How to Write a Perfect Cover Letter in 2023 (with samples)
17 May 2023
Writing a perfect cover letter
What is a cover letter?
There are lots of confusion around what is a cover letter and whether it is needed for all jobs that you might be applying to. In this article that also has free sample cover letters for you to use, we will first clarify what is a cover letter and then demystify a few aspects so you have absolute clarity on what is needed in your cover letter, if you need one.
If you are running short of time and in a rush, take at least one advice that it is a good habit to always attach a good cover letter to your job applications, even if the employer is not asking for a cover letter.
So, what is a cover letter: A cover letter is a document typically sent along with a resume or job application to provide additional information about the applicant's qualifications, skills, and experiences. It serves as an introduction and highlights key aspects of the applicant's background that are relevant to the specific job or position they are applying for.
A well-crafted cover letter is tailored to the job requirements and showcases how the applicant's qualifications align with the needs of the employer. It allows applicants to expand on the information provided in their resume and provide specific examples of their accomplishments, abilities, and motivations.
Different sections of a cover letter
Cover letters generally follow a formal business letter format and include the following components:
1. Contact Information: Your name, address, phone number, and email address, followed by the date of writing and the recipient's contact information (such as the employer's name, title, company, and address).
2. Salutation: A formal greeting addressed to the hiring manager or specific recipient, if their name is known. If you are unsure about the name, you can use a generic salutation such as "Dear Hiring Manager."
3. Introduction: Begin by expressing your interest in the job and mentioning the position you are applying for. Also, briefly explain how you came across the job opening or any personal connection you may have to the company.
4. Body Praragraphs: The main part of the cover letter consists of one or more paragraphs where you can highlight your qualifications, skills, and experiences that make you a strong candidate for the job. It's essential to connect these attributes with the specific requirements of the position and provide examples to support your claims.
5. Closing Paragraph: Summarize your interest and qualifications once again, expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the company. You can also mention that you have attached or enclosed your resume for their review.
6. Closing and Signature: Use a professional closing, such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your full name. Leave space for your handwritten signature if you are sending a physical copy, or simply type your name if you are submitting the letter electronically.
You should remember to keep your cover letter concise, typically limited to one page, and proofread it carefully for any errors before sending it. It should complement your resume and provide additional context and insights into why you are the right candidate for the job.
Following these guidelines above and with the help of the cover letters samples we have put togegther, you can write your own cover letter and effectively show to the employer how well qualified you are for the job you are appling to.
Cover Letter for Internships
This cover letter sample is ideal for fresh graduates seeking internship opportunities.
Sub: Cover Letter
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the internship opportunities available at [Company Name], as advertised on [source or job posting]. As a recent graduate with a [Degree] in [Field of Study], I am eager to apply the knowledge and skills I have acquired to gain practical experience in the [Industry/Field].
Throughout my academic journey, I have developed a solid foundation in [relevant skills or coursework] and gained hands-on experience through [mention relevant projects, internships, or extracurricular activities]. These experiences have equipped me with a strong understanding of [industry-specific knowledge], as well as the ability to [mention relevant abilities, such as problem-solving, teamwork, or communication skills].
I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] because of its reputation as a leading organization in the [Industry/Field]. I am impressed by your commitment to [mention a specific aspect or achievement of the company], and I believe that the internship at your company would provide me with invaluable insights into [mention specific areas or projects]. Moreover, the dynamic and innovative environment at [Company Name] aligns perfectly with my career aspirations and passion for [Industry/Field].
During my academic tenure, I have demonstrated my ability to adapt quickly, work collaboratively in diverse teams, and tackle challenges with a proactive mindset. I am a fast learner who is motivated to contribute to the success of the team and add value to [Company Name]. I am confident that my strong work ethic, dedication, and willingness to learn will make me a valuable asset as an intern.
Enclosed is my resume, which provides a comprehensive overview of my education, coursework, and experiences. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my skills and qualifications align with the internship position at [Company Name]. I am available at your convenience for an interview or further discussion.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to [Company Name] and growing both personally and professionally through an internship. Please find attached my resume for your review.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
This cover letter sample might look a little longer, but this cover letter sample touches on all critical areas as an employer would expect the job seeker to touch upon. Especially if you are someone looking for your first job or internship opportunity, I would suggest that touch on all areas like we have shown in the example above to demonstrate your eagerness and fit to the company.
Click here to download the Cover Letter for Internships.
Cover Letter for Job
This cover letter sample is ideal for fresh graduates seeking their first job.
Sub: Cover Letter
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. As a recent graduate with a [Degree] in [Field of Study], I am excited to begin my professional career and contribute to the success of your organization.
While I may not have direct work experience, I have developed a strong foundation in [mention relevant coursework or projects]. Throughout my academic journey, I have gained expertise in [list relevant skills or knowledge areas], including [specific skills or tools]. I am confident in my ability to quickly learn and adapt to new environments, as evidenced by my academic achievements.
In addition to my technical skills, I possess excellent communication and problem-solving abilities. I have honed my communication skills through presentations, group projects, and engaging in class discussions. I am comfortable collaborating with diverse teams and can contribute effectively to achieve common goals. Furthermore, my academic projects have allowed me to develop critical thinking and analytical skills, enabling me to approach challenges with a logical and creative mindset.
I am eager to contribute to [Company Name]'s success and would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and enthusiasm align with the [Job Title] position. I am available for an interview at your convenience and would be grateful for the chance to demonstrate my motivation and potential as a valuable addition to your team.
Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume for your review, which provides further details on my educational background and relevant coursework. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how I can contribute to [Company Name]'s ongoing success.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to [Company Name] and growing both personally and professionally through an internship. Please find attached my resume for your review.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
This cover letter sample also might look a little longer, but it candidly helps the candidate show with confidence their technical abilities that cast such a nice shadow on lack of formal work experience. If you are not comfortable being specific about your technical skills, you can eliminate the para on technical skills and make necessary adjustments.
Click here to download the Cover Letter for Jobs.
How to mention "No Work Experience" candidly
It is absolutely okay to mention that one does not have any formal work experience rather than trying to cirumvent or dodge that question. There is so much value in showing your freelance gigs or any part time work you may have done after you graduated and include that under relevant work experiences on your resume. You should also highlight on the cover letter any technical and soft skills that you developed from those part time gigs.
We also have a lot of resume templates to help recent graduates and students get their first job opportunity based on the degree and the kind of job they are looking for. Do check them out.
Job Application Letter
This cover letter sample is ideal as a cover letter for all job applications., i.e. when the candidate does not know what positions may be available but wants to be considered for any position that may be available. Also, this cover letter works in situations when the employer asks for a generic cover letter askign you to highlight your general abilities as part of your application.
If you are responding to a newspaper advertisement for open positions, this generic cover letter sample may be a good choice.
Sub: Cover Letter
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in potential job opportunities at [Company Name]. While I may not be aware of the specific positions currently available, I am eager to be considered for any suitable roles that align with my general abilities to work hard, learn fast, and contribute to the success of your organization.
As a motivated and adaptable individual, I possess a strong work ethic and a passion for continuous learning. Throughout my academic journey and various experiences, I have demonstrated my ability to excel in diverse environments by quickly acquiring new skills and knowledge. Although I may not yet have a clear career path in mind, I am confident in my capacity to adapt to different roles and make valuable contributions.
During my education, I have developed a solid foundation in [mention relevant areas of study] and have been recognized for my dedication and commitment to achieving excellence. Through coursework, projects, and internships, I have gained practical experience in [list relevant skills or knowledge areas], which have equipped me with a strong ability to learn quickly and apply my skills effectively.
I am drawn to [Company Name] due to its reputation as a leader in the [industry/field]. I am inspired by your commitment to [mention a specific aspect or achievement of the company], and I believe that my passion for personal growth and professional development aligns well with your organization's values.
I am open to exploring a variety of roles within [Company Name], as I am confident in my ability to adapt, contribute, and grow in a fast-paced and challenging environment. I thrive in collaborative settings and am eager to work alongside talented professionals who share a similar drive for success.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my general abilities, strong work ethic, and enthusiasm for learning could add value to your team. I have attached my resume for your review, which provides additional details on my educational background, coursework, and any relevant experiences.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing potential job opportunities and how I can contribute to the ongoing success of [Company Name].
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
Click here to download the Cover Letter for generic job applications.
Cover letter for Contract Jobs
This cover letter sample is ideal as a cover letter for contract and part time jobs. Basically, by using this sample, you can very effectively highlight the fact that you are aware the position is a contract position and you want to be considered. For the contract positions, the employers want to see in the candidates great levels of commitment and awarness to potential challenges a contract position might pose.
Sub: Cover Letter
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am excited to apply for the contract position at [Company Name]. I believe my skills, experiences, and attitude make me a great fit for this role, and I am eager to contribute to your organization's success.
As a motivated and hardworking individual, I am confident that I can meet the demands and expectations of a contract position. I am experienced in delivering results under tight deadlines and working independently to ensure project completion. I am skilled in [mention relevant skills and areas of expertise], and I have the ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
I understand that contract positions come with certain limitations, including the possibility of a short-term engagement. However, I see this as an opportunity to demonstrate my value to your organization and contribute to your success. I am committed to providing excellent work and going above and beyond expectations, regardless of the length of the contract.
In my previous roles, I have demonstrated my ability to deliver high-quality work under pressure and with minimal supervision. For example, [provide a specific example of your relevant experience and achievements]. These experiences have taught me to be efficient, focused, and driven, which I believe will make me a valuable asset to your team.
I am excited to learn more about your organization and the specific requirements of this contract position. I am confident that my skills and attitude will enable me to make a positive contribution to your organization. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
Click here to download the Cover Letter for contract positions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cover Letters
What is the format of Cover letter?
The format of a cover letter typically follows a professional business letter format. The cover letter usually has these sections: Your contact information, date, employer's contact information, saluation (Dear, Mr, Ms, etc.), introduction, body paragraphs, closing and your signature or full name typed.
How many pages should the Cover Letter be?
One page. There is no need to keep the cover letter longer than one page. It could jsut become a boring cover letter and your potential employer might see a cover letter longer than one page as a sign for lack of ability to be concise. So, keep your cover letter to one page.
How should I send my Cover Letter?
Submit on the form online or by mail - depending on the situtaion. Most job applications these days are online where you would submit your resume and the cover letter. Quite simply, send your cover letter just as you would send your resume.
Can I submit my cover letter even if the application does not ask for a Cover Letter?
Yes. If you have the time and you really like the opportunity, by all means write and submit a cover letter even if the job application does not explicitly ask for a cover letter.
Bio Data Samples to Download
If you are looking for some great, easy to use bio-data formats, you will find a lot of them below. If you are looking for a particular template, and can't find it, contact us through the contact form and we will do our best to help you.
To download any of the bio data formats, just click the image and click the download button.
Author
