Join us for Workable Next! Get an exclusive look at our upcoming product releases. Save your seat

Top 3 Cover Letter Template Samples

How to write a cover letter for a job application? The job market is highly competitive, which is why your cover letter for a job application is important. When you apply for a job, you need to clarify why you fit into the company and why they should hire you. This means highlighting your strengths and how they match the employer's requirements. A cover letter for your resume is an integral part of this process – it's a chance to show off your unique skills and prove that hiring you is a smart decision.

Content Team
Content Team

Workable's content team brings its HR & employment expertise to Resources.

What makes a good cover letter?

The cover letter is often the first thing hiring managers or recruiters see, and they will be looking for signs in it that you are a good candidate. In it, you should succinctly express the following: your language skills, experience, skills that make you a good fit for the job, and a genuine interest in the position. Check out how they will be screening your cover letter

5 tips for a good cover letter

1. Personalize each cover letter

Make it unique to the company and the job you are applying for. It should never feel like a generic cover letter that you have sent out to everyone.

2. Do your research

The interviewer wants to feel that you understand the company so that you are a good fit for their requirements and company culture? Research the company to show that you understand its mission and ideals.

3. Make your interest clear

Highlight the qualities that make you a good candidate for the job. What attracts you to the company? Why would you like to work here? Highlight your strengths, but do not just repeat the information on your resume.

4. Keep it short

Employers don’t have much time to read applications, so cover letters should always be short and succinct.

5. Strike the right tone

Cover letter style always depends on the person and the industry, but it is advisable to keep your tone professional.

Before sending the cover letter, double-check it for spelling and grammatical errors and verify the hiring manager’s name by calling the company or accessing their LinkedIn profile.

What is the correct cover letter format?

Your cover letter should include an introduction, a two-paragraph body stating your suitability for the position, and a concluding paragraph expressing your interest and suitability for the job. Format your cover letter as you would a business letter and include the following:

– A header with the date and your contact information

– A greeting

– Three paragraphs

– A closing and a signature

Simple fonts are best. Your letter should consist of one page of text, left-justified with single line spacing and one-inch margins.

Job application letter examples

A professional cover letter is worth all the effort. If you need help writing one, check out these sample cover letters for three typical cover letter scenarios.

The application cover letter for resume

An application letter is a tool you can use to sell yourself as a job candidate. It complements your resume and highlights relevant parts of your work history and qualifications.

Sample application cover letter

[Your address]

[Your contact number]

[Your email address]

[Name of hiring manager],

[Sample opening paragraph]

As a professional resume writer, I am committed to helping job seekers find the job they want. With eight years of experience, I can confidently say that I am an expert in my field. I would be thrilled to work with your company if given a chance.

[Body – 2 paragraphs]

– What do you know about the company?

– Why are you applying for the position?

– How can you add value to the company and the position?

– Include examples of your unique skills

[Closing paragraph.]

– Summarize your interest

– Mention attachments such as your resume

[Sign off]

Sincerely,

[Your name]

The prospecting cover letter for resume

A prospecting cover letter is written by a job seeker about potential job openings. Unlike most cover letters, this one is not tailored to a specific company or job. It asks about job openings in general and does not include the same details as other cover letters.

Sample prospecting cover letter

[Your address]

[Your contact number]

[Your email address]

[Name of hiring manager],

[Sample opening paragraph]

I’m new to the job search, and I was hoping to learn more about your company. I’m drawn to [________________] due to its interesting culture and good customer service.

[Body – 2 paragraphs]

– Who are you?

– How can you add value to the company and the position?

– Include examples of your unique skills

– What have you accomplished in your career that would interest the company?

[Closing paragraph]

– Summarize your interest

– Mention attachments such as your resume

[Sign off]

Sincerely,

[Your name]

The networking cover letter for resume

Even if you are not sending your cover letter to a company, it must be concise and well-written for the individual you are sending it to. This cover letter is the most casual form of cover letter because it is sent to friends, mentors, former colleagues, and other contacts. It conveys to them the job seeker’s status as a professional looking for work.

Sample networking cover letter sample

[Your address]

[Your contact number]

[Your email address]

Hi [name of hiring manager],

[Sample opening paragraph]

I hope all is well. I am reaching out about a possible meeting to gain some insight from you as a top professional in our field. I am interested in exploring opportunities in ____________, specifically a role in ___________.

[Body – 2 paragraphs]

– What skills and accomplishments do they need to know to best advise you?

– Explain what you hope to accomplish in your next position.

[Closing paragraph]

– Summarize your interest

– Mention attachments such as your resume

[Sign off]

Best,

[Your name]

Start writing your cover letter

Now you know the correct cover letter format, you can get started. Any time you write a cover letter for your resume, you should take the opportunity to showcase your greatest strengths while respecting the hiring manager’s time and attention. The hiring manager is looking for someone who can do the job well, be a good fit for the company in terms of personality, and coordinate well with the rest of the team. You should make it clear that you are that person.

If you choose to email your cover letter to a hiring manager, follow these tips for writing a job application email. [Link to other new template article]

Looking for a new opportunity?

Thousands of employers have posted their job openings on the Workable job board.

Take a look