As your Career Buddy, we’ll show you how to write a cover letter and offer effective templates you can steal if you’re still not a fan.
Generally speaking, having a cover letter will provide you an advantage over other candidates that a resume cannot. A CareerBuilder survey found that 49% of recruiters believe that sending a cover letter and resume increases your chances of getting the job. If you intend to create a cover letter, bear in mind that it must possess the characteristics listed in the aforementioned definition.
What are these characteristics to Include in a Cover Letter
Let the 5 templates that are listed below speak for themselves. Regardless of which one you download, the following components will be included in the letter you submit in your next job application.
Contact Information
Not only should cover letters include your contact information, but also that of the company you are applying to. Contact information consists of your name, phone number, email address, and any social media profiles you’re willing to connect through.
A Personal Address Line
Avoid saying “to whom it may concern.” Address lines that mention a specific person or business attract the attention of your reader much more rapidly and demonstrate to the employer that you took the effort to personalize your application letter for them.
A Hook
A smart beginning that “hooks” your reader into wanting to learn more is referred to as a “hook.” What distinguishes you from other job candidates, in your opinion? What about your professional background can pique a recruiter’s attention that you can convey in a catchy opening line?
Why You’re Qualified
It goes without saying that your cover letter should provide a summary of your professional experience. The finest applications of today, explain how the applicant’s background makes them qualified for the position they’re looking for.
General Knowledge of the Business
Your chances of getting an interview will also suffer if you use a general, “one-size-fits-all” cover letter and forget to modify the company’s name.
Therefore, if you’re going to create a cover letter, be sure to comment on the company. Why are you submitting a resume to this business? What stood out to you as a professional about their company?
Lets get practical. Here are 5 templates you can copy, download, or draw inspiration from. These samples were obtained from Zety, Copyai and HubSpot.
Cover Letter Templates to Send with Your Next Job Application
Template #1: Standard Cover Letter
[Your Name]
[ Address] | [Email Address] | [Phone Number]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Street Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
My name is [Your Name] and I am a seasoned [Industry or Trade] professional with over [Number] years of experience. I recently came across your [Job Title] posting on [Where You Found It] and I’m writing to express my interest in helping [Company Name] achieve [Desired Goal of Role].
In my current role as a [Your Current Role] at [Your Current Company], I am responsible for [Responsibility #1], [Responsibility #2], and [Responsibility #3]. The professional experience I’ve gained during my time here has helped me to [Achievement #1] and [Achievement #2], while improving my overall [Focus Area] knowledge.
Prior to this position, I spent [Number] years working as a [Previous Role] for [Previous Company]. In this role, I was tasked with a handful of unique challenges, including [Challenge #1] and [Challenge #2]. Over the course of my time there, I was able to overcome and redefine these challenges by [Action #1], [Action #2], and [Action #3].
I’ve attached my resume for further review. Please do not hesitate to reach out via phone at [Phone Number] or email at [Email Address] if you’d like to speak about my experience in more detail.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best,
[Your Name Here]
Template #2: Data-Driven Cover Letter
[Your Name]
[Address]
[Email Address] | [Phone Number]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
My name is [Your Name] and I am an [Industry or Trade] professional working as a [Current Title] at [Current Company]. I am reaching out to express my interest in the [Position] role at [Company Name].
In my current position, I have played an instrumental part in [Action #1], [Action #2], and [Action #3]. With a commitment to solving for [Business Need], I have developed a strategy that has helped the company achieve:
-
[Statistic #1].
-
[Statistic #2].
-
[Statistic #3].
After reviewing the job description for the [Job Title] position at your company, I am eager to apply this experience to help your [Department] team uncover and execute on [Business Need #1], [Business Need #2], and [Business Need #3]. I feel confident that my [Area of Expertise] skills and knowledge of the [Industry] space positions me as an ideal candidate.
Attached is my resume, which further details my qualifications. Thank you for taking the time to review my application, and I look forward to speaking with you about this exciting opportunity.
Best Regards,
[Your Name Here]
Template #3: Entry-Level Cover Letter
[Your Name]
[Address]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
My name is [Your Name] and I am reaching out to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].
I am a [Adjective #1], [Adjective #2] professional who prides [Himself/Herself/Themself] on the ability to [Action #1], [Action #2], and [Action #3].
After obtaining a [Major/Degree Type] degree from [School], I’ve continued to develop my [Industry] knowledge through [Internship/Extracurricular/Side Project/etc.]. What I lack in terms of actual career experience in [Industry], I believe I make up for in my [Skill #1], as well as my [Skill #2].
As I look forward to my next chapter, I hope to apply my experience and perspective to help the [Company Name] team hit and exceed goals. I admire [Company Name]’s commitment to [Business Priority] and feel passionate about your mission to [Company Mission Here].
Attached is my resume for further review. I would relish the opportunity to grow my career at [Company Name] and hope to connect soon to discuss my qualifications.
Thanks in advance for your time and consideration,
[Your Name]
Template #4: Referral Cover Letter
[Your Name]
[Address]
[Email Address] | [Phone Number]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
My name is [Your Name]. [Referrer Name], [Referrer Name’s Job Title], suggested that I reach out regarding the [Job Title] position that [Company Name] is looking to fill. [Referrer Name] flagged this opportunity for me upon realizing that my [Industry] experience aligns seamlessly with the qualifications for the opportunity at hand.
After working as a [Current Job Title] for a [Industry] company for [Number] years, I am ready to transition into a position that presents an exciting new set of challenges. While my time at [Current Company] has led me to career milestones such as [Milestone/Achievement #1], [Milestone/Achievement #2], and [Milestone/Achievement #3], I’m excited by [Company Name]’s need for [Business Need #1] and [Business Need #2].
I feel confident that my ability to [Skill #1] and [Skill #2] would enable me to ramp up quickly in this position so that I could begin making an impact as soon as possible.
For more information regarding my qualifications, see my attached resume. I would greatly appreciate an opportunity to discuss this position in more detail.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template #5: Skimmable Cover Letter
[Your Name]
[Address] | [Email Address] | [Phone Number]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
My name is [Your Name] and I am reaching out to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].
With more than [Number] years of experience in the [Industry] space and a passion for [Area of Related Expertise], I feel that I am uniquely qualified to exceed expectations in the [Job Title] role.
To further illustrate my abilities, I’ve mapped out how my experience directly pertains to the skills and qualifications you are searching for in an ideal candidate:
|
Job Title Qualifications |
Your Related Experience |
|
[Qualification #1] |
[Relevant Experience] |
|
[Qualification #2] |
[Relevant Experience] |
|
[Qualification #3] |
[Relevant Experience] |
|
[Qualification #4] |
[Relevant Experience] |
If you’re interested in connecting in person or over the phone, I’d be delighted to discuss my experience in more detail.
Thanks in advance for your time and consideration.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
[Your Name]
Need more detailed samples specific to your industry? check out 180+ samples from Zety and Subscribe to our newsletters here to find your next job.
Did you find these cover letter templates useful? You should check this: 7 Linkedin Message Templates to use in 2023