- Search Search Please fill out this field.
- Career Planning
- Finding a Job
- Cover Letters
Sample Cover Letter for a Job Application
Alison Doyle is one of the nation’s foremost career experts.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ADHeadshot-Cropped-b80e40469d5b4852a68f94ad69d6e8bd.jpg "apllication letters")
What is an Application Letter?
What to include in your application letter, tips for writing a cover letter, cover letter sample and template, email cover letter sample.
- How to Send an Email Application
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Alex Dos Diaz / The Balance
What's the best way to write a letter to apply for a job? Your letter should detail your specific qualifications for the position and the skills you would bring to the employer. What’s most important is to show the employer that you’re a perfect match for the job.
Your job application letter is an opportunity to highlight your most relevant qualifications and experience. An effective cover letter will enhance your application, showcase your achievements, and increase your chances of landing an interview.
Review what to include in a job application letter, tips for writing a letter that will get your application notice, and examples of letters and email messages sent to apply for a job.
Key Takeaways
- An application letter accompanies a resume and may be uploaded to a job portal, sent via email, or even sent by postal mail, depending on the employer’s requirements.
- Application letters are an ideal way to show your interest in a job and highlight your most relevant skills.
- It’s important to match your letter to the job description and show the employer that you have the qualifications they are seeking.
A letter of application, also known as a cover letter , is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information about your skills and experience to an employer. Your letter of application is intended to provide detailed information on why you are an ideal candidate for the job.
Your application letter should let the employer know what position you are applying for, what makes you a strong candidate, why they should select you for an interview, and how you will follow up.
Effective application letters explain the reasons for your interest in the specific organization and identify the most relevant skills that qualify you for the job.
Your application letter should let the employer know what position you are applying for, explain your qualifications for the job, why you should be selected for an interview, and how you will follow up.
Unless an employer specifically requests a job application letter sent by postal mail, today most cover letters are sent by email or attached as a file in an online application tracking system.
As with all cover letters, a job application letter is divided into sections:
- The heading includes your name and contact information.
- A greeting addressed to a specific person, if possible.
- The introduction includes why the applicant is writing.
- The body discusses your relevant qualifications and what you have to offer the employer.
- The close thanks the reader and provides contact information and follow-up details.
- Your signature to end the letter .
Here’s how to ensure that your application supports your resume, highlights your most relevant qualifications, and impresses the hiring manager.
Get off to a direct start. In your first paragraph, explain why you are writing. Mention the job title and company name, and where you found the job listing. While you can also briefly mention why you are a strong candidate, this section should be short and to the point.
Offer something different than what's in your resume. You can make your language a bit more personal than in your resume bullet points, and you can tell a narrative about your work experience and career.
Application letters typically accompany resumes, so your letter should showcase information that your resume doesn't.
Make a good case. Your first goal with this letter is to progress to the next step: an interview. Your overarching goal, of course, is to get a job offer. Use your application letter to further both causes. Offer details about your experience and background that show why you are a good candidate. How have other jobs prepared you for the position? What would you bring to the position, and to the company? Use this space to emphasize your strengths .
Close with all the important details. Include a thank you at the end of your letter. You can also share your contact information and mention how you will follow up.
This is a sample cover letter. Download the cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for an email sample.
The Balance
John Donaldson 8 Sue Circle Smithtown, CA 08067 909-555-5555 john.donaldson@email.com
September 6, 2022
George Gilhooley LTC Company 87 Delaware Road Hatfield, CA 08065
Dear Mr. Gilhooley,
I am writing to apply for the programmer position advertised in the Times Union. As requested, I enclose my certification, resume, and references.
The role is very appealing to me, and I believe that my strong technical experience and education make me a highly competitive candidate for this position. My key strengths that would support my success in this position include:
- I have successfully designed, developed, and supported live-use applications.
- I strive continually for excellence.
- I provide exceptional contributions to customer service for all customers.
With a BS degree in computer programming, I have a comprehensive understanding of the full lifecycle of software development projects. I also have experience in learning and applying new technologies as appropriate. Please see my resume for additional information on my experience.
I can be reached anytime via email at john.donaldson@email.com or by phone at 909-555-5555.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this employment opportunity.
Signature (hard copy letter)
John Donaldson
The following is a sample email cover letter to send as part of a job application.
Email Application Letter Example
Subject: Colleen Warren - Web Content Manager Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I'm writing to express my interest in the Web Content Manager position listed on Monster.com. I have experience building large, consumer-focused, health-based content sites. While much of my experience has been in the business world, I understand the social value of this sector, and I am confident that my business experience will be an asset to your organization.
My responsibilities have included the development and management of website editorial voice and style, editorial calendars, and the daily content programming and production for various websites.
I have worked closely with health care professionals and medical editors to provide the best possible information to a consumer audience of patients. I have also helped physicians to use their medical content to write user-friendly and easily comprehensible text.
Experience has taught me how to build strong relationships with all departments in an organization. I have the ability to work within a team, as well as cross-team. I can work with web engineers to resolve technical issues and implement technical enhancements.
I am confident working with development departments to implement design and functional enhancements, monitor site statistics, and conduct search engine optimization.
Thank you for your consideration.
Colleen Warren colleen.warren@email.com 555-123-1234 www.linked.com/colleenwarren
How to Send an Email Application Letter
If sending your cover letter via email, list your name and the job title you are applying for in the subject line of the email:
Colleen Warren - Web Content Manager Position
Include your contact information in your email signature but don't list the employer's contact information.
Do you have to write a cover letter when you apply for a job?
Some employers require cover letters. If they do, it will be mentioned in the job posting. Otherwise, it’s optional but it can help your chances of securing an interview. A cover letter gives you a chance to sell yourself to the employer, showcase your qualifications, and explain why you are a perfect candidate for the job.
How can you use a cover letter to show you’re a qualified candidate?
One of the easiest ways to show an employer how you’re qualified for a job is to make a list of the requirements listed in the job posting and match them to your resume. Mention your most relevant qualifications in your cover letter, so the hiring manager can see, at a glance, that you have the credentials they are looking for.
CareerOneStop. " How Do I Write a Cover Letter ?"
CareerOneStop. “ Effective Cover Letters .”
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
You control your data
We use cookies to tailor the experience of creating resumes and cover letters. For these reasons, we may share your usage data with third parties. You can find more information about how we use cookies on our Cookies Policy . If you would like to set your cookies preferences, click the Settings button below. To accept all cookies, click Accept.
Cookie settings
Click on the types of cookies below to learn more about them and customize your experience on our Site. You may freely give, refuse or withdraw your consent. Keep in mind that disabling cookies may affect your experience on the Site. For more information, please visit our Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy .
Choose type of cookies to accept
These cookies allow us to analyze our performance to offer you a better experience of creating resumes and cover letters. Analytics related cookies used on our Site are not used by Us for the purpose of identifying who you are or to send you targeted advertising. For example, we may use cookies/tracking technologies for analytics related purposes to determine the number of visitors to our Site, identify how visitors move around the Site and, in particular, which pages they visit. This allows us to improve our Site and our services.
These cookies give you access to a customized experience of our products. Personalization cookies are also used to deliver content, including ads, relevant to your interests on our Site and third-party sites based on how you interact with our advertisements or content as well as track the content you access (including video viewing). We may also collect password information from you when you log in, as well as computer and/or connection information. During some visits, we may use software tools to measure and collect session information, including page response times, download errors, time spent on certain pages and page interaction information.
These cookies are placed by third-party companies to deliver targeted content based on relevant topics that are of interest to you. And allow you to better interact with social media platforms such as Facebook.
These cookies are essential for the Site's performance and for you to be able to use its features. For example, essential cookies include: cookies dropped to provide the service, maintain your account, provide builder access, payment pages, create IDs for your documents and store your consents.
To see a detailed list of cookies, click here .
This site uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. To learn more visit our Privacy Policy
- Cover Letter
- Letter of Application: Job Example, Format & How-To Guide
Letter of Application: Job Example, Format & How-To Guide
Are you thinking about writing yet another letter for your job application? Definitely not! I’ll prove to you that a letter of application is nothing more than a cover letter.
As seen in:
Oh, come on! What is this? Another letter to get an interview?
That was your reaction to hearing a “letter of application” for the first time.
Am I wrong?
The list seems never to end: a cover letter, covering letter, motivation letter…
You’ll be happy to know that it’s the same thing.
And there’s more.
This guide will show you:
- Job application sample better than 9 out of 10 others.
- Workplan for how to write such a sample of an application letter for any position.
- Why the correct application letter format gets you in front of the recruiter.
Did you know that our builder can take care of the formatting for you? No need to worry about margins and spacing: just add your text and watch the Zety builder arrange everything on the page just the way it should be. Here’s what your job application letter can look like:
You can take your pick from 20+ professional templates to make your letter of application not only formatted well but also look great!
Did you mean how to write a cover letter ? No worries! Find our guides right below:
- How to Write a Cover Letter
- What Should a Cover Letter Include
- What Does a Cover Letter Look Like
- Format of a Cover Letter
- Cover Letter Outline
- How Long Should a Cover Letter Be
- How to Address a Cover Letter
- How to Start a Cover Letter
- What Should a Cover Letter Say
- How to End a Cover Letter
This letter of application template proves you’re second to none:
Letter of Application Example
[Your Name]
[Job Title]
[Mailing Address]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Place, Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I was thrilled to hear you opened a post for an event planner. As an office assistant in Staff, I single-handedly organized a year-end party for the entire office, deemed the most entertaining and successful event the employees had a chance to attend.
It came to my attention that my position as an office assistant may seem off-track for the post you are advertising, yet let me assure you it is not. Allow my achievements to speak for the qualities you are looking for in an event planner:
- Multitasking. A one-person team successfully supervised the office’s administrative duties, from allocating contracts with vendors and suppliers to managing executives’ travel calendars to balancing the branding budget. Became a go-to person for when things need to be done.
- Research. Pitched a new supplier profile offering better quality office supplies stock at a lower price. Reduced administrative costs by 6%.
- Planning. Compiled and presented annual budget proposals to the management. 100% approvals so far.
The job of an event planner is not to arrange seats and tables. It is to create memories worth a lifetime. Together, we will organize events worth remembering.
Let’s schedule a meeting to discuss how my transferable skills could help your team.
Best Regards,
[Your Name], [Job Title]
PS—I will also be happy to tell you how my social media campaign for the local animal shelter’s community event boosted attendance by 20%. My methods were unconventional, and they sure worked!
Send your job application letter with a job-winning resume for synergy. See our article: Resume Writing: Your Go-To Guide
What is a Letter of Application?
A letter of application is yet another name for a cover letter or job application letter. You submit it with your resume to apply for jobs. It’s a one-page letter intended to explain why you’re a perfect fit for the advertised position.
This is what a letter of application should include:
- Header with your name and contact details
- Hiring manager’s address
- Opening paragraph introducing yourself and your application
- Two body paragraphs explaining why you’re a great candidate and your motivation behind the application
- Closing paragraph with a call to action directed at the employer
- Your signature and attachments list
Now, here’s how you write an application letter:
How to Write an Application Letter?
Start from the beginning, which in this case is to—
1. Create an ATS-Friendly Job Application Letter Template
You need something to write on. But instead of grabbing paper, open a text editor and adjust the format of the letter page.
No splatters guaranteed!
See how to format your job application letter:
Format of an Application Letter
- Create enough spacing: 1–1.15 between lines, 1-inch margins, double space between paragraphs
- Choose the font: Garamond, Helvetica, or Arial in 11–12 points in a font size
- Align the content to the left
- Pick the file format: PDF, unless the recruiter requested a Word file specifically
- Name the file: JobTitle_YourName_ApplicationLetter.pdf, which in a real example would look like this, AdministrativeAssistant_OliviaRibush_ApplicationLetter.pdf
Disclaimer: The Applicant Tracking Software sees your application first, so if the software can’t parse it, the recruiter won’t even have a chance to read it.
By taking care of the layout, you ensure your letter of application passes the ATS scan and lands in the candidates list you’re targeting.
Plus, with clear formatting, you’re making it easy for the recruiter to read it and quickly pick out the best bits.
That’s it in terms of your letter’s technicalities.
Let’s move on to the job letter introduction.
2. Open Your Application Letter Right
Do you know why patterns appeal to so many people?
They’re consistent. Seamless.
To achieve a similar effect with your letter, mirror the design of your resume in the header section. That way, you’ll make your application more memorable and cohesive. (And simultaneously, you won’t risk making a mistake in your contact information.)
Later, a challenge awaits. Or not? It depends.
You’re about to address your hiring manager , and if they gave their name in the job ad, you’re lucky. But if they have not, then the hunt is on.
Look for it on the company’s LinkedIn page or website. You can even call the place and ask, yet get prepared to talk directly with that particular person.
It’s important because you don’t want to address the letter to whom it may concern . It’s heartless (and almost inhumane, as you’re not addressing a person).
To avoid that, in case you’ve searched through hills and valleys and found nada, write “ Dear Hiring Manager ” instead. But remember, it’s your last resort.
And now—
The opening.
There are several strategies you can use to start your letter. Among them are:
- Boasting about your most significant yet relevant achievement
- Expressing enthusiasm towards joining
- Commenting on the recent company’s development.
There can be thousands of reasons why you’re applying for a job, so first and foremost, stay true to yourself and don’t look for inspiration elsewhere. If you’re having a hard time coming up with something, the above have proved successful many times.
See the below application letter sample to see what I mean by successful job letter introduction:
Application Letter Sample [First Paragraph]
Yikes!
The second one just won’t do. It’s the opposite of success.
Your opening paragraph needs to compel the reader, make them eager to carry on with your letter, not move it aside to the boring pile.
It’s important you remember there’s no “I” in “employers must be charmed by your paragraphs,” so drawing attention from the employer and their needs only asks for ignorance. Build your sentences without much use of the “I” pronoun, and you should end up just fine.
Now, I won’t let you think that the same rules apply to inexperienced candidates writing their application letters.
Employers look for your motivation to grow and learn instead of accomplishments. However, they’re indeed helpful in convincing them of your fit.
Why don’t you see for yourself that an inexperienced candidate with a proper attitude can create the same strong argument:
Job Application Letter Example for Candidates With No Experience
And that’s impressive!
ProTip: Make sure you don’t use your high school email address ([email protected]) even if you had to create a new one only for this job application.
3. Show Off in the Middle
Now’s the time for the main dish.
It’s two-course.
In the first paragraph of the middle section, you should convince the reader that you’re perfectly qualified for the job. To do that, you can use your accomplishments and real-life examples of your skillset .
In the second paragraph, speak of your motivation and reasons for joining. You want to get your message across very clearly so that the employer believes you’re a good fit for each other.
Take a look at the below examples to see how to describe your achievements and experience in the middle section of your job application letter:
How to Write an Application Letter Sample [Middle]
Wow…
Here’s how to go about it the right way:
- Stick to the requirements listed in the job description. You want to target keywords mentioned explicitly to pass the screening process and the recruiter’s scrutiny later.
- Write three to four bullet points, starting with a power word followed by an accomplishment statement .
- Quantify your accomplishments to draw attention to the most important information. Numbers pop and evidence you had actual results at previous jobs.
- Speak to the company’s mission or vision to build a connection.
- Never, and I mean never, copy your resume into your letter of application. It’s better to elaborate on one or two of the accomplishments instead of copying and pasting the dry facts.
Now check out how you can impress recruiters in the middle paragraphs of the application letter if you don’t have much experience:
Application Letter Example for Candidates With No Experience [Middle]
It’s not so hard, is it?
Pressed for time or still not sure what to say? Good news: the Zety builder can also help you with your wording. Alongside matching job application letters and resume templates , it comes with drag & drop bullet points and other pre-written content to speed up your job application:
Just think: you could skip the boring parts and be ready to apply for your dream job in minutes!
4. Close Your Letter of Application With a CTA
The worst’s behind you.
Now it’s time to thank for consideration, time, and other clichés.
Exactly—clichés.
They’re not effective in job applications. Not really, no. So get rid of any voices in your head telling you to write “Thank you for considering my application” or “ Looking forward to hearing from you .”
Make a move and ask the recruiter directly whether they’ll invite you for an interview.
See how to write a Call to Action in the job application closing paragraph:
Simple Job Application Letter [Ending]
Not only does it make the recruiter feel obliged to reply, but you can also count on a quick response!
Plus, you created one more opportunity to sell yourself and your strengths that have the power to solve your employer’s problems. Well done!
To sign the letter, you can use “Best Regards” variations, such as “Kind Regards,” “With Kind Regards,” or “With Best Regards,” followed by your full name.
The postscript is totally optional. Still, you can use it to seal the deal by pitching a finisher-level accomplishment.
Key Takeaway
An application letter in a nutshell:
- Format your letter of application to create structure and a clean layout.
- Find the hiring manager’s name and use it in the address.
- Use the relevant keywords throughout your application letter.
- Build connection with the company by referring to the mission statement or values.
- Finish with a call to action, and remember you have an option to add a postscript for a knock-out punch.
- Sign the job application letter with a formal sentiment.
Thank you for reading my article!
Want more info on how to write a great letter of application? Wondering how your simple job application letter can get you noticed? Is there anything more you’d like to know about a job application letter?
Leave a comment. We’ll be happy to reply!
Don't miss out on exclusive stories that will supercharge your career!
Get a weekly dose of inspiration delivered to your inbox
Similar articles
Do I Need a Cover Letter? Are Cover Letters Necessary in 2023
Do I need a cover letter? Is it important? What if the job offer doesn’t require a cover letter? Read this guide to find out all you need to know.
Cover Letter Heading & Header Template (4+ Examples)
Creating the perfect cover letter header is easy. Actually, there are only two rules you need to follow. Here’s where you’ll learn them & see ready-to-use examples.
5 Short Cover Letter Examples for Any Job (+ Writing Guide)
Today’s hiring process is fast and furious. Don’t waste the recruiter’s time—see our 5 short cover letter examples and learn how to make every word count.
- Hubspot Blog
- HubSpot.com
Oh no! We couldn't find anything like that.
Try another search, and we'll give it our best shot.
15 Cover Letter Templates to Perfect Your Next Job Application
Published: August 10, 2022
Are cover letters necessary? I'm not in HR, but I've been approached by applicants who wondered whether their cover letter would actually be read. My answer is one not many of them wanted to hear: "sometimes." Sometimes it will be read. Other times, you can get away with just sending in your resume — like when you network your way into applying for a position.
The truth is, you can't really predict on a case-by-case basis — and you're better safe than sorry. For the most part, having a cover letter will give you an upper hand in ways your resume doesn't. It allows you to show off your writing skills, provide details that you couldn't fit on your resume, demonstrate your passion, and show your willingness to put in as much time and effort as possible.
![→ Click here to access 5 free cover letter templates [Free Download]](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/53/3f347702-d7e9-4e59-9fe4-be4cd7bad191.png "apllication letters")
If you’ve ever rolled your eyes or balked at an application that required a cover letter, this guide is for you. We’ll go over how to write a cover letter and provide cover letter templates to help you perfect your own.
Application Letter
An application letter is a written document addressed to an employer by a job applicant, explaining why they're interested in and qualified for an open position. More commonly known as a cover letter, this document can come in the form of an email, MS Word document, or similar application template offered by the employer.
Seems fairly basic, right? Cover letters can hold different levels of importance to an employer depending on the industry you're in and the job you're applying for. According to a CareerBuilder survey, 49% of recruiters say sendign a cover letter along with your resume boosts your chance of landing the role.
If you do plan to write a cover letter, keep in mind there are certain qualities it should have that are not included in the definition above.
What to Include in a Cover Letter
So, what should you include? We'll let the 11 templates below this list do most of the talking. No matter which one you download, pay attention to the following elements — all of which should shine through in the letter you send to your future manager.
5 Free Cover Letter Templates
Fill out this form to access your templates., 1. contact information.
Cover letters shouldn't just carry your contact information, but also that of the company to which you're applying. Contact info includes your phone number, email address, and any social media accounts you're willing to share and receive connections to.
Home addresses aren't required, but they can be a helpful reassurance to the employer that you already live nearby and would have no trouble coming into the office.
Avoid offering phone numbers, email addresses, or actual addresses that belong to your current employer. Using your personal Gmail address over your work email, for example, ensures your correspondence with recruiters remains separate from all of your current work communication.
2. A Personal Address Line
For as often as you see "to whom it may concern" at the top of cover letters today, do your best to avoid writing this exhausted line.
Address lines that specify a person or company grab your reader's attention much more quickly, and show the employer that you've taken the time to tailor your application letter to them. Don't have the name of the hiring manager? "Employers at [company name]" will do just fine.
A "hook" is a clever introduction that "hooks" your reader into wanting to learn more. Think about yourself as a job candidate — what makes you unique? What about your career might a recruiter be intrigued by that you can package into an interesting first sentence?
4. Why You're Qualified
It's a no-brainer that you should summarize your professional experience in your cover letter. However, today's best applications describe why this experience qualifies the applicant for the job they're applying for. For example, don't just state that you spent three years writing for a company blog. Explain that this type of work lends itself to managing your new potential employer's content calendar every week.
5. General Knowledge of the Business
Grammatical errors could mean your application is thrown in the trash, but that's not the only thing that could get your letter tossed aside. Using a generic "one-size-fits-all" cover letter — especially if you forget to change the name of the company — will also hurt your chances of landing an interview.
So, if you take the time to write a cover letter, take the time to comment on the business itself. Why are you applying to this company? What about their business stuck out to you as a professional?
Now, let's take a look at an example cover letter , what makes it effective, along with 11 templates you can download or draw inspiration from.
Cover Letter Example
Image Source
The example above illustrates how to write a marketing cover letter using the elements we listed.
Besides the contact information and the address line, the first few paragraphs explain why the candidate is qualified for the position. This example uses specific data to show why they would be a good fit.
Additionally, in the second to last paragraph, the candidate discusses why they're interested in the specific company, demonstrating general knowledge of the business.
By combining all the elements to a cover letter, this is a great example to use for inspiration.
Featured Resource: 5 Professional Cover Letter Templates
14 Free Cover Letter Templates for Your Next Job Application
Template 1: basic.
.jpg?width=600&name=cover_letter_image-1%20(1).jpg "apllication letters")
The example above is a basic (but great) cover letter. The numbered sections are explained in more detail below.
The level of formality your header has will depend on the company to which you apply. If you're applying to a formal business, it's important to use a formal header to open your cover letter, like in the sample above. Put your address, the date, and the company's address. But if you're applying to a company that isn't as formal, you don't need to include yours and the company's addresses. You can still include the date, though.
2. Greeting
Using "To Whom It May Concern" is okay, but you may want to take the time to research the name of the recruiter or hiring manager online. If you do your research and aren't confident you found the right name, then you should definitely use the generic greeting — but if you are sure, then it shows you put in the effort to find their name and it will catch the recruiter's eye.
If you have the recruiter's name, do you greet them by their full name, or by their courtesy title (i.e. Mr., Ms., or Mrs.)? Similar to the header, it depends on the company's level of formality. If you're applying to a corporate business, you may want to consider using "Mr. Snaper" instead of "Jon Snaper." If you're applying to a start-up or a business with a more casual culture, you can use "Jon Snaper," as shown in the example.
3. Introduction
Your opening paragraph should, in 1-3 sentences, state why you're excited to apply and what makes you the perfect candidate. Get right to the point, and don't worry about explaining where you found the posting or who you know at the company. This isn't a place to go into detail about why you're a great candidate — that's for the second paragraph. Here, simply list a few key reasons in one sentence to set up the rest of your letter. Keep in mind that the recruiter may cross-reference your cover letter with your resume, so make sure the two sync up.
4. Paragraph 2: Why You're a Great Fit for the Job
Next, sell yourself and your experience by choosing one or two concrete examples that show why you're a great fit for the position. What did you do at a previous company that gave you relevant experience? Which projects have you worked on that would benefit the new company? How will your prior experience help this company grow? Stay humble in your explanation of credentials while still showing that you would be an asset to the team. Use this paragraph to show you're genuinely excited and interested in the position.
5. Third Paragraph: Why the Company Is a Great Fit for You
While it's certainly important you're a good fit for the job, it's also important that the company is a good fit for you. "A cover letter typically describes why you're great for a company — but how will you benefit from getting hired?" asks former HubSpot Team Development Manager Emily MacIntyre . "We want to know why our company appeals to you, and how it will be a mutually beneficial working relationship."
In the third paragraph, show you're serious about growing and developing your career at this new company. What impresses and excites you about the company? Is there something that you feel strongly about that aligns with the company's goals? For example, the candidate in the sample letter used this space to show his personal commitment to environmental causes aligns with the company's green initiatives.
6. Strong Closer and Signature
Don't get lazy in the final few sentences of your cover letter — it's important to finish strong. Be straightforward about your interest and enthusiasm about the new position, and tell them you're available to talk about the opportunity at any time. Be sure to include your phone number and email address. At this point, the ball is (rightly) in the recruiter's court to decide how to follow up.
Last but certainly not least, thank them for their time and consideration. Use a formal sign-off like "Best," "All the best," or "Sincerely," and finish by typing out your full name. You don't need to sign it with a pen.
Template 2: Data-Driven Marketing Cover Letter
Get it here..
When applying to a data-driven position, it might be tempting to inject your cover letter with, well, the data to describe what you've done for other employers. But in an application letter — particularly for the marketing industry — how you convey this data is just as important as the data itself.
The cover letter template above, which we created here at HubSpot, can help you present the data that's most important to you as a candidate such that it'll matter to your future employer.
Notice the three bullet points near the center of the letter above, preceded by the statement: "... I've developed a strategy that has helped the company achieve ..." This setup is important, because while you can add as many statistics as you want to this template, your data points should describe how your current/former business benefited from your work, rather than how you, yourself, benefited.
Template 3: Straight-to-the-Point Cover Letter
Harvard Business Review contributor David Silverman hailed the above cover letter example as "The Best Cover Letter I Ever Received." For context, Silverman believes there are only a handful of times when writing a cover letter is actually necessary:
- When you know the name of the hiring manager.
- When you know something about what the job requires.
- When you've been referred to the job personally.
Under those three circumstances, a straight-to-the-point cover letter like the one above could be your best bet. Because it's so concise, however, make a point to add your own letterhead above the message itself. It might be easy for a recruiter to sift through a short and sweet cover letter like the one above, but it's just as easy for it to get lost in the shuffle of their application list without a unique design or format.
Template 4: Referral Cover Letter
Just because a friend or colleague recommended you for a job doesn't mean the company is all set to hire you. Therefore, the cover letter template above is written specifically for referrals. We made this one here at HubSpot. Download it here (it comes with four other cover letter templates , too).
As you can see in the picture above, the first paragraph of the cover letter is dedicated entirely to acknowledging the circumstances of your applying: You know someone who works there — no harm in that. But there might be harm in not mentioning it to the hiring manager. Telling the reader about your connection at the company shows you're aware and confident of the actions you take to get the opportunities you're interested in.
Ultimately, it's better than the recruiter hearing about your employee connection from somebody else.
As for the rest of the cover letter, treat your message the same way you would if you had applied with no connection from within. Your skills and successes are no less important because of your internal referral.
Template 5: Photo Letterhead Cover Letter
The cover letter template above was designed by Microsoft Office, and as comprehensive as it looks, it's completely free to download and modify.
As it looks right now, this cover letter contains about half photo, half text. Feel free to shrink (and change) the image to give yourself more room to tell your story. Of course, a nice washed-out image that expresses who you are can be part of that story ...
Template 6: Digital Creative Cover Letter
This sixth template is perfect for the applicant who wants to emphasize the many different digital channels they areon. This template goes well with a resume of the same format.
As you personalize this letter with your own experience, make note of the social networks and industry software included in this template. You'll see there’s additional space along the top to add your LinkedIn and personal website to fill with your own information.
You can improve upon this template by formatting your most important highlights and accomplishments with bullet points. This will make the document easier to read for the hiring manager and emphasizes the value you provide.
Template 7: Marketing Manager Cover Letter
Our seventh cover letter comes from Monster.com. This cover letter, shown above, is focused specifically on a marketing role.
Notice how the writer includes references to important marketing metrics and terminology. If you're applying to a data-driven role, you might not want to fill the page with a story of your experience in paragraph form, like Template 1 does at the beginning of this article. Instead, consider highlighting three (or four, or five) of your successes that you believe the hiring manager would resonate most with, in bulleted form.
As a marketing professional, breaking up your letter with bulleted details like the ones above shows a respect for the hiring manager's limited time — a mentality that all marketers must understand when communicating with a brand's audience.
Template 8: Career Day Follow-Up Cover Letter
This is a unique kind of cover letter from Princeton University.
LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Monster, and Indeed might take the lion's share of your job searches online, but still some employment opportunities come out of a trade show, job fair, or similar networking event. For those occurrences, you have the follow-up cover letter template above.
This cover letter has everything you need to help an employer recall a conversation you had with him/her at a career fair. As you can see in the second paragraph, the letter is particularly useful to people who are about to graduate college.
Template 9: Logo and Watermarked Cover Letter
Here's another cover letter template from Microsoft Office. This one has a light touch of color in the design just above the letterhead, but make no mistake — the template caters to any professional looking to make a good first impression on their future employer.
Don't let the logo space on the top-right of the page confuse you. This can be the logo of the company to which you're applying — to quickly get the attention of the recruiter — or your own logo. Perhaps you freelance on the side or simply like branding yourself. This cover letter template is meant for customization.
Template 10: Data Scientist Cover Letter
The text emphasizes how the applicant’s academic research and projects makes them an ideal candidate for the position. The format is also simple enough to submit as a pdf, as text in an email message or an application text box.
Template 11: Business Cover Letter
The cover letter template above is perfect for entry- and mid-level marketers who want to show a little extra professionalism in their opening note to a potential employer.
The multi-colored header (you can change the color if you wish) shows just the right amount of creativity and can go quite well with a resume of the same style. If you don't have enough experience to fill the entire page, don't worry. Feel free to write to a length you think is representative of who you are and what the hiring manager wants to see.
No matter how long your final cover letter is, the above template is your opportunity to show your attention to detail — from your contact information in the top header, to the personalized address line where you can include the name of the hiring manager. Like we said, "to whom it may concern" is pretty outdated, anyway.
Template 12: Entry-Level Cover Letter
The cover letter template above, written by HubSpot, is specifically designed for entry-level applicants.
When you only have a few years experience, it's important to display how you gained your skills and what you learned from your education or internships. Additionally, it's important to mention why you want to work at the company you're applying to.
No matter your experience, the template above will help you decide what skills you want to highlight and flesh out in your cover letter.
You can download it here (it comes with four other cover letter templates , too).
Template 13: Healthcare Cover Letter
Additionally, phrases like "I'd love to put my skills to work for your clinic" and "Please contact me at your convenience and let me know how I can help you" focus on what the business will gain as a result of hiring the applicant, rather than what the applicant is looking to gain.
Template 14: Freelance Cover Letter
If you're looking for freelance work, your biggest goal is to get your strengths across quickly, so busy clients won't pass by your cover letter entirely. Additionally, if you're sending out multiple cover letters to different clients, you'll want to target each one to that client's unique goals.
For instance, if one client is looking for SEO-optimized content related to marketing, you'll want to highlight past experience writing marketing content; this will change if, for instance, the client is looking for fitness content.
For this reason, it's a good idea to structure your cover letter so you start with a) past credentials or references, and b) bullet-point information related to the client's goal, as shown in the cover letter above.
Template 15: Director Cover Letter
In the cover letter above, the candidate does a good job outlining how she succeeded in a leadership role previously: "For the past five years, I have successfully developed and maintained all data systems, including schedules and records for a business employing more than 100 people."
You'll want to demonstrate how your skills align with a Director position — both through organization and leadership — and, when possible, where you received recognition for your hard work (i.e. "I earned an award for Most Valuable Administrative Staff Member").
Write a Winning Cover Letter
Writing a cover letter is easier said than done. Don't hesitate to spend a lot of time writing and editing it. Or, ask a friend or family member to read it over and give you feedback. If the recruiter does end up reading it, you'll be thankful you did.
Editor's note: This post was originally published in November 2014 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.
Don't forget to share this post!
Related articles.
The 12 Best Cover Letter Examples: What They Got Right
The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Cover Letter
![How to Start a Cover Letter to Impress Employers [+ 14 Examples]](https://blog.hubspot.com/hubfs/how-to-start-a-cover-letter.jpg "apllication letters")
How to Start a Cover Letter to Impress Employers [+ 14 Examples]
![How to Write a Letter of Interest in 2021 [Examples + Template]](https://blog.hubspot.com/hubfs/man%20in%20HR%20reading%20letter%20of%20interest.jpg "apllication letters")
How to Write a Letter of Interest in 2021 [Examples + Template]
![How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship [Examples & Template]](https://blog.hubspot.com/hubfs/coverletter.jpg "apllication letters")
How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship [Examples & Template]
Eight Cover Letter Greetings for Every Situation
7 Expert Cover Letter Tips to Get the Job
Five fill-in-the-blank cover letter templates to help you impress recruiters.
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Heading: A letter of application should begin with both your and the employer's contact information (name, address, phone number, email)
An application letter accompanies a resume and may be uploaded to a job portal, sent via email, or even sent by postal mail, depending on the
A letter of application is yet another name for a cover letter or job application letter. You submit it with your resume to apply for jobs. It's
The letter of application is essentially a sales letter. ... your letter read by someone in the organization who has authority to screen job applicants;
An application letter, also known as a cover letter, is sent with your resume during the job application process. An effective letter can add a
An application letter, also known as a cover letter, is a document that accompanies your resume when you're applying for a job. This letter
Writing Job Application Letters. The purpose of a job application or résumé cover letter is to improve your chances of being called for an interview, by.
Apr 16, 2013 - A sample letter to send with a job application, plus more sample job application letters and email messages. See more ideas about application
An application letter is a written document addressed to an employer by a job applicant, explaining why they're interested in and qualified
A letter of application which is sometimes called a cover letter is a type of document that you send together with your CV or resume.