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- Cover Letter Examples
- Business Cover Letter: Samples, Proper Format, & Writing Guide
Business Cover Letter: Samples, Proper Format, & Writing Guide

As seen in:
In business, writing a cover letter is expected.
It shows that you care. That you want this job, not any job.
A well-written business cover letter can make a great first impression. Show your attention to detail and knowledge of the business etiquette.
It can make a difference between who lands the interview and who gets “thanked for applying.”
So you need to have a perfect business cover letter. And you came to the right place to learn how to write one.
This guide will show you samples of business cover letters for administrative, as well as business development position, plus the best tips on how to write a formal business cover letter step-by-step.
Want to write your cover letter fast? Use our cover letter builder. Choose from 20+ professional cover letter templates that match your resume. See actionable examples and get expert tips along the way.
Create your cover letter now

Sample cover letter for a resume— See more cover letter examples and create your cover letter here .
No matter how great your cover letter, without a pitch-perfect resume, it will get you nowhere. See our business resume writing guide here: Business Resume: Samples and Writing Guide.
Considering similar positions too? See other cover letter examples for jobs in your industry:
- Accounting Cover Letter Sample
- Accounts Payable Cover Letter Sample
- Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Sample
- Administrative Cover Letter Sample
- McKinsey Cover Letter Sample
- Manager Cover Letter Sample
- Project Coordinator Cover Letter Sample
- Consulting Cover Letter Sample
- Office Manager Cover Letter Sample
- Finance Cover Letter Sample
- Financial Analyst Cover Letter Sample
- Sales Cover Letter Sample
- Retail Management Cover Letter Sample
- Business Analyst Cover Letter Sample
- Investment Banking Cover Letter Sample
- Bank Teller Cover Letter Sample
- HR Generalist Cover Letter Sample
- Human Resources Cover Letter Sample
- Store Manager Cover Letter Sample
- Formal Cover Letter Sample
Want to explore your options further? See our full selection of cover letter examples for every career: Best Cover Letter Examples.
Let’s get started then.
Business Cover Letter Sample—Administrative Assistant
Amanda Hess
Administrative Assistant/Executive Assistant 55 Southfield Road Anytown, NJ 07021 551-963-4824 [email protected] linkedin.com/in/amandahess33 Anytown, 1/30/2019 Mr. Francis Yorke Head of Human Resources XYZ Inc. 3015 Park Drive New York City, NY 10923
Dear Francis, As a long-time follower of XYZ’s business activities, I was thrilled to come across an opening for an Executive Assistant position with your organization. In my current role as an Administrative Assistant with ABC, I’ve saved $1+ million annually by creating a new call system to eliminate customer misunderstandings. I’m sure my expertise will help with XYZ’s upcoming challenges.
I know that the key project for this role in the upcoming quarters will be to optimize travel arrangements and implement time-saving solutions. While working at ABC, I’ve collaborated with other Admin Assistants to implement a travel management process based on Agile framework. We reduced travel cost waste by 28%. Later, I used the same system to improve scheduling—that saved ABC an average 6 hours per week for four executives.
The industry-famous XYZ’s emphasis on employee development is why I’m so excited about this opening. I’d love the opportunity to further my professional growth while translating the skills I develop into boosting all major KPIs for XYZ.
Can we schedule a call next week to discuss cutting costs and optimizing processes for XYZ?
Sincerely, Amanda Hess
551-963-4824 [email protected]
Looking for a C-level position in business development?
Most of such job postings are not advertised. People get them through networking events and internal referrals. But guess what?
A business development cover letter is still welcome. You can (and should!) use name-dropping in your opening. See this business cover letter example for reference:
Business Development Cover Letter Sample
Shona Indiano
Business Development Manager
55 Anyroad Anytown, NJ 07000 512-1625-6712
[email protected] linkedin.com/in/shonaindiano Anytown, 1/30/2019 Ms Jennifer Adams CEO Acme Inc. 305 Madison Drive New York City, NY 10001
Dear Jennifer,
Mark Colney suggested I apply to this position because he knows:
1. I build and managed 7 self-reliant teams of product and sales managers in 4 countries, each generating over $280,000 in revenue within the first year.
2. You’re looking for a Business Development Manager skilled in developing meaningful, long-lasting relationships with new and existing clients, which my resume demonstrates.
Since one of your upcoming tasks will be to redevelop CRM tools, you might be interested to learn that, in my current position, I’ve redesigned the CRM system resulting in 41% increase in new sales. I’m sure I can replicate these results as your new Business Development Manager.
Let me know if we can schedule a meeting to discuss solutions for skyrocketing Acme’s ROI in the upcoming months. Thank you for your time, I look forward to hearing from you.
512-1625-6712
[email protected]
So you’ve seen two jaw-dropping examples of a cover letter for business positions. Read on for a breakdown of how to write yours. But remember—
Business Cover Letter Template
Here’s how to write a business cover letter for a job application:
1. Use the proper business cover letter format
- Set one-inch margins on all sides.
- Choose single or 1.15 line spacing.
- Use an elegant font in 11pt to 12pt size.
Read more: The Only Proper Cover Letter Format
2. Create a professional cover letter header
- In the top-left corner include your name and contact information.
- List: phone number, email, LinkedIn (optionally, add other social media handles such as Twitter).
- Put city and date right below.
- Next, include the addressee’s details.
Can’t find the name of the hiring manager? Check the company’s website, do some research on LinkedIn. If all fails, call the reception and ask.
Read more: How to Address a Cover Letter
3. Open with a personal greeting and a compelling first paragraph
- Start with a professional cover letter salutation and address the potential employer by name.
- State for which position you’re applying.
- Highlight your most relevant professional achievement.
Read more: How to Start a Cover Letter the Right Way
4. Show that you’re the perfect candidate
- Refer to the job description and say how your relevant experience can help solve their problems.
- Mention a few additional wins you’re proud of.
- Quantify your achievements whenever possible: numbers pop!
Also, make sure you’re not making your cover letter too long: The Perfect Cover Letter Length
5. Explain why you want in
- Drop a compliment or two.
- Make them know you want this particular job more than any other.
- This way, they’ll believe you want to stick around for longer.
6. Make an offer and include a call to action
- Ask for a call or a meeting and suggest a time.
- Reiterate your value—make an offer to help with their KPIs.
Read more: The Best Cover Letter Ending Examples
7. Close with a professional sign-off
- Sing off with your full name.
- Include a digital copy of your handwritten signature below you sign-off.
- Add your cover letter enclosure (if applicable).
- Add your basic contact details in the footer.
Once you’ve sent out your cover letter, don’t just sit and wait. Remember to follow up on your job application. Here’s how: Job Application Follow-Up: Examples, Dos, & Don’ts
As you’ve learned, a great cover letter can truly be a game-changer, but to have a shot at that dream job, you still need to write a perfect resume.
When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check . Start building a professional resume template here for free .

When you’re done, Zety’s resume builder will score your resume and tell you exactly how to make it better.
Thanks for reading! Now I’d love to hear from you. What did you think of our business cover letter examples? What are your best tips for writing an outstanding business cover letter? Drop me a line in the comments. Let’s chat !

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How to Write a Cover Letter

Advice for tackling one of the toughest parts of the job-hunting process.
Perhaps the most challenging part of the job application process is writing an effective cover letter. And yes, you should send one. Even if only one in two cover letters gets read, that’s still a 50% chance that including one could help you. Before you start writing, find out more about the company and the specific job you want. Next, catch the attention of the hiring manager or recruiter with a strong opening line. If you have a personal connection with the company or someone who works there, mention it in the first sentence or two, and try to address your letter to someone directly. Hiring managers are looking for people who can help them solve problems, so show that you know what the company does and some of the challenges it faces. Then explain how your experience has equipped you to meet those needs. If the online application doesn’t allow you to submit a cover letter, use the format you’re given to demonstrate your ability to do the job and your enthusiasm for the role.
No one likes job hunting. Scouring through online job listings, spiffing up your résumé , prepping for grueling interviews — none of it is fun. For many, the most challenging part of the process is writing an effective cover letter. There’s so much conflicting advice out there, it’s hard to know where to start. Do you even need one, especially if you’re applying through an online system?
What the Experts Say
The answer is almost always yes. Sure, there will be times when you’re submitting an application online and you may not be able to include one, but whenever possible, send one, says Jodi Glickman, a communications expert and author of Great on the Job . “It’s your best chance of getting the attention of the HR person or hiring manager and an important opportunity to distinguish yourself from everyone else.” And in a tight job market, setting yourself apart is critical, says John Lees, a UK-based career strategist and author of Knockout CV . Still, as anyone who’s ever written a cover letter knows, it’s not easy to do well. Here are some tips to help.
Do your research first.
Before you start writing, find out more about the company and the specific job you want. Of course, you should carefully read the job description, but also peruse the company’s website, its executives’ Twitter feeds, and employee profiles on LinkedIn. This research will help you customize your cover letter, since you shouldn’t send a generic one. It’ll also help you decide on the right tone. “Think about the culture of the organization you’re applying to,” advises Glickman. “If it’s a creative agency, like a design shop, you might take more risks, but if it’s a more conservative organization, like a bank, you may hold back.”
If at all possible, reach out to the hiring manager or someone else you know at the company before writing your cover letter, advises Lees. You can send an email or a LinkedIn message “asking a smart question about the job.” That way you can start your letter by referencing the interaction. You might say, “Thanks for the helpful conversation last week” or “I recently spoke to so-and-so at your company.” Of course, it’s not always possible to contact someone — or you may not get a response. That’s OK. It’s still worth a try.
Focus it on the future.
While your résumé is meant to be a look back at your experience and where you’ve been, the cover letter should focus on the future and what you want to do, says Glickman. “It can be helpful to think of it as the bridge between the past and the future that explains what you hope to do next and why.” Because of the pandemic there is less of an expectation that you’ll be applying for a job that you’ve done before. “There are millions of people who are making career changes — voluntarily or involuntarily — and need to pivot and rethink how their skill set relates to a different role or industry,” says Glickman. You can use your cover letter to explain the shift you’re making, perhaps from hospitality to marketing, for example. Think of it as an opportunity to sell your transferrable skills .
Open strong.
“People typically write themselves into the letter with ‘I’m applying for X job that I saw in Y place.’ That’s a waste,” says Lees. Instead, lead with a strong opening sentence . “Start with the punch line — why this job is exciting to you and what you bring to the table,” says Glickman. For example, you might write, “I’m an environmental fundraising professional with more than 15 years of experience looking for an opportunity to apply my skills in new ways, and I’d love to bring my expertise and enthusiasm to your growing development team.” Then you can include a sentence or two about your background and your relevant experience, but don’t rehash your résumé.
Read more about
How to Write a Resume That Stands Out
Chances are the hiring manager or recruiter is reading a stack of these, so you want to catch their attention. But don’t try to be funny. “Humor can often fall flat or sound self-regarding,” says Lees. Stay away from common platitudes, too. “Say something direct and dynamic, such as ‘Let me draw your attention to two reasons why I’d be a great addition to your team.'”
If you have a personal connection with the company or someone who works there, also mention it in the first sentence or two. And always address your letter to someone directly. “With social media, it’s often possible to find the name of a hiring manager,” says Glickman.
Emphasize your personal value.
Hiring managers are looking for people who can help them solve problems. Drawing on the research you did earlier, show that you know what the company does and some of the challenges it faces. These don’t need to be specific but you might mention how the industry has been affected by the pandemic. For example, you might write, “A lot of health care companies are overwhelmed with the need to provide high-quality care while protecting the health and safety of their staff.” Then talk about how your experience has equipped you to meet those needs; perhaps explain how you solved a similar problem in the past or share a relevant accomplishment. You want to provide evidence of the things that set you apart.
Lees points out that there are two skills that are relevant to almost any job right now: adaptability and the ability to learn quickly. If you have brief examples that demonstrate these skills, include those. For example, if you supported your team in the shift to remote work, describe how you did that and what capabilities you drew on.
Convey enthusiasm.
“When you don’t get hired, it’s usually not because of a lack of skills,” says Glickman. “It’s because people didn’t believe your story, that you wanted the job, or that you knew what you were getting into.” Hiring managers are going to go with the candidate who has made it seem like this is their dream job. So make it clear why you want the position . “Enthusiasm conveys personality,” Lees adds. He suggests writing something like “I’d love to work for your company. Who wouldn’t? You’re the industry leader, setting standards that others only follow.” Don’t bother applying if you’re not excited about some aspect of the company or role.
Watch the tone.
At the same time, don’t go overboard with the flattery or say anything you don’t mean. Authenticity is crucial. “Even if you’ve been out of work for months, and would take any job at this point, you want to avoid sounding desperate ,” says Lees. You don’t want your tone to undermine your message, so be professional and mature. A good rule of thumb is to put yourself in the shoes of the hiring manager and think about “the kind of language that the hiring manager would use with one of the company’s customers.” Of course, it can be hard to discern your own tone in writing, so you may need to ask someone to review a draft (which is always a good idea anyway — see advice below). Lees says that he often cuts outs “anything that sounds like desperation” when he’s reviewing letters for clients.
Keep it short.
Much of the advice out there says to keep it under a page. But both Glickman and Lees say even shorter is better. “Most cover letters I see are too long,” says Lees. “It should be brief enough that someone can read it at a glance.” You do have to cover a lot of ground — but you should do it succinctly. This is where asking a friend, former colleague, or mentor to review your letter can be helpful. Ask them to read through it and point out places where you can cut.
Get feedback.
In fact, it’s a great idea to share your cover letter with a few people, says Lees. Rather than sending it off and asking, “What do you think?” be specific about the kind of feedback you want. In particular, request two things. First, ask your friend if it’s clear what your main point is. What’s the story you’re telling? Are they able to summarize it? Second, ask them what’s wrong with the letter. “Other people are more attuned to desperation, overselling, over-modesty, and underselling,” says Lees, and they should be able to point out places where the tone is off.
When you can’t submit a cover letter.
Many companies now use online application systems that don’t allow for a cover letter. You may be able to figure out how to include one in the same document as your résumé, but that’s not a guarantee, especially because some systems only allow for data to be entered into specific boxes. In these cases, use the format you’re given to demonstrate your ability to do the job and your enthusiasm for the role. If possible, you may try to find someone to whom you can send a brief follow-up email highlighting a few key points about your application.
Principles to Remember
- Have a strong opening statement that makes clear why you want the job and what you bring to the table.
- Be succinct — a hiring manager should be able to read your letter at a glance.
- Share an accomplishment that shows you can address the challenges the employer is facing.
- Try to be funny — too often it falls flat.
- Send a generic cover letter — customize each one for the specific job.
- Go overboard with flattery — be professional and mature.
Advice in Practice
Case study #1: demonstrate an understanding of what the company needs..
Michele Sommers, the vice president of HR for the Boys & Girls Village, a nonprofit in Connecticut, recently posted a job for a recruiting and training specialist. “I was looking for someone with a strong recruiting background who could do everything from sourcing candidates to onboarding new hires,” she says. She also wanted the person to hit the ground running. “We’re a small team and I can’t afford to train someone,” she says.
More than 100 candidates applied for the job. The organization’s online application system doesn’t allow for cover letter attachments, but one of the applicants, Heidi (not her real name), sent a follow-up email after submitting her résumé. “And it’s a good thing she did, because she would’ve been weeded out otherwise,” Michele says.
Heidi’s résumé made her look like a “job hopper” — very short stints at each previous employer. Michele assumed she was a poor performer who kept getting fired. She was also the only candidate who didn’t have a four-year college degree.
But Heidi’s email caught Michele’s eye. First off, it was professional. Heidi stated clearly that she was writing to double-check that her application had been received. She went on to explain how she had gotten Michele’s name and information (through her husband’s boss, who was on the board) and her personal connection to Boys & Girls Village (her father-in-law had done some work with the organization).
Further Reading
Stand Out in Your Interview
What really stood out to Michele, though, was Heidi’s understanding of the group and the challenges it was facing. She’d done her research and “listed some things she would do or already had done that would help us address those needs,” says Michele.
“The personality and passion she conveyed in the cover letter came through during her phone screening,” Michele says. Heidi ended up being more than qualified for the job. “I wanted this role to be bigger from the get-go, but I didn’t think that was possible. When I met her, I knew we could expand it.” Three weeks later Michele offered Heidi the job and she accepted.
Case Study #2: Catch their attention.
Over the past four years, Emily Sernaker applied for multiple positions at the International Rescue Committee (IRC). She never gave up. With each application, she sent a personalized cover letter. “I wanted my cover letter to highlight my qualifications, creative thinking, and genuine respect for the organization,” she says.
Sarah Vania, the organization’s regional HR director, says that Emily’s letters caught her attention, especially because they included several video links that showed the results of Emily’s advocacy and fundraising work at other organizations. Emily explains, “I had prior experience advocating for former child soldiers, human trafficking survivors, vulnerable women, and displaced persons. It’s one thing to make statements in a cover letter, like ‘I can make a pitch, I am a creative person, I am thoughtful,’ but showing these qualities seemed like a better way of convincing the recruiter that the statements were true.”
This is what Emily wrote to Sarah about the video:
Here is a short video about my story with activism. The nonprofit organization Invisible Children made it for a youth conference I spoke at this year. It is about four minutes. As you’ll see from the video, I’ve had a lot of success as a student fundraiser, raising over $200,000 for Invisible Children. I’ve since gone on to work as a consultant for Wellspring International and have recently concluded my studies as a Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholar.
In each of the cover letters, Emily also made clear how much she wanted to work for IRC. “To convey enthusiasm is a vulnerable thing to do and can come off as naivete, but, when it came down to it, my enthusiasm for the organization was genuine and expressing it felt right,” she says.
This is how Emily conveyed her interest in working for IRC:
You should also know that I have a sincere appreciation of the IRC. I have enjoyed learning about your programs and have personally visited your New York headquarters, the San Diego New Roots farm, the We Can Be Heroes exhibit, and the Half the Sky exhibit in Los Angeles. The IRC is my top choice and I believe I would be a valuable addition to your fundraising team.
Emily learned throughout the process that the organization had hundreds of applicants for each position and it was extremely competitive. “I appreciated that I wouldn’t be the best for every opening but also remained firm that I did have a significant contribution to make,” she says. Eventually, Emily’s persistence paid off. She was hired as a temporary external relations coordinator, and four months later she moved into a permanent role.
Editor’s note: The author updated this article, which was originally written in 2014, to reflect the latest advice from the experts and the reality of job-seeking during the pandemic.
- Amy Gallo is a contributing editor at Harvard Business Review, cohost of the Women at Work podcast , and the author of two books: Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People) and the HBR Guide to Dealing with Conflict . She writes and speaks about workplace dynamics. Watch her TEDx talk on conflict and follow her on LinkedIn . amyegallo
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Business Cover Letter Examples & Templates [2023 ready]
I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your cover letter.” Patrick I love the variety of templates. Good job guys, keep up the good work! Dylan My previous cover letter was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful! George
1. Business Cover Letter Examples
Example #1: experienced business cover letter, experienced cover letter example—text version, example #2: entry-level candidate (cover letter for a business internship), entry-level candidate (cover letter for a business internship)—text version, 2. write a business cover letter step by step (easy-to-fill business cover letter template), 1. follow the perfect business cover letter format, 2. compose a professional cover letter header with contact information, business cover letter header , 3. identify the job to which you’re applying and introduce yourself, business cover letter sample: introduction, 4. highlight your relevant strengths, sample business cover letter: middle paragraph, 5. explain why you want in, business cover letter example: your motivation, 6. get that reply: include a call to action, sample cover letter for business: call to action & formal closing, was it interesting here are similar articles.

Is a Cover Letter Necessary in 2023? Do I Need a Cover Letter?

33+ Cover Letter Tips and Advice to Stand Out in 2023

Entry-Level Cover Letter Examples & Writing Guide
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How to Start a Cover Letter to Impress Employers [+ 14 Examples]

Published: August 11, 2021
According to Career Builder, 40% of recruiters look for a cover letter when they're considering job applicants.

But if you had to flip through a hundred cover letters a day, and each one began, "To whom it may concern, I am applying for the digital marketing position at your company ...", how important would you rank them?
Your cover letter is an opportunity to showcase your personality, display your interest in the job, and include relevant information that otherwise wouldn't be surfaced in your application. An ideal cover letter leaves the hiring manager with a positive and memorable impression of you, something a resume alone won't always do.
To help you overcome writer's block and hook your reader right away, take a look at some sharp opening sentences you can use for inspiration.
5 Free Cover Letter Templates
Fill out this form to access your cover letters., creative cover letter opening sentence examples.
- This position has me written all over it.
- I've wanted to work in [your industry] since [this moment of inspiration].
- Although [current employee] suggested I apply for this position, I don't just want to work with my former colleague again -- I want to join all of you in transforming the industry.
- I like to think of myself as a round peg thriving in a square hole kind of world.
- Aside from the requisite industry bona-fides in my CV, I bring the following to the table:
- Last year, I generated [this much money] in revenue for my company, generated [this many leads], and almost tripled our social media ROI.
- You might not know me, but your client services team certainly does, and now I want to join the vendor that made me such a successful [type of professional].
- When I discovered [name of company] was hiring, I knew I had to apply.
- I considered submitting my latest credit card statement as proof of just how much I love online shopping, but I thought a safer approach might be writing this cover letter, describing all the reasons why I'm the person who can take [name of ecommerce company] to the next level.
- You might compete with my current employer, but why can't we be friends?
- As a [current job position] with high-level management experience in the [industry], I learned that the best way to achieve success was to [biggest lesson you've learned].
- I understand that you have been deluged with resumes since you've been listed as one of the best companies to work for. Mine is one more, but I do have experience that is hard to come by.
Read on to find out 14 ways to grab an employer's attention with an exceptional cover letter introduction.
Featured Resource: 5 Free Cover Letter Templates

Start off your cover letter (and finish it) with a bang with 5 Free Cover Letter Templates. The templates are professional and completely customizable to help you get your dream job.
How to Start a Cover Letter
1. start with humor..
Employers are humans too, and they'll often appreciate a good joke, pun, or funny opening line as much as the next person. If done tastefully and respectfully, starting your cover letter off with a joke can be an excellent way to stand out.
Plus, a joke can still include a powerful explanation for why you're the right person for the job, without coming off as boastful. For instance, think about something you love to do or something you're really good at, and then imagine how friends or family might make a joke about it -- if you're really good at analyzing data, for example, a joke or pun related to that might be a good way to exemplify both your skills and personality.
Here's a good example of using humor to bring attention to your skills, from The Muse (you'll notice this is one of our picks for most creative opening lines, earlier in this article):
"I considered submitting my latest credit card statement as proof of just how much I love online shopping, but I thought a safer approach might be writing this cover letter, describing all the reasons why I'm the girl who can take Stylight's business to the next level."
Why This Works
Right away, the personality displayed here grabs the reader's attention. Even better, this applicant uses humor to convey an important message to the employer -- she loves shopping, and she's well-versed in ecommerce as a consumer -- which might've otherwise not come up on her resume or phone screening.
2. Start with passion.
For an employer to know you'll stay dedicated to the role and company, they'll want to ensure you're passionate about what the job entails. Passion is more incentivizing than a paycheck.
For an employer, demonstrating how your passion matches the required skillset is a promising sign that you'd enjoy your job -- if you enjoy your job, you're more likely to stick around longer, help drive company growth, and become a dedicated member of the team.
Consider starting your cover letter with a few lines that showcase your passion: "I've been passionate about writing since I was ten years old. My love for writing has led me to write two personal travel blogs, get published in a local newspaper, and pursue two summer internships at publishing firms. Now, I'd love the opportunity to combine my writing skills with my interest in storytelling as a content marketer at Company A."
If you don't have extensive work experience in the industry you're trying to break into, but you've been unofficially preparing for years, let the employer know. In the above example, the candidate's resume would probably look weak, with only internships indicating professional experience. Her cover letter introduction, however, shows the employer she's been writing for audiences and advancing her natural ability for years.
3. Start with an accomplishment.
Employers like seeing numbers. It isn't enough to mention you're a "digital marketer with proven success in SEO strategies." Proven success? Okay, can we see?
It's more powerful to provide statistics. You want to show the employer you're capable of solving for long-term results. How have you contributed to your company's bottom line? For instance, did your Facebook marketing campaign grow your social media following, or has your blog content increased organic traffic?
Consider starting your cover letter with something like this: "Over the past year as digital marketing manager at Company A, I've generated $30k+ in revenue, increased organic traffic to our blog by 14%, and almost tripled our social media ROI."
Even if you don't have the work experience to report impressive numbers, you can still offer proof when opening with an accomplishment. Think about the qualitative feedback you've received from employers. For instance, how would your boss compliment you or tell you you're doing a good job? An accomplishment can be as simple as your boss sending you an appreciative email regarding your diligent meeting notes.
In this example from The Muse , the applicant provides an example of a skill for which he's been previously acknowledged: "My last boss once told me that my phone manner could probably diffuse an international hostage situation. I've always had a knack for communicating with people -- the easygoing and the difficult alike -- and I'd love to bring that skill to the office manager position at Shutterstock."
Even though the applicant doesn't offer numbers as proof of success, they do manage to highlight some proof of their past performance in the form of a former boss's praise. The candidate's candid and funny explanation -- that his last boss liked his phone manners -- is another good way to brag about accomplishments without, well, bragging.

4. Start with excitement for the company.
Employers want to know why you like their company, and they'll appreciate an explanation on why you're interested. But it's imperative your reasoning is thoughtful and considerate, and specific to the company. For instance, if you're applying for a financial position, don't write about your interest in finance; write about how your interest in finance relates to the company's goals.
You don't want to just say, "I'm excited to work at Company A because I'm passionate about finance, and I think my skills and experiences will be a good match." Sure, you've explained why you want to work in the financial industry, but you've done nothing to explain why Company A specifically suits your interests.
Instead, you'll want to mention something about the company and culture in correlation to your interest in finance. Take a look at this example from Glassdoor : "When I discovered Accounting Solutions was hiring, I knew I had to apply. I've been waiting to find a company where I feel like I can make a difference while working as an accountant. Not only are your clients awesome, but the overall mission of your company is something I believe in, too."
This candidate shows they've done their research and care about Accounting Solutions in particular. Remember, employers want to hire people who have a demonstrated interest in working at their company. They want someone who will enjoy the nature of the work, but just as importantly, they want a candidate who enjoys the work culture and the company mission as well.
5. Start with news about the company.
Mentioning company news in your introduction indicates you've done research on the company. Plus, including company news might give you the chance to incorporate your own values, as well. If the company just won an award for its innovative solutions in the computer industry, for instance, you might add how you value forward-thinking methods in technology, as well.
Here's an example of an introduction that uses a newsworthy event, from Indeed : "When I saw that Company ABC was featured in Fortune Magazine last month for its commitment to renewable energy and reducing waste in the workplace -- all while experiencing triple-digit revenue growth -- I was inspired. With my track record of reducing costs by 30%+ and promoting greener workplaces, I'm excited about the possibility of taking on the account executive role to expand your company's growth and work towards a more sustainable future."
The candidate does a good job demonstrating how Company ABC's news aligns well with the candidate's personal achievements. She shows she's done her research on the company, and also indicates she values similar environmental efforts in the workplace.
6. Start with what they don't know.
According to one seasoned hiring manager , a cover letter that begins, "I am writing to apply for [open position] at [name of company]" is grounds for nearly instant rejection. Of course you're applying for this job -- why waste your lede with something so boring and obvious?
Your cover letter should never directly state what they already know -- or restate what's already listed on your resume. Instead, start your cover letter by offering something new, expanding on what the employer already knows about you, and presenting new details about what you can bring to the company. Impress employers by telling them something about your skills or experiences they don't already know.
To offer new information not displayed on his resume, one of my colleagues at HubSpot wrote this cover letter introduction: "My resume will tell you I'm Content Marketing Certified. Your records will tell you I've interviewed for a few different HubSpot positions in the past. What neither one will tell you is that I've been working with your customer success team to build a new campaign strategy for my company -- one of your latest (and largest) clients."
The candidate wrote an introduction that captured the reader's attention and demonstrated he wasn't interested in wasting anyone's time. This is a memorable and impressive tactic. Consider writing a similar introduction, where you provide information absent from your resume.
7. Start with what you can bring to the table.
A hiring manager here at HubSpot told me she always looks for cover letters to tell her how the company and applicant can benefit each other.
Any employer is going to want to know why you think you can grow from the position you're applying to. An employer is more inclined to hire you if she thinks you have a genuine, intrinsic motivation to work hard in the role.
A hiring manager is also going to want to know how you'll contribute to the company's larger vision and goals. It's important for the manager to know what you want to get out of the role, but it's equally important to know how you'll help the company grow. How will the company benefit from you, over someone else?
Here's an example: "I am seeking opportunities to improve my writing ability in a forward-thinking environment while growing organic traffic and optimizing content to beat out competitors in search engines. At Company A, I believe I will find that match."
See how it works? In the example above, the candidate explained how she'd benefit from the role. She also explained what Company A could get out of the transaction -- increased organic traffic, and optimized content -- so the hiring manager is informed of the equality of the potential relationship.
8. Start with a statement that surprises them.
When applying for a role at HubSpot, one of my colleagues began her cover letter like this: "I like to think of myself as a round peg thriving in a square hole kind of world."
Doesn't that make you want to keep reading? It certainly kept me interested. Of course, you'll only want to include a bold statement if you can follow it up with some concrete supporting information. My colleague, for example, continued by writing this: "What does this mean? It means that my diverse background makes me a well-rounded candidate who is able to comprehend, develop and execute various functions in business."
While the rest of her cover letter veered on the side of professional, her opening line was casual, quirky, and surprising. Plus, you feel her personality in the line, and when an employer feels like a real person is behind the cover letter, she's going to want to keep reading.
9. Start with a lesson you've learned in your career.
A great way to start a cover letter is with a lesson you've learned in your industry from your experience.
For example, you might say something like, " As a [current job position] with high-level management experience in the [industry], I learned that the best way to achieve success was to [biggest lesson you've learned]."
This opening sentence lets a recruiter know your experience level. Not only that, but it starts off with how you can benefit the company, not how the company will benefit you.
10. Start off with intrigue.
When you're applying to larger corporate companies, you know that recruiters are getting hundreds of applicants for one entry-level position.
It's important to intrigue the hiring manager and recognize that they're looking at several applicants.
For example, you could say, " I understand that you have been deluged with resumes since you've been listed as one of the best companies to work for. Mine is one more, but I do have experience that is hard to come by."
After this, it'd be great to list examples, stats, and experience that set you apart from other candidates and will benefit the company.
Recruiters see countless resumes and cover letters every day. It's important to start your cover letter in a unique way so you can stand out amongst the crowd.
11. Start with a mutual connection.
If an internal employee suggested you apply for a role at their company, don't be shy about highlighting that fact. Hiring Managers will want to see that you've been vetted — even informally — by someone else at the company. Recognizing the name of someone they know internally will likely persuade them to give you another look.
To do this tactfully, start with something like this: "At the suggestion of my old colleague Jane Smith, I am submitting my resume for your consideration for the senior copywriter position. Jane's knowledge and enthusiasm for Company X further convinced me that this is a company where my communication skills, passion for travel, and desire to be challenged can be met."
Why This Works
When the hiring manager sees a fellow employee can attest to your work ethic, it helps assuage any risk she might feel she's taking by hiring someone she doesn't know personally. Plus, it shows you've done your research and you're truly interested in the company itself — rather than sending off a slew of generic cover letters, you took the time to identify an internal connection.

12. Begin with your personal mission statement.
Don't have a personal mission statement? You might want to take some time to create one . A good mission statement can help hiring managers understand why you're passionate about what you do — which goes a long way towards ensuring you'll work hard in your next role.
A few examples on how you might start a cover letter with a personal mission statement look like this: "As a content creator, I believe inspiring readers through creative, persuasive copywriting is vital for helping them excel professionally."
Or: "As a leader, I believe encouraging innovation and creativity is critical for ensuring my employees can do their best work and improve the lives of our customers."
A manager can help you level up on certain key skills, but she can't teach you to love your job. By demonstrating an intrinsic motivation, you're essentially telling the hiring manager, "I know the importance of this role — so I won't slack off on it."
Editor's note: This post was originally published in May 2018 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.


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How to Write a Cover Letter in 2023 | Beginner's Guide

After weeks of heavy job search, you’re almost there!
You’ve perfected your resume.
You’ve short-listed the coolest jobs you want to apply for.
You’ve even had a friend train you for every single interview question out there.
But then, before you can send your application and call it a day, you remember that the job ad requires a cover letter.
Now you’re stuck wondering how to write a cover letter ...
Don’t panic! We’ve got you covered. Writing a cover letter is a lot simpler than you might think.
In this guide, we’re going to teach you how to write a cover letter that gets you the job you deserve.
- What’s a cover letter & why it’s important for your job search
- How to write a convincing cover letter that gets you the job (step-by-step!)
- How to perfect your cover letter with the Novoresume free checklist
- What excellent cover letter examples look like
So, let’s get started with the basics!
What is a Cover Letter? (and Why It’s Important)
A cover letter is a one-page document that you submit as part of your job application (alongside your CV or Resume).
Its purpose is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, your cover letter should be from 250 to 400 words long .
A good cover letter can spark the HR manager’s interest and get them to read your resume.
A bad cover letter, on the other hand, might mean that your application is going directly to the paper shredder. So, to make sure this doesn’t happen, it’s essential to know how to write a convincing cover letter.
How does a good cover letter look, you might ask. Well, here’s an example:

Keep in mind, though, that a cover letter is a supplement to your resume, not a replacement. Meaning, you don’t just repeat whatever is mentioned in your resume.
If you’re writing a cover letter for the first time, writing all this might seem pretty tough. After all, you’re probably not a professional writer.

The thing is, though, you don’t need to be creative, or even any good at writing. All you have to do is follow a tried-and-tested format:
- Header - Input contact information
- Greeting the hiring manager
- Opening paragraph - Grab the reader’s attention with 2-3 of your top achievements
- Second paragraph - Explain why you’re the perfect candidate for the job
- Third paragraph - Explain why you’re a good match for the company
- Formal closing
Or, here’s what this looks like in practice:

How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter (And Get Hired!)
Now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, we’re going to guide you through the process of writing a cover letter step by step.
Step #1 - Pick the Right Cover Letter Template
A good cover letter is all about leaving the right first impression.
So, what’s a better way to leave a good impression than a well-formatted, visual template?

You can simply pick one of our hand-picked cover letter templates , and you’ll be all set in a jiffy!
As a bonus, our AI will even give you suggestions on how to improve your cover letter on the go.
Step #2 - Start the Cover Letter with a Header
As with a resume, it’s important to start your cover letter with a Contact Information section:

Here, you want to include all essential information, including:
- Phone Number
- Name of the hiring manager / their professional title
- Name of the company you’re applying to
In certain cases, you might also consider adding:
- Social Media Profiles - Any type of profile that’s relevant to your field. Social Profiles on websites like LinkedIn, GitHub (for developers), Medium (for writers), etc.
- Personal Website - If you have a personal website that somehow adds value to your application, you can mention it. Let’s say you’re a professional writer. In that case, you’d want to link to your blog.
And here’s what you shouldn’t mention in your header:
- Your Full Address
- Unprofessional Email - Make sure your email is presentable. It’s pretty hard for a hiring manager to take you seriously if your email address is “[email protected]” Whenever applying for jobs, stick to the “[first name] + [last name] @ email provider.com” format.

Step #3 - Greet the Hiring Manager
Once you’ve properly listed your contact information, you need to start writing the cover letter contents.
The first thing to do here is to address the cover letter to the hiring manager .
That’s right, the hiring manager! Not the overly popular “Dear Sir or Madam.” You want to show your future boss that you did your research and are really passionate about working with their team.
No one wants to hire a job seeker who just spams 20+ companies and hopes to get hired in any of them.
So, how do you find out who’s the hiring manager? There are several ways to do this.
The simplest option is to look up the head of the relevant department on LinkedIn. Let’s say you’re applying for the position of a Communication Specialist at Novoresume. The hiring manager is probably Head of Communications or Chief Communications Office.
So, you do a quick lookup on LinkedIn:

And voila! You have your hiring manager.
Or let’s say you’re applying for the position of a server. In that case, you’d be looking for the “restaurant manager.”
If this doesn’t work, you can also check out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.
Here are several other greetings you could use:
- Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
- Dear Hiring Manager
- To whom it may concern
- Dear [Department] Team
Step #4 - Write an Attention-Grabbing Introduction
First impressions matter, especially when it comes to your job search.
Recruiters get hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of applications. Chances are, they’re not going to be reading every single cover letter end-to-end.
So, it’s essential to catch their attention from the very first paragraph .
The #1 problem we see with most cover letter opening paragraphs is that they’re usually extremely generic. Most of them look something like this..
- Hey, my name is Jonathan and I’d like to work as a Sales Manager at XYZ Inc. I’ve worked as a sales manager at MadeUpCompany Inc. for 5+ years, so I believe that I’d be a good fit for the position.
See the issue here? This opening paragraph doesn’t say pretty much anything except the fact that you’ve worked the job before.
Do you know who else has similar work experience? All the other applicants you’re competing with.
Instead, you want to start off with 2-3 of your top achievements to really grab the reader’s attention. Preferably, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position.
So now, let’s make our previous example shine:
My name’s Michael and I’d like to help XYZ Inc. hit and exceed their sales goals as a Sales Manager. I’ve worked with Company X, a fin-tech company, for 3+ years. As a Sales Representative, I generated an average of $30,000+ in sales per month (beating the KPIs by around 40%). I believe that my previous industry experience, as well as excellence in sales, makes me the right candidate for the job.
See the difference between the two examples? If you were the hiring manager, which sales manager would you hire, Jonathan or Michael?
Now that we’ve covered the introduction, let’s talk about the body of your cover letter. This part is split into two paragraphs: the first is for explaining why you’re the perfect person for the job, and the latter is for proving that you’re a good fit for the company.
So, let’s get started...
Step #5 - Explain why you’re the perfect person for the job
This is where you show off your professional skills and convince the HR manager that you’re a better fit for the job than all the other applicants.
But first things first - before you even write anything, you need to learn what the most important requirements for the role are. So, open up the job ad and identify which of the responsibilities are the most critical.
For the sake of the example, let’s say you’re applying for the position of a Facebook Advertiser. You scan the job ad and see that the top requirements are:
- Experience managing a Facebook ad budget of $10,000+ / month
- Some skills in advertising on other platforms (Google Search + Twitter)
- Excellent copywriting skills
Now, in this section, you need to discuss how you fulfill these requirements. So, here’s how that would look for our example:
In my previous role as a Facebook Marketing Expert at XYZ Inc. I handled customer acquisition through ads, managing a monthly Facebook ad budget of $20,000+ . As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation & management process end-to-end. Meaning, I created the ad copy , images, picked the targeting, ran optimization trials, and so on.
Other than Facebook advertising, I’ve also delved into other online PPC channels, including:
- Google Search
Are you a student applying for your first internship? You probably don’t have a lot of work experience to show off in this section. Learn how to write an internship cover letter here.
Step #6 - Explain why you’re a good fit for the company
Once you’ve written the last paragraph, you might be thinking - I’m a shoo-in for the job! What else do I need to write? I’ll just wrap up the cover letter and hit that sweet SEND button.
Well, no. You’re not quite there yet.
The HR manager doesn’t only look at whether you’ll be good at the job or not. They’re looking for someone that’s also a good fit for the company culture.
After all, employees that don’t fit in are bound to quit, sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary .
Meaning, you also need to convince the HR manager that you’re really passionate about working with them.
How do you do this? Well, as a start, you want to do some research about the company. You want to know things like:
- What’s the company’s business model?
- What’s the company product or service? Have you used it?
- What’s the culture like? Will someone micro-manage your work, or will you have autonomy on how you get things done?
So, get to Googling. Chances are, you’ll find all the information you need either on the company website or somewhere around the web.
Then, you need to figure out what you like about the company and turn that into text.
Let’s say, for example, you’re passionate about their product and you like the culture of innovation / independent work in the organization.
You’d write something like:
I’ve personally used the XYZ Smartphone, and I believe that it’s the most innovative tech I’ve used in years. The features such as Made-Up-Feature #1 and Made-Up-Feature #2 were real game changers for the device.
I really admire how Company XYZ thrives for excellence for all its product lines, creating market-leading tech. As someone that thrives in a self-driven environment, I truly believe that I and Company XYZ will be a great match.
What you don’t want to do here is be super generic for the sake of having something to write. Most job seekers tend to mess this one up. Let’s take a look at a very common example we tend to see (way too often):
I’d love to work for Company XYZ because of its culture of innovation. I believe that since I’m super creative, I’d be a good fit for the company. The company values of integrity and transparency really vibe with me.
See what’s wrong here? The example doesn’t really say anything about the company. “Culture of Innovation” is something most companies claim to have.
The same goes for “values of integrity and transparency” - the writer just googled what the values for the organization are, and said that they like them.
Any hiring manager that reads this will see through the fluff.
So, make sure to do a lot of research and come up with good reasons why you're applying.
Step #7 - Wrap up with a call to action
Finally, it’s time to finish up your cover letter and write the conclusion.
In the final paragraph, you want to:
- Wrap up any points you couldn't in the previous paragraphs. Do you have anything left to say? Any other information that could help the hiring manager make their decision? Mention it here.
- Thank the hiring manager for their time. It never hurts to be courteous, as long as you don’t come off as too needy.
- Finish the cover letter with a call to action. The very last sentence in your cover letter should be a call to action. You should ask the hiring manager to take some sort of action.
And now, let’s turn this into a practical example:
So to wrap it all up, thanks for looking into my application. I hope I can help Company X make the most out of their Facebook marketing initiatives. I'd love to further discuss how my previous success at XYZ Inc. can help you achieve your facebook marketing goals.
Step #8 - Use the right formal closing
Once you’re done with the final paragraph, all you have to do is write down a formal “goodbye” and you’re good to go.
Feel free to use one of the most popular conclusions to a cover letter:
- Best Regards,
- Kind Regards,
And we’re finally done! Before sending off the cover letter, make sure to proofread it with software like Grammarly, or maybe even get a friend to review it for you.
Does your cover letter heading include all essential information?
- Professional email
- Relevant Social Media Profiles
Do you address the right person? I.e. hiring manager in the company / your future direct supervisor
Does your introductory paragraph grab the reader's attention?
- Did you mention 2-3 of your top achievements?
- Did you use numbers and facts to back up your experience?
Do you successfully convey that you’re the right pro for the job?
- Did you identify the core requirements?
- Did you successfully convey how your experiences help you fit the requirements perfectly?
Do you convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about the company you’re applying to?
- Did you identify the top 3 things that you like about the company?
- Did you avoid generic reasons for explaining your interest in the company?
Did you finalize the conclusion with a call to action?
Did you use the right formal closure for the cover letter?
5+ Cover Letter Examples
Need some inspiration? Read on to learn about some of the best cover letter examples we’ve seen (for different fields).
College Student Cover Letter Example

Middle Management Cover Letter Example

Career Change Cover Letter Example

Management Cover Letter Example

Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

Want to discover more examples AND learn what makes them stand out? Check out our guide to cover letter examples .
Next Steps in Your Job Search - Creating a Killer Resume
Your cover letter is only as good as your resume. If either one is weak, your entire application is for naught.
After all, a cover letter is just an introduction. Imagine going through all this effort to leave an amazing first impression, but flopping at the end because of a mediocre resume.
...But don’t you worry, we’ve got you covered on that end, too.
If you want to learn more about Resumes & CVs, we have a dedicated FREE guide for that. Check out our complete guide on how to make a resume , as well as how to write a CV - our experts will teach you everything you need to know in order to land your dream job.
Or, if you’re already an expert, just pick one of our resume templates and get started.

Key Takeaways
Now that we’ve walked you through all the steps of writing a cover letter, let’s summarize everything we’ve learned:
- A cover letter is a 250 - 400 word document that convinces the hiring manager of your competence
- A cover letter goes in your job application alongside your resume
- Your introduction to the cover letter should grab the hiring manager’s attention and keep it all the way until the conclusion
- There are 2 main topics you need to include in your cover letter: why you’re the perfect candidate for the job & why you’re passionate about working in the company you’re applying to
- Most of the content of your cover letter should be factual , without any fluff or generalizations
At Novorésumé, we’re committed to helping you get the job you deserve, every step of the way! Follow our blog to stay up to date with the industry-leading advice. Or, check out some of our top guides…
- How to Write a Motivational Letter
- How to Write a Resume with No Work Experience
- Most Common Interview Questions and Answers

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Business Cover Letter Examples
How to craft an eye-catching business cover letter in 5 steps.
The business industry is packed full of different career paths, from accounting and consulting to finance and entrepreneurship. To win a business position, you will not only a resume that details your professional experience but also a cover letter that conveys your dedication to the field.
In this guide, we will teach you 5 essential steps for writing a business cover letter. Keep reading to learn all about:
- How to format a business cover letter header & headline
- Why you need a personalized greeting on your business cover letter
- How to write a compelling business cover letter introduction
- Questions to answer on your cover letter to show professional value
- What to include in a business cover letter closing statement
Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.

1. How to properly format a business cover letter header & headline
The first key step to writing a business cover letter is to create a well-formatted header and headline.
Cover letter headers are the short blocks of text often found in the top left corner of the document that detail all the necessary applicant and company information.
As for the cover letter headline , this is a brief title statement that helps to grab the attention of employers while simultaneously previewing the information to come.
Below, we have provided more in-depth explanations and examples to help illustrate how to create each of these cover letter elements:
Formatting the header
A cover letter header can vary in style and order of information depending on the aesthetic you are after. However, regardless of appearance, a strong header will always include:
- The name of the company and department you are applying to
- Your name and professional title
- Your contact information (phone number, email address, LinkedIn, etc.)
When you put this all together, your business cover letter header should look similar to this example
To: KPMG, Accounting Department From: Joe King , Business & Accounting Professional (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/joe-king
Writing the headline
For the headline of your business cover letter, your goal should be to emulate a headline that a newspaper or magazine would use for a major story. It should be eye-catching while also being honest, accurately portraying the information you will explain within the letter.
To write a cover letter headline, you should always use a keyword related to the position, an eye-catching number or trigger word, a powerful adjective or verb, and a promise.
Here is an example of an effective headline from a Business cover letter, followed by a breakdown of each component
My 3 Excellent Business Skills & How I Will Apply Them for Your Clients’ Needs
Trigger Word/Number : 3 Business Skills Keyword: Business Adjective/Verb: Excellent, Apply Promise: Your Clients’ Needs – by including this detail in your headline, you indicate to employers that you will not only be explaining your skills but also relating these skills to their specific company and client needs.
2. How to personalize greeting on your business cover letter
Once you have created your header and have your headline in place, the next step is to craft the greeting to your business cover letter.
In the past, job applicants were encouraged to use vague and generalized greetings, such as “To Whom It May Concern.” Nowadays, employers are looking for a more personalized approach, with greetings addressed to specific people or departments proving to be far more effective and impressive.
Additionally, a personalized greeting on a cover letter shows the employer that you not only have great attention to detail but also that you have taken the time to do your research before applying.
If you have done your due diligence and are unable to pinpoint the exact person or department that will be reviewing your application, try out one of these alternatives:
To the [Company Name] Team
To the [Company Name] Hiring Manager
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3. How to write a compelling business cover letter introduction
With the header, headline, and greeting of your cover letter out of the way, it’s time to write your introductory paragraph .
To make this introduction both compelling and impressive to employers, you should aim to include:
- A brief overview of your professional history and goals
- A statement on why you are enthusiastic about applying to this company
- A mutual acquaintance (when possible)
Here is an example to help demonstrate how to write a business cover letter introduction
To the [Company Name] Hiring Manager,
I am a Business professional with 3+ years of experience working in Finance & Accounting. After having the pleasure of meeting your Executive Assistant, Jane Doe, at a recent conference, Ms. Doe connected with me via LinkedIn and recommended I apply for this position. Upon reviewing your company mission, I have chosen to apply as our goals and morals align perfectly.
4. How to show professional value on your business cover letter
Next up in your business cover letter are the body paragraphs, where you will offer a more in-depth explanation of why you are a great fit for the company and vice versa.
A well-written Business cover letter will typically contain between 2 to 4 body paragraphs in total that answer each of the following questions:
- What excites you about working at this company?
- What do you hope to learn from working at this company?
- What accomplishments or qualifications make you stand out as an applicant?
- What key skills do you possess that are relevant to the position?
Describing accomplishments with specific and quantifiable details is especially important, as this gives employers real-life examples of the value you have to offer.
Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in a business cover letter
As a Business Consultant for [Former Employer], I traveled to more than 15 international locations to meet with high-profile financial clients, fostering long-lasting business relationships with these clients. Additionally, I onboarded an additional 10 new international clients, resulting in a 45% increase in quarterly revenue for the company .
5. What to include in a business cover letter closing statement
To finish off your Business cover letter strong, you will need an excellent closing statement. This closing statement should include:
- An enthusiastic sentence saying you are looking forward to hearing from them
- An additional sentence stating you will follow up, including how you will contact them or how they can contact you
- A formal sign-off
Here is an example of an effective closing statement from a business cover letter
With my strong working relationship with clients both in-country and internationally, I am confident I can expand your clientele and foster long-lasting relationships with new and existing clients alike. I would love to connect directly either via virtual meeting or in-person in the coming week, and am available to schedule a meeting anytime Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The best way to reach me is at (123) 456-7890 or through email at [email protected]
Best Regards,
[Applicant Name]
Follow this cover letter outline for maximum success.

Milan Šaržík, CPRW
Milan’s work-life has been centered around job search for the past three years. He is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) as well as an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Careers Coaches (PARWCC™). Milan holds a record for creating the most career document samples for our help center – until today, he has written more than 500 resumes and cover letters for positions across various industries. On top of that, Milan has completed studies at multiple well-known institutions, including Harvard University, University of Glasgow, and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.
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How to write an effective cover letter (with samples)
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You will have to prepare a number of materials for employers while looking for a job. One type of document is the cover letter, which is included with your resume when requesting a job interview. An effective cover letter is directed towards a specific position or company, and describes examples from your experience that highlight your skills related to the role.
You want to convince the reader that your interest in the job and company are genuine and specific. You also want to demonstrate ways that your experience has prepared you for the role by sharing a few brief stories that highlight your qualifications. This takes time and research; use the job description and the company’s web site or LinkedIn page to identify traits and skills the company values.
Cover letter structure and format
A cover letter should be no longer than one page with a font size between 10-12 points. Be sure to include your contact information and address it directly to the hiring manager, using their name. If you are not sure who to address the letter to, write “Dear Hiring Manager.” If the role you are applying for has a reference number or code, be sure to include it in your letter so that human resources is able to accurately track your application. The reference code is usually included
Cover letters typically take the following structure:
Introduction (1st paragraph)
- State clearly in your opening sentence the purpose for your letter and a brief professional introduction.
- Specify why you are interested in that specific position and organization.
- Provide an overview of the main strengths and skills you will bring to the role.
Example : I am a second year master’s student in MIT’s Technology and Policy Program (TPP) writing to apply for a consulting position in Navigant’s Emerging Technology & Business Strategy group. After speaking with John Smith at the MIT career fair, I realized that Navigant’s values of excellence, continuous development, entrepreneurial spirit, and integrity align with the principles that guide me every day and that have driven me throughout my career. Moreover, I believe that my knowledge of the energy sector, passion for data analysis, polished communication skills, and four years of consulting experience will enable me to deliver superior value for Navigant’s clients.
Body (2-3 paragraphs)
- Cite a couple of examples from your experience that support your ability to be successful in the position or organization.
- Try not to simply repeat your resume in paragraph form, complement your resume by offering a little more detail about key experiences.
- Discuss what skills you have developed and connect these back to the target role.
Example : As a graduate student in MIT’s Technology and Policy Program, I spend every day at the cutting edge of the energy sector. In my capacity as an MIT Energy Initiative research assistant, I use statistical analysis to investigate trends in public acceptance and regulation related to emerging energy technologies. Graduate classes in data science, energy economics, energy ventures and strategy, and technology policy have prepared me to help Navigant offer the expert services that set it apart from competitors. Furthermore, I will bring Navigant the same leadership skills that I used as the student leader for the MIT Energy Conference’s Technology Commercialization round-table, and as the mentorship manager for the MIT Clean Energy Prize.
Even before MIT, my four years of work experience in consulting—first at LMN Research Group and then at XYZ Consulting—allowed me to develop the skillset that Navigant looks for in candidates. As a science writer and policy analyst at LMN Research Group, I developed superb technical writing and visual communication skills, as well as an ability to communicate and collaborate with clients at federal agencies such as EPA and DOE. As a research analyst at XYZ Consulting, I developed an in-depth understanding of data analysis, program evaluation, and policy design.
Closing (last paragraph)
- Restate succinctly your interest in the role and why you are a good candidate.
- Thank the reader for their time and consideration.
Example : I take pride in my skills and experience in several domains: critical thinking and analysis, communication, and leadership. I note that Navigant values these same ideals, and I very much hope to use my abilities in service of the firm and its clients. Thank you for your time and consideration, I look forward to speaking with you further about my qualifications.
Additional cover letter tips
- Be sure that each cover letter is specifically tailored to the company you are writing to. Research the company to help you determine your approach. Check the company’s website and other resources online. You can also use MIT’s extensive alumni network through the Alumni Advisors Hub to seek first-hand knowledge, advice, and insight about the company.
- Are you seeking a position in a field or industry that does not have an obvious parallel or connection to your academic training? Be explicit about why you are interested in that particular field, organization or job, and what value you bring. For example, if you are an electrical engineer applying to a finance or consulting position, highlight your quantitative skills and ability to problem-solve.
- If you are applying for a summer job or internship and do not yet have any experience that is directly related to the position, focus on transferable skills that will add value to the role – leadership, communication, problem-solving, project management, etc.
- Lastly, cover letters are a chance to demonstrate the communication skills necessary to most jobs. Careful composing and revision are essential. To put your best foot forward and ensure your cover letter will be effective, schedule an appointment with a CAPD career advisor.
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- Recruiting Guidelines for Employers
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VIDEO
COMMENTS
Business Cover Letter Template · 1. Use the proper business cover letter format · 2. Create a professional cover letter header · 3. Open with a
Have a strong opening statement that makes clear why you want the job and what you bring to the table. · Be succinct — a hiring manager should be
1. Follow the Perfect Business Cover Letter Format · Use 'Align Left', don't use justification. · Use equal, at least 1-inch margins on all sides. · Use an elegant
How to write a cover letter in 6 steps · 1. Start with your header · 2. Include a greeting · 3. Write an opening paragraph · 4. Add a second
When writing a cover letter, be sure to reference the requirements listed in the job description. In your letter, reference your most relevant
A cover letter is used to demonstrate your interest in the role, passion for the company, and the impact you've had in previous positions.
1. Start with humor. · 2. Start with passion. · 3. Start with an accomplishment. · 4. Start with excitement for the company. · 5. Start with news
What is a Cover Letter? (and Why It's Important) · Header - Input contact information · Greeting the hiring manager · Opening paragraph - Grab the
3. How to write a compelling business cover letter introduction · A brief overview of your professional history and goals · A statement on why you
You want to convince the reader that your interest in the job and company are genuine and specific. You also want to demonstrate ways that your experience has