going to be reading your letter. This will make your cover letter more personalized, and they’ll appreciate that you took the steps to learn about who you’re writing to.

If the person’s name isn’t available directly anywhere in the job listing or on the company website, call the company and ask who the HR representative or hiring manager is for the position.

Never use outdated salutations like “Dear Sir or Madam” or “ To Whom It May Concern .” Using phrases like these shows that you didn’t do your homework and that you’re probably 100 years old.

If you’ve tried your best but haven’t been able to find the recipient’s name, you can use “Dear Hiring Manager” or one of its better-sounding alternatives .

2 Keep It Simple and Concise

Yes, it can be a challenge to describe how awesome you are within one page , but try not to go overboard. Cover letters should be a page or less, and the longer your cover letter is, the more you risk losing the employer’s attention.

Most hiring managers and recruiters agree that the ideal cover letter length is closer to half a page — these are busy people, after all. If you can say everything you need to say in 200 words, that’s great; don’t feel pressured to add more just to fill up space. 400 words is an absolute maximum, but sub-300 is the sweet spot.

If your cover letter is too lengthy, cut out unnecessary information and just leave in only the most important information.

3 Leave Plenty of White Space

You don’t want your cover letter to look cramped or overcrowded with information — this makes you appear to be sloppy and unprofessional. Include spaces between your greeting, the body of your letter, and your signature, and make sure to have appropriate margins (the standard 1-inch margins are fine).

A cover letter that’s tidy and concise is much easier to read than one that’s overloaded with unnecessary details. The hiring manager will thank you for not wasting their time.

4 Use the Same Font as Your Resume

Using a cohesive font with your application materials will make it look like you really have your life together. Using a clean, readable font like Times New Roman or Arial for your cover letter and resume will look neat and professional.

Font sizes should generally be 12-point, and you should avoid busy or distracting visual elements like underlined, highlighted, colored, or capitalized text.

Bold or italics can be used to emphasize key information or separate bullet point entries, but choose one or the other; don’t include both bold and italic text in your cover letter.

How to write a cover letter

5 Don’t Just Rehash Your Resume

Your cover letter should complement your resume and specifically tell the employer how you meet their qualifications and what you can do for their company.

Regurgitating all of the information the hiring manager has already read on your resume is a huge waste of everyone’s time — including yours. Use your cover letter to focus on the specific skills that will benefit the company and provide a fuller picture of you as an employee.

Think of your resume as answering the “who, what, where, when” and your cover letter answering the “how” and “why.” That means your personality, work style , and unique perspective on how to get your job done should come through alongside your passion for the profession. That’s the kind of stuff you can’t find in a resume.

6 Open Strong

What better way to show off your candidacy than to highlight your most impressive skills from the very beginning? Describe your previous leadership positions, relevant achievements, and advanced skills in your first paragraph — this will ensure that you grab their attention as soon as they start reading.

If you’re not sure which of your many amazing experiences or skills to include , refer to the qualifications included in the job listing. When you show that you meet the employer’s top requirements, you’ll make them want to keep reading the rest of your cover letter.

7 Use Numbers and Statistics

Employers love to see numbers, and using statistics to illustrate the achievements you’ve earned with a company is a great way to show them that you’re focused on making an impact and getting results.

If you’ve improved employee participation in company fundraisers, include the percent increase. If you earned more money for your division than your predecessor, share the monetary difference. Using numbers will add value to your past work experiences, and make you seem more credible.

Numbers are your friend, even if you failed math repeatedly in college — we’ll just keep that our little secret.

8 Give Examples of Your Skills

Employers love stories — it helps them visualize you putting to use the skills you claim to have, and it makes you seem like you’re not just talking out of your ass.

Use a descriptive statement to show off a skill, like “I’m an expert maintenance technician with experience working on utility-scale solar fields,” and follow them up with a short anecdote:

“I have personally performed operations and maintenance on utility-scale, high voltage solar farms across the state, repairing and maintaining solar inverters and installing panels as needed.”

And just like that, you’ve made your cover letter more compelling. Way to go.

9 Customize Your Cover letter for Every Application

You should never use a generic, one-size-fits-all cover letter for every job you apply for. Employers can tell, and it basically just says “I literally could not care less about your company or the position.” Ouch.

Customize your letter for the specific job you’re applying for. Mention the company name, the title of the position, and directly address any of your qualifications that match the job requirements.

Your cover letter is your sales pitch to get an interview, so you’ll want to show what you can do for their company specifically.

A good way to make sure you hit all of the employer’s needs is by reviewing the job description and highlighting action verbs in one color and skills or adjectives in a different color. Then, look for ways to naturally incorporate that same language into your cover letter.

10 Leave Out Unnecessary Information

If a sentence doesn’t directly show off your candidacy for the job at hand, it’s not worth including in your cover letter. Never include personal information, and leave out your salary requirements unless the employer specifically asks for them.

Leave out details about leaving your last job , particularly if you were fired, and never badmouth any of your former bosses. Keep your cover letter focused on your credentials and make sure it stays professional.

11 Proofread, Proofread, and Proofread Again

There’s nothing worse than sending in a cover letter and realizing five minutes later that you spelled the company name (or your own name) wrong. Yikes, that would just be embarrassing.

Carefully proofread your letter, and even read it out loud to pick up any mistakes in grammar or syntax. You could even ask a friend or relative to look over it for you. If you can’t find a helper , we recommend reading your cover letter backwards — seeing each sentence in a different order does wonders for recognizing awkward phrases.

Whatever you do, just make sure to proofread your cover letter to avoid any embarrassing spelling or grammar mistakes. You probably won’t get the job of your dreams if your letter is addressed to Walt Fisney World.

12 Include an Email Signature

When you send in your cover letter, include a signature with your name, email address, and phone number. It shows that you’re interested in following up and makes it easier for the employer to get in contact with you. Simple as that.

You can also include a hyperlink to an online portfolio , personal website, or LinkedIn profile . That way, the hiring manager has a ready way to find out more information about you if they’re interested. Just make sure that any extra info you include directs them to a page you’re proud of, not a LinkedIn page with nothing but a headshot and 2 connections.

Final Thoughts

Cover letters can be tricky. You have to learn how to sell yourself the specific wants and needs a particular company is looking for, and you have to do so in a way that’s believable and compelling.

It sounds tough, but it’s not as hard as it seems! Follow these 12 steps and you’re sure to impress employers and land an interview.

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Maddie Lloyd was a writer for the Zippia Advice blog focused on researching tips for interview, resume, and cover letter preparation. She's currently a graduate student at North Carolina State University's department of English concentrating in Film and Media Studies.

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Career Sidekick

How to Write a Cover Letter That Stands Out: 3 Steps

By Biron Clark

Published: November 10, 2023

Cover Letters

Biron Clark

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

People have a love-hate relationship with cover letters. Most hate writing them. When it comes to hiring managers, some love them and some loathe them. But if you want to make a good impression, you NEED a cover letter that stands out.

In my experience, cover letters get read about half the time when they are not required and 100% of the time when they are.

So it’s definitely important to spend time writing a cover letter that stands out and gets you noticed.

So in this article, I’m going to walk you through the 3 steps you need to write a cover letter that stands out.

How to Write a Cover Letter That Stands Out and Gets You Interviews

A stand-out cover letter contains 3 essential sections , designed to show the reader you’re ideally suited for the role.

Let’s start with the first section that you need in order to stand out:

Step 1: Verbalize the Pain

Use the cover letter to show the reader that you understand the company’s challenges, struggles, etc., and how you are the perfect candidate to solve these issues. In other words, show them that you understand the pain and can make it better.

Pain takes many shapes and forms, from seamless project execution in order to not disrupt business, to building or growing a team to capture market share, launching a new product or service to elevate the brand, to saving money by introducing process efficiencies and automation.

In order to do this, you’ll need to research the company and put yourself in their shoes. Read the job description and think about what they seem to need help with.

That leads us perfectly into the second step of how to write a stand-out cover letter…

Step 2: Examples that Show Pain Solving

Once you’ve effectively shown the reader you understand the challenge or the pain, the next step is to convince them that you are the person who can mitigate it.

If it says they need someone who can work in a fast-paced environment and handle a high workload, then they probably have too much work coming in and are stressed/overwhelmed. Show them that you can ease this burden.

If they say they need someone who can make a great impression on clients to help them grow their business, the best way to write a stand-out cover letter is talk about how you can do this – or better yet – how you’ve done this in the past for other employers.

This should NOT be accomplished by describing yourself with adjectives, but by sharing career highlights that quickly show how you’ve solved similar problems in past roles.

You need to give them real accomplishments, and the more detail, the better. Give facts, statistics, numbers, and results. This is really important when you get to the interview  too, so don’t forget this.

(If this is your first job search and you have no past accomplishments you can talk about, read this article on writing a cover letter with no experience ).

Step 3: Moving Past the Pain

Part 3 of a stand-out cover letter should recap your skills and how they can contribute to not just solving pain, but to moving forward to achieve a company’s higher mission, vision or goal.

You need to pull the two previous pieces of your argument together and make your conclusion.

Tell them how their company will improve by having you. What will happen when these problems are solved? Get them excited about a future with you as a part of the company… and show them you’re excited to do the work as well!

The “Secret Weapon” to End Your Stand-Out Cover Letter

After you’ve followed the 3 steps above, you have the main body of your cover letter, and you’ve written it in a way that will stand out to employers and get you interviewed.

But there’s one more thing you should do to stand out further…

You want to finish your cover letter by directly asking for the interview! This seems obvious, but more than 50% of job seekers don’t do this!

So give them your contact details and TELL them to contact you to set up a time to talk. Tell them you’re looking forward to sharing more detail and answering any questions they have about your background, and you’d like to schedule an interview with them to talk further.

This is the final essential piece for how to write a cover letter that will stand out.

Formatting Your Cover Letter Before Sending

So let’s walk through how to format your cover letter well for an electronic format like email:

#1 Contact Information

Unlike a printed cover letter where your contact details must appear at the top, on a digital version, this info should be located below your name in the form of an email signature. Make sure at the very least you include your full name, contact number, email, address, and a LinkedIn  URL.

#2 Screen v. Print Reads

Reading online is a whole different ballgame than print reading. In fact, it is much harder. This is in large part due to the fact that our eyes have a tough time digesting dense blocks of text (large paragraphs, long lists of bullets) on a screen.

To ensure smooth online reading of your electronic cover letter, aim for paragraphs that are two to three lines maximum.

Keep this in mind when you format your resume, too, if you expect it to be read in an online format.

A Stand-Out Cover Letter Can be the Difference Between an Interview and a Rejection

Not every hiring manager puts a lot of weight on cover letters, but some do! And when hiring managers require it, then there’s a high probability that they care a lot and use it to decide who to interview.

If you follow the steps above for how to write a cover letter that stands out to employers, you’ll get more interviews and find a job faster.

The following expert contributed to this post:

effective job search networking

Virginia Franco is a multi-certified executive resume and LinkedIn writer and founder of Virginia Franco Resumes. She offers customized executive resume and LinkedIn profile writing services for the 21st century job seeker.

Biron Clark

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

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How to Write a Graphic Designer Cover Letter (3 Examples)

How to write a paralegal cover letter (2 examples), how to write a medical assistant cover letter (3 examples), how to write a research assistant cover letter (3 examples), how to write a software engineer cover letter (3 examples), how to write a hr cover letter (4 examples), how to write a data analyst cover letter (3 examples), how to write a bartender cover letter (3 examples), create a professional resume for free.

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The 23 Best Cover Letter Examples: What They Got Right

Amanda Zantal-Wiener

Published: December 14, 2023

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

 person types of a cover letter

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

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

→ Click here to access 5 free cover letter templates [Free Download]

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

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

make cover letter stand out

5 Free Cover Letter Templates

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

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

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

Cover Letter Examples

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

Customizable Cover Letter Examples

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

1. Standard Cover Letter Example

cover letter examples: standard cover letter

Download a Customizable Copy of This Cover Letter Example

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

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

Why I Love It

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

2. Data-Driven Cover Letter Sample

cover letter examples: data driven cover letter

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

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

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

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

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

3. Entry-Level Cover Letter Example

cover letter examples: entry-level cover letter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking for more? Download the entire kit below.

5 Professional Cover Letter Templates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

cover letter that explains "why" with a story about a childhood experience with the chicago cubs

Image Source

Here’s another instance of the power of personalization.

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

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

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

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

Why This Is A Great Cover Letter

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

Further reading: Sales Cover Letter Tips

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

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

We're meant for each other cover letter submitted to HubSpot

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

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

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

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

(Yes, the applicant was hired).

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

Read more: Customer Service Cover Letter Tips

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

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

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

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

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

cover letter that details experience according to hubspot values: humble, empathy, adaptability, remarkable, and transparent.

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

Featured Resource: 5 Free Cover Letter Templates

Cover-Letter-Templates

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

Short Cover Letter Examples

4. the short-and-sweet cover letter.

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

Short and sweet cover letter example with only three sentences

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

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

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

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

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

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

The key to this standout cover letter is research.

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

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

5. The Short Story

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

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

short cover letter example from basha coleman that starts with a short story about her existing experience with pepsi

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

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

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

6. The Bare Bones Cover Letter

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

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

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

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

short cover letter example with summarized bullet points

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

Check out this post for more useful cover letter tips .

7. The Breezy Follow-Up

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

short cover letter example from Amanda Edens with bullet points and breezy language

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

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

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

8. The Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

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

Cover Letter Example: Admin Cover Letter

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

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

This example further illustrates the importance of research.

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

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

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

Further reading: 15 Cover Letter Templates

9. The Internship Cover Letter

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

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

Cover Letter Examples: Internship Cover Letter

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

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

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

Further reading for recent graduates:

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

Creative Cover Letter Examples

10. the brutally honest cover letter.

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

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

Brutally honest cover letter example

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

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

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

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

Further reading:

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

11. The Pivot Cover Letter

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

Cover Letter Example: Creative Pivot Cover Letter

It’s clean but effective.

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

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

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

12. The Graphic Design Cover Letter

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

sandra barnes cover letter

It’s got so much going for it:

  • Pop of color
  • Clean layout
  • Interesting fonts

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

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

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

Job Cover Letter Examples

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

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

13. Consulting Internship Cover Letter Example

consulting cover letter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

14. Nonprofit Referral Cover Letter Example

job cover letter examples: nonprofit referral

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

15. General Email Inquiry Cover Letter Example

job cover letter examples: general internship inquiry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more: How to Write a Letter of Interest

16. Post-Phone-Call Cover Letter Example

job cover letter examples: post phone call

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more: How to Start a Cover Letter

17. Mission-Driven Graduate Cover Letter Example

job cover letter examples: mission driven

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

18. Short Recommendation Cover Letter Example

job cover letter examples: short recommendation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

19. Professor or Research Position Cover Letter Example

job cover letter examples: professor or research

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

20. Director Cover Letter Example

job cover letter examples: director

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21. Editorial Cover Letter Example

job cover letter examples: editorial

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

22. Promotion Cover Letter Example

job cover letter examples: promotion

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

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

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

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

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

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

23. Law Cover Letter Example

job cover letter examples: law

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is a good cover letter?

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

What’s on a cover letter?

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

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

Learn more:

  • Dear Sir or Madam Alternatives
  • Cover Letter Greetings

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

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

Work Experience

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

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

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

  • Email Closing Line Examples
  • Tips for Writing Conclusions

What does a cover letter look like?

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

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

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

HubSpot Cover Letter Template

What makes a great cover letter?

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

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

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

Personalized Introduction

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

Helpful Cover Letter Introduction:

"Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

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

Unhelpful Cover Letter Introduction:

"To Whom it May Concern,

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

Relevant Professional Experience

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

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

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

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

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

Helpful Cover Letter Experience:

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

Unhelpful Cover Letter Experience:

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

Useful Examples

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

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

Helpful Cover Letter Example:

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

Unhelpful Cover Letter Example:

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

Research and Company Knowledge

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

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

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

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

Helpful Cover Letter Research:

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

Unhelpful Cover Letter Research:

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

Clear Writing

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

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

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

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

Helpful Cover Letter Writing:

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

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

Unhelpful Cover Letter Writing:

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

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

Genuine Interest and Enthusiasm

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

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

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

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

Helpful Cover Letter Tone:

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

Unhelpful Cover Letter Tone:

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

Memorable Conclusion

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

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

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

Helpful Cover Letter Conclusion:

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

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

[Your Name]"

Unhelpful Cover Letter Conclusion:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Professional Cover Letter Templates

Don't forget to share this post!

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3 Keys to Writing Cover Letters That Stand Out

Published: Jan 05, 2021

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It’s a myth that high quality job openings are few and far between thanks to Covid. The truth is, despite the economic uncertainty created by the pandemic, there are many great openings out there. And to get them—or, at least, have a chance at getting them—you first need to capture the attention of hiring managers. And the best way to do that is to write compelling cover letters. So here are the three keys to writing cover letters that stand out.

1. Convey your personality, quirks and all.

Showcasing your uniqueness and allowing your personality to shine through in your cover letters can magnetize hiring managers, sending instant messages that you might be the candidate they’re looking for. The secret to achieving this is to use specific details, rather than vague ones.

For example, the following was recently used by an applicant when applying for a Head of Marketing position (shortly after sending this, the candidate was interviewed and then hired):

“I have a passion for data and analytics. I enjoy spending (a little too much time) geeking out in Google analytics, advertising platforms, and BI tools (Tableau and Looker), digging deep into data to identify opportunities that can be leveraged to drive growth and inform testing strategies for campaigns, websites, and products.”

Now compare the above to the below (which has less personality and fewer details, and thus would likely not stand out):

“I am well versed in data analytics, and I am experienced with Google analytics, BI Tools, and other advertising platforms. I have a proven ability to inform testing strategies for campaigns for websites and products.”

Here’s another example of cover letter phrasing that captures the attention of hiring managers:

“I’m rather obsessed with personal organization. I read three organizational blogs on my own time, and I’ve organized my desktop folders into color-coded sub-categories. My friends laugh at me for saying things like, ‘An organized space equals an organized mind,’ but I don’t like wasting time looking for things.” 

Now compare that to this less specific phrasing:

“I have a proven track record of being organized, and I have a passion for it. I have a proven knack for keeping files organized on an ongoing basis, and I have put organizational processes and procedures in place for my department. The bottom line is organization is always my highest priority.” 

2. Prove your level of dedication to your profession.

Another way to stand out is to illustrate specific things about your dedication to your field. In the following example, a candidate showcases her dedication to her profession, proves that she spends a lot of time thinking about driving results in her field, and shows that she takes concrete steps in order to be a high quality contributor in her field. All of which goes a long way when it comes time for hiring managers to decide which candidates to interview. 

“I believe that a good marketing strategy requires seeking out the latest trends and staying one step ahead of the competition. I’ve attended the Traction conference two years in a row and completed the 2018 Reforge Growth Series, a highly credible and exclusive course that only accepts 10 percent of applicants and is built by leaders from Hubspot, Uber, and other firms. Through these professional developments, I’ve opened my mind to uncommon marketing methods, and I pride myself on thinking outside the box to develop strategies that create sustainable, low-cost customer acquisition loops that lead to long-term positive ROI.” 

Now compare the above to the below, which is less detailed and includes less specific phrasing:

“I have the skills and requirements for this position, and I believe I would complete every task asked of me to the highest standard expected. My background and experience make me an excellent fit for this position for many reasons. I am very interested in marketing, and I think I would be a great asset to the team.”

3. Include concrete, quantitative results that show your value.

In any written application, you’ll need to showcase some form of quantitative results to stand out. Note that even if you don’t have a lot of shiny results in your career yet (or even any relevant experience—which is okay!), you can still use words to capture someone’s attention with what you have done. And if you do have a record of achieving quantifiable results, then by all means include them, like in the below:

“I developed several Google ad campaigns that were worth more than $500,000 and that resulted in high-level customers. Also, through testing and optimization, I increased newsletter sign-ups by more than 200 percent.”

Now compare that to this bland sentence:

“I have experience in Google ad campaigns, as well as experience in testing and optimization.”

A final note

When trying to convey your personality, get across your dedication, or communicate your value, there’s a big difference between saying you’re a good fit for the job and actually showing it.

So, when writing your cover letters, try to hold these words in mind: I know you (the hiring managers) don’t know me, so let me show you exactly why I’m completely invested, committed, and passionate about doing this specific type of work. And let me show you the specific reasons why hiring me, over all other candidates, would be beneficial to you.

If you hold all this in mind, the right details and words will flow right out of you—and into your cover letters.

Natalie Fisher is best known for helping professionals land their ideal roles and achieve explosive salary growth (even with little experience). If you want to dive deeper on the topic of your career mindset and become a person who knows exactly how to land their dream job offer, listen to her on the podcast Get a Six Figure Job You Love .

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How To Write A Cover Letter Recruiters Will LOVE

Recruiter holds a job candidate's resume and cover letter during an interview

True or false? Recruiters don't read cover letters.

Most people may think this is true, but guess what? They're wrong!

Recruiters do, in fact, read the good cover letters.

So, what does that tell us? If most people don't hear back from recruiters, and recruiters only read good cover letters, that means a majority of cover letters aren't written well and, therefore, don't stand out to them.

That may be hard to hear, but it's the truth.

CRITICAL Cover Letter Mistakes

Often, there's WAY too much "blah, blah, blah" and "brag, brag, brag" going on in a cover letter. If you write a cover letter that only focuses on how great you are, recruiters are going to toss it.

Why? Because it's exactly like all the other cover letters they've read.

Think about it. Why should they think you're incredible when they've read hundreds of other cover letters saying other people are incredible, too?

If you want to stand out in the hiring process, you MUST have an attention-grabbing cover letter. This an important tool to have, and one that shouldn't be glossed over. In some cases, your cover letter can hold more power than your resume . That's huge, right?

Getting Personal On Your Cover Letter

Because the cover letter holds so much power, you need to know how to write one that stands out from the rest. One way to do that is to show a personal connection with the employer.

So, how exactly do you do that?

You can explain how you learned that what they do is special. Showing them that you personally connect with their brand will make you memorable.

Another thing you can do is tell them what it was like the first time you used their product or service. That also shows recruiters that you understand the company and that you believe in what they do.

Lastly, you can tell them about an overall life experience that helps you feel connected to their tribe. This shows that your values and beliefs align with theirs.

The big fact here is that the more personal the cover letter, the better! When you have a cover letter that really has recruiters at "hello," you know you have their heart AND their mind engaged.

Creating That Crucial Connection

The reason you want to get personal in your cover letter is because you want to create an emotional connection with a recruiter . Once you establish that connection, you're not just a piece of paper anymore.

This is what we at Work It Daily call a disruptive cover letter . Why? Because it disrupts the reader and gets them to snap out of autopilot mode and really think about who you are as a candidate.

The First Step When Writing A Disruptive Cover Letter

The first thing you need to do is watch a quick video tutorial on how to write this kind of cover letter. You're going to want to see specific examples so that you know how you should be writing them.

Step 2: Fill Out A Simple Template

You'll have a template that tells you where the beginning, middle, and end of your cover letter are, and what content should be where. This gives you a great foundation for how to fill out a cover letter properly.

Step 3: Submit That Cover Letter For Review

Once you're done with your amazing cover letter, have someone review it.

It's always good to have a second set of eyes on this, especially someone who understands cover letters, recruiters, and the hiring process. This person should be checking grammar , spelling, etc.

So, when all is said and done, how long should it take you to craft a disruptive cover letter ? The average time is between one and two hours. That may seem like a lot of time, but think of it this way: once you've built a cover letter you know will grab a recruiter's attention, you'll be able to use that cover letter format for other job opportunities. You'll just have to tweak the content in your disruptive cover letter here and there to match the company and job you're applying to.

Does The Disruptive Cover Letter REALLY Work?

Here at Work It Daily, we know these disruptive cover letters work. We've seen hundreds of our clients write KILLER cover letters and get calls for their dream jobs!

So, wouldn't learning how to write your own disruptive cover letter be good for your career? If so, how much would it be worth?

All of us at Work It Daily personally believe that it's priceless.

Owning your career change or job search process is a powerful thing, and we believe you can take control of that process and do incredible things.

Need more help writing a disruptive cover letter recruiters will love?

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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4 Simple Career Resolutions For 2024

Everyone has heard of New Year's resolutions. You know, those promises we make to ourselves about things we'll do better in the year ahead. Sometimes these resolutions work, while other times we end up with gym memberships we never use! But have you ever heard of a career resolution? It's actually the same thing as a New Year's resolution, only career-focused.

However, with something as important as a career, you don't want to break these resolutions. That's why it's important to keep these goals manageable.

Here are four simple career resolutions that are easy to stick to and achieve.

Be Self-Aware Of Where You Stand In Your Career

Being honest and self-aware of where you are in your career is the most important step in making strong career resolutions. If your career is going nowhere and you're unhappy, then it may be time to consider a career change , which will take you down a different path entirely.

But if you're happy and in good standing with your career, it's a lot easier to set goals for the year and build out a long-term career plan .

Find A Way To Grow Your Career

Career growth is a very broad spectrum that means something different to everyone. It could be something as simple as improving on a weakness or building on a strength. It could also be learning a new skill or taking on additional responsibilities at work.

On a larger level, it could be seeking a promotion or moving into a leadership role .

Whatever the goal is, make sure it includes growing professionally. The worst thing you can do is stay the same! If you're not growing your career, you're dying—and becoming a lot less valuable to your employer. There are always ways to upskill !

Better Serve Your Professional Network

With current colleagues, former colleagues, and other professional acquaintances, you've probably built a solid professional network through the years. A strong professional network can come in handy if you lose your job or are looking to make a career change . However, you shouldn't just rely on your network when you're in need!

It's important to find ways to offer value to your network . This could include checking in with members of your network from time to time. Exchange messages on LinkedIn to see how they're doing or share relevant content of interest. If you can help someone in your network going through a career challenge, you should!

Maintaining a strong professional network is like an investment. If you want it to pay off, you have to put some time into it and be consistent.

Take Care Of Yourself

Working on your career is hard work! It's okay to be selfish sometimes. Whether you're working to grow your career or looking for a new job , it's important to find balance.

Your family and health always come first, so make sure your career goals don't interfere with that. If you want to set aside time during the week to work on your career that's fine, but don't miss important family events or milestones.

Don't let your career goals get in the way of your health goals. Go to the gym, take a walk, or go for a jog. Balance is key to maintaining healthy career and life goals. Sometimes you just need to adjust that balance as you go.

Need help sticking to your career resolutions?

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USA TODAY

What is a cover letter? How to write a cover letter and what you should include to stand out.

W hen applying for a job or internship, companies could ask you to send in several documents, such as a resume or work samples. In many cases, you may also have to include a cover letter for an application. 

According to Indeed, resumes are essentially "condensed fact sheets" about an applicant, including someone's education, previous work experiences, qualifications  and skills, among other personal information. 

But what about a cover letter? What is it, and what should be in a cover letter? 

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

If you are looking to send out some applications and need to amp up your professional prowess, read on to learn more about cover letters and how to write one. 

You're more than just a resume: How to refine your personal brand then own it

Ask HR: When should I take past internships off my resume?

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a written document you send along with your resume to a company when you are applying for a job. This document contains additional information on your skills and experiences as they pertain to the job you applied for , according to Indeed. 

There are four types of cover letters, says Indeed: 

  • Application cover letter 
  • Referral cover letter 
  • Letter of interest
  • Value proposition letter

An application cover letter is often the standard when applying for jobs. This type expands on your previous professional experiences referenced on your resume and relates them to the requirements of the current job you are applying for. 

A referral cover letter is a deviation of the aforementioned but includes the names of a current employee who referred you to apply to the job opening. 

A letter of interest is a more general inquiry about any openings at a company where you are interested in working. In this type of cover letter, you are not applying for a specific position but are instead looking to learn more about a company's current hiring prospects.

A value proposition letter focuses on what you can add to a company and what makes you unique. This style of cover letter can often answer "tell me about yourself" type questions or personal essay prompts in applications. 

What should be in a cover letter?

The major component for a cover letter is personal information , says the University of Washington. 

Be sure to include your name and contact information, such as cell phone number and email, so the recruiter or hiring manager can easily identify your application and get in touch if they wish. 

As with any letter, add a greeting before you get into the main content, such as "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear (Insert name of contact)." You may also choose to include the company's name and address above your introduction. 

In the introduction paragraph, express your initial interest and name the advertised position you are applying for. You may also want to include how you learned of the opening, such as through LinkedIn or an employee referral. 

In the body paragraphs, outline how your previous experiences inform your work ethic. You may also want to feature your personal skills and provide specific examples to demonstrate your qualifications. 

In your closing, focus on why you fit the job opening and hone in on your capabilities. Make sure to thank the manager for their time and open the door to hear from the employer about the next steps.  

Cover letter tips: A simple guide for writing the perfect cover letter

Read more:  How to land a job with limited field experience

How necessary is a cover letter?

Cover letters are important when applying for a job since they show an employer a deeper view of your initiative and highlight your qualifications beyond what is already on your resume, says Indeed. Through a cover letter, hiring managers can gauge how your skills and experience are relevant for the opening. 

According to Indeed, cover letters are necessary when sending out a job application if: 

  • The employer specifies to send a cover letter 
  • The application asks for a submission 
  • You have been referred to a position and wish to identify the company referral 

If an application explicitly states you should not include a cover letter, then do not. 

Just Curious:   We're here to help with life's everyday questions

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is a cover letter? How to write a cover letter and what you should include to stand out.

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Status.net

Project Manager Cover Letter Example and Template: Craft a Perfect Application

By Status.net Editorial Team on February 7, 2024 — 9 minutes to read

When you’re crafting your cover letter as a project manager, your introduction is where you make your first impression. Think of it as your professional handshake in written form; it’s where you greet the hiring manager and give them a glimpse of your personality and capabilities.

  • Start with your name and professional title. For example, you could begin with, “As a dedicated Project Manager with a proven track record,” which immediately informs the reader of your role and hints at your experience.
  • Next, highlight your relevant skills. You could say, “Your projects require a leader who can effectively manage resources, time, and teams to deliver outstanding results,” which showcases your understanding of what the job entails.
  • Follow with a brief mention of your career highlights. “Having successfully led numerous high-stakes projects, I am eager to bring my expertise to your dynamic team,” provides a snapshot of your background while directly relating it to the needs of the potential employer.
  • Connect with the company’s values or mission. Research the company and include a line that shows you’ve done your homework: “I admire how your company prioritizes innovation and user experience, values that I hold dear in my project management philosophy.”

Understanding the Project Management Role

In this section, you’ll get to grips with what being a project manager really entails, including the responsibilities you’ll shoulder and the skills that’ll make you stand out.

Key Responsibilities

As a project manager, you’re the linchpin that keeps projects on track. You’ll plan, initiate, and manage projects from start to finish. You ensure that everything runs smoothly, whether it’s resource allocation, time management, or coordinating with stakeholders. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect to handle:

  • Defining project scope and objectives, often involving all relevant stakeholders and ensuring feasibility
  • Developing a detailed project plan to monitor and track progress
  • Managing changes to the project scope, project schedule, and project costs using appropriate verification techniques
  • Measuring project performance using appropriate tools and techniques
  • Reporting and escalating to management as needed

Essential Skills for Success

Your skill set as a project manager can elevate your career to new heights. Exceptional communication allows you to convey ideas clearly and negotiate with stakeholders effectively. Risk management ensures you can anticipate and mitigate potential problems, keeping your project on course. Let’s break down these skills a bit more:

  • Strong leadership : Guide your team towards meeting project objectives
  • Effective communication : Share ideas, relay feedback, and report on progress
  • Risk management : Identify potential risks and devise plans to avoid or address them
  • Critical thinking : Analyze situations and make decisions that will benefit the project and stakeholders
  • Time management : Prioritize tasks and manage time to meet deadlines without rushing or sacrificing quality

Explanation of Personal Qualifications

Your cover letter is your chance to shine by elaborating on your personal qualifications that make you the ideal candidate for the project management position. Highlighting your relevant experience and industry-recognized certifications and education can give you an edge in the selection process.

Relevant Experience

In detailing your experience, it’s important to list specific roles that have prepared you for the project manager position. For instance:

  • Managed a team of 12 to deliver a project on a tight deadline.
  • Oversaw a budget of over $500,000 while ensuring cost-saving measures were in place without compromising project quality.

Certifications and Education

Your academic background and professional certifications are a testament to your knowledge and skills. More: How To List Certifications on a Resume (Examples)

Highlighting Achievements

When crafting your project manager cover letter, you should meticulously showcase your past achievements. These successes illustrate your capabilities and can set you apart from other candidates. Start by listing significant projects you’ve led or contributed to, mentioning the positive outcomes that were achieved due to your leadership.

  • Led (…) project that improved operational efficiency by 20%
  • Managed a cross-functional team that delivered a critical project two weeks ahead of schedule, under budget

It’s important to quantify your successes with numbers and percentages where possible because this provides concrete evidence of your results. For example, if you saved your company money, state how much. If you increased efficiency, specify by what percentage. Remember to tailor your achievements to match the requirements of the job you’re applying for. Here are a few more:

  • Orchestrated the turnaround of a failing project, ultimately delivering the desired outcome and retaining a key client
  • Achieved a 98% customer satisfaction rate over a two-year period through diligent team management and customer engagement strategies
  • Successfully negotiated vendor contracts that led to a 25% reduction in supply costs

Demonstrating your impact with tangible examples not only paints a clear picture of your skills but also shows potential employers what you can bring to their organization. Make sure your examples are relevant, recent, and demonstrate a breadth of experience. This section of your cover letter is your chance to shine, so take the time to sell your achievements and potential value to the prospective employer.

Customization to the Job Description

When you’re applying for a project management position, reflecting parts of the job description in your cover letter shows your attention to detail and indicates you’ve given thought to how your skills align with the company’s needs. It’s important to analyze the job posting and identify the key responsibilities and requirements. Use this information to tailor your cover letter specifically to the role.

Demonstrate how your track record of success in previous project management roles makes you a suitable candidate for this specific job. Instead of broad statements, provide concrete examples of your achievements and how they relate to the duties described.

Example: Mention a project you led that improved efficiency by 20% and correlate it directly to the prospective employer’s need for efficiency improvements.

Pay close attention to the language used in the job listing. Incorporate some of the same terms and phrases in your cover letter. This can make a subtle, positive impact and show you’re in sync with the company’s culture and expectations.

Example: If the job listing uses the term “cross-functional collaboration,” use it to describe your approach to teamwork.

Lastly, mention why you are interested in the role at this particular company. Linking your enthusiasm and career goals to the company’s vision can show that you are not only a good fit for the job but also someone who is likely to be invested in the company’s success.

Example: Express your admiration for the company’s innovative approach to project management and your desire to be part of their forward-thinking team.

Showcasing Soft Skills and Personality

When drafting your cover letter as a project manager, you must highlight the soft skills that make you a strong leader and an effective communicator. Your personality shines through your ability to navigate team dynamics, resolve conflicts, and maintain a positive work environment.

Begin by touching on your communication skills; explain how you articulate project goals and ensure team alignment. Mention your active listening abilities, which help you truly understand stakeholder requirements and team concerns. Use anecdotes where you successfully mediated a dispute or rallied a team towards a common objective.

Time management is another pivotal soft skill. Illustrate your aptitude for prioritizing tasks by discussing a situation where your effective scheduling resulted in meeting a tight deadline.

Empathy plays a significant role in leadership. Share examples where your understanding of team member challenges led to the adoption of innovative solutions that benefited the project and improved team morale.

Furthermore, adaptability is fundamental in the ever-changing project landscape. Describe how you have successfully navigated unforeseen challenges by staying flexible and open-minded.

  • Exhibit your communication skills through specific examples of successful team alignment.
  • Demonstrate your time management prowess with an example of efficient task prioritization.
  • Use a story to portray how your empathy improved project outcomes and team well-being.
  • Showcase your adaptability with an anecdote about overcoming unexpected project hurdles.

Your soft skills and unique personality traits set you apart. Conveying them effectively in your cover letter can be the difference-maker in your job application.

Closing Remarks

As you wrap up your cover letter, it’s important to express your enthusiasm for the potential to contribute to the team and the project’s success. A strong closing can leave a memorable impression on your potential employer.

For instance, you might say:

Thank you for considering my application. I am very excited about the opportunity to bring my unique skills to [Company Name] and contribute to impactful projects that align with my professional goals.

Remember to invite the hiring manager to reach out to you to continue the conversation:

Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to discuss how I can make a difference at [Company Name].

Lastly, always thank the reader for their time:

I appreciate your time and look forward to the possibility of working together.

Make sure you sign off your letter professionally with a “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your full name.

  • Best regards,
  • With appreciation,

These final words are the polish on your cover letter, ensuring that you leave a positive and lasting impression.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i write an effective project manager cover letter with no prior experience.

To write a cover letter without experience, focus on transferable skills like leadership, organization, and communication that you’ve gained from other areas such as volunteer work, academic projects, or extracurricular activities. Highlight how these skills can apply to the tasks of a project manager.

What are the key elements to include in a construction project manager cover letter?

Include a brief mention of your experience with budget management, oversight of construction processes, contract negotiations, and team leadership. Specific examples, like a successful project you led or a challenge you overcame in construction, can demonstrate your capabilities.

Can you provide a structure for a senior project manager cover letter?

Start with a professional greeting. In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and explain why you’re interested in the position. In the following paragraphs, detail your relevant experience, achievements, and approach to project management. Conclude by reiterating your interest and inviting the hiring manager to discuss your application in more detail.

What should I highlight in a PMO manager cover letter to stand out?

Emphasize your strategic planning abilities, resource management, and proficiency in PMO methodologies. Mention any specific PMO tools you’re skilled with, and describe how you’ve successfully optimized project delivery in your previous roles.

Could you give advice on writing a compelling personal statement for a project manager role?

Your personal statement should succinctly summarize your project management philosophy, your leadership style, and your career achievements. Be sure to tailor this section to reflect the key competencies outlined in the job description.

What is a good example of a project manager cover letter for non-profit organizations like an NGO?

Mention your passion for the mission of the NGO and how your project management skills can help further their objectives. Detail any relevant experience with volunteer management, fundraising events, or community projects that show your alignment with non-profit values.

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VIDEO

  1. How to make cover letters even faster #SHORTS

COMMENTS

  1. How To Write Cover Letters That Stand Out (With Example)

    1. Expand on your resume Your cover letter is an opportunity to convert some of the bullet points on your resume into more detailed explanations of your qualifications. Cover letters are typically a full page long, so you have room to provide additional information that can help outline your job history or describe your unique skills.

  2. 5 Secrets to Making Your Cover Letter Stand Out

    5 Secrets to Making Your Cover Letter Stand Out by Megan Broussard Updated 6/19/2020 What's the best job for you? Use The Muse to find a job at a company with a culture you love. Select the career path that aligns with you: Marketing Sales Data Human Resources Customer Service Software Engineering Product Management Education Design and UX

  3. Tips for Writing a Cover Letter That Will Stand Out

    The short answer: Yes! Yet, far too often, job seekers treat the process of writing a cover letter as an afterthought to submitting a resume. Or they don't bother to write one at all. Your cover letter is your introduction to a prospective employer.

  4. How To Make Your Cover Letter Stand Out In 12 Easy Steps

    You're welcome. Here's everything you need to make your cover letter stand out in 12 easy steps: 1 Address Your Cover Letter to a Specific Person Do what you can to find the exact name of the person who's going to be reading your letter.

  5. How to Write a Standout Cover Letter in 2022

    Ah yes, the familiar cycle: You sit down to write a cover letter, open a blank document, check your email, browse cover letter examples, do some chores, watch that cursor blink a few more times, and finally Google something like "how to write a cover letter"—which hopefully brought you here.

  6. 5 Opening Lines That Will Make Your Cover Letter Stand Out

    1. Show Excitement When I interview candidates, the people that stand out the most are the people that smile genuinely, have an engaging attitude, and seem excited to interview. This holds the same truth for cover letters. Hiring managers and recruiters don't want to read the same old, tired line that everyone uses to start off their cover letter.

  7. How to Write a Cover Letter That Stands Out

    A separate ResumeGo experiment found that, of 7,287 fictitious job applications between July 15, 2019, and Jan. 10, 2020, those that included cover letters tailored specifically to the job had a ...

  8. Cover Letter Tips: How to Stand Out

    Address the hiring manager. Open your letter with a personal greeting directed toward the hiring manager. Most job listings won't include the hiring manager's name, but there are methods to find the right recipient for your cover letter, using resources such as LinkedIn or the company website.

  9. Tips to Make Your Cover Letter Stand Out

    Sample cover letter: Before. The "before" cover letter sample is OK, but to stand out in today's job market, there has to be more substance. The job seeker explains that she has a strong work ethic and a successful career, but doesn't provide any evidence of her accomplishments. See the "before" cover letter sample here.

  10. How to Create a Great Cover Letter That Stands Out

    BOTTOM LINE: Employers don't want to read a cover letter that isn't relevant to the position they are hiring for, so make it obvious why your skills are a great fit. 2. Tell Your Unique Story—And Tell It Well. Your cover letter is your one chance to tell a potential employer who you are.

  11. How to write a cover letter that stands out

    2. Personalise it to the hiring manager. Address your letter to the appropriate person, quote the job title and reference number (if applicable), and add where and when you saw the advertisement. Also, include the date and your contact details, as well as your Linkedin profile. 3.

  12. 30 Better Ways to Start a Cover Letter

    Communicate that you'll bring something to the company: You'll get more into the details after your opening, of course. But your cover letter opener should still tell the reader, "This person can do something for us ," rather than, "This job would really help them .". Stick to the point: Your opener, while creative, should still be ...

  13. How to Write a Cover Letter That Stands Out: 3 Steps

    Step 1: Verbalize the Pain. Use the cover letter to show the reader that you understand the company's challenges, struggles, etc., and how you are the perfect candidate to solve these issues. In other words, show them that you understand the pain and can make it better. Pain takes many shapes and forms, from seamless project execution in ...

  14. The 23 Best Cover Letter Examples: What They Got Right

    Published: December 14, 2023 I've sent plenty of cover letters throughout my career, so I know it isn't usually fun to write one. Fortunately, the cover letter examples I painstakingly gathered below show that it's possible to have a little fun with your job search — and maybe even make yourself a better candidate in the process.

  15. Glassdoor Guide: How to Write a Cover Letter

    The cover letter is a tool to help introduce yourself in a memorable, personal way during a job application. A well-crafted cover letter goes over information on your resume and expands this information for the reader, taking them on a guided journey of some of your greatest career and life achievements.. Its purpose is to elaborate on the information contained in your resume while infusing ...

  16. 7 critical steps to make your cover letter stand out

    7 critical steps to make your cover letter stand out. Your cover letter can seal the interview deal even if your résumé can't.

  17. 7 Ways to Make Your Cover Letter Stand Out

    1. Review the Job Posting and Do Your Homework Hiring managers have dozens, if not hundreds, of cover letters and resumes to look through when they are trying to fill a position. By using the specific language they included in the job posting, you make it easier for them to quickly recognize your relevant skills and experience.

  18. 3 Keys to Writing Cover Letters That Stand Out

    So here are the three keys to writing cover letters that stand out. 1. Convey your personality, quirks and all. Showcasing your uniqueness and allowing your personality to shine through in your cover letters can magnetize hiring managers, sending instant messages that you might be the candidate they're looking for.

  19. 3 Cover Letter Tips to Help You Stand Out

    3. Make it the Length it Needs to Be. I'm not sure who handed down the official cover letter laws way back when, but someone clearly did. I know this because there's rarely a week that goes by in which I don't have to convince some panicked soul there's no magical, perfect length that'll guarantee you the interview.

  20. How do you make a cover letter stand out?

    You make your cover letter stand out by tailoring each one to the job you're applying for. Here are some ways to do that: Address your covering letter to a specific person in charge of hiring (look into the company's website and social media for people's profiles).; Write an attention-grabbing opening ((highlight research on the company, a standout achievement from your past, a specific ...

  21. How To Write A Cover Letter That Stands Out To Recruiters

    Bigstock Because the cover letter holds so much power, you need to know how to write one that stands out from the rest. One way to do that is to show a personal connection with the employer. So, how exactly do you do that? You can explain how you learned that what they do is special.

  22. Writing a Stand-Out Cover Letter

    These are usually achieved through four components: a brief introduction, two meaty paragraphs, and a brief closing. There are lots of ways to write boring, easily recycled cover letters, but if you want to write one that's outstanding, we offer the following suggestions: Start fresh for each position you're applying to.

  23. What is a cover letter? How to write a cover letter and what you ...

    How to write a cover letter and what you should include to stand out. Story by Olivia Munson, USA TODAY • 11mo W hen applying for a job or internship, companies could ask you to send in several ...

  24. The Best Cover Letter Examples for Any Job Seeker

    These cover letter examples stand out from the crowd while still being professional. Learn how they were written—and how to write your own. ... Here's an example of a traditional cover letter you could write for this role—keeping things strictly professional but without sounding too boring or jargon-y: Dear Ms. Jessica Sanchez,

  25. Project Manager Cover Letter Example and Template: Craft a Perfect

    When you're crafting your cover letter as a project manager, your introduction is where you make your first impression. Think of it as your professional handshake in written form; it's where you greet the hiring manager and give them a glimpse of your personality and capabilities. Start with your name and professional title. For example,...

  26. Law Enforcement Cover Letter Examples and Templates for 2024

    How To Write a Law Enforcement Cover Letter. A great law enforcement cover letter has five main elements: 1. Heading. Use a professional template to enhance the style and presentation of your cover letter. Be sure your heading includes: Your name, title, and contact info; The current date; The addressee's details; 2. Salutation.