how to write an application letter for resume

How to Write a Cover Letter [Full Guide & Examples for 2024]

After weeks of heavy job searching, 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 in your application and call it a day, you remember that you need to write a cover letter too.

So now, you’re stuck staring at a blank page, wondering where to start...

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.

We're going to cover:

What Is a Cover Letter?

• How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter, Step by Step
• 15+ Job-Winning Cover Letter Examples

Let’s get started.

A cover letter is a document that you submit as part of your job application, alongside your resume or CV.

The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, it should be around 250 to 400 words long .

A good cover letter is supposed to impress the hiring manager and convince them you’re worth interviewing as a candidate.

So, how can your cover letter achieve this?

First of all, it should complement your resume, not copy it. Your cover letter is your chance to elaborate on important achievements, skills, or anything else that your resume doesn’t give you the space to cover. 

For example, if you have an employment gap on your resume, the cover letter is a great place to explain why it happened and how it helped you grow as a person. 

If this is your first time writing a cover letter, writing about yourself might seem complicated. But don’t worry—you don’t need to be super creative or even a good writer .

All you have to do is follow this tried and tested cover letter structure:

• Header. Add all the necessary contact information at the top of your cover letter.
• Formal greeting. Choose an appropriate way to greet your target audience.
• Introduction. Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph and explain your interest in the role.
• Body. Elaborate on why you’re the best candidate for the job and a good match for the company. Focus on “selling” your skills, achievements, and relevant professional experiences.
• Conclusion. Summarize your key points and wrap it up professionally.

Now, let’s take a look at an example of a cover letter that follows our structure perfectly:

New to cover letter writing? Give our cover letter video a watch before diving into the article!

When Should You Write a Cover Letter?

You should always include a cover letter in your job application, even if the hiring manager never reads it. Submitting a cover letter is as important as submitting a resume if you want to look like a serious candidate.

If the employer requests a cover letter as part of the screening process, not sending one is a huge red flag and will probably get your application tossed into the “no” pile immediately.

On the other hand, if the job advertisement doesn’t require a cover letter from the candidates, adding one shows you went the extra mile.

Putting in the effort to write a cover letter can set you apart from other candidates with similar professional experience and skills, and it could even sway the hiring manager to call you for an interview if you do it right.

Need to write a letter to help get you into a good school or volunteer program? Check out our guide to learn how to write a motivation letter !

How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter

Now that you know what a cover letter is, it’s time to learn how to write one!

We’ll go through the process in detail, step by step.

#1. Choose 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, stylish template?

Just choose one of our hand-picked cover letter templates , and you’ll be all set in no time!

As a bonus, our intuitive AI will even give you suggestions on how to improve your cover letter as you write it. You’ll have the perfect cover letter done in minutes!

#2. Put Contact Information in the Header

As with a resume, it’s important to start your cover letter with your contact details at the top. These should be in your cover letter’s header, separated neatly from the bulk of your text.

Here, you want to include all the essential contact information , including:

• Full Name. Your first and last name should stand out at the top.
• Job Title. Match the professional title underneath your name to the exact job title of the position you’re applying for. Hiring managers often hire for several roles at once, so giving them this cue about what role you’re after helps things go smoother.
• Email Address. Always use a professional and easy-to-spell email address. Ideally, it should combine your first and last names.
• Phone Number. Add a number where the hiring manager can easily reach you.
• Location. Add your city and state/country, no need for more details.
• Relevant Links (optional). You can add links to websites or social media profiles that are relevant to your field. Examples include a LinkedIn profile , Github, or an online portfolio.

Then it’s time to add the recipient’s contact details, such as:

• Hiring Manager's Name. If you can find the name of the hiring manager, add it.
• Hiring Manager's Title. While there’s no harm in writing “hiring manager,” if they’re the head of the department, we recommend you use that title accordingly.
• Company Name. Make sure to write the name of the company you're applying to.
• Location. The city and state/country are usually enough information here, too.
• Date of Writing (Optional). You can include the date you wrote your cover letter for an extra professional touch.

#3. Address the Hiring Manager

Once you’ve properly listed all the contact information, it’s time to start writing the content of the cover letter.

The first thing you need to do here is to address your cover letter directly to the hiring manager.

In fact, you want to address the hiring manager personally .

Forget the old “Dear Sir or Madam” or the impersonal “To Whom It May Concern.” You want to give your future boss a good impression and show them that you did your research before sending in your application.

No one wants to hire a job seeker who just spams 20+ companies and hopes something sticks with their generic approach

So, how do you find out who’s the hiring manager?

First, check the job ad. The hiring manager’s name might be listed somewhere in it.

If that doesn’t work, check the company’s LinkedIn page. You just need to look up the head of the relevant department you’re applying to, and you’re all set.

For example, if you’re applying for the position of Communication Specialist at Novorésumé. The hiring manager is probably the Head of Communications or the Chief Communications Officer.

Here’s what you should look for on LinkedIn:

And there you go! You have your hiring manager.

But let’s say you’re applying for a position as a server . In that case, you’d be looking for the “restaurant manager” or “food and beverage manager.”

If the results don’t come up with anything, try checking out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.

Make sure to address them as Mr. or Ms., followed by their last name. If you’re not sure about their gender or marital status, you can just stick to their full name, like so:

• Dear Mr. Kurtuy,
• Dear Andrei Kurtuy,

But what if you still can’t find the hiring manager’s name, no matter where you look?

No worries. You can direct your cover letter to the company, department, or team as a whole, or just skip the hiring manager’s name.

• Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
• Dear Hiring Manager
• Dear [Department] Team
• Dear [Company Name]

Are you applying for a research position? Learn how to write an academic personal statement .

#4. Write an Eye-Catching Introduction

First impressions matter, especially when it comes to your job search.

Hiring managers 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 biggest problem with most opening paragraphs is that they’re usually extremely generic. Here’s an example:

• 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 anything except the fact that you’ve worked the job before.

And do you know who else has similar work experience? All the other applicants you’re competing with.

Instead, you want to start with some of your top achievements to grab the reader’s attention. And to get the point across, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position.

Your opening paragraph should also show the hiring manager a bit about why you want this specific job. For example, mention how the job relates to your plans for the future or how it can help you grow professionally. This will show the hiring manager that you’re not just applying left and right—you’re actually enthusiastic about getting this particular role.

Now, let’s make our previous example shine:

Dear Mr. Smith,

My name’s Michael, and I’d like to help XYZ Inc. hit and exceed its sales goals as a Sales Manager. I’ve worked as a Sales Representative with Company X, another fin-tech company , for 3+ years, where I generated an average of $30,000+ in sales per month and beat the KPIs by around 40%. I believe that my previous industry experience, passion for finance , and excellence in sales make me the right candidate for the job.

The second candidate starts with what they can do for the company in the future and immediately lists an impressive and relevant achievement. Since they’re experienced in the same industry and interested in finance, the hiring manager can see they’re not just a random applicant.

From this introduction, it’s safe to say that the hiring manager would read the rest of this candidate’s cover letter.

#5. Use the Cover Letter Body for Details

The next part of your cover letter is where you can go into detail about what sets you apart as a qualified candidate for the job.

The main thing you need to remember here is that you shouldn’t make it all about yourself . Your cover letter is supposed to show the hiring manager how you relate to the job and the company you’re applying to.

No matter how cool you make yourself sound in your cover letter, if you don’t tailor it to match what the hiring manager is looking for, you’re not getting an interview.

To get this right, use the job ad as a reference when writing your cover letter. Make sure to highlight skills and achievements that match the job requirements, and you’re good to go.

Since this part of your cover letter is by far the longest, you should split it into at least two paragraphs.

Here’s what each paragraph should cover:

Explain Why You’re the Perfect Candidate for the Role

Before you can show the hiring manager that you’re exactly what they’ve been looking for, you need to know what it is they’re looking for.

Start by doing a bit of research. Learn what the most important skills and responsibilities of the role are according to the job ad, and focus on any relevant experience you have that matches them.

For example, if you’re applying for the position of a Facebook Advertiser. The top requirements on the job ad are:

• Experience managing a Facebook ad budget of $10,000+ / month
• Some skills in advertising on other platforms (Google Search + Twitter)
• Excellent copywriting skills

So, in the body of your cover letter, you need to show how you meet these requirements. Here’s an example of what that can look like:

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 $40,000+ . As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation and management process end-to-end. I created the ad copy and 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

Our example addresses all the necessary requirements and shows off the candidate’s relevant skills.

Are you a student applying for your first internship? Learn how to write an internship cover letter with our dedicated guide.

Explain Why You’re a Good Fit for the Company

As skilled and experienced as you may be, that’s not all the hiring manager is looking for.

They also want someone who’s a good fit for their company and who actually wants to work there.

Employees who don’t fit in with the company culture are likely to quit sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary , so hiring managers vet candidates very carefully to avoid this scenario.

So, you have to convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about working with them.

Start by doing some research about the company. You want to know things like:

• What’s the company’s business model?
• What’s the company’s product or service? Have you used it?
• What’s the company’s culture like?

Chances are, you’ll find all the information you need either on the company website or on job-search websites like Jobscan or Glassdoor.

Then, pick your favorite thing about the company and talk about it in your cover letter.

But don’t just describe the company in its own words just to flatter them. Be super specific—the hiring manager can see through any fluff.

For example, if you’re passionate about their product and you like the company’s culture of innovation and independent work model, you can 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 strives for excellence in all its product lines, creating market-leading tech. As someone who thrives in a self-driven environment, I truly believe that I’ll be a great match for your Product Design team.

So, make sure to do your fair share of research and come up with good reasons why you're applying to that specific company.

Is the company you want to work for not hiring at the moment? Check out our guide to writing a letter of interest .

#6. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Finally, it’s time to conclude your cover letter.

In the final paragraph, you want to:

• Wrap up any points you couldn't make in the previous paragraphs. Do you have anything left to say? If there’s any other information that could help the hiring manager make their decision, mention it here. If not, just recap your key selling points so far, such as key skills and expertise.
• Express gratitude. Politely thanking the hiring manager for their time is always a good idea.
• Finish the cover letter with a call to action. The very last sentence in your cover letter should be a call to action. This means you should ask the hiring manager to do something, like call you and discuss your application or arrange an interview.
• Remember to sign your cover letter. Just add a formal closing line and sign your name at the bottom.

Here’s an example of how to end your cover letter :

I hope to help Company X make the most 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. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at the provided email address or phone number so that we may arrange an interview.

Thank you for your consideration,

Alice Richards

Feel free to use one of these other popular closing lines for your cover letter:

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

Cover Letter Writing Checklist

Once you’re done with your cover letter, it’s time to check if it meets all industry requirements. 

Give our handy cover letter writing checklist a look to make sure:

Does your cover letter heading include all essential information?

• Professional Email
• Phone Number
• Relevant Links

Do you address the right person? 

• The hiring manager in the company
• Your future direct supervisor
• The company/department in general

Does your introductory paragraph grab the reader's attention?

• Did you mention some of your top achievements?
• Did you use numbers and facts to back up your experience?
• Did you convey enthusiasm for the specific role?

Do you show that you’re the right candidate for the job?

• Did you identify the core requirements for the role?
• Did you show how your experiences helped 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 conclude your cover letter properly?

• Did you recap your key selling points in the conclusion?
• Did you end your cover letter with a call to action?
• Did you use the right formal closing line and sign your name?

15 Cover Letter Tips

Now you’re all set to write your cover letter! 

Before you start typing, here are some cover letter tips to help take your cover letter to the next level:

• Customize Your Cover Letter for Each Job. Make sure your cover letter is tailored to the job you're applying for. This shows you're not just sending generic applications left and right, and it tells the hiring manager you’re the right person for the job.
• Showcase Your Skills. Talk about how your skills meet the company’s needs. And while your hard skills should be front and center, you shouldn’t underestimate your soft skills in your cover letter either.
• Avoid Fluff. Don’t make any generic statements you can’t back up. The hiring manager can tell when you’re just throwing words around, and it doesn’t make your cover letter look good.
• Use Specific Examples. Instead of saying you're great at something, give an actual example to back up your claim. Any data you can provide makes you sound more credible, so quantify your achievements. For example, give numbers such as percentages related to your performance and the timeframe it took to accomplish certain achievements.
• Research the Company. Always take time to learn about the company you're applying to. Make sure to mention something about them in your cover letter to show the hiring manager that you're interested.
• Follow the Application Instructions. If the job posting asks for something specific in your cover letter or requires a certain format, make sure you include it. Not following instructions can come off as unattentive or signal to the hiring manager that you’re not taking the job seriously.
• Use the Right Template and Format. Choose the right cover letter format and adapt your cover letter’s look to the industry you’re applying for. For example, if you’re aiming for a job in Law or Finance, you should go for a cleaner, more professional look. But if you’re applying for a field that values innovation, like IT or Design, you have more room for creativity.
• Express Your Enthusiasm. Let the hiring manager know why you're excited about the job. Your passion for the specific role or the field in general can be a big selling point, and show them that you’re genuinely interested, not just applying left and right.
• Address Any Gaps. If there are any employment gaps in your resume , your cover letter is a great place to mention why. Your resume doesn’t give you enough space to elaborate on an employment gap, so addressing it here can set hiring managers at ease—life happens, and employers understand.
• Avoid Quirky Emails. Your email address should be presentable. It’s hard for a hiring manager to take you seriously if your email address is “[email protected].” Just use a [email protected] format.
• Check Your Contact Information. Typos in your email address or phone number can mean a missed opportunity. Double-check these before sending your application.
• Mention if You Want to Relocate. If you’re looking for a job that lets you move somewhere else, specify this in your cover letter.
• Keep It Brief. You want to keep your cover letter short and sweet. Hiring managers don’t have time to read a novel, so if you go over one page, they simply won’t read it at all.
• Use a Professional Tone. Even though a conversational tone isn’t a bad thing, remember that it's still a formal document. Show professionalism in your cover letter by keeping slang, jargon, and emojis out of it.
• Proofread Carefully. Typos and grammar mistakes are a huge deal-breaker. Use a tool like Grammarly or QuillBot to double-check your spelling and grammar, or even get a friend to check it for you.

15+ Cover Letter Examples

Need some inspiration? Check out some perfect cover letter examples for different experience levels and various professions.

5+ Cover Letter Examples by Experience

#1. college student cover letter example.

Check out our full guide to writing a college student cover letter here.

#2. Middle Management Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a project manager cover letter here.

#3. Team Leader Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a team leader cover letter here.

#4. Career Change Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to a career change resume and cover letter here.

#5. Management Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a management cover letter here.

#6. Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing an executive resume here.

9+ Cover Letter Examples by Profession

#1. it cover letter example.

Check out our full guide to writing an IT cover letter here.

#2. Consultant Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a consultant cover letter here.

#3. Human Resources Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a human resources cover letter here.

#4. Business Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a business cover letter here.

#5. Sales Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a sales cover letter here.

#6. Social Worker Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a social worker cover letter here.

#7. Lawyer Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a lawyer cover letter here.

#8. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing an administrative assistant cover letter here.

#9. Engineering Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing an engineer cover letter here.

#10. Receptionist Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a receptionist cover letter here.

Need more inspiration? Check out these cover letter examples to learn what makes them stand out.

Plug & Play Cover Letter Template

Not sure how to start your cover letter? Don’t worry!

Just copy and paste our free cover letter template into the cover letter builder, and swap out the blanks for your details.

[Your Full Name]

[Your Profession]

[Your Phone Number]

[Your Email Address]

[Your Location]

[Your LinkedIn Profile URL (optional)]

[Your Personal Website URL (optional)]

[Recipient's Name, e.g., Jane Doe],

[Recipient's Position, e.g., Hiring Manager]

[Company Name, e.g., ABC Corporation]

[Company Address]

[City, State/Country]

Dear [Recipient's Name],

As a seasoned [Your Profession] with [Number of Years of Experience] years of industry experience, I am eager to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With my experience in [Your Industry/Sector] and the successes I've achieved throughout my education and career, I believe I can bring unique value and creativity to your team.

In my current role as [Your Current Job Title], I've taken the lead on more than [Number of Projects/Assignments] projects, some valued up to $[Highest Project Value]. I pride myself on consistently exceeding client expectations and have successfully [Mention a Key Achievement] in just a [Amount of Time] through [Skill] and [Skill].

I've collaborated with various professionals, such as [List Roles], ensuring that all [projects/tasks] meet [relevant standards or objectives]. This hands-on experience, coupled with my dedication to understanding each [client's/customer's] vision, has equipped me to navigate and deliver on complex projects.

My key strengths include:

• Improving [Achievement] by [%] over [Amount of Time] which resulted in [Quantified Result].
• Optimizing [Work Process/Responsibility] which saved [Previous Employer] [Amount of Time/Budget/Other Metric] over [Weeks/Months/Years]
• Spearheading team of [Number of People] to [Task] and achieving [Quantified Result].

Alongside this letter, I've attached my resume. My educational background, a [Your Degree] with a concentration in [Your Specialization], complements the practical skills that I'm particularly eager to share with [Company Name].

I'm excited about the possibility of contributing to [Something Notable About the Company or Its Mission]. I'd be grateful for the chance to delve deeper into how my expertise aligns with your needs.

Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

The Heart of 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 falls through.

After all, your cover letter is meant to complement your resume. Imagine going through all this effort to leave an amazing first impression in your cover letter, only for the hiring manager to never read it because your resume was mediocre.

But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered here, too.

Check out our dedicated guide on how to make a resume and learn everything you need to know to land your dream job!

Just pick one of our resume templates and start writing your own job-winning resume.

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’s meant to convince the hiring manager that you’re the best candidate for the job.
• Your job application should always include a cover letter alongside your resume.
• To grab the hiring manager’s attention, write a strong opening paragraph. Mention who you are, why you’re applying, and a standout achievement to pique their interest.
• Your cover letter should focus on why you’re the perfect candidate for the job and why you’re passionate about working in this specific company.
• Use the body of your cover letter to provide details on your skills, achievements, and qualifications, as well as make sure to convey your enthusiasm throughout your whole cover letter.
• Recap your key selling points towards the end of your cover letter, and end it with a formal closing line and your full name signed underneath.

At Novorésumé, we’re committed to helping you get the job you deserve every step of the way! 

Follow our career blog for more valuable advice, or check out some of our top guides, such as:

• How to Make a Resume in 2024 | Beginner's Guide
• How to Write a CV (Curriculum Vitae) in 2024 [31+ Examples]
• 35+ Job Interview Questions and Answers [Full List]

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How to write a great cover letter in 2024: tips and structure

A cover letter is a personalized letter that introduces you to a potential employer, highlights your qualifications, and explains why you're a strong fit for a specific job.

Hate or love them, these brief documents allow job seekers to make an impression and stand out from the pile of other applications. Penning a thoughtful cover letter shows the hiring team you care about earning the position.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to write a cover letter — and a great one, at that.

What is a cover letter and why does it matter?

A professional cover letter is a one-page document you submit alongside your CV or resume as part of a job application. Typically, they’re about half a page or around 150–300 words.

An effective cover letter doesn’t just rehash your CV; it’s your chance to highlight your proudest moments, explain why you want the job, and state plainly what you bring to the table.

Show the reviewer you’re likable, talented, and will add to the company’s culture . You can refer to previous jobs and other information from your CV, but only if it helps tell a story about you and your career choices .

What 3 things should you include in a cover letter?

A well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out to potential employers. To make your cover letter shine, here are three key elements to include:

1. Personalization

Address the hiring manager or recruiter by name whenever possible. If the job posting doesn't include a name, research to find out who will be reviewing applications. Personalizing your cover letter shows that you've taken the time to tailor your application to the specific company and role.

2. Highlight relevant achievements and skills

Emphasize your most relevant skills , experiences, and accomplishments that directly relate to the job you're applying for. Provide specific examples of how your skills have benefited previous employers and how they can contribute to the prospective employer's success. Use quantifiable achievements , such as improved efficiency, cost savings, or project success, to demonstrate your impact.

3. Show enthusiasm and fit

Express your enthusiasm for the company and the position you're applying for. Explain why you are interested in this role and believe you are a good fit for the organization. Mention how your values, goals, and skills align with the company's mission and culture. Demonstrating that you've done your research can make a significant impression.

What do hiring managers look for in a cover letter?

Employers look for several key elements in a cover letter. These include:

Employers want to see that your cover letter is specifically tailored to the position you are applying for. It should demonstrate how your skills, experiences, and qualifications align with the job requirements.

Clear and concise writing

A well-written cover letter is concise, easy to read, and error-free. Employers appreciate clear and effective communication skills , so make sure your cover letter showcases your ability to express yourself effectively.

Demonstrated knowledge of the company

Employers want to see that you are genuinely interested in their organization. Mention specific details about the company, such as recent achievements or projects, to show that you are enthusiastic about joining their team.

Achievements and accomplishments

Highlight your relevant achievements and accomplishments that demonstrate your qualifications for the position. Use specific examples to showcase your skills and show how they can benefit the employer.

Enthusiasm and motivation

Employers want to hire candidates who are excited about the opportunity and motivated to contribute to the company's success. Express your enthusiasm and passion for the role and explain why you are interested in working for the company.

Professionalism

A cover letter should be professional in tone and presentation. Use formal language, address the hiring manager appropriately, and follow standard business letter formatting.

How do you structure a cover letter?

A well-structured cover letter follows a specific format that makes it easy for the reader to understand your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position. Here's a typical structure for a cover letter:

Contact information

Include your name, address, phone number, and email address at the top of the letter. Place your contact information at the beginning so that it's easy for the employer to reach you.

Employer's contact information

Opening paragraph, middle paragraph(s), closing paragraph, complimentary close, additional contact information.

Repeat your contact information (name, phone number, and email) at the end of the letter, just in case the employer needs it for quick reference.

Remember to keep your cover letter concise and focused. It should typically be no more than one page in length. Proofread your letter carefully to ensure it is free from spelling and grammatical errors. Tailor each cover letter to the specific job application to make it as relevant and impactful as possible.

How to write a good cover letter (with examples)

The best letters are unique, tailored to the job description, and written in your voice — but that doesn’t mean you can’t use a job cover letter template.

Great cover letters contain the same basic elements and flow a certain way. Take a look at this cover letter structure for ref erence while you construct your own.

1. Add a header and contact information

While reading your cover letter, the recruiter shouldn’t have to look far to find who wrote it. Your document should include a basic heading with the following information:

• Pronouns (optional)
• Location (optional)
• Email address
• Phone number (optional)
• Relevant links, such as your LinkedIn profile , portfolio, or personal website (optional)

You can pull this information directly from your CV. Put it together, and it will look something like this:

Christopher Pike

San Francisco, California

[email protected]

Alternatively, if the posting asks you to submit your cover letter in the body of an email, you can include this information in your signature. For example:

Warm regards,

Catherine Janeway

Bloomington, Indiana

[email protected]

(555) 999 - 2222

2. Include a personal greeting

Always begin your cover letter by addressing the hiring manager — preferably by name. You can use the person’s first and last name. Make sure to include a relevant title, like Dr., Mr., or Ms. For example, “Dear Mr. John Doe.”

Avoid generic openings like “To whom it may concern,” “Dear sir or madam,” or “Dear hiring manager.” These introductions sound impersonal — like you’re copy-pasting cover letters — and can work against you in the hiring process.

Be careful, though. When using someone’s name, you don’t want to use the wrong title or accidentally misgender someone. If in doubt, using only their name is enough. You could also opt for a gender-neutral title, like Mx.

Make sure you’re addressing the right person in your letter — ideally, the person who’s making the final hiring decision. This isn’t always specified in the job posting, so you may have to do some research to learn the name of the hiring manager.

3. Draw them in with an opening story

The opening paragraph of your cover letter should hook the reader. You want it to be memorable, conversational, and extremely relevant to the job you’re pursuing. 

There’s no need for a personal introduction — you’ve already included your name in the heading. But you should make reference to the job you’re applying for. A simple “Thank you for considering my application for the role of [job title] at [company],” will suffice.

Then you can get into the “Why” of your job application. Drive home what makes this specific job and this company so appealing to you. Perhaps you’re a fan of their products, you’re passionate about their mission, or you love their brand voice. Whatever the case, this section is where you share your enthusiasm for the role.

Here’s an example opening paragraph. In this scenario, you’re applying for a digital marketing role at a bicycle company:

“Dear Mr. John Doe,

Thank you for considering my application for the role of Marketing Coordinator at Bits n’ Bikes.

My parents bought my first bike at one of your stores. I’ll never forget the freedom I felt when I learned to ride it. My father removed my training wheels, and my mom sent me barrelling down the street. You provide joy to families across the country — and I want to be part of that.”

4. Emphasize why you’re best for the job

Your next paragraphs should be focused on the role you’re applying to. Highlight your skill set and why you’re a good fit for the needs and expectations associated with the position. Hiring managers want to know what you’ll bring to the job, not just any role.

Start by studying the job description for hints. What problem are they trying to solve with this hire? What skills and qualifications do they mention first or more than once? These are indicators of what’s important to the hiring manager.

Search for details that match your experience and interests. For example, if you’re excited about a fast-paced job in public relations, you might look for these elements in a posting:

• They want someone who can write social media posts and blog content on tight deadlines
• They value collaboration and input from every team member
• They need a planner who can come up with strong PR strategies

Highlight how you fulfill these requirements:

“I’ve always been a strong writer. From blog posts to social media, my content pulls in readers and drives traffic to product pages. For example, when I worked at Bits n’ Bikes, I developed a strategic blog series about bike maintenance that increased our sales of spare parts and tools by 50% — we could see it in our web metrics.

Thanks to the input of all of our team members, including our bike mechanics, my content delivered results.”

5. End with a strong closing paragraph and sign off gracefully

Your closing paragraph is your final chance to hammer home your enthusiasm about the role and your unique ability to fill it. Reiterate the main points you explained in the body paragraphs and remind the reader of what you bring to the table.

You can also use the end of your letter to relay other important details, like whether you’re willing to relocate for the job.

When choosing a sign-off, opt for a phrase that sounds professional and genuine. Reliable options include “Sincerely” and “Kind regards.”

Here’s a strong closing statement for you to consider:

“I believe my enthusiasm, skills, and work experience as a PR professional will serve Bits n’ Bikes very well. I would love to meet to further discuss my value-add as your next Director of Public Relations. Thank you for your consideration. I hope we speak soon.

Tips to write a great cover letter that compliments your resume

When writing your own letter, try not to copy the example excerpts word-for-word. Instead, use this cover letter structure as a baseline to organize your ideas. Then, as you’re writing, use these extra cover letter tips to add your personal touch:

• Keep your cover letter different from your resume : Your cover letter should not duplicate the information on your resume. Instead, it should provide context and explanations for key points in your resume, emphasizing how your qualifications match the specific job you're applying for.
• Customize your cover letter . Tailor your cover letter for each job application. Address the specific needs of the company and the job posting, demonstrating that you've done your homework and understand their requirements.
• Show enthusiasm and fit . Express your enthusiasm for the company and position in the cover letter. Explain why you are interested in working for this company and how your values, goals, and skills align with their mission and culture.
• Use keywords . Incorporate keywords from the job description and industry terms in your cover letter. This can help your application pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and demonstrate that you're well-versed in the field.
• Keep it concise . Your cover letter should be succinct and to the point, typically no more than one page. Focus on the most compelling qualifications and experiences that directly support your application.
• Be professional . Maintain a professional tone and structure in your cover letter. Proofread it carefully to ensure there are no errors.
• Address any gaps or concerns . If there are gaps or concerns in your resume, such as employment gaps or a change in career direction, briefly address them in your cover letter. Explain any relevant circumstances and how they have shaped your qualifications and determination.
• Provide a call to action . Conclude your cover letter with a call to action, inviting the employer to contact you for further discussion. Mention that you've attached your resume for their reference.
• Follow the correct format . Use a standard cover letter format like the one above, including your contact information, a formal salutation, introductory and closing paragraphs, and your signature. Ensure that it complements your resume without redundancy.
• Pick the right voice and tone . Try to write like yourself, but adapt to the tone and voice of the company. Look at the job listing, company website, and social media posts. Do they sound fun and quirky, stoic and professional, or somewhere in-between? This guides your writing style.
• Tell your story . You’re an individual with unique expertise, motivators, and years of experience. Tie the pieces together with a great story. Introduce how you arrived at this point in your career, where you hope to go , and how this prospective company fits in your journey. You can also explain any career changes in your resume.
• Show, don’t tell . Anyone can say they’re a problem solver. Why should a recruiter take their word for it if they don’t back it up with examples? Instead of naming your skills, show them in action. Describe situations where you rose to the task, and quantify your success when you can.
• Be honest . Avoid highlighting skills you don’t have. This will backfire if they ask you about them in an interview. Instead, shift focus to the ways in which you stand out.
• Avoid clichés and bullet points . These are signs of lazy writing. Do your best to be original from the first paragraph to the final one. This highlights your individuality and demonstrates the care you put into the letter.
• Proofread . Always spellcheck your cover letter. Look for typos, grammatical errors, and proper flow. We suggest reading it out loud. If it sounds natural rolling off the tongue, it will read naturally as well.

Common cover letter writing FAQs

How long should a cover letter be.

A cover letter should generally be concise and to the point. It is recommended to keep it to one page or less, focusing on the most relevant information that highlights your qualifications and fits the job requirements.

Should I include personal information in a cover letter?

While it's important to introduce yourself and provide your contact information, avoid including personal details such as your age, marital status, or unrelated hobbies. Instead, focus on presenting your professional qualifications and aligning them with the job requirements.

Can I use the same cover letter for multiple job applications?

While it may be tempting to reuse a cover letter, it is best to tailor each cover letter to the specific job you are applying for. This allows you to highlight why you are a good fit for that particular role and show genuine interest in the company.

Do I need to address my cover letter to a specific person?

Whenever possible, it is advisable to address your cover letter to a specific person, such as the hiring manager or recruiter. If the job posting does not provide this information, try to research and find the appropriate contact. If all else fails, you can use a generic salutation such as "Dear Hiring Manager."

Should I include references in my cover letter?

It is generally not necessary to include references in your cover letter. Save this information for when the employer explicitly requests it. Instead, focus on showcasing your qualifications and achievements that make you a strong candidate for the position.

It’s time to start writing your stand-out cover letter

The hardest part of writing is getting started. 

Hopefully, our tips gave you some jumping-off points and confidence . But if you’re really stuck, looking at cover letter examples and resume templates will help you decide where to get started. 

There are numerous sample cover letters available online. Just remember that you’re a unique, well-rounded person, and your cover letter should reflect that. Using our structure, you can tell your story while highlighting your passion for the role. 

Doing your research, including strong examples of your skills, and being courteous is how to write a strong cover letter. Take a breath , flex your fingers, and get typing. Before you know it, your job search will lead to a job interview.

If you want more personalized guidance, a specialized career coach can help review, edit, and guide you through creating a great cover letter that sticks.

Ace your job search

Explore effective job search techniques, interview strategies, and ways to overcome job-related challenges. Our coaches specialize in helping you land your dream job.

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

3 cover letter examples to help you catch a hiring manager’s attention

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How to Write a Cover Letter: Your Full Guide (With Tips and Examples)

It’s a familiar cycle: You sit down to write a cover letter, open a blank document, check your email, browse cover letter examples , do some chores, watch that cursor blink a few more times, and finally Google something like “how to write a cover letter”—which hopefully brought you here. But you still might be thinking, does anyone really read cover letters? Why do they even exist?

First: Yes, we can assure you that cover letters do, in fact, get read. To some hiring managers, they’re the most important part of your job application. And regardless, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to tell prospective employers who you are, showcase why they should hire you, and stand out above all the other candidates.

To ensure your letter is in amazing shape (and crafting it is as painless as possible), we’ve got easy-to-follow steps plus examples, a few bonus tips, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Get that cover letter out there! Browse open jobs on The Muse and find your dream job »

What is a cover letter and why is it important?

A cover letter is a brief (one page or less) note that you write to a hiring manager or recruiter to go along with your resume and other application materials.

Done well, a cover letter gives you the chance to speak directly to how your skills and experience line up with the specific job you’re pursuing. It also affords you an opportunity to hint to the reviewer that you’re likable, original, and likely to be a great addition to the team.

Instead of using cover letters to their strategic advantage, most job applicants blabber on and on about what they want, toss out bland, cliché-filled paragraphs that essentially just regurgitate their resume, or go off on some strange tangent in an effort to be unique. Given this reality, imagine the leg up you’ll have once you learn how to do cover letters right.

How long should a cover letter be?

An ideal cover letter typically ranges from a half page to one full page. Aim to structure it into four paragraphs, totaling around 250 to 400 words, unless the job posting states otherwise. Some employers may have specific guidelines like word or character limits, writing prompt, or questions to address. In such cases, be sure to follow these instructions from the job posting.

How to write a cover letter hiring managers will love

Now that you’re sold on how important cover letters are, here are eight steps to writing one that screams, “I’m a great hire!”

Step 1: Write a fresh cover letter for each job (but yes, you can use a template)

Sure, it’s way faster and easier to take the cover letter you wrote for your last application, change the name of the company, and send it off. But most employers want to see that you’re truly excited about the specific position and organization—which means creating a custom letter for each position.

While it’s OK to recycle a few strong sentences and phrases from one cover letter to the next, don’t even think about sending out a 100% generic letter. “Dear Hiring Manager, I am excited to apply to the open position at your company” is an immediate signal to recruiters and hiring managers that you’re mass-applying to every job listing that pops up on LinkedIn.

At the same time, there’s nothing that says you can’t get a little help: Try out one of our free cover letter templates to make the process a bit easier.

Step 2: Add your contact info

At the top of your cover letter, you should list out your basic info. You can even copy the same heading from your resume if you’d like. Some contact info you might include (and the order to include it in):

• Your pronouns (optional)
• Your location (optional)
• Your email address
• Your phone number (optional)
• Your Linkedin, portfolio, or personal website URL (optional)

Note that only name and email are mandatory, and you don’t need to put a full address on a cover letter or resume anymore. A city and state (or metro area) are more than enough. So your header might look like this:

Inigo Montoya he/him Florin Metropolitan Area [email protected] 555-999-2222

If the job posting tells you to submit your cover letter in the body of an email, you can add your contact info at the end, after your name (and if you’d like to forgo the email address here, you can—they have it already). So your sign off could look like this:

Violet Baudelaire she/her [email protected] 123-123-1234

https://www.linkedin.com/in/violet-baudelaire/

Step 3: Address your cover letter to the hiring manager—preferably by name

The most traditional way to address a cover letter is to use the person’s first and last name, including “Mr.” or “Ms.” (for example, “Dear Ms. Jane Smith” or just “Dear Ms. Smith”). But to avoid accidentally using the wrong title—or worse, inadvertently misgendering someone—first and last name also work just fine.

If “Dear” feels a bit too stiff, try “Hello.” But never use generic salutations like “ To Whom it May Concern ” or “Dear Sir or Madam.”

For more help, read these rules for addressing your cover letter and a few tips for how to find the hiring manager .

Step 4: Craft an opening paragraph that’ll hook your reader

Your opening sets the stage for the whole cover letter. So you want it to be memorable, friendly, conversational, and hyper-relevant to the job you’re pursuing.

No need to lead with your name—the hiring manager can see it already. But it’s good to mention the job you’re applying for (they may be combing through candidates for half a dozen different jobs).

You could go with something simple like, “I am excited to apply for [job] with [Company].” But consider introducing yourself with a snappy first paragraph that highlights your excitement about the company you’re applying to, your passion for the work you do, and/or your past accomplishments.

This is a prime spot to include the “why” for your application. Make it very clear why you want this job at this company. Are you a longtime user of their products? Do you have experience solving a problem they’re working on? Do you love their brand voice or approach to product development? Do your research on the company (and check out their Muse profile if they have one) to find out.

Read this next: 30 Genius Cover Letter Openers Recruiters Will LOVE

Step 5: Convey why you’d be a great hire for this job

A common cover letter mistake is only talking about how great the position would be for you. Frankly, hiring managers are aware of that—what they really want to know is what you’re going to bring to the position and company.

So once you’ve got the opening under wraps, you should pull out a few key ideas that will make up the backbone of your cover letter. They should show that you understand what the organization is looking for and spell out how your background lines up with the position.

Study the job description for hints . What problems is the company looking to solve with this hire? What skills or experiences are mentioned high up, or more than once? These will likely be the most important qualifications.

If you tend to have a hard time singing your own praises and can’t nail down your strengths , here’s a quick trick: What would your favorite boss, your best friend, or your mentor say about you? How would they sing your praises? Use the answers to inform how you write about yourself. You can even weave in feedback you’ve received to strengthen your case (occasionally, don’t overuse this!). For example:

“When I oversaw our last office move, my color-coded spreadsheets covering every minute detail of the logistics were legendary; my manager said I was so organized, she’d trust me to plan an expedition to Mars.”

Step 6: Back up your qualifications with examples and numbers

Look at your list of qualifications from the previous step, and think of examples from your past that prove you have them. Go beyond your resume. Don’t just regurgitate what the hiring manager can read elsewhere.

Simply put, you want to paint a fuller picture of what experiences and accomplishments make you a great hire and show off what you can sashay through their doors with and deliver once you land the job.

For example, what tells a hiring manager more about your ability to win back former clients? This: “I was in charge of identifying and re-engaging former clients.” Or this: “By analyzing past client surveys, NPS scores, and KPIs, as well as simply picking up the phone, I was able to bring both a data-driven approach and a human touch to the task of re-engaging former clients.”

If you're having trouble figuring out how to do this, try asking yourself these questions and finding answers that line up with the qualifications you’ve chosen to focus on:

• What approach did you take to tackling one of the responsibilities you’ve mentioned on your resume?
• What details would you include if you were telling someone a (very short!) story about how you accomplished one of your resume bullet points?
• What about your personality, passion, or work ethic made you especially good at getting the job done?

Come up with your examples, then throw in a few numbers. Hiring managers love to see stats—they show you’ve had a measurable impact on an organization you’ve worked for. Did you bring in more clients than any of your peers? Put together an impressive number of events? Make a process at work 30% more efficient? Work it into your cover letter!

This might help: How to Quantify Your Resume Bullets (When You Don't Work With Numbers)

Step 7: Finish with a strong conclusion

It’s tempting to treat the final lines of your cover letter as a throwaway: “I look forward to hearing from you.” But your closing paragraph is your last chance to emphasize your enthusiasm for the company or how you’d be a great fit for the position. You can also use the end of your letter to add important details—like, say, the fact that you’re willing to relocate for the job.

Try something like this:

“I believe my energy, desire to innovate, and experience as a sales leader will serve OrangePurple Co. very well. I would love to meet to discuss the value I could add as your next West Coast Sales Director. I appreciate your consideration and hope to meet with you soon.”

Then be sure to sign off professionally , with an appropriate closing and your first and last name. (Need help? Here are three cover letter closing lines that make hiring managers grimace, plus some better options .)

Step 8: Reread and revise

We shouldn’t have to tell you to run your cover letter through spell-check, but remember that having your computer scan for typos isn’t the same as editing . Set your letter aside for a day or even just a few hours, and then read through it again with fresh eyes—you’ll probably notice some changes you want to make.

You might even want to ask a friend or family member to give it a look. In addition to asking them if they spot any errors, you should ask them two questions:

• Does this sell me as the best person for the job?
• Does it get you excited?

If the answer to either is “no,” or even slight hesitation, go back for another pass.

Cover letter examples

Here are four example cover letters that follow the advice given above. Keep in mind that different situations may require adjustments in your approach. For instance, experienced job seekers can emphasize accomplishments from previous roles, while those with less experience might highlight volunteer work, personal projects, or skills gained through education.

Example #1: Cover letter for a job application

Alia Farhat San Francisco Bay Area [email protected] 444-000-1111

Hello Danny Tanaka,

If I’m being honest, I still haven’t fully gotten over the death of my first Tamagotchi pet when I was six years old. (His name was Tommy, and I’ve gotten far more creative since then, I promise.) When I was older, I discovered NeoPets and I was hooked for years—not just on the site, but on the community that surrounded it. So when I heard about FantasyPets last year, I immediately started following news about your development process, and that’s how I saw your post looking for a marketing strategist. Not only do I have eight years of experience in digital marketing, but as a lifelong gamer with a passion for pet-focused titles who’s spent years in online communities with like-minded people, I also know exactly what kind of messaging resonates with your target audience.

You’re looking for someone to help you craft a social media marketing campaign to go along with your game launch, and I’ve been a part of three launch-day marketing campaigns for mobile and web-based games. In my current role as social media manager at Phun Inc., I proposed a campaign across Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok based on competitor research and analysis of our social campaigns for similar games to go along with the launch of the mobile game FarmWorld. Using my strategy of featuring both kids and adults in ads, we ended up driving over one million impressions and 80k downloads in the first three months.

I’ve always believed that the best way to find the right messaging for a game is to understand the audience and immerse myself in it as much as possible. I spend some of my research time on gaming forums and watching Twitch streams and Let’s Plays to see what really matters to the audience and how they talk about it. Of course, I always back my strategies up with data—I’m even responsible for training new members of the marketing team at Phun Inc. in Google AdWords and data visualization.

I believe that my passion for games exactly like yours, my digital marketing and market research experience, and my flair for turning data into actionable insights will help put FantasyPets on the map. I see so much promise in this game, and as a future player, I want to see its user base grow as much as you do. I appreciate your consideration for the marketing strategist role and hope to speak with you soon.

Alia Farhat

Example #2: Cover letter for an internship

Mariah Johnson

New York, NY [email protected] 555-000-1234

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am excited to submit my application for the software development internship at Big Tech. As a student at New York University majoring in computer science with a keen interest in social studies, I believe I would be a good fit for the role. Big Tech's mission to promote equality and a more sustainable world is deeply inspiring, and I would be thrilled to contribute to this mission.

In a recent hackathon, I demonstrated my ability to lead a team in designing and developing an app that directs members of a small community to nearby electronics recycling centers. My team successfully developed a working prototype and presented it to a panel of industry experts who awarded us second place.

I’ve also been an active volunteer at my local library for over four years. During this time, I organized book donation drives, led book fairs, and conducted reading sessions with children. This experience strengthened my presentation and communication skills and confirmed my motivation stems from supporting a good cause. I would be more than happy to bring my passion and dedication to an organization whose mission resonates with me..

Through these experiences, along with my coursework in software engineering, I am confident I am able to navigate the challenges of the Big Tech internship program. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you about my qualifications. Thank you for your consideration.

Example #3: Cover letter with no experience

Sarah Bergman

Philadelphia, PA [email protected] 1234-555-6789

Dear Chloe West,

I’m excited to apply for the entry-level copywriting position at Idea Agency. As a recent graduate from State University with a major in mass communications, I’m eager to delve deeper into copywriting for brands, marketing strategies, and their roles in the business world.

Over the past two years, I’ve completed courses in creative writing, copywriting, and essentials of digital marketing. I’ve also been actively involved in extracurricular activities, creating content and promoting student events across multiple online platforms. These experiences expanded my creativity, enhanced my teamwork skills, and strengthened my communication abilities.

As an admirer of your visionary marketing campaigns and Idea Agency’s commitment to sustainability, I’m enthusiastic about the prospect of joining your team. I'm confident that I can contribute to your future projects with inventive thinking and creative energy.

I welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further. Thank you for considering my application.

Best regards,

Example #4: Career change cover letter

Leslie Smith

Chicago, IL [email protected] 111-222-3344

Dear Paul Jones,

Over the past year, I’ve volunteered to represent my company at a local fair and there I discovered how much fun working face to face with clients would be. Everytime I sold a product for The Solar Company, I often wished it was my full-time job. Now, I'm excited to submit my application for the sales coordinator position with Bloom Sales.

After completing a degree in business administration, I decided to put my outgoing personality and strong communication skills to work as a sales specialist at The Solar Company. I’ve sharpened my presentation and critical thinking skills in client meetings and sourced more than $20,000 in new partnerships. This experience has given me an invaluable foundation, and now I’m confident it's the time to move business administration to sales coordination.

I’m comfortable seeking out new business opportunities, making cold calls, and selling potential clients on the advantages of Bloom Sales products. I attend an average of 10 in-person meetings a week, and interacting with a lot of different personalities is what excites me the most. As a detail-oriented, tech-savvy professional, I have advanced knowledge of Excel and data analysis.

I would love to learn more about your sales strategy for the second semester and discuss how my experience in business administration and client-facing sales exposure would help Bloom Sales achieve its goals. Thank you for your consideration.

Extra cover letter examples

• Pain point cover letter example
• Recent graduate cover letter example
• Stay-at-home parent returning to work cover letter example
• Sales cover letter example
• Email marketing manager cover letter example
• No job description or position cover letter example (a.k.a., a letter of intent or interest)
• Buzzfeed-style cover letter example
• Creative cover letter example (from the point-of-view of a dog)

Bonus cover letter tips to give you an edge over the competition

As you write your cover letter, here are a few more tips to consider to help you stand out from the stack of applicants:

• Keep it short and sweet: There are always exceptions to the rule, but in general, for resumes and cover letters alike, don’t go over a page. (Check out these tips for cutting down your cover letter .)
• Never apologize for your missing experience: When you don’t meet all of the job requirements, it’s tempting to use lines like, “Despite my limited experience as a manager…” or “While I may not have direct experience in marketing…” But why apologize ? Instead of drawing attention to your weaknesses, emphasize the strengths and transferable skills you do have.
• Strike the right tone: You want to find a balance between being excessively formal in your writing—which can make you come off as stiff or insincere—and being too conversational. Let your personality shine through, for sure, but also keep in mind that a cover letter shouldn’t sound like a text to an old friend.
• Consider writing in the company’s “voice:” Cover letters are a great way to show that you understand the environment and culture of the company and industry. Spending some time reading over the company website or stalking their social media before you get started can be a great way to get in the right mindset—you’ll get a sense for the company’s tone, language, and culture, which are all things you’ll want to mirror—especially if writing skills are a core part of the job.
• Go easy on the enthusiasm: We can’t tell you how many cover letters we’ve seen from people who are “absolutely thrilled for the opportunity” or “very excitedly applying!” Yes, you want to show personality, creativity, and excitement. But downplay the adverbs a bit, and keep the level of enthusiasm for the opportunity genuine and believable.

The bottom line with cover letters is this: They matter, much more than the naysayers will have you believe. If you nail yours, you could easily go from the “maybe” pile straight to “Oh, hell yes.”

Cover letter FAQs (a.k.a., everything else you need to know about cover letters)

• Are cover letters still necessary?
• Do I have to write a cover letter if it’s optional?
• Can I skip the cover letter for a tech job?
• What does it mean to write a cover letter for a resume?
• How can I write a simple cover letter in 30 minutes?
• How can I show personality in my cover letter?
• What should I name my cover letter file?
• Is a letter of intent different from a cover letter?
• Is a letter of interest different from a cover letter?

Regina Borsellino , Jenny Foss , and Amanda Cardoso contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.

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How to Write a Letter of Application for 2024 (With Template & Examples)

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An impressive letter of application allows you to elaborate on your resume and gives the recruiter an understanding of your character and professional value. It’s a powerful opportunity to make a lasting impression on a prospective employer. 

Below, you’ll learn what is the purpose of a letter of application and how to write one, along with a template and examples to help you get started.

What is a Letter of Application and Why It’s Important

A letter of application, or a cover letter , is a one-page document that builds on and expands your resume . This letter showcases your unique skills and achievements that set you apart as the ideal candidate for the job. However, the most critical aspect is showcasing how you can contribute to the company’s growth and success while aligning with your career aspirations. 

While only sometimes required, adding a well-written letter of application can be just what you need to land the interview . It’s the perfect platform to explain gaps in your resume or the reasons for switching careers. Think of it as a compelling letter where you can vouch for yourself. 

How to Start a Letter of Application

To create a persuasive letter of application, gather all the necessary information beforehand. Here are a few things you should consider:

Your application letter should be addressed to the person reading it. Take the time to research the hiring manager’s full name.

Study the job description and identify keywords that signal the skills the role requires. Add these to your resume to tailor your letter of application to the job post.

List all your impressive achievements and relevant resume skills demonstrating your ability to perform the role.

Why do you want to work at this enterprise? Do you admire their culture, services or products? Do you agree with their mission statement?

How to Write a Letter of Application

Writing an impressive application letter is easy when you know the proper structure and what information to include. The following sections will guide you through the writing process. 

1. Address your letter of application

Thanks to your research, you already know who you’re writing to. Address your letter using the formal “Dear [recipient’s full name].” Other appropriate application letter salutations include: 

• Dear [Job Title]’s Hiring Manager, 
• Dear [Recruiter’s Name], 
• Dear [Department] Recruiter, 
• Dear Head of [Job Title’s Department], 
• Dear Hiring Manager, 
• Greetings, 

Avoid outdated greetings like “To Whom It May Concern” and “Dear Sir or Madam.” 

2. Hook your reader with a strong introduction

It’s an attention-grabbing opening statement to pique a recruiter’s interest. Your introduction should cover the following:

• Introduce yourself as a professional.
• Mention the specific job title you’re applying for.
• Explain why you want to join the company.
• Highlight how your skills and experience align with the job requirements.
• Indicate where you heard about the position.

3. Convince the employer you’re the right person for the job

To make your letter of application impactful, highlight your experience with specific examples of your professional achievements. Follow these guidelines:

• Address the specific requirements: Describe your relevant soft and hard skills and your top accomplishments in detail to convince the recruiter you’re the best fit for the role. 
• Apply the STAR method : Illustrating your achievements using the Situation, Task, Action and Result (STAR) method is a highly effective strategy for positioning yourself as a proactive problem-solver. 
• Be strategic with your formatting: It’s essential to keep the body of your application letter concise and straightforward. Design decisions like bulleted lists can assist you in emphasizing your abilities and credentials. 

4. Close with a call to action

Conclude your application letter by expressing your enthusiasm for the job and desire to be considered. Remember to extend an invitation to connect further through an interview. Use this opportunity to inform them of your availability and provide your contact information. 

Letter of Application Template

Dear [Hiring manager’s full name],

I’m writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [where you found the job posting]. With a strong background in [relevant skills and experiences], I’m confident I can contribute effectively to your team and help [Company Name] achieve its goals.

In my previous role at [Previous Company], I [describe relevant responsibilities and achievements]. This experience has equipped me with the skills necessary for the [Job Title] position, including [list specific skills or qualifications mentioned in the job description]. My commitment to [mention any relevant values or goals of the company] aligns with the values of [Company Name].

I’m drawn to [Company Name] because of its reputation for [mention any positive aspects of the company that attracted you, such as its innovative solutions, commitment to excellence, etc.]. I am eager to bring my [mention specific skills or qualities] to contribute to your team’s success.

Thank you for considering my application. Attached is my resume, which details my professional background and accomplishments. I’m available via xxx-xxx-xxxx or email on [dates of availability] during normal business hours.

I look forward to meeting and discussing how my skills and experiences align with the needs of [Company Name].

[Your Full Name]

Letter of Application Example

March 3, 2023

Dear Ruby Clark,

I’m writing to express my interest in the Senior Copywriter position at Wales Advertising, as posted on LinkedIn. With a proven track record in creating compelling content, I am excited to contribute my skills and experience to your dynamic team.

As a senior professional in the field, I have demonstrated leadership skills by collaborating with cross-functional teams, mentoring junior copywriters, and overseeing the successful delivery of high-profile projects. I have successfully developed and executed creative copywriting strategies for diverse clients, consistently exceeding expectations and driving engagement. My ability to understand brand voice, target audiences, and market trends has resulted in impactful campaigns and a 35% increase in brand visibility.

Wales Advertising’s reputation for innovative and strategic advertising solutions aligns perfectly with my professional aspirations. I’m impressed by the agency’s commitment to creativity, and I’m eager to bring my passion for storytelling, strategic thinking, and meticulous attention to detail to your esteemed team. I’m confident that my expertise in crafting persuasive and memorable content will contribute to the continued success and growth of Wales Advertising.

Attached is my resume, providing a more detailed overview of my professional background and accomplishments. Feel free to contact me via 555-555-5555 or email this Monday and Thursday during regular business hours — I look forward to meeting and discussing this copywriting opportunity further. 

Thank you for considering my application. 

[email protected]

Letter of Application FAQ

What is a letter of application form.

A letter of application form is a formal business letter you send to recruiters to secure a job interview. It accompanies your resume and helps you expand on your work experience, skills and accomplishments while showcasing your work ethic and professional values. 

What is an example of a good cover letter for a job application?

Here’s an example of a well-written cover letter: 

June 10, 2023

Dear Walter Moore,

I’m writing to express my interest in the Product Designer position at Bloom, as advertised on Indeed. With a strong background in product design and a passion for creating innovative and user-centric solutions, I am eager to bring my skills and creative vision to contribute to Bloom’s success.

In my previous role as a Product Designer at InnovaForma Designs, I led the design process for GreenLight, from conceptualization to final implementation. This ground-breaking product outsold its competitors and won the Sustainability Award at the VisionaryCraft Awards. My experience includes collaborating with cross-functional teams, conducting user research, and translating insights into intuitive and visually appealing designs. 

I’m particularly drawn to Bloom because of its commitment to innovation and focus on sustainability. I’m excited to contribute my skills to a company that values creativity and user-centric design principles. My ability to balance user needs, business goals, and design aesthetics aligns well with Bloom’s commitment to delivering exceptional user experiences. 

Additionally, my proficiency in industry-standard design tools, a keen eye for detail, and a solid understanding of design principles position me as a valuable candidate for this role. 

Enclosed is my resume, which details my professional background and showcases my portfolio. I’m available via 555-555-5555 or email this Tuesday and Friday during regular business hours. I look forward to discussing this opportunity further. 

Jack Miller

When do you need a letter of application?

Always include a letter of application in your job application unless the employer says otherwise. It’s a perfect opportunity to expand your resume and showcase who you are as a professional. An application letter is specifically recommended if you have gaps in your resume or are looking to switch careers; it’s your chance to explain your reasoning and sell yourself. 

Learn About Our Writing Standards

Editorial standards .

JobHero has published in-depth career guides, resume and cover letter articles since 2014. We aim to share job-seeking tools and empower job seekers throughout their careers!

• Purdue Online Writing Lab, “What Is a Cover Letter? ”
• Purdue Online Writing Lab, “How can I learn what will impress prospective employers? ”
• Harvard Business Review, “How to Write a Cover Letter That Sounds Like You (and Gets Noticed),” by Elainy Mata
• The Muse, “5 Steps to Crafting a Killer Cover Letter,”  by Erin Greenawald

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Last edited by: Natalia Merced, Content Writer - June 12, 2024

Natalia Merced

Natalia holds an M.A. in Counseling Psychology and a B.A. in Public Relations and Advertising. Her focus on music, pop culture, and its intersections with race and gender led her to publish editorial work in Remezcla, Hasta 'Bajo Project, La Aguja Negra, Diarios Negros and Buena Vibra.

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How to Write a Cover Letter for Any Job [2024 Guide]

A cover letter can make or break your entire job application. Discover how to write a cover letter that will impress any recruiter.

Many people think that writing a cover letter is daunting and anxiety-inducing, but the truth is that more than half of employers prefer candidates with cover letters. Missing a cover letter means missing a lot of interviews. Having a bad cover letter means...almost the same. 

If you don't know how to write a cover letter, do not worry. We'll teach you how to write a good cover letter. The one employers want to see and will get you a lot of job interviews. 

This guide will show you:

• How to write a cover letter for a job application that stands out.
• A cover letter sample that will get you more interviews.
• How to write a cover letter for different types of jobs. 
• A full step-by-step guide to writing a cover letter quickly and painlessly

Save hours of work and get a cover letter like this. Pick a template, fill it in. Quick and easy. Choose from 20+ cover letter templates and download your cover letter now.

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Want to see cover letter examples for a specific positions? Feel free to check out these articles:

• Business Cover Letter
• Consulting Cover Letter
• Customer Service Cover Letter
• Digital Marketing Cover Letter
• Human Resources Cover Letter
• Internal Position Cover Letter
• Internship Cover Letter
• IT Cover Letter
• Marketing Cover Letter
• No Experience Cover Letter
• Non-profit Cover Letter
• Project Management Cover Letter
• Social Work Cover Letter
• Teacher Cover Letter

Looking for a different cover letter example? See Cover Letter Examples for all professions . 

How to Write a Cover Letter—Example

Jennifer J. Amato

Customer Service Specialist

89 Westfield Road

Anytown, CA 92301

552-993-0888

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/jenny-j-amato

Anytown, 1/10/2021

Mr. James Stipe

Head of Product

3015 Round Table Drive

Anytown, CA 90544

Dear Mr. Stipe,

When I found the opening for the Senior Customer Service Specialist with ABC Bank I felt as if it was addressed to me, personally. In my current position as CSR at Acme Corp, I’ve boosted customer retention by 37% in 9 months and raised the mean NPS from 7.9 to 8.8. I’m sure my expertise can translate into similar results for ABC.

I realize that the major upcoming challenge for your Customer Service Team will be to assist other teams in launching the new AI-based platform for Personal Internet Banking. While working at Acme, I:

• Planned and supervised online and phone surveys prior to the redesign of our internet banking platform.
• Oversaw collaboration with colleagues in a cross-departmental project team of customer service reps, data analysts, and software developers to design a consumer-insight-driven product.
• Trained 46 customer service agents in resolving customer queries related to the new online banking platform; after the launch of the platform, these agents had a 97% satisfaction rating on average.

I love that your Customer Service Team operates with one goal in mind only: to maximize the business opportunities by finding and implementing tailor-made solutions for all customers. It perfectly reflects my core professional value: the drive to connect every customer with personalized support at every step of their consumer life journey.

When can we schedule a call to discuss solutions for boosting ABC’s Customer Satisfaction Scores by 20% in the next Fiscal Year?

P.S. I’d also value the opportunity to tell you how I raised customers’ satisfaction rates with my team by 48% above the company average.

After reading this cover letter, Mr. Stipe couldn’t resist inviting Ms. Amato to a job interview. Yours can be just as effective. Let’s start with the basics:

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a one-page document that’s a part of your job application alongside your resume. In your cover letter, you get a chance to introduce yourself, set yourself apart from all the other candidates, and prove you’re the best person for this job.

A cover letter isn’t just a retelling of the facts you share in your resume. It gives a glimpse of your personality while showcasing your professional achievements in greater detail. It should also show your passion for the specific job you’re applying for—otherwise, the recruiter will think you don’t really want the job and move on to the next candidate.

In short, a cover letter is a document that can make or break your entire job application. Let’s see how to write one that’s guaranteed to become a success: 

How to Write a Cover Letter

Many people—even seasoned professionals—aren’t quite sure how to write a cover letter. So, if the very thought of writing it makes you anxious, you’re definitely not alone. But you’re not doomed to dedicate half of your day to anxious guesswork along the lines of “How do I even get started?”

Effective cover letters follow a clear underlying structure that you can easily borrow:

• Opening paragraph that grabs the reader’s attention
• Paragraph that shows why you’re the best candidate
• Another paragraph that demonstrates your passion for this specific job at this specific company
• Call to action
• P. S. (optional)

If you include all these elements in your cover letter, you’ll be a lot closer to getting your dream job than you think.

Now, let’s go through all these elements. Here's how to write a successful cover letter:

1. Stick to the Proper Cover Letter Format

Your cover letter should follow the best practices for writing business letters.  Keep your cover letter short and to the point—in fact, your entire cover letter shouldn’t be longer than 350 words. Yes, that doesn’t look like much, but it’s a good cover letter length to aim for.

Pick a professional, easy-to-read font, set the line spacing to 1 or 1.15, and align your paragraphs to the left . This formatting is easy on the eyes and won’t give the recruiter a headache.

Recruiters are busy people, remember? Add an extra line between paragraphs so that your cover letter is easy to scan within a few seconds.

Not sure how to format your cover letter and choose the best layout? Check out our guide to cover letter formatting or, even better, use our cover letter builder that does the job for you.

Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.

CREATE YOUR COVER LETTER NOW

Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here .

2. Write a Professional Cover Letter Header

Writing a cover letter heading sounds simple, but if you happen to get it wrong, your job application is doomed.

Fortunately, writing cover letter headers is easy. Just follow this template:

[Your First and Last Name]

[Your Job Title]

[Phone Number]

[Email Address]

[LinkedIn Profile URL]

[Location / Date of Writing]

[Hiring Manager’s First and Last Name]

[Hiring Manager’s Professional Title]

[Name of Company]

[Company Street Address]

[City, State, Zip Code]

You can also add links to other online profiles that are relevant for your job. For example, you can link to your GitHub if you’re a software developer. If you’re an illustrator, add a link to your portfolio on Behance.

Expert Hint: Double-check your cover letter header for typos—no hiring manager wants to see their name misspelled! Also, make sure your contact info is the same as the info you give in your resume header.

3. Open a Cover Letter with a Killer First Paragraph

Done with the header? Good, let’s move on to the next step.

Start with a simple, professional greeting . If you’re applying for a corporate job, opt for “Dear Mr./Ms. Lastname”. If your dream employer has a more relaxed company culture, you can write “Dear Firstname” instead.

Can’t find the hiring manager’s name in the job ad? Research the company’s website, do a quick search on Google or LinkedIn… or just call the company and ask who’s responsible for the hiring process.

If you still can’t find out their name, write “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Hiring Team”. This greeting isn’t as great as addressing a letter to a specific person, but it’s still better than “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To whom it may concern”.

Now it’s time to write the first paragraph. Your main goal here is to grab the reader’s attention and make them read on. Here are some ways to start a cover letter :

• Tell a brief story of your key achievement
• Drop a name
• Mention the company’s recent achievement and compliment them on it

Let’s look at some examples.

How to Write a Cover Letter: Opening Paragraph

In this opening paragraph, the candidate shares two epic achievements and promises to bring similar value to the company she’s applying to.

Hi there, 

In response to your Senior Customer Service Specialist opening, I’d like to submit my application. With 7+ years of experience in customer service, I know I would be a perfect fit for the position.

First , “Hi there” isn’t the best way to address a hiring manager at a bank.

Second , simply having 7+ years of experience doesn’t automatically make you qualified for a specific job.

Third , this intro is simply boring. HR people see those clichés dozens of times every day, and, unless they’re extremely bored and have nothing else to do, they won’t read the rest of the letter.

4. Prove You’re the Best Person for This Job

Our candidate, Jennifer, is applying for a Senior Customer Service Specialist position with The ABC Bank.

Her prospective employer has specific plans: they’re launching a new AI-based, customized platform for personal internet banking . She researched the bank’s website, read the job ad once again, and identified that the employer is specifically looking for:

• A skilled Customer Service Specialist , obviously
• Someone experienced in developing customer surveys to analyze insights
• An employee good at collaboration with members from other teams

In the next paragraph of her cover letter, Jennifer shows two things:

• She’s researched the company and knows what project she’ll be working on.
• She has a history of professional achievements that clearly match the ideal candidate’s profile.

Here’s how she did it:

How to Write a Cover Letter: Second Paragraph

I realize that the major upcoming challenge for your Customer Service Team will be to assist other teams in launching the new AI-based platform for Personal Internet Banking . While working at Acme, I:

See how she gives specific, highly relevant proof? This is how you should write your own cover letter. 

Now, let’s look at what another candidate wrote:

In my career, I’ve performed a wide array of customer service duties. I was responsible for providing assistance to customers via phone, email, and fax, performing general clerical duties, filing, data entry, billing, as well as recognizing and resolving documentation errors.

OK, so they did customer service stuff. Were they good at it? Just listing a bunch of responsibilities doesn’t prove you were actually good at any of them. After all, someone was responsible for making the Titanic unsinkable!

5. Let Your Cover Letter Show Why This is Your Dream Job

In the next paragraph of your cover letter, show why you’re passionate about working for this particular company. Why?

Well, no one wants to hire a person who doesn’t care about their job.

Here are some ways to show your passion:

• Compliment the employer on an award they won or some other recent achievement
• Demonstrate that you share the company’s values
• Make it clear that you’d be honored to be a part of such an excellent team

How to Write a Good Cover Letter: Examples

Jenny wrote the following:

You may need to look at the company’s website to learn more about its values. But you always do your research before applying for a job, don’t you?

Also, make sure you tailor this paragraph to every job offer you’re applying to. Don’t be like this person:

This one screams, “I’VE ALREADY COPIED AND PASTED THIS A MILLION TIMES AND I’M NOT GOING TO STOP!”

If you just copy and paste generic phrases like this, recruiters will just assume that you don’t care about this specific job offer. So they won’t care to invite you to an interview either.

6. End Your Cover Letter with a Powerful Call to Action

What’s the point of your cover letter? To persuade the reader to take action and invite you to a job interview. And the best way to get someone to act is… by asking them. Yep, it’s that straightforward.

Ask the reader to schedule a call or a meeting, and offer to talk about the value you can bring to the company.

What to Write in a Cover Letter: Sample Call to Action

Jenny clearly means business. She’s confident, straightforward, and eager to help the employer achieve specific, measurable results. Looks like the right person for the job.

This doesn’t even look like a call to action. Rather, it’s yet another boring cliché—the recruiter will probably just yawn and move on to the candidate.

7. Sign off Like a Pro

You’re almost done! Now’s the time to end your cover letter . Write something like “Sincerely” (or any other classic closing formula for business letters ) and then add your full name.

If you’ve got a scanned version of your handwritten signature, paste it into the document for that cool, ultra-professional look. After that, repeat your contact information. This is a common practice in business letters and makes it easier for the reader to contact you immediately.

Here’s what it looks like for Jenny:

8. Add a Tasty P. S.

Now you know how to write a cover letter. But if you want to put an extra cherry on the cake, add a P. S. under your sign-off.

In the P. S., promise to tell the reader a story about one of your most impressive achievements. They won’t resist inviting you, even if it’s just to hear the story.

Expert Hint: You may be tempted to put a joke in the P. S., but that’s very risky. The joke might fall flat and ruin your entire job application. Stay professional throughout your entire cover letter.

9. Make Sure Your Resume is as Good as Your Cover Letter

We've covered all the information you need to write in a cover letter. But, your cover letter, no matter how amazing, is just one half of your job application. Your resume needs to be just as good, so give it some love, too.

We've prepared a dedicated guide on how to write a resume . It'll show you step-by-step instructions, similary to this one. 

With ResumeLab’s resume builder you’ll write your resume in a flash. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Improve your resume in our resume builder now .

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Nail it all with a splash of color, choose a clean font, highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You’re the perfect candidate and we’ll prove it. Just pick one of 21 resume templates and get started now .

You’ve just read a ton of information, so let’s recap. Here’s how to write a cover letter for any job or internship:

• Start with a professional cover letter layout and formatting (use our cover letter builder or a free MS Word cover letter template)
• Create a header and make sure it’s perfectly error-free
• Craft an attention-grabbing first paragraph
• Give specific examples showing that you’ve the right person for this specific job
• Show your passion for the company
• Add a call to action
• Sign off like a pro
• Surprise the reader with a P. S. (optional)

Got questions about how to write a great cover letter? Need assistance with writing your cover letter for a job? That’s what the comments section is for. Get in touch and I’ll respond right away.

About ResumeLab’s Editorial Process

At ResumeLab, quality is at the crux of our values, supporting our commitment to delivering top-notch career resources. The editorial team of career experts carefully reviews every article in accordance with editorial guidelines , ensuring the high quality and reliability of our content. We actively conduct original research, shedding light on the job market's intricacies and earning recognition from numerous influential news outlets . Our dedication to delivering expert career advice attracts millions of readers to our blog each year.

How to Write a Cover Letter: Frequently Asked Questions

How to write a good cover letter.

Here are some tips for writing a successful cover letter:

• Keep it  short  and to the point
• Pick a professional  cover letter template
• Tailor your cover letter to a specific job offer —never send out generic cover letters!
• Craft a  strong opening paragraph
• Explain how you'll  bring value  to the company
• Show  passion
• Close with a  compelling call to action

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a one-page document that you send in with your resume . Here's what to include in a cover letter : additional information about your achievements and skills, proof that you're the best candidate for this job, and proof of your passion for this specific company.

Use a cover letter builder to craft a cover letter that follows all best practices.

What do employers look for in a cover letter?

Here's what employers want to see in your cover letter:

• Clear , to-the-point writing
• Solid  proof  that your skills and achievements will bring value to the company
• A genuine  passion  for this specific company and this specific role
• Your understanding of the company's  values
• Signs that you've  researched  the company before applying

Check out more  cover letter writing tips .

How to address a cover letter without a name?

If you can't find the recruiter's name in the job ad or on the company website,  opt for "Dear Hiring Team" or "Dear Hiring Manager" .

Take care to avoid outdated, impersonal phrases like "Dear Sir or Madam" or "To whom it may concern". Learn more in the dedicated guide to  addressing cover letters .

How to format a cover letter?

Format your cover letter like you would format any business letter:

• Your contact info
• The date and your location
• The recruiter's contact info
• Business salutation (Ideally "Dear Mr./Ms...")
• Opening paragraph
• Closing paragraph
• Sign-off ("Best regards" followed by your name will do just fine)
• Optional P. S.

For more information on page margins, fonts and layout, check out our guide on cover letter formatting . Or head straight to a cover letter generator that will take care of the formatting.

Is a cover letter the same as a resume?

A resume provides an overview of your career and education, usually in the form of bullet points. A cover letter, on the other hand, provides context and explains why you're the best candidate. To make sure your job application is successful, submit both a resume and a cover letter. Use a resume builder and a matching cover letter builder for a consistent look.

Is a cover letter necessary?

Short answer: yes . More than 70% of recruiters prefer candidates who do send a cover letter, even if the job ad says it's optional.

Unless you're applying via an online form where you can't upload a cover letter, always make sure to include one . Use a cover letter builder to make the writing process quick and painless.

How long should a cover letter be?

200–350 words . This is a good cover letter length to aim for—just enough to put your message across without unnecessary fluff.

Olga is a career expert with a background in teaching. At ResumeLab, she writes actionable guides to help job-seekers highlight their unique strengths and unlock their career potential.

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Need a cover letter template? Download any of our 200+ free cover letter templates for Word, then fill out a copy-paste cover letter template to pair with your resume and complete your job application.

Use a Genius Cover Letter Template

Use the "Advanced" cover letter template to apply for competitive jobs and advance your career.

The "Clean" cover letter template lives up to its name, with simple formatting and an easy-to-read font.

With its simple, bold design, the “Corporate” cover letter template is ideal for confident business professionals.

Minimal and sleek, the "Modern" template is ideal for marketing and business professionals.

Our "Minimalist" cover letter template embraces simplicity while maintaining a unique visual style.

The “Majestic” uses a unique cityscape header to draw attention to your cover letter.

The "Pantheon" cover letter template's bold header projects confidence, making it ideal for executives.

Designed for the modern job seeker, our "2024" cover letter template is perfect for people in any industry.

"The Classic" cover letter template is clean, traditional, and the perfect format to start off your application.

The "Windsor" cover letter template uses a unique header to design to grab the attention of employers.

Featuring bold, dark lines the “Chicago” cover letter template projects confidence.

Featuring a bold gray header block for your name and contact information, the "Taj Mahal" template projects confidence.

The "Elegant" cover letter template gives your header a sophisticated look, making it ideal for a variety of jobs.

Timeless and formal, our "Professional" cover letter template is an update of a design used by job seekers for decades.

Elegant and classic, the "Milano" template gives your cover letter a timeless, sophisticated look.

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Professional templates.

A professional cover letter template suits experienced candidates applying to large companies. If you’re an executive or seeking a senior position, use one of these templates to write a confident and authoritative cover letter.

Why it’s called the “Minimalist”

As the name suggests, the Minimalist cover letter features a simple design aesthetic that doesn’t distract from its content. At the same time, a bit of color is added to allow you to express your individuality—do you suit an ambitious red or an industrious blue?

Who should use it?

The Minimalist’s uncomplicated layout and design make it suitable for a myriad of roles. Its simplicity also makes it easy to format to your needs.

Use this design if you value clarity and effectiveness. If you don’t have Microsoft Word, you can find similar cover letter templates for google docs

Format and styling details

Major Features

• Colored name header and contact icons

Text Details

• Name/Header Font: Raleway
• Content Font: Calibri
• Name Font Size: 35pt
• Body Font Size: 11.5pt

How to download this template

Cover letter builder.

Use our software and create a cover letter with a premade template. Let the Genius cover letter generator help you make your cover letter in minutes.

Featuring strong colors and a bold header, our "Everest" cover letter template is guaranteed to help you stand out.

Why it’s called the “Everest”

The Everest’s dominating dark-and-light color scheme will allow you to tower over your competition. It exudes an earthiness that reflects your dependability, a soft skill that hiring managers consistently prioritize.

The Minimalist’s simple layout and design make it suitable for a wide range of positions. Moreover, its lack of visual complexity makes it easy to format.

Use the Everest if you are a rock-solid candidate.

• Colored name header, contact icons, and horizontal lines
• Name/Header Font: Montserrat
• Content Font: Proza Libre Light
• Name Font Size: 28pt

Clean and sleek, the "Premium" cover letter template is a great choice for job seekers in creative industries.

Why it’s called the “Premium”

The Premium is our most sophisticated cover letter template yet. It hints at a high level of luxury, albeit one that the average person can aspire to.

Use the Premium template if you don’t count yourself among the hoi polloi of job seekers: the Premium template suggests that you are a top-tier candidate.

• Colored contact header, and the applicant’s name encased in an elegant box.
• Name/Header Font: Proza Libre Medium
• Name Font Size: 32pt

Simple yet stylish, our "Cosmopolitan" cover letter template will help you get noticed for the right reasons.

Cosmopolitan

Why it’s called the “Cosmopolitan”

The Cosmopolitan uses a diverse range of bright, eye-catching colors that echo the variety found in the modern world.

This template is perfect for those who are proud of their background, crave a career that matches their personality, and aspire to contribute to their new role in their own way.

Modern Templates

Pair a modern cover letter template with your resume to show some personality in your job application. This style of cover letter template is ideal for job seekers applying to work in tech, at startups, or in industries like marketing and design.

Why it’s called the “2024”

The “2024” is our latest and most advanced of all our cover letter templates . “2024” embraces the future while staying true to design principles that have survived for decades, making it ideal for job seekers navigating today’s volatile job market.

The 2024 template is versatile and modern. Anybody can use this template — whatever role they’re applying for.

• Clear, bold heading that clearly displays your name
• Name/Header Font: Lora
• Content Font:  Open Sans
• Name Font Size: 24pt
• Contact Details Font Size: 11pt
• Body Font Size: 11pt

Why it’s called the “Advanced”

The Advanced template is designed for those who can boast advanced technical skills or an in-demand specialty.

Paired with the Advanced resume template that helps job seekers show off their skills, this cover letter template is perfect for those who want to advertise their expertise or technical knowledge.

• A colored band containing your contact details paired with a matching band at the bottom of the cover letter.
• Name/Header Font: Poppins

Formal and bold, the “Corporate” template’s strong header makes it ideal for applying to managerial positions.

Why it’s called the “Corporate”

Professionalism and industriousness are the watchwords of the Corporate template, which is sure to suit those seeking career advancement.

Ambitious go-getters who aren’t afraid of working hard to deliver for themselves and their firm.

• Colorful header with clearly displayed name and contact details. White font color for your name is indicative of modesty and quiet confidence.
• Name/Header Font: Nunito Sans
• Content Font:  Nunito Sans
• Name Font Size: 26pt

Our "Hybrid" cover letter template combines formal formatting with colorful accents.

Why it’s called the “Hybrid”

The “Hybrid” cover letter template may have a splash of color, but it’s nevertheless professional. The balance of aesthetics and formality hints to hiring managers that you are a diligent, competent candidate.

Candidates with solid interpersonal skills who are ready to hit the ground running in their new workplace.

• Colorful accents at the top and bottom of the cover letter with a gray background behind your name.
• Name/Header Font: Roboto
• Content Font:  Roboto

Creative Templates

Our creative cover letters perfectly balance professionalism and personality. Use one of these unique cover letter templates if you’re applying for work in a contemporary field like design or marketing.

The "Notre Dame" template uses bold rectangles in its header, placing emphasis on your name and contact details.

Why it’s called the “Notre Dame”

Inspired by the impressive buttresses of Paris’ most famous cathedral, the Notre Dame cover letter template’s bold lines and subtle colors are designed to draw the attention of any hiring manager.

The Notre Dame cover letter template is perfect for candidates who aren’t afraid to give their job application some flair. It’s ideal for job seekers who are applying for work in less formal industries like marketing or design.

• Colorful header and large name
• Name/Header Font: Yanone Kaffeesatz
• Content Font:  Noto Sans Display

Featuring a bold sidebar and modern font, the "Cool" cover letter template gives your application a sleek, confident look.

Why it’s called the “Cool”

Stylish and modern, the “Cool” cover letter template is designed to give your application a confident but subdued look. The bold sidebar and bottom-aligned contact information help grab attention and direct it toward your cover letter’s content.

The “Cool” cover letter template’s sleek but professional appearance makes it ideal for job seekers looking for creative work in a more buttoned-up industry, such as advertising or UI/UX design.

• Bold sidebar header and a sans-serif font
• Content Font:  Montserrat

The "Westminster" cover letter template is creative but minimalist, making it perfect for a variety of jobs.

Westminster

Why it’s called the “Westminster”

Featuring a clean header and refined signature font, the Westminster cover letter template was inspired by the elegant architecture of London’s center of government. This template is the perfect mix of formality and playfulness, making it ideal for just about any contemporary job.

Formal yet lively, the Westminster cover letter template is perfect for candidates in advertising or online marketing.

• Large header emphasizes your name
• Playful script font for the signature
• Name/Header Font: Oswald
• Content Font:  Poppins
• Name Font Size: 34pt

Eye-catching and clean, the "Visual" template is designed to make your cover letter stand out.

Why it’s called the “Visual”

Clean, organized, and modern, the “Visual” cover letter template is designed to help your application stand out while staying professional. When paired with the busyness of the “Visual” resume template, this cover letter provides the perfect balance to your job application.

The “Visual” template is perfect for anyone in a creative industry looking to give their cover letter a buttoned-up, contemporary look.

• Clean header and neatly organized contact information

Simple Templates

Write a clear and organized cover letter using a simple cover letter template. Each basic template is free to download (compatible with Microsoft Word and Google Docs), and will help you create the perfect cover letter for whatever job you apply for.

The Classic

Why it’s called the “Classic”

The Classic template draws on longstanding design principles to provide a cover letter that can be used for a variety of professions and experience levels. Our Classic 2.0 design adheres to those principles, while offering a fresh take on the standard cover letter format .

The Classic template is a great choice for job seekers who want the reader to focus on their content rather than layout.

• Name and contact details are separated from the core content by a line
• Compatible cover letter template for google docs
• Font Style: Lora
• Name Font Size: 22pt
• Contact Details Font Size: 22pt

Inspired by the architecture of its namesake city, the "Chicago" cover letter template is bold and professional.

Why it’s called the “Chicago”

“The Windy City is mighty pretty,” and so is the Chicago template. Just like Illinois’ largest city, the Chicago template is a real people pleaser, with something that appeals to everyone.

This modern, versatile template is a pragmatic choice for those seeking to prove they can thrive in the workplace with their cover letter.

• Centered name and contact details
• Font Style: STIX Two Text

The "Connery" cover letter template exudes confidence with its bold name bar, ensuring that employers remember you.

Why it’s called the “Connery”

The Connery cover letter template is bold but buttoned-up. The name bar immediately catches the eyes of employers and puts emphasis on your name, ensuring they remember your application after they’re done reviewing it.

The Connery is a great choice for anyone who wants to make a strong first impression.

• A colorful name bar followed by your contact details.
• Font Style: Roboto Slab
• Name Font Size: 19pt

Graceful and powerful, our "White House" is perfect for job seekers applying for government-related work.

White House

Why it’s called the “White House”

Our new “White House” cover letter template exudes confidence and prestige. The heading stands out without being flashy, and gives your cover letter the distinguished appearance worthy of a powerful political figure.

Anyone applying for a job at the local, state, or federal level of government, as well as anyone looking to convey that they’re a serious applicant truly interested in a role.

• The White House template features a bold header that splits your name (aligned to the left) from your relevant contact details (aligned to the right). Symmetry fit for a consummate professional.
• Font Style: Arimo
• Name Font Size: 18pt

Picture Templates

These picture cover letter templates are ideal if you’re applying for jobs in a country where you’re expected to include a photo with your job application. Each template is designed to look sleek and quickly grab the attention of employers.

Our “Original Picture” template provides plenty of space in the header for your headshot, helping you grab attention.

Original Picture

Why it’s called the “Original Picture”

The header of the “Original Picture” is what makes it so compelling. Distinct, unique, and with space for a photo, it has everything you need to leave a lasting impression.

If originality and creativity are traits you want to emphasize with your cover letter, the “Original Picture” ticks all the boxes.

• Tasteful design details that elevate your cover letter
• Heading Font: Oxygen
• Content Font: Oxygen

With a subtle full-color background, our “Photo” template will give your cover letter a chic, artsy look.

Why it’s called the “Photo”

TWho says that color should be reserved for the header of your cover letter? Frame yourself and your experience in a way that catches employers’ attention with the “Photo”.

Want to literally and figuratively highlight all the reasons why you’re the most qualified person for the job? The “Photo” does the trick.

• A colorful background on which to display your greatest accomplishments
• Heading Font: Cormorant SC
• Content Font: Source Sans Pro

Featuring clean lines and a gradient background, our “Fresh” cover letter template will help your application stand out.

Why it’s called the “Fresh”

Clean lines, a straightforward layout and appealing colors make this template a breath of fresh air.

The “Fresh” matches the needs of professionals who want to take their cover letter to the next level visually. This template achieves just that, without distracting from your accomplishments.

• A minimalistic header that emphasizes your name and title
• Heading Font: Inter
• Content Font: Inter

Our “Headshot” cover letter template applies color to give your cover letter a sleek, modern look.

Why it’s called the “Headshot”

This template makes clever use of color to add a bit of dimension to your cover letter without going overboard on the design details. The two-tone color scheme keeps things exciting and makes your headshot pop.

The “Headshot” is a great choice for actors, models, and professionals in the entertainment industry. However, its minimalistic yet attractive design makes it suitable for job seekers in any field.

• Heading Font: Lato
• Content Font: Lato

Google Docs Templates

Need a cover letter to pair with your Google Docs resume template ? These sleek, contemporary cover letter templates will help elevate your job application without ever needing to download expensive word processing software.

Opening with a casual greeting, the “Coral” Google Docs cover letter template gives off friendly, youthful energy.

What’s unique about this template?

Though it has a simple format, the Coral cover letter template features a hint of color and a unique header font that create an air of sophistication.

The Coral template is a good choice for candidates who want to add a touch of personality and class to their cover letter.

• Coral-colored introductory text and stylish fonts that draw the eye
• Right-aligned contact information in the header
• Heading Font: Playfair Display
• Body Font Size: 10pt

Using a simple, technical design with a little color, the “Swiss” cover letter template is perfect for jobs in tech or marketing.

The Swiss cover letter template uses two columns, with one featuring a candidate’s name and contact information, and the other containing the body of the cover letter. This layout effectively uses white space for extra visual flair.

The Swiss cover letter template is perfect for those who can write a concise cover letter and want their application to stand out.

• Attention-grabbing job title, contact information, and signature in orange text
• Content aligned in a single column using a standard resume format
• Heading Font: Raleway

With its blocky background graphics, the “Geometric” cover letter template is best suited to apply for jobs in programming.

The Geometric template uses a bold design and color palette that is sure to get the attention of employers.

If you’re looking for work in a modern and creative industry like design or tech, the Geometric template could be the one for you.

• Colorful fonts that highlight the candidate and hiring manager’s names
• Geometric shapes and icons that add visual interest
• Heading Font: Roboto
• Content Font: Roboto
• Name Font Size: 20pt

Formal yet colorful, choose the “Online” template if you want to keep things professional but still stand out.

The teal heading underscored by a gray contact information bar makes sure employers know who you are and how to contact you.

This template is a good option for candidates looking to add a light touch of color and personality to their application.

• A bold header that makes your name memorable
• Teal color accents that highlight the candidate’s job title and signature
• Heading Font: Lora
• Content Font: Arimo
• Name Font Size: 40pt

Microsoft Word Templates

These cover letter templates for Microsoft Word come in a number of eye-catching colors and professional designs. Be sure to pair your favorite cover letter template with the matching Microsoft Word resume template .

The Swiss cover letter template features a striking color scheme and a unique layout to draw attention.

For candidates looking to turn heads with their application, the Swiss cover letter template will deliver.

• Bold yellow background with distinct black lines
• A large header that contains the candidate’s name and contact information
• Heading Font: Univers
• Content Font: Univers
• Name Font Size: 36pt
• Body Font Size: 9pt

With bold color features and a distinct font pairing, the Polished cover letter template demonstrates personality and confidence.

The Polished template is well-suited to candidates in creative industries who are looking to make an impression.

• Bright coral-colored header featuring a ring to display a candidate’s initials
• Distinctive fonts that will make your cover letter stand out
• Heading Font: Franklin Gothic Dem
• Content Font: Rockwell
• Name Font Size: 25pt

The Playful template lives up to its name with a fun color palette and whimsical design. The high contrast between the sidebar and the cover letter body text adds visual interest and flow.

The Playful template is well-suited to candidates applying for jobs in creative fields like marketing or design.

• A sidebar with colorful bubbles that displays a candidate’s photo, name, and contact information
• Icons that draw attention to the candidate’s contact details
• Heading Font: Calibri
• Content Font: Calibri

Crisp and Clean

The Crisp and Clean template offers a unique and unexpected layout along with light color accents. With each part of the cover letter neatly organized and defined, this template is pleasing to the eye and easy to read.

This template is perfect for candidates who appreciate a simple design aesthetic and clear structure.

• Yellow outlines and shapes delineate the space
• Effective use of white space makes the page look tidy and spacious
• Heading Font: Century Gothic
• Content Font: Century Gothic
• Name Font Size: 23pt

CV Templates

Looking for a cover letter to pair with your CV? Whether you’re applying to an academic position or a research job, our CV cover letter templates are designed to give your application a refined, professional appearance.

If you write in any professional capacity, our "Writer" template will help you highlight your writing proficiency.

Why it’s called the “Writer”

Thanks to its subtle design and space-efficient layout, our “Writer” cover letter template gives you plenty of space to highlight your writing proficiency and style.

The “Writer” cover letter template is perfect if you’re applying to work as a teacher or any other job that requires strong writing abilities.

Use our software and create a cv with a premade template. Let the Genius cv generator help you make your cv in minutes.

Our "Research" cover letter template uses a formal design to help emphasize your accomplishments in your field of research.

Why it’s called the “Research”

The “Research” cover letter template is designed to help you land those competitive research positions. Its blocky design and elegant header help you make a strong first impression without detracting from your qualifications.

You should use the “Research” cover letter template if you’re applying to jobs where your technical skillset matters, like those in academic research or computer science .

With a name that evokes prestige, our "Harvard" cover letter template is the perfect accessory to your CV.

Why it’s called the “Harvard”

With a name that evokes prestige, our “Harvard” CV cover letter template is the perfect design to pair with your impressive and thorough curriculum vitae.

With its clean, formal design, you should use the “Harvard” cover letter template if you want to project confidence. It’s best used if you’re applying for higher-level jobs, such as an operations manager or marketing manager .

Our "Graduate" cover letter template is formal and elegant, making it well suited to help you apply for any position.

Why it’s called the “Graduate”

The “Graduate” cover letter template uses a bold header font and clean lines to help your CV look both friendly and contemporary, helping you stand out even if you’re fresh out of grad school.

The “Graduate” cover letter template’s formal design and subtle details makes it the ideal choice for scholars writing an academic job application.

How to Use a Cover Letter Template

Free fill-in-the-blank cover letter templates.

You should use a cover letter template to create a professional application that follows the proper cover letter format . You can also use a template to quickly create multiple cover letters for different jobs.

Using a template is an easy way to include everything employers look for, but you should still make sure your cover letter is written in your voice.

Copy Paste Template to Use

Knowing how to write a cover letter involves understanding a cover letter’s structure. Follow the sample cover letter template below to easily write your own letter.

Your Name Street Address City and Zip Code Your Phone Number

Today’s Date

Addressee’s/Hiring Manager’s Name Job Title Organization/Company Name Street Address City and Zip Code

Opening paragraph: State who you are, say where you found the job listing, and explain why you’re interested in the position.

Body paragraphs: Give an overview of your previous job experience, skills, qualifications, and accomplishments. Don’t repeat your resume. Explain what makes you a unique candidate and how you can help the company meet its goals. Use numbers to back up your claims.

Closing paragraph: State that you’d like to schedule an interview and provide your contact information. Say you’ll be in touch within a week if you don’t hear back. Finish by thanking the employer for their time and consideration.

Warm regards,

Make sure you include all the sections in your cover letter sample and write detailed body paragraphs about your expertise. Hiring managers often read your cover letter before your resume, so it’s important to sell yourself and your skills.

Which cover letter template should you use?

You should use a cover letter template that matches your job and experience level. A modern template suits creative roles, but a professional template is best for experienced candidates.

If you’re not sure which is the best cover letter template for you, a basic or simple template is a good choice for any application.

Need a cover letter template for a specific job? View our cover letter examples to find a cover letter written for your industry.

Choose a free cover letter template below that best fits your experience and industry. Then copy and paste the template into Microsoft Word and fill in your information to create a personalized cover letter.

You can also save these example cover letter templates in Google Drive as Google Docs cover letter templates , or send them by email.

1. General Cover Letter

Looking for a standard cover letter that works for any job application? Our general cover letter template follows the traditional cover letter format, but won’t sound generic to employers.

Copy the free sample below into Microsoft Word, and fill in the blanks with your skills and experience. This cover letter template has helped thousands of job seekers land employment across every industry.

2. Creative Cover Letter

Our creative cover letter template has a casual tone and focuses on your enthusiasm and achievements. If you’re applying at a forward-looking company, a modern letter like this shows you’re a good cultural fit.

This free template is easy to personalize in Word or Google Docs, and has lots of room for you to showcase your originality and voice.

3. Entry Level (No Work Experience) Cover Letter

When writing your first cover letter, focus on the skills you gained through your education, volunteer work, and hobbies.

Our entry level cover letter template helps you explain why you’re a top candidate, even if you have no work experience. Simply paste it into Word and customize.

4. Experienced Professional Cover Letter

Need an application letter for a senior position? Our professional cover letter template offers a clear format for presenting your skillset and accomplishments.

If you’re established in your field or applying for a promotion, customizing this professional template in Word will help you create a cover letter that makes a powerful impression.

Make a cover letter in minutes

Pick your template, fill in a few details, and our builder will do the rest.

COVER LETTER SAMPLES

See our cover letters in action

Read through our professional cover letter examples for inspiration when writing your own cover letter. Each sample was approved by a professional career expert from our team, and uses a free cover letter template.

Career & Life Situations

Not sure how to write a cover letter for your background? Whether you have gaps in your career, or are just graduating college, our career and life-situation cover letter templates include downloadable examples and tips to help you make a cover letter that’s ideal for your situation.

Examples By Job Type

Below you’ll find some of our most popular industry-specific cover letter examples, which you can download immediately for free and use as a guide when creating your own cover letter.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some essential cover letter tips and suggestions that will help you land more interviews and a job.

What should a cover letter include?

A cover letter should include four essential parts:

• A personalized greeting
• An eye-catching cover letter introduction
• Convincing body content about your expertise
• A powerful cover letter closing and sign off

What should not be included in a cover letter?

You should not include any false information in a cover letter, or information already included in your resume. It’s also important to avoid the following common mistakes:

• Spelling and grammar errors
• Addressing your cover letter to the wrong person
• Negative comments about previous employers
• Your salary expectations
• Personal details unrelated to the job

Do I need a unique cover letter for every job?

Yes, you need a unique cover letter for every job you apply to.

Each company has different challenges they’re trying to tackle through hiring. By writing a new cover letter draft for every job, you can explain why you’re uniquely qualified to help resolve each company’s issues.

How long should my cover letter be?

Your cover letter should be between half a page and one full page in length, or about 200 to 500 words. This is the standard cover letter length because it’s concise, and keeps the hiring manager’s attention.

Remember: it’s always better to send a short cover letter than write several long-winded pages.

Do I really need a cover letter?

Yes, you need a cover letter if:

• The job you’re applying to requires one
• You’ve been recommended for the job
• You want to provide information that isn’t included in your resume

Should my resume and cover letter template match?

Your resume template and cover letter template should match to make your job application consistent and professional.

Using different resume and cover letter templates may affect your chances of getting an interview. Mismatched documents suggest you lack attention to detail, or didn’t put much effort into your job application.

More questions? Visit our FAQ library.

® 2024, Resume Genius. All rights reserved

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Cover Letter Help

Conrad Benz, Hiring Manager

Corissa Peterson, CPRW

Rebecca Tay, Ph.D.

• Search Search Please fill out this field.
• Career Planning
• Finding a Job
• Cover Letters

How to Write a Job Application Letter (With Examples)

What Is a Job Application Letter?

Tips for writing a job application letter, how to get started.

• Writing Guidelines
• What to Include in Each Section

Simple Formatting Using a Template

Tips for writing an effective letter, sample job application letter, sending an email application, review more letter examples.

Do you need to write a letter to apply for a job? Most of the time, the answer is yes. Even when employers don’t require a job application letter , writing one will help you highlight your skills and achievements and get the hiring manager’s attention. The only time not to send one is when the job listing says not to do so. It can help, and it definitely won't hurt to include an application letter with your resume.

A job application letter, also known as a cover letter , should be sent or uploaded with your resume when applying for jobs. While your resume offers a history of your work experience and an outline of your skills and accomplishments, the job application letter you send to an employer explains why you are qualified for the position and should be selected for an interview.

Writing this letter can seem like a challenging task. However, if you take it one step at a time, you'll soon be an expert at writing application letters to send with your resume.

Melissa Ling / The Balance

Before you begin writing your job application letter, do some groundwork. Consider what information you want to include, and keep in mind that space is limited.

Remember, this letter is making a case for your candidacy for the position. But you should do more than just regurgitate your resume. Instead, highlight your most relevant skills, experiences, and abilities.

Analyze the Job Posting

To include the most convincing, relevant details in your letter, you'll need to know what the employer wants.

The biggest clues are within the job advertisement, so spend some time decoding the job listing . Next, match your qualifications with the employer's wants and needs.

Include Your Most Relevant Qualifications

Make a list of your relevant experience and skills. For instance, if the job ad calls for a strong leader, think of examples of when you've successfully led a team. Once you've jotted down some notes and have a sense of what you want to highlight in your letter, you're ready to start writing.

Writing Guidelines for Job Application Letters

Writing a job application letter is very different from a quick email to a friend or a thank-you note to a relative. Hiring managers and potential interviewers have certain expectations when it comes to the letter's presentation and appearance, from length (no more than a page) and font size to style and letter spacing . Keep these general guidelines in mind, but always stick to any explicit instructions in the job listing or application portal.

Length: A letter of application should be no more than one page long. Three to four paragraphs are typical.

Format and Page Margins: A letter of application should be single-spaced with a space between each paragraph. Use 1-inch margins and align your text to the left, which is the standard alignment for most documents.

Font: Use a traditional font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. The font size should be between 10 and 12 points.

What to Include in Each Section of the Letter

There are also set rules for the sections included in the letter, from salutation to sign-off, and how the letter is organized. Here's a quick overview of the main sections included in a job application letter:

Heading: A job application letter should begin with both your and the employer's contact information (name, address, phone number, email), followed by the date. If this is an email rather than an actual letter, include your contact information at the end of the letter, after your signature.

•   Header Examples

Salutation: This is your polite greeting. The most common salutation is "Dear Mr./Ms." followed by the person's last name. Find out more about appropriate cover letter salutations , including what to do if you don't know the person's name or are unsure of a contact's gender.

Body of the letter: Think of this section as having three distinct parts.

In the first paragraph , you'll want to mention the job you are applying for and where you saw the job listing.

The next paragraph(s) are the most important part of your letter. Remember how you gathered information about what the employer was seeking, and how you could meet their needs? This is where you'll share those relevant details on your experience and accomplishments.

The third and last part of the body of the letter will be your thank you to the employer; you can also offer follow-up information.

Complimentary Close: Sign off your email or letter with a polite close, such as "Best," or "Sincerely," followed by your name.

• Closing Examples

Signature: When you're sending or uploading a printed letter, end with your handwritten signature, followed by your typed name. If this is an email, simply include your typed name, followed by your contact information.

• Signature Examples

Overwhelmed by all these formatting and organization requirements? One way to make the process of writing a job application easier is to use a template to create your own personalized letters. Having a template can help save you time if you are sending a lot of application letters.

Be sure that each letter you send is personalized to the company and position; do not send the same letter to different companies.

• Always write one. Unless a job posting explicitly says not to send a letter of application or cover letter, you should always send one. Even if the company does not request a letter of application, it never hurts to include one. If they do ask you to send a letter, make sure to follow the directions exactly (for example, they might ask you to send the letter as an email attachment or type it directly into their online application system).
• Use business letter format. Use a formal business letter format when writing your letter. Include your contact information at the top, the date, and the employer’s contact information. Be sure to provide a salutation at the beginning and your signature at the end.
• Sell yourself. Throughout the letter, focus on how you would benefit the company. Provide specific examples of times when you demonstrated skills or abilities that would be useful for the job, especially those listed in the job posting or description. If possible, include examples of times when you added value to a company.

Numerical values offer concrete evidence of your skills and accomplishments.

• Use keywords. Reread the job listing, taking note of any keywords (such as skills or abilities that are emphasized in the listing). Try to include some of those words in your cover letter. This will help the employer see that you are a strong fit for the job.
• Keep it brief. Keep your letter under a page long, with no more than about four paragraphs. An employer is more likely to read a concise letter.
• Proofread and edit. Employers are likely to overlook an application with a lot of errors. Read through your cover letter, and if possible, ask a friend or career counselor to review the letter. Proofread for any grammar or spelling errors.

This is a job application letter sample.  Download the letter template (compatible with Google Docs or Word Online) or read the example below.

Sample Job Application Letter (Text Version)

Elizabeth Johnson 12 Jones Street Portland, Maine 04101 555-555-5555 elizabethjohnson@emailaddress.com

August 11, 2024

Mark Smith Human Resources Manager Veggies to Go 238 Main Street Portland, Maine 04101

Dear Mr. Smith,

I was so excited when my former coworker, Jay Lopez, told me about your opening for an administrative assistant in your Portland offices. A long-time Veggies to Go customer and an experienced admin, I would love to help the company achieve its mission of making healthy produce as available as takeout.

I’ve worked for small companies for my entire career, and I relish the opportunity to wear many hats and work with the team to succeed. In my latest role as an administrative assistant at Beauty Corp, I saved my employer thousands of dollars in temp workers by implementing a self-scheduling system for the customer service reps that cut down on canceled shifts. I also learned web design and timesheet coding, and I perfected my Excel skills. 

I’ve attached my resume for your consideration and hope to speak with you soon about your needs for the role.

Best Regards,

Elizabeth Johnson (signature hard copy letter)

Elizabeth Johnson

When you are sending your letter via email include the reason you are writing in the subject line of your message:

Subject Line Example

Subject: Elizabeth Johnson – Administrative Assistant Position

List your contact information in your signature, rather than in the body of the letter:

Email Signature Example

Elizabeth Johnson 555-555-5555 email@emailaddress.com

Review more examples of professionally written cover letters for a variety of circumstances, occupations, and job types.

CareerOneStop. " How Do I Write a Cover Letter? "

University of Maryland Global Campus. " Cover Letters ."

• Career Blog

Writing a Winning Job Application Letter: Tips and Examples

A job application letter, also known as a cover letter, is a formal letter that accompanies your resume and introduces you to a potential employer. The purpose of a job application letter is to highlight your qualifications, experience, and skills that make you the perfect candidate for the job. It also helps employers understand your personality, work ethic, and how you plan to contribute to their organization.

Importance of Customization

One of the key factors that can make or break your job application letter is how well you customize it to the specific job you are applying for. Employers want to see that you have taken the time to research their company and understand what they are looking for in a candidate. Customizing your letter also shows that you are genuinely interested in the job and that you are willing to put in the extra effort to stand out from other applicants.

Brief Overview of Key Sections

While job application letters can vary slightly depending on the job and industry, they typically contain four key sections:

Introduction: This section should include a brief introduction, the job you are applying for, and how you found out about it.

Qualifications: In this section, you should discuss your qualifications and experience that make you a good fit for the job. Be sure to tailor this section to the specific job requirements to show that you have the skills they are looking for.

Skills: Here, you should highlight your relevant skills and how they apply to the job. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your proficiency in each skill.

Closing: The closing paragraph should thank the employer for considering your application and provide contact information for them to reach you.

In this article, we will dive into each of these sections in more detail and provide tips and examples to help you write a winning job application letter.

Understand the Job Requirements

To write a winning job application letter, it is important to thoroughly understand the job requirements. This involves analyzing the job description and understanding the needs of the employer, as well as tailoring your letter to attract the specific employer.

A. Analyzing the Job Description

The job description provides you with valuable information about the position you are applying for. It outlines the required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities of the job. By analyzing the job description, you can determine if the role is a good fit for your experience and qualifications.

When analyzing the job description, it is important to pay attention to key phrases and requirements mentioned. These can give you insight into the priorities of the employer and allow you to tailor your application to meet those priorities.

B. Understanding the Needs of the Employer

To write a winning job application letter, it is also essential to understand the needs of the employer. This means researching the company and the industry to get a better understanding of the company culture, mission, and values. It also means understanding the desired outcome of the position and how you can address the employer’s needs.

One way to convey your understanding of the employer’s needs is to highlight relevant accomplishments in your application letter. By showing how you have successfully addressed similar challenges in the past, you can demonstrate your potential value to the employer.

C. Tailoring the Letter to Attract Specific Employer

Finally, to write a winning job application letter, it is important to tailor your letter to attract the specific employer. This means using language and examples that relate to the specific company and its values. It also means customizing your application letter to the specific job and its requirements.

To tailor your letter, take the time to research the company and its values. This can involve reviewing their website, social media, and other online resources. By addressing the specific needs and values of the employer, you can show that you are invested in the position and the company.

To write a winning job application letter, it is important to understand the job requirements, analyze the job description, understand the needs of the employer, and tailor the letter to attract the specific employer. By doing so, you can craft an application that stands out from the competition and showcases your value as a candidate.

Research the Company and Industry

Before writing your job application letter, it’s important to research the company and industry thoroughly to increase your chances of writing a winning letter. Here are three key areas to focus on:

A. Understanding the Mission, Vision, and Values of the Company

Make sure you take the time to research the company’s mission, vision, and values. This will help you understand the company’s goals and the qualities they look for in employees. You can find this information on the company’s website, social media pages or company annual report.

Incorporate the values and mission statement of the company into your job application letter. This highlights your alignment with the company culture, and how your beliefs and goals match that of the organization’s.

B. Identifying the Company’s Competition

Once you have an understanding of the company, you need to identify the company’s competition. Knowing who the competitors are can help you understand the industry as well as the company’s market share position.

List the company’s competitors in your job application letter and briefly explain how you see the company’s strengths overcoming the competitors’ weaknesses.

C. Industry Trends and How to Address Them

The final area to focus on when researching the company and industry is identifying current industry trends and how these trends may impact the company’s future. Use reputable sources to gather trends and predictions about the industry. This will also show the recruiter that you are not only familiar with their industry, but are engaging in informed discussion and contributing to innovative solutions.

Incorporate industry trends into your job application letter and showcase the ideas and innovations you bring, how leveraging them can enhance the company’s position and how you can contribute to any current and future challenges, for which the potential employer has yet to find a solution.

By researching and incorporating the above areas into your job application letter, you demonstrate a genuine interest in the organization and showcase clear understanding, innovative thought and how your expertise can improve the company’s performance.

Know Your Strengths and Skills

When writing a job application letter, it’s crucial to understand your unique selling proposition, relevant experience, and transferrable skills. This information will help you stand out from the other applicants and potentially land the job of your dreams.

A. Identifying Your Unique Selling Proposition

Your unique selling proposition (USP) is what sets you apart from the other candidates. It could be a specific skill, experience or personality trait that aligns with the company’s values and job requirements. Start by analyzing the job description and researching the company culture to identify what makes you an ideal candidate for the role.

Once you have identified your USP, use it as the main selling point in your job application letter. Highlight your strengths and skills and explain how they align with the job requirements and the company’s values. This will show the hiring manager that you are not just another candidate, but someone who has something valuable to offer.

B. Highlighting Your Relevant Experience and Accomplishments

Your work experience and achievements are essential in demonstrating your abilities and suitability for the job. When crafting your job application letter, focus on highlighting your relevant experience and accomplishments. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you have contributed in previous roles and how those skills could be applied to the new role you are applying for.

Be sure to use metrics whenever possible as numbers are a great way to showcase your achievements. For example, if you were able to increase sales revenue by 20% in your previous role, mention it in your letter. This will give the hiring manager a clear understanding of your capabilities and how they align with the job requirements.

C. Understanding How to Leverage Transferrable Skills

Transferrable skills are those abilities that you have gained from your previous experiences that are not necessarily related to the job you are applying for. They can be valuable in demonstrating your adaptability and ability to learn quickly.

When discussing your transferrable skills in your job application letter, highlight how they could be applied to the new role you are applying for. For example, if you have strong communication skills, explain how you could use that to effectively collaborate with team members and clients.

By understanding and leveraging your unique selling proposition, relevant experience and accomplishments, and transferrable skills, you can write a job application letter that stands out from the crowd. Remember to tailor your letter to the job requirements and company culture to increase your chances of success.

Address Gaps in Your Resume or Experience

When applying for a job, it’s important to consider any gaps in your resume or experience that might be a red flag for hiring managers. Addressing these gaps upfront can demonstrate your accountability and willingness to take ownership of your shortcomings.

A. Taking ownership of failings

If you have gaps in your work history or experience, don’t try to hide or make excuses for them. Instead, take ownership of any failings and show that you’re actively working to improve yourself. This could involve taking courses, pursuing certifications, or volunteering in relevant areas to gain hands-on experience.

B. Finding a workaround for unfilled requirements

Sometimes a job posting requires specific qualifications or experience that you don’t have. In these cases, it’s important to find a workaround that demonstrates your ability to still meet the employer’s needs. This could involve highlighting related experience or transferable skills that could compensate for the missing requirement. Alternatively, it might involve offering to take on additional training or work with a mentor to acquire the missing knowledge.

C. Highlighting transferable skills to counter an irrelevant job background

When applying for a job in a new industry or field, it’s common to have a background that might not seem directly relevant. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you’re unqualified for the role. By highlighting transferable skills, such as leadership, problem-solving, or communication, you can demonstrate your ability to adapt to new situations and learn quickly.

Addressing gaps in your resume or experience is an important aspect of writing a winning job application letter. By taking ownership of your failings, finding workarounds for unfilled requirements, and highlighting transferable skills, you can position yourself as a strong candidate and increase your chances of landing the job you want.

Crafting an Attention-grabbing Opening Paragraph

In the competitive job market, first impressions matter. The opening paragraph of your job application letter is your opportunity to make a positive and lasting impression on potential employers. In this section, we’ll explore the importance of crafting an attention-grabbing opening paragraph and provide tips and examples on how to do so.

A. Importance of First Impressions

Studies show that it takes less than 30 seconds for a recruiter or hiring manager to form an initial impression of a job candidate. This means that your opening paragraph is a critical component of your job application letter. Your goal is to capture the employer’s interest and convince them to continue reading.

B. Creative and Engaging Opening Lines

One effective way to capture the employer’s attention is by starting your letter with a creative and engaging opening line. This can be a quote, a personal story, a relevant statistic, or a bold statement. The key is to be authentic and genuine while still standing out from other applicants.

C. Strategies for Catching the Employer’s Attention

Beyond the opening line, there are several strategies you can use to further capture the employer’s attention. These include highlighting relevant skills and experience, demonstrating enthusiasm for the position and company, and connecting your qualifications to the job requirements.

By following these tips and examples, you can craft an attention-grabbing opening paragraph that sets you apart from the competition and piques the employer’s interest.

Highlighting Your Accomplishments

When it comes to writing a winning job application letter, highlighting your accomplishments is crucial. This allows potential employers to see the proven results that you can bring to their organization. Here are a few tips on how to effectively highlight your accomplishments:

A. Demonstrating Achievements in Previous Roles

One of the most effective ways to demonstrate your achievements is by highlighting your accomplishments in your previous roles. This shows that you have a track record of success and can bring that success to your next job. When highlighting your achievements, make sure to focus on results, not just responsibilities. Instead of stating that you managed a team, highlight the specific results that you achieved as a team leader.

For example, instead of saying, “Managed a team of 10 employees,” you could say, “Led a team of 10 employees to achieve a 25% increase in sales within the first quarter.” This shows the impact you had in your previous role and gives potential employers an idea of what you can achieve in their organization.

B. Using Data to Support Accomplishments

Using data to support your accomplishments is a powerful way to illustrate the impact you had in your previous roles. This could include data such as sales figures, customer satisfaction ratings, or employee retention rates. When using data, make sure to include specific numbers and percentages.

For example, instead of saying, “Improved customer satisfaction,” you could say, “Increased customer satisfaction ratings by 15% through implementing a new customer service training program.” This demonstrates the impact you had on the organization and the value you can bring to a potential employer.

C. Highlighting Relevant Certifications and Awards

Another way to highlight your accomplishments is by showcasing any relevant certifications or awards you have received. This shows that you have taken the time to invest in your professional development and have been recognized for your achievements.

When highlighting certifications and awards, make sure to explain why they are relevant to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a marketing position, highlighting your Google Analytics certification would be relevant as it demonstrates your analytics skills.

Highlighting your accomplishments is a crucial part of writing a winning job application letter. By demonstrating your achievements in previous roles, using data to support your accomplishments, and highlighting relevant certifications and awards, you can show potential employers the value you can bring to their organization.

Showcasing Your Writing Skills

When it comes to writing a winning job application letter, showcasing your exceptional writing skills is crucial to increase your chances of getting hired. Employers often look for applicants who have a way with words, can express themselves clearly, and can craft compelling content that leaves a lasting impression. Here are several ways to showcase your writing skills:

A. Highlighting experience in writing

One of the most effective ways to showcase your writing skills is to highlight your experience as a writer. This can include previous work experience in writing-related fields such as journalism, marketing, or content creation. If you have a writing degree, mention it. You can also share published articles or blog posts that you have written to demonstrate your skills in action. Highlighting relevant experience shows that you have the skills needed to excel in the role you are applying for.

B. Incorporating keywords

Incorporating keywords relevant to the job posting can also help showcase your writing skills. Employers often use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes and cover letters for specific keywords related to the position. By including these keywords, you can increase your chances of getting past the initial screening process and showcase your understanding of industry-specific language.

C. Proper grammar, spelling, and tone

Finally, it’s essential to ensure that your writing exhibits proper grammar, spelling, and tone. Errors in these areas can undercut the impact of your application letter and send the wrong message to your potential employer. Take the time to proofread your cover letter and resume carefully, and have someone else review them too. Double-check for proper punctuation, spelling errors, and that your tone fits the professional context.

Showcasing your writing skills is critical when applying for jobs, particularly those that require excellent communication skills. Highlighting relevant experience, incorporating keywords, and ensuring proper grammar, spelling, and tone are strategies that can help set you apart from other applicants and make a lasting impression on potential employers.

Using Power Words and Phrases

When writing a job application letter, it is essential to use powerful words and phrases that can help you stand out from the crowd. Here are some tips to help you select the right words:

A. Selecting Strong Action Words

Action words can help demonstrate your skills and experience effectively. Use verbs that showcase your achievements and contributions to your previous roles. For instance, rather than saying you “assisted” your team, use words such as “led,” “managed,” or “initiated” to emphasize your role in driving projects and initiatives forward.

B. Avoiding Common Clichés and Buzzwords

Although buzzwords and clichés may seem tempting, they could potentially undermine the impact of your letter. Instead of using cookie-cutter phrases like “I am a team player,” try to use specific examples to illustrate your ability to work collaboratively. Also, avoid jargon that may not be familiar to the reader and opt for straightforward language that can be easily understood.

C. Crafting Impactful and Persuasive Sentences

To make your letter more impactful and persuasive, use language that emphasizes your strengths and accomplishments. Start sentences with action words and focus on the results you have achieved. Also, be specific and illustrate your points with concrete examples that demonstrate your value to the prospective employer.

When writing your job application letter, make sure to choose powerful words that demonstrate your expertise and experience effectively. Avoid using clichés and buzzwords and instead focus on crafting persuasive and impactful sentences that showcase your strengths and contributions. By following these principles, you can create a compelling letter that increases your chances of landing the job you want.

Formatting and Presentation of Your Job Application Letter

When it comes to writing a winning job application letter, the presentation and formatting of the letter are just as important as the content. Here are some tips to ensure your letter looks professional and polished:

A. Ensure consistency in formatting

Make sure your letter has a consistent format throughout. This means using the same font and font size for the entire letter. Also, ensure that the margins and spacing are consistent from beginning to end.

B. Proper use of fonts, margins, and spacing

Use a standard font like Times New Roman or Arial, in a legible size (such as 11pt or 12pt). Be sure to use proper spacing between paragraphs and section headers. It’s important to have enough white space to make the letter easy to read, but not so much that it takes up unnecessary space.

C. Guidelines on length of the letter

Longer letters can seem rambling and may deter the hiring manager from reading the whole thing. Focus on the most important points and make them clear and succinct. Remember, your goal is to make a strong case for yourself as a candidate, not overwhelm the reader with information.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your job application letter looks professional, polished, and focused on what matters most – your qualifications for the job.

Sample Job Application Letter

Writing a winning job application letter is important if you’re looking to impress the hiring manager and land your dream job. In this section of the article, we’ll walk through a sample job application letter, analyze its strong points, and provide strategies to improve it.

A. Walk Through a Sample Job Application Letter

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the position of Marketing Manager at ABC Company, as advertised on [job board]. With over [number] years of experience in the marketing industry, I believe I have the skills and knowledge to succeed in this role and make a significant contribution to your team.

During my time at XYZ Company, I was responsible for developing and executing successful marketing campaigns that exceeded client expectations and resulted in increased ROI. My experience in digital marketing, social media management, and content creation have prepared me well for this role. I am highly adaptable, and I have a proven track record of implementing innovative strategies to achieve business objectives.

In addition, I am a strong communicator and collaborator, and I work well in cross-functional teams. I am confident that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate for the role of Marketing Manager at ABC Company.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

B. Analyzing the Strong Points in the Letter

The sample job application letter has several strong points:

• The candidate clearly expresses their interest in the position and summarizes their skills and experience in the marketing industry.
• The letter highlights the candidate’s successful track record in executing marketing campaigns and achieving business objectives.
• The candidate demonstrates their adaptability and ability to implement innovative strategies.
• The letter emphasizes the candidate’s communication and collaboration skills.

C. Strategies to Improve the Letter

To improve the sample job application letter, consider the following strategies:

• Start with a strong opening sentence that grabs the hiring manager’s attention, such as a personal anecdote or a statement about the company’s mission.
• Use specific examples of your achievements and accomplishments to demonstrate your value to the company.
• Customize your letter to the specific job and company by conducting research and referencing relevant company initiatives or values.
• Show enthusiasm and a willingness to learn by expressing interest in the company’s future projects or goals.

By implementing these strategies, you can enhance your job application letter and increase your chances of landing an interview with your dream company.

Writing a winning job application letter requires attention to detail, strong communication skills, and a clear understanding of the hiring company’s needs and values. By following these tips and analyzing examples such as the one above, you can take your job application letter to the next level and stand out from the competition.

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Job Application Letter: Examples, What to Include & Writing Tips

In this article, we'll cover:

What Is an Application Letter?

What to include in a job application letter, job application letter samples, application letter template, tips for writing an application letter.

Aside from your resume, the hiring manager may ask you to submit a cover letter as a formal letter for a job application. Under different circumstances, it can go under different names shown below: 

• Job application letter – explains why you're applying for this position and what makes you qualified. 
• Letter of interest – expresses your interest in some position in a company even though it's already filled or not being advertised yet.
• Letter of motivation – proves that you are the perfect candidate for the position. 

Among these application formats for jobs, an application letter most closely resembles the function of a cover letter. It demonstrates your relevant qualifications for the position and convinces the employer to call you for an interview. 

This article will guide you on how to write an application letter for employment and feature samples of both an application letter format and an email job application format.   

Simply put, a letter of application is a formal document sent with your resume to explain at least these three things:

• Why you want to apply for this role
• What makes you the right fit
• How you can bring value to the organization

A well-written job application letter can grab the recruiters' attention effectively, motivate them to read through your resume and offer you a job interview. Hence, you should always submit a short application letter, even though it’s not required for the application. 

Recruiters normally would read your application letter before your resume. Therefore, it is important that your job application letter could serve as an overview of your profile as a candidate, and is interesting enough to make them want to review your application until the end.

When reviewing an application letter, recruiters expect to find a brief introduction of who you are and why you're applying for this role. Next, some paragraphs should elaborate the qualifications you possess that make you the right fit, in terms of education, experience, and skills. If you've stayed in the field for a while, focus on showing your achievements and present to the employer how you would contribute to their company in your job application letter. 

Lastly, to make a lasting ending for your application letter, express your appreciation for their time and insert a CTA about the job interview. Also, make sure you include a professional sign-off!

In this paragraph, you will learn how to write each of the 6 sections included in a job application letter:

• Letter header
• Introduction paragraph
• Body paragraph(s)
• Closing paragraph

1. Letter header 

Basically, the header of an application letter should follow the format of any other formal letters. It means that you need to provide the following information: 

• Your personal info (name, email, phone number/LinkedIn)
• Date written
• The recipient's info (name, job title, email, company address) 

Example of an  application letter header:

Kaylee Tran 9215 Fremontia Ave, Fontana, CA 92335  [email protected] (+310)-442-1500

May 10, 2022

Davis Miser Principal West Randall Elementary School 15620 Randall Ave, Fontana, CA 92335

2. Salutation

The salutation in a job application letter is a greeting to the people who will read your document and evaluate your qualifications for the role. Normally, they can be the company founder, the hiring manager, or the position’s department head. 

Good salutations for application letters:

• Dear Mr/Mrs + [Last Name],

Dear Hiring Manager,

• Dear [First Name],
• To Whom It May Concern,

Bad salutations for application letters:

• How do you do!
• Good morning/afternoon!

💡 Pro Tip: The cover letter salutation is one part of the letter where you can address the receiver of the letter directly. Addressing the correct or relevant people directly shows that you’ve put in the effort to do some research about the role and the team.

3. Introduction paragraph

In the opening paragraph, it's essential to introduce yourself and the purpose of writing this application letter. The most important information that employers expect to read is a brief statement of your qualifications that make you qualified for the position. 

Instead of stuffing too many details in this section, keep your application letter opening paragraphs within 2-3 sentences.

Example of the introduction paragraph in a job application letter : 

“My name is Kaylee Tran, an MSc graduate from IU International University of Applied Science. I am interested in applying for the Software Engineering Intern at Google after coming across your job listing on LinkedIn. I believe that my educational background and freelancing experience make me a highly competitive candidate for this position.” 

4. Body paragraph(s)

Here comes the most important part of your application letter for employment where you will need to express your motivation to apply and provide details on why you think you're the right fit. 

In the same way that you write a resume or CV, key components include skills, education, work experience, and professional achievements. However, instead of listing them in bullet points, you will compile a concise paragraph that best presents yourself to the hiring manager. 

💡 Pro Tip: Don't just repeat information from your resume. Keep your explanation no longer than 10 sentences. Be brief and concise since recruiters don’t have all day to review your application letter.

Example of the body paragraph in an application letter :

“I have a strong passion for writing and blogging, which is why I have found such fulfillment in content creation. My first job was as a social media specialist at IVY Travel, where I was responsible for managing the company’s social media accounts and producing well-thought-out content to attract more potential customers. My biggest achievement is receiving the 2018 Marketing Award for doubling the average organic likes from 80K to 160K on Facebook in one year. 

The following year, I advanced my career as a freelance content writer. This allows me to write for a variety of industries such as FinTech, EdTech, fashion, beauty, and tourism. I have helped over 15 companies with their content strategy and online branding. My previous clients are content with my active listening, attention to detail, and commitment to deadlines.”

5. Closing paragraph

In this the final paragraph of your application letter, you will need to: 

• Restate your interest
• Kindly remind the hiring manager to review your resume and other files attached
• Kindly ask for an interview 
• Express your appreciation for their time and consideration 

Example of the closing paragraph in an application letter :

“As requested, I have enclosed my resume, work samples, and IELTS certificate. Please let me know if you have any questions or need any additional information. Thank you for your time and appreciate your consideration of my application. It would be my honor to have the chance to discuss this opportunity further with you.”

6. Signature

To end an application letter, just simply write a formal closing, followed by your signature. 

If you're using an email job application format, make sure your email signature is professional and covers your personal information, like this: 

Kaylee Tran (Ms.) cakeresume.com/kaylee1990  [email protected] (+098)-1234-567

Good sign-offs for application letters:

• Best regards,
• Kind regards,
• With gratitude,

Bad sign-offs for application letters:

• See you soon!
• Thanks in advance!

Sample of an application letter for a job vacancy

Dear Mr. Miser,

My name is Kaylee Tran, an MSc graduate from IU International University of Applied Science. I saw the posting of the Software Engineering Intern from Google on LinkedIn, and I am very interested. I believe that my educational background and freelancing experience make me a highly competitive candidate for this position.

For the past two years, I have gained hands-on experience in coding and programming, providing solutions in database technology, and testing applications. My main responsibility is collaborating with a US-based team to develop four new websites that serve 2.5 million users per month. The biggest accomplishment I have achieved is building and implementing an automated bug tracking system, resulting in a 25% reduction in issues reported in the later stages of development.

The documents attached are my resume and work portfolio. I look forward to learning more about the Software Engineering Internship Program at Google. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, Kaylee Tran

Simple job application email sample

I'm writing to express my interest in the content editor position listed on CakeResume. While I have 5 years of experience in content marketing and social media management, I am confident that I am well-positioned to support IVY Magazine. 

I have a strong passion for writing and blogging, which is why I have found such fulfillment in content creation. My first job was as a social media specialist at IVY Travel, where I was responsible for managing the company’s social media accounts and producing well-thought-out content to attract more potential customers. My biggest achievement is receiving the 2018 Marketing Award for doubling the average organic likes from 80K to 160K on Facebook in one year. 

The following year, I advanced my career as a freelance content writer. This allows me to write for a variety of industries such as FinTech, EdTech, fashion, beauty, and tourism. I have helped over 15 companies with their content strategy and online branding. My previous clients are content with my active listening, attention to detail, and commitment to deadlines.

As requested, I have enclosed my resume, work samples, and IELTS certificate. Please let me know if you have any questions or need any additional information. Thank you for your time and appreciate your consideration of my application. It would be my honor to have the chance to discuss this opportunity further with you.

Kind regards, Colleen Miller  [email protected] (881)-123-1234 cakeresume.com/colleen.miller

Need to write a quick and simple application letter? Use the free application letter template below.

[Your name]  [Your address]  [Your email address]  [Your phone number]

[Date written]

[Recipient’s name]  [Company name]  [Company physical address]

Dear Mr./Mrs. [Last Name] , 

I am writing this letter to apply for the [job title] position at your company - [company name] . I believe that my educational background and professional experience make me an ideal candidate for this role. Moreover, I can have a chance to continue building upon the [technical skill] and [soft skill] acquired over the past [number] years.

In the last role as a [job title] , I was responsible for [job task 1] , [job task 2] , and [job task 3] . I pride myself on [notable accomplishment 1] and [notable accomplishment 2] , resulting in [contribution] at [your former company] . 

You and the team can rely on me as a [personal trait 1],  [personal trait 2], and [personal trait 3] employee with the ability to [soft skill] effectively. In terms of my educational background, I earned my [degree type] in [your major] from [University name] in [year] . I also obtained a certificate (or license) in [field] . 

Please find attached my resume for your further review of my skills and work history. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this position and how I can bring more value to the [team or department name].  

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon. 

Kind regards,  [Your Name]

✅ Start with a professional subject line.

This is particularly important if you choose an email format for your job application. Think of it as an article title that is professional-looking and can grab the reader's attention. 

Examples of email subject lines for application letters :

• Front-desk Position - Your Name
• Job Posting #321: Marketing Manager
• Application for Public Health Associate Position

💡 Pro Tip: Some job postings list specific formats that you are required to follow when submitting your application. Make sure to pay close attention to these specific instructions if you don’t want your application to go missing.

✅ Highlight your skills.

Bullet points on a resume make it easier to list relevant skills. However, you can’t do so when writing a job application letter - instead, provide specific examples of how you’ve leveraged that skill and what you've achieved. That will help fully showcase why you’re the right one for the position.

✅ Incorporate related keywords.

A rule of thumb is not only your resume but also your application letter should be tailored to the job opening. You just need to review the job description carefully and insert keywords related to skills, job responsibilities, and requirements. Doing so can help effectively pitch yourself to employers and stand out from the crowd. 

✅ Be concise.

In general, an application letter sample for any position should not exceed one A4 page, ideally 250 to 400 words. Also, keep in mind that the body paragraph is the focus of the letter - longest and providing the most detail. 

✅ Express your gratitude.

Being polite and professional will always imprint a positive impression on recruiters. It also indicates good character and can be seen as an indication of how you will fit into the company. Hiring managers will be impressed by your professionalism if you put your appreciation into words. 

✅ Include a strong CTA.

A CTA (call-to-action) is like an invitation and reminder to the hiring manager to follow up and speak with you further regarding the job opportunity. This allows you to express your interest in the role and give them a push to reach out to you for an interview.

✅ Proofread before sending it out. 

Many job applicants don't make a practice of proofreading their application letters, resulting in spelling and grammar mistakes. These may reflect badly on you and cost you the interview. Thus, make sure your job application letter is error-free before it's submitted. 

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• Mar 26, 2024
• 11 min read

How to Write a Job Application Letter (Tips and Examples)

Your guide to getting your foot in the door.

Joanna Zambas

Content Manager and Career Expert

Reviewed by Chris Leitch

Do you have your heart set on a specific company but have never seen them post a single vacancy? And are you on the verge of giving up completely, and convinced you’re going to be jobless and broke for the rest of your life?

Well, don’t crumple your  perfectly written résumé  in a ball of paper just yet — there’s still hope for you!

All you need to do is write an awesome job application letter.

Application letters are a great way to get your foot in the door of a company that hasn’t advertised a position or when you’re applying for an academic program or an  internship .

So, what are you waiting for?

Read on to find out how to write a great job application letter (and land that  dream job  of yours in the process)!

What is a job application letter/email?

Whereas cover letters are used when applying for a specific vacancy, and include details which are complementary to what’s on the applicant’s résumé, application letters are submitted when there is no job opening, and they tend to be more detailed.

Unlike cover letters, which usually span about one page, application letters can be twice as long.

How should you structure your letter?

The structure and formatting of your application letter is just as important as the words you use to sell your skills and enthusiasm for the job. The pointers below will help you deliver your message in a professional and effective way.

Sender’s address

Begin your letter with your address listed in the left-hand corner of the page. In the US, it’s acceptable to list your address in the right-hand corner. (Skip this step if you’re going to send your application via email.)

If you’re applying via email, create an email address for professional use if you haven’t already. This should include your first and last names or initials — no nicknames or years of birth! Two appropriate examples are [email protected] and [email protected] .

As with any official letter, include the date of your letter below your address.

Subject line

The  subject of your email  should make the manager want to read more and not automatically press the “Delete” button. It could be something like: “Social Media Expert with over 5 Years of Experience”.

Inside address

The company’s address should appear a few lines below your address and the date. Skip this if you’re sending an email.

As with any formal letter, you need to open with the correct formal salutation (such as “Dear Mr [surname]” or “Dear Ms [surname]”).

It’s also best to find out who the head of the department is, and address your letter directly to them to show that you’ve taken the time to really do your research. If you begin with “Dear Hiring Manager”, for example, you’re potentially destroying your chances of getting the job you’re applying for.

Opening paragraph

The opening paragraph should provide details on why you’re getting in touch.

Think about what you want to achieve with this letter before forming your answer. For example, you could say that it’s been a dream of yours to work for the company and that you feel that, given the chance, you’d love to bring new skills and ideas to the table. You can also highlight any qualifications you have here.

Middle paragraph(s)

This is where you will explain why you’re suitable for the position by listing skills you’ve developed through previous work experience . Remember that this shouldn’t be a word-for-word copy of your résumé; rather, you should use this as an opportunity to expand on notable achievements.

And make sure you tailor the content of your letter to the particular job title and company you’re applying to — you don’t want to ramble on about irrelevant details.

Final paragraph

Finally, focus on what you bring to the table and how the company can benefit from your skills and experience. If you have statistics and figures to back up your claims, even better!

For example, if you’re an experienced project manager, you could say how you want to showcase your leadership skills and help the company reach its desired turnover, and then back this up with statistics on how you did just that in previous positions.

You should close your letter with a call-to-action. For example, you could say something like: “I look forward to hearing back from you to discuss any possibilities”. And don’t forget to thank the reader for their time!

Your name and signature

If you’re sending this by snail mail, opt for a handwritten signature. If, on the other hand, you’re sending an email, simply write your name, followed by your contact information.

Most application letter templates (and formal letter templates in general) use the Times New Roman typeface at 12 points. Other recommended fonts include Arial, Georgia and Calibri.

Tips for writing your letter

When it’s time to write an application letter, bear the following points in mind to ensure that your document captures the hiring manager’s attention and successfully creates the impression that you’d make a good fit for their company.

1. Include bullet points

Bullet points can be used as an effective formatting tool when writing your application letter. They can demonstrate points clearly and concisely, as well as help with the overall layout, allowing for bite-sized, readable chunks of information.

2. Make sure the language you use is easy to read

You might be a literary wizard , but those long words won’t impress the hiring manager if they make your letter difficult to read.

3. Use positive language

Positivity is the way forward when it comes to selling your skills to a potential employer. Therefore, you should use positive words when explaining your previous work experience.

These words include “assisted”, “conducted”, “executed”, “proposed” and “recommended”, which (when used right) can demonstrate your contribution and dedication to your role and organization.

4. Be creative

Depending on the industry that you’re interested in, you can be a bit creative with your approach . This means that you don’t have to follow the conventional structure of a cover letter, and can instead adopt a more story-like approach.

Should you add any attachments?

Since application letters are not submitted in response to particular job ads, but rather serve as an inquiry into any unadvertised openings which may be available, they tend to be standalone documents. That is to say they are not typically accompanied by other files.

Whereas cover letters are concise, tailored to the job posting and accompanied by résumés, your letter of application will be a more extensive account of your skills and experiences.

That being said, if you’re applying for a creative position such as that of a video editor or blog writer, it makes sense to include a few samples of your work that best represent your talent and ability.

Job application letter samples

The following application letter samples can give you an idea as to what to include in your letter, as well as how to structure it effectively.

1. Job application email sample

Dear Mr Cannon,

I have long been following your company’s growth and progress, being extremely passionate about clean, renewable energy. I remember coming across XYZ Renewables back in the early 2000s, when it was still in its early startup stages, and I admire how your leadership has grown the company since.

Having gained extensive experience as a solar consultant over the last decade, I have kept an eye out for any job opportunities with XYZ Renewables. This is why I am writing to you today: to express a keen interest in working with you in the future, should any solar consultation vacancies become available at your company.

In my current role at ABC Energies, I train new hires in advising and liaising with clients, as well as in designing and installing solar systems that cater to the needs and budget of our clients. I carry out the same duties myself, and have been commended for my customer service skills and technical know-how in solar systems installations. Over the last year, I have overseen and facilitated transactions totaling upwards of $1 million.

I appreciate you taking the time to read through my application. I hope that my skills and work experience can contribute to a fruitful collaboration down the line.

Yours sincerely,

Mark Rowling

2. Internship application email sample

Dear Ms Kipling,

Ever since I was a sophomore in high school, I’ve dreamed about pursuing an undergraduate degree in interior design and going on to work for an award-winning architectural firm. During my studies at AB College, where I graduated from just over a month ago, I became exposed to the works of various such firms, including your own.

XY Designs stood out to me for the simplicity of its designs (I am also a fan of Scandinavian interiors!) as well as its clever use of natural lighting and earthy colors and textures. In particular, I was impressed with the renovation of the Workwell coworking space you undertook and completed in 2022.

I believe that working alongside the designers on your team and under your mentorship would be an invaluable experience, which is why I am reaching out to enquire about any potential internship opportunities you may have this coming summer. During my studies, I have become proficient in using SketchUp and 3Ds Max, and completed my final project on Scandinavian interiors and architecture specifically. I am attaching a link to my final project portfolio below.

Thank you for your time, and I hope to hear back from you soon.

Respectfully,

3. Academic application letter sample

Gregory Allen Department of English AB University Syracuse, NY

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Dear Mr Allen,

During my undergraduate studies in animation, I discovered — quite unexpectedly — a passion for writing, and specifically writing for film and television. Although up until that point I had believed myself to be a VFX artist in the making, the discovery caused me to reconsider. Today, I am writing to express my interest in the Creative Writing MA program at AB University.

During my final year at Arts College, I produced a screenplay for a short film, and found that setting up the scene and creating a whole new world in words was far more fascinating to me than trying to recreate it by moving around and rendering pixels on a screen. I received the highest mark out of everyone on my course for that piece of writing; and that was followed by my screenwriting professor’s recommendation: the way he spoke about AB University’s history and faculty removed any sort of doubt from my mind. It all became clear: this was to be my new path.

I have attached some writing samples, as per the application guidelines: my final-year screenplay as well as two pieces of prose I wrote in my free time. I hope that you may consider my application for a spot on the Creative Writing course.

I look forward to hearing back from you. Thank you for your time!

Best wishes,

Things to remember

From writing the first draft of your application letter to editing it and adding the final touches, remember to do the following:

1. Do your research

Research is one of the most important steps when it comes to  job searching ; you need to make sure that you know all there is about the organization you’re targeting and you should have a clear understanding of what their company culture is like.

2. Don’t forget to proofread

This goes without saying, but never send your application letter off without proofreading it. With so many readily available editing tools online, there’s no excuse for a careless typo or wordy sentences. Grammarly and Hemmingway are two of the most popular programs to help you perfect your writing.

3. Use their style of writing

You can usually guess a company’s style of writing from their website and publications. So, it’s important to try and keep your letter in line with this so they can see that you’re a real match for the position and that they’d be silly to not invite you for an interview.

Final thoughts

Whether you go to write a cover letter or an application letter, or even to put together a portfolio for a prospective employer to see, the same thing applies: everything you include must be related to the position you’re hoping to land.

So, before you’ve started writing, take time to consider which of your skills, qualities and achievements best portray you as a strong candidate , and how you can best convey your interest in (and suitability for) the company as a whole.

Have you ever written an application letter before? Do you have any other tips to share with fellow jobseekers? Leave us a comment in the comments section below!

Originally published on August 21, 2018. Updated by Electra Michaelidou.

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Our cover letter template designs and samples have been carefully crafted to maximize their visual and textual impact. You want recruiters to fall in love with your professional story before they even meet you. That’s what we aim to help you with.

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Why our cover letter builder helps you getting the ideal job.

Finally, you don’t have to build anything from scratch. That’s always the most difficult part. And now it’s the part you can just skip. Our free cover letter templates are ready to use and fill in with minimal effort. The attention-grabbing beautiful designs and organized structure have been tested and vetted. All our cover letter templates have been approved by recruitment experts.

Recruiters and hiring managers still emphasize poor grammar and typos as a dominant reason for rejecting applications. Don’t be a part of that statistic. We’ve taken care of combining all the tools you need in one place - including a spell-checker. No need to use multiple software or online tools - the perfect cover letter build unites them all!

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It used to be the case that you needed creative writing skills to build an amazing cover letter. And time. Lots of time. Now, all you need is the perfect online builder - and you’re good to go!

Go to our varied collection of beautifully designed cover letter templates and pick one that suits you! We have created templates and samples that align with jobs, industries and professional image goals. All you need to do is consider which one strikes your fancy and is appropriate for your potential employer.

Add your contact information, as well as any needed (and appropriate) personal data the employer requires. Our well-designed templates make sure your info won’t get overlooked and your documents don’t get lost due to boring visuals. After all, your cover letter is your ambassador.

Save tons of time, condensing the long journey of a convincing professional appeal to several minutes and keystrokes. You can use our free guiding samples that show mock-up cover letters, written by hiring professionals based on years of experience. With all the technical and guiding support - this won’t take long!

Tailor the design, structure and formatting of your cover letter in a couple of clicks. The template and other aspects of your document can be adjusted as you see fit. And what’s more, you can experiment as long as you want - our online and offline sync features mean you won’t lose any of your changes even if you lose your internet connection.

Whether your employer uses an Applicant Tracking System or prefers email, whether they use Mac or PC - we’ve got you covered. Make use of PDF files to perfectly preserve your beautiful cover letter formatting.

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• How to Write a Letter of Recommendation [+ Free Template]

Updated: June 26, 2024

Published: June 13, 2024

I’ve been helping people create letters of recommendation for jobs they want, internships, promotions, and more, for over ten years. I’ve learned during this time that if you’re not selling yourself effectively, you won’t make a lasting impression.

A recommendation letter differs from a resume or a cover letter because it comes from someone who knows you well, so it should feel more personal.

Read further to discover how to write a letter of recommendation that will help you land the job or opportunity you’ve been dreaming of.

Table of Contents

What is a letter of recommendation?

Do i write my own letter of recommendation, free letter of recommendation template, letter of recommendation samples to inspire you.

• Tips for Creating Effective Letters of Recommendations
• How to Ask For a Letter of Recommendation

A letter of recommendation is a one to two-page description of your merits from someone who has a particular insight into your character, work ethic, projects you’ve completed, and more.

Typically, a letter of recommendation is written by someone who is an authority figure to you, such as a past employer or manager. This person should be able to recommend your professional work or academic experience.

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You might be thinking, “Wait, don’t I have my (boss, colleague, or friend) write a letter of recommendation for me? Why must I read this blog to create a letter of recommendation?”

You can, of course, ask them to write a letter of recommendation for you from scratch. But don’t be surprised if it takes them a really long time to write it. Even then, it may not meet your expectations.

There’s nothing wrong with giving the person you're asking an outline, a list of your past achievements, or even a draft of a letter of recommendation.

In fact, it’s expected that you will give the writer an idea of what you want them to include in the letter of recommendation while still allowing them the creative freedom to add their spin.

They can adjust whatever the letter is to fit what they feel comfortable signing their name to, and you will save them a significant amount of time — meaning you get a better letter of recommendation faster.

How to Write a Letter of Recommendation

Whether you’re writing a letter of recommendation for a professional or academic opportunity, the basic elements are the same.

Start by including the date and recipient’s information, introducing the writer, describing the applicant and their performance, and signing off with the writer’s contact information.

A long relationship with the candidate or a deep familiarity with their work is an important element of writing a letter of recommendation.

When ideating which details of your professional relationship to include, ask yourself which projects they worked with you on, what strengths you admire in them, specific moments they came through for you, and what you’ll miss about working with them when they leave.

Remember, a letter of recommendation is more than just a list of their professional experience, that’s what a resume is for, as the writer you can give a hiring manager insight into the personality of the candidate and if they’d be a good fit for the role.

Check out this free letter of recommendation template to get started.

Letter of Recommendation Format

Including a date is important for establishing the validity of a letter of recommendation.

Use the specific date that corresponds with the candidate's last day at an organization or even some time after they worked with the writer of the letter of recommendation.

If you’re asking for a letter of recommendation from a coworker or boss while still employed, be sure to tread lightly as most employers won’t be thrilled to recommend you to a job when you’re leaving.

If you do trust that they are ok recommending you, despite leaving the company, go ahead and put that day’s date.

2. Recipient's Information

Write out the name, position, and company of the person the letter of recommendation is going to. Or, if you’re not sure what companies you will be applying your letter of recommendation to, feel free to keep this section generic so you can fill it out later as opportunities arise.

3. Introductions

Introduce the writer of the letter of recommendation. Remember, use the first person (whether you’re the person writing the letter of recommendation, or the receiver creating a draft).

Go ahead and list their areas of expertise, education, current title, and anything else applicable. If the writer is a previous manager you’ll want to list their position, how long they’ve been at the company and their education. You should also say how long they’ve worked with or known you.

4. Performance and Qualifications

Use this section to talk about the commitment of the letter's requester in your organization. You

can also mention their most notable traits, skills, and abilities through adjectives.

This section is the bulk of your letter and the most important part. Remember, your boss/coworker/friend can put their own spin on what you say in the letter, you’re just giving them an idea of what you’d like included.

Ask yourself these questions when writing this section:

• How can I tell the story of my accomplishments?
• What personal details need to be included?
• What motivates me?
• What challenges have I overcome?
• What are my most relevant skills?
• Why do I want to work at this company or apply to this school?
• What makes me a good fit for this role?

Here’s an example of what answering these questions might look like:

“Jane Doe became my employee in 2016 after transferring from the Sales department. She is extremely motivated by sales-centric goals, employee satisfaction, and choosing tactics that deliver a high return on investment.

In my time working with Jane Doe, I’ve watched her tackle challenging projects, such as when our startup was bought out by a bigger brand.

She made sure each member of her team transitioned seamlessly while also still meeting her quarterly goals, an accomplishment that only one other team at the company achieved during this time.

Her background in sales has made her a friendly team player, a wise financial decision-maker, and an influential leader. She would be an excellent fit for any role that needs someone who is going to meet hard-to-reach targets, lead a team to excellence, and maintain organization.

In my time working with Jane Doe, I’ve often used her as my go-to-person because I know she is both reliable and hard-working.”

Don’t forget to write this section in the first person, and don’t be afraid to really sell yourself and your achievements!

If you’re not comfortable with being this specific, here’s an example that leaves space for the writer to put in their own thoughts.

“[NAME] became my employee in [YEAR] after transferring from [DEPARTMENT]. She is extremely motivated [ENTER PERSONAL QUALITIES].

In my time working with [NAME], I’ve watched her tackle challenging projects, such as [PAST PROJECT(S)]. [SENTENCE ABOUT WAS DONE WELL].

Their background in [ENTER BACKGROUND] has made them [FAVORABLE PERSONAL QUALITIES]. They would be an excellent fit for any role that needs [DESCRIPTION OF ROLE THEY’RE APPLYING FOR].

In my time working with [NAME], [DESCRIPTION OF HOW WE’VE WORKED TOGETHER IN PAST].”

5. Contact Information

Finally, you can close this letter wishing the applicant luck in their new professional stage. Most importantly, provide detailed contact information, as interviewers will need to confirm the information provided in this document.

How long should a letter of recommendation be?

Like a cover letter or a resume, a letter of recommendation should be about one page long. I’ve often erred on the side of shorter than longer because you really can say everything you need to in one page.

If you’re having a hard time whittling your letter of recommendation down to one page, consider asking a friend with writing experience to edit it down to the most important details, or even using AI tools to help you.

Writing your letters of recommendation from scratch can be time-consuming and difficult. Download your free recommendation template (pictured below) here as a Google Docs or Microsoft Word file.

Don't forget to share this post!

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Termination Letter Templates

Table of Contents

What is a Termination Letter?

A termination letter is an official communication informing an employee that their employment is being terminated. It is given in cases of involuntary termination of employment and communicates the reason and conditions for termination.

A termination letter benefits both employers and employees by providing a clear record of the separation, outlining any severance or continued benefits, and aiding with potential legal issues.

A well-written termination letter, especially in difficult circumstances, can help maintain a company’s good image with the departing employee by demonstrating respect, clarity, and professionalism throughout the separation process.

How to Write a Termination Letter?

A termination letter must be written with care and sensitivity since it conveys largely negative news to employees. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

• Start with basic information like date, employee name, and title.
• Use a clear and professional tone to inform the employee that their employment is being terminated.
• You may or may not choose to include the reason for termination, depending on your company policy and local laws. If you do include it, be factual and objective. Avoid going into excessive detail or using accusatory language.
• Specify how and when they will receive their final paycheck as well as the process to return company property.
• Briefly thank the employee for their contributions to the company and wish them well in their future endeavours.
• Carefully proofread the letter for any errors before sending it. Depending on your company’s policies, it might be wise to get approval from HR before issuing the final letter.

1. Termination Email Template with Reason

Subject: Employment Termination – [Employee Name]

Dear [Employee Name],

This email is to formally notify you that your employment with [Company Name] is being terminated, effective [Date of Termination].

The reason for this termination is [State the reason for termination clearly and objectively. Briefly explain the situation but avoid going into unnecessary detail]. We understand that this news may be difficult, and we appreciate your contributions to the company during your time here.

Severance Pay and Benefits:

• You will be eligible for severance pay of [Amount] in accordance with company policy.
• You will continue to receive health insurance coverage through [Date] (COBRA continuation options may be available after this date).
• Your final paycheck, including any accrued vacation or sick leave, will be directly deposited into your account on [Date].

Remaining Duties:

• Please return all company property, including your laptop, phone, and badge, to the HR department by [Date].
• Please complete the following tasks before your departure: [List any outstanding tasks or projects the employee needs to complete].

We understand that this may be a challenging time. However, we are happy to provide you with a letter of recommendation upon request.

We wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

[Your Name]

[Your Title]

2. Termination Email Template for Poor Performance

Subject: Performance Review and Employment Separation – [Employee Name]

This email follows up on our recent discussions regarding your performance in the [Job Title] role. As you know, we have been working together to improve your performance in [List 2-3 specific areas of concern].

We appreciate your efforts to improve your performance in this role, particularly with the support provided through [specific resources]. The [Job Title] role requires a specific skill set, and despite our efforts to support your development, we haven’t been able to bridge the gap to meet those demands.

Therefore, after careful consideration, we have decided to terminate your employment with [Company Name], effective [Date of Termination].

We understand this news may be disappointing, and we appreciate your efforts during your time here.

Next Steps:

• You will continue to receive health insurance coverage through [Date] (COBRA continuation options may be available after this date). Please refer to the HR department for details on your benefits continuation options.

We wish you all the best in finding a position that better aligns with your skills and goals.

Should you have any questions regarding your separation or benefits, please don’t hesitate to contact the HR department at [HR Contact Information].

3. Termination Letter Due to Company Closure

Subject: Important Notice – Closure of [Company Name] and Termination of Employment

This letter is to inform you of the difficult decision to close [Company Name]’s operations, effective [Date of Closure]. Due to [Briefly state the reason for closure, e.g., economic downturn, industry changes], we are no longer able to continue operating the business.

As a result of this closure, your employment with [Company Name] will be terminated, effective [Date of Termination]. We understand that this news may be unexpected and disruptive, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

We appreciate your contributions to the company during your time here.

• Severance Pay and Benefits: [If applicable, outline details of any severance pay or continuation of benefits, including the date of your final paycheck and how to access COBRA options for health insurance.]
• Final Paycheck: Your final paycheck, including any accrued vacation or sick leave, will be directly deposited into your account on [Date].
• Company Property: Please return all company property, including your laptop, phone, and badge, to the HR department by [Date].
• Outplacement Services: [If applicable, mention any outplacement services offered to assist with the job search.]

We understand this may be a challenging time. However, we wish you all the best in finding a new position that aligns with your skills and goals.

4. Termination Letter Due to Insubordination

Subject: Termination of Employment – [Employee Name]

This letter formally informs you that your employment with [Company Name] is being terminated, effective [Date of Termination]. This decision is based on repeated instances of insubordination, which constitute a violation of our company policies and expectations for professional conduct.

Specific examples of your insubordination include:

• [List specific instances of insubordination, including dates and details. Focus on objective behaviour, not personal opinions.]

These actions have created a disruptive work environment and undermined your ability to perform your job duties effectively. Despite previous warnings, including [Mention any prior warnings or discussions that took place], we haven’t seen the necessary improvement in your behaviour.

We understand that this news may be disappointing. However, we cannot tolerate continued insubordination that disrupts the workplace and jeopardizes the well-being of our employees.

Should you have any questions regarding your separation or final pay, please don’t hesitate to contact the HR department at [HR Contact Information].

5. Termination Letter Template Without Cause

This letter formally informs you that your employment with [Company Name] will be terminated, effective [Date of Termination]. We sincerely appreciate your contributions to the company during your time here.

We understand that this news may be unexpected, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

6. Termination Letter Template for Probation

Subject: Termination of Employment During Probationary Period – [Employee Name]

This letter formally informs you that your employment with [Company Name] is being terminated, effective [Date of Termination]. This decision is based on a thorough assessment of your performance during your probationary period, which began on [Start Date of Probation] and ended on [End Date of Probation].

Unfortunately, your performance in the [Job Title] role did not meet the expectations outlined in the job description and your probationary agreement. Specifically, [Optionally, but carefully, mention 1-2 areas where expectations weren’t met. Focus on objective observations, not opinions].

While we appreciate your efforts during your time here, we haven’t witnessed the necessary progress to successfully transition beyond the probationary period.

7. Termination Letter Template for Prolonged Absence

This letter formally informs you that your employment with [Company Name] is being terminated, effective [Date of Termination]. This decision is based on your continued attendance issues, which have significantly impacted your ability to perform your job duties and disrupted the workplace environment.

Despite previous warnings and discussions regarding your attendance record on [Dates of previous discussions/warnings], we haven’t seen the necessary improvement. These discussions included [Mention the specific nature of the warnings or discussions, e.g., expectation for improvement, potential consequences of continued absences].

Specific instances of your attendance issues include:

• [List specific examples of absences, including dates and reasons (if provided by employee)].

These absences have made it difficult to maintain operational efficiency and have placed an undue burden on your colleagues.

• Final Paycheck: Your final paycheck, including any accrued vacation or sick leave (minus any time used without proper approval), will be directly deposited into your account on [Date].

We understand that this news may be disappointing. However, consistent attendance is essential for all employees, and unfortunately, your record has not met the required standards.

8. Termination Letter for Ethical Violations

This letter formally informs you that your employment with [Company Name] is being terminated, effective [Date of Termination]. This decision is based on a confirmed violation of our company’s ethics code, specifically [Mention the specific section(s) of the ethics code violated].

On [Date], it came to our attention that you engaged in [Briefly describe the ethical violation without excessive detail]. This behaviour is a serious breach of trust and directly contradicts the core values of honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct that we expect from all employees.

We take such violations very seriously, as they can have a detrimental impact on our company’s reputation and culture. Despite [Mention any attempts to address the violation, e.g., an opportunity to explain the situation], we cannot condone this behavior.

• Final Paycheck: Your final paycheck will be directly deposited into your account on [Date] (minus any outstanding deductions).

We understand that this news may be upsetting. However, maintaining a high ethical standard is paramount for our company, and this violation necessitates your termination.

Important Notes:

• It’s crucial to have documented evidence of the ethical violation before issuing a termination letter. This could include witness statements, emails, or other relevant information.
• Consulting with HR and potentially legal counsel is highly recommended before issuing the letter, especially for serious ethical violations.

9. Termination Letter Template Due to Merger or Acquisition

Subject: Important Notice – Impact of Merger/Acquisition on Employment – [Employee Name]

This letter is to inform you about the upcoming merger/acquisition of [Company Name] by [Acquiring Company Name], which is scheduled to be finalized on [Date of Merger/Acquisition]. As a result of this business combination, we are carefully evaluating the structure and staffing needs of the combined organization.

Following a thorough review, we have made the difficult decision to make your position, [Job Title], redundant, effective [Date of Termination]. This decision reflects the strategic direction of the new organization and does not reflect your performance.

We understand that this news may be unexpected and disruptive, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We appreciate your contributions to [Company Name] during your time here.

Transition Assistance:

We are committed to supporting you during this transition. To help you find your next opportunity, we are offering [Mention any transition assistance programs offered, e.g., outplacement services, career counselling].

Information Regarding the Merged Company:

Further details regarding the merged company, including potential job opportunities, will be communicated shortly.

We understand this news may be challenging, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

10. Termination Letter Template for Breach of Confidentiality

This letter formally informs you that your employment with [Company Name] is being terminated, effective [Date of Termination]. This decision is based on a confirmed breach of our company’s confidentiality policy.

On [Date], it came to our attention that you disclosed confidential company information to [Specify to whom the information was disclosed, if known]. This information includes [ Briefly describe the specific type of confidential information that was breached, without revealing sensitive details].

The confidentiality of our business information is critical to our success. Disclosing such information is a serious violation of our company policy and a breach of trust.

We take such violations very seriously, as they can have a significant negative impact on our competitive advantage and client relationships. Despite [Mention any attempts to address the violation, e.g., an opportunity to explain the situation], we cannot condone this behavior.

We understand that this news may be upsetting. However, maintaining confidentiality is essential for our company, and this violation necessitates your termination.

• It’s crucial to have documented evidence of the breach before issuing a termination letter. This could include witness statements, emails, or other relevant information demonstrating the employee’s access to the confidential information and its subsequent disclosure.
• Consulting with HR and legal counsel is highly recommended before issuing the letter, especially for serious confidentiality breaches.

11. Termination Letter for Culture Fit Issues

This letter formally informs you that your employment with [Company Name] is being terminated, effective [Date of Termination]. We have determined that your work style and overall fit with our company culture are not compatible with the needs of the team and the organization as a whole.

We appreciate the skills and experience you brought to [Company Name] during your time here. While your performance in terms of [mention specific job duties] has been satisfactory, we haven’t witnessed the level of collaboration, communication, or [mention specific cultural values, e.g., teamwork, problem-solving] we require to achieve our goals.

Despite [mention any attempts to address the cultural fit issues, e.g., coaching, feedback discussions], we haven’t seen the necessary shift to fully integrate into our team environment.

We understand that this news may be unexpected. While this decision was difficult, we believe it is in the best interest of both the company and yourself. We wish you all the best in finding a position that aligns more closely with your skills and a work environment that is a better fit for you.

12. Termination Letter Template Due to Misconduct

This letter formally informs you that your employment with [Company Name] is being terminated, effective immediately [date of Termination]. This decision is based on a confirmed violation of our company’s policies regarding [specify the specific policy violated, e.g., harassment, theft, violence].

On [date], it came to our attention that you engaged in [Briefly describe the misconduct without excessive detail]. This behaviour is a serious offence and a clear violation of our policy on [policy name], which states [quote a relevant excerpt from the policy, if applicable].

We take such violations very seriously, as they can have a detrimental impact on our work environment, employee safety, and company reputation. Despite [mention any attempts to address the misconduct, e.g., an opportunity to explain the situation or a prior warning], we cannot condone this behavior.

• Final Paycheck: [Mention how the final paycheck will be handled, considering potential deductions related to the misconduct. Consult with HR for specific details.]
• Company Property: Please return all company property, including your laptop, phone, and badge, to the HR department immediately.

We understand that this news may be upsetting. However, maintaining a safe and professional work environment is paramount, and this violation necessitates your termination.

13. Termination Letter Due to Completion of Contract

Subject: End of Employment Contract – [Employee Name]

This letter serves as formal notification that your employment contract with [Company Name] will conclude on [Date of Termination], as stipulated in the agreement signed on [Start Date of Contract].

We appreciate your contributions to the company during your time here. You have consistently demonstrated [Mention specific positive qualities or achievements, if applicable] throughout your contract period.

• Final Paycheck: Your final paycheck, including any accrued vacation or sick leave (in accordance with the contract), will be directly deposited into your account on [Date].
• Benefits Continuation: [If applicable, mention details on any continuation options for benefits, including the date of coverage ending and how to access COBRA options for health insurance.]

We wish you all the best in your future endeavours. Should you have any questions regarding your separation or benefits, please don’t hesitate to contact the HR department at [HR Contact Information].

14. Termination Letter Due to Negligence

This letter formally informs you that your employment with [Company Name] is being terminated, effective [Date of Termination]. This decision is based on repeated instances of negligence that have resulted in [Mention specific consequences of the negligence, e.g., financial loss, safety hazards, damaged equipment].

Specific examples of your negligence include:

• [List specific incidents of negligence, including dates and details. Focus on objective facts and the impact of the negligence.]

These incidents have caused [Describe the negative impact of the negligence on the company, e.g., financial losses, safety concerns, workflow disruptions]. Despite previous warnings and discussions regarding your performance on [Dates of previous discussions/warnings], we haven’t witnessed the necessary improvement in your attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols. These discussions included [Mention the nature of the warnings or discussions, e.g., expectation for improvement, potential consequences of continued negligence].

• Final Paycheck: Your final paycheck will be directly deposited into your account on [Date] (minus any outstanding deductions related to the negligence, as determined by the company).

We understand that this news may be disappointing. However, ensuring the safety and well-being of our employees and protecting company assets are paramount. Unfortunately, the repeated instances of negligence necessitate your termination.

15. Termination Letter Template Due to Falsification of Application/Resume

This letter formally informs you that your employment with [Company Name] is being terminated, effective immediately ([Date of Termination]). This decision is based on a confirmed falsification of information in your employment application/resume.

On [Date], it came to our attention that the information you provided regarding [Specify the specific falsified information, e.g., education, experience, skills] was inaccurate. This misrepresentation constitutes a breach of trust and undermines the integrity of the hiring process.

Our company places a high value on honesty and transparency. The ability to rely on the accuracy of the information provided by job applicants is essential for making informed hiring decisions. Unfortunately, due to the falsification of information, your application cannot be considered truthful.

• Final Paycheck: [Mention how the final paycheck will be handled. Consult with HR for specific details, considering potential deductions or if any work was performed.]

We understand that this news may be upsetting. However, maintaining a fair and honest hiring process is critical, and this falsification necessitates your termination.

• It’s crucial to have documented evidence of the falsification before issuing a termination letter. This could include verification attempts for the information, discrepancies between application/resume and references/background checks.
• Consulting with HR and potentially legal counsel is highly recommended before issuing the letter, especially for situations where the falsification may have impacted the job performance or caused harm to the company.

16. Termination Letter Template Due to Medical Reasons

This letter formally informs you that your employment with [Company Name] will be terminated, effective [Date of Termination]. This decision comes after careful consideration and is based on your ongoing medical condition, which unfortunately prevents you from safely performing your job duties despite our efforts to find reasonable accommodations.

We appreciate your contributions to [Company Name] during your time here. You have consistently demonstrated [Mention specific positive qualities or achievements, if applicable]. We understand this news may be difficult, and we are truly sorry for the circumstances.

Throughout this process, we have explored various accommodation options in collaboration with you and in accordance with [Mention relevant laws or regulations]. Unfortunately, after [briefly describe the accommodation efforts undertaken], we haven’t been able to identify a suitable solution that allows you to perform the essential functions of your job without creating undue hardship for the company.

• Continuation of Benefits (if applicable): [If applicable, outline any continuation options for benefits, including the date of coverage ending and how to access COBRA options for health insurance.]
• Outplacement Services (if offered): We are offering you access to outplacement services to assist you in your job search during this transition.

We wish you all the best in your recovery and future endeavors. Should you have any questions regarding your separation or benefits, please don’t hesitate to contact the HR department at [HR Contact Information].

17. Termination Letter Template for Unauthorized Use of Company Equipment

This letter formally informs you that your employment with [Company Name] is being terminated, effective immediately ([Date of Termination]). This decision is based on a confirmed violation of our company’s policy regarding the use of company equipment.

On [Date], it came to our attention that you engaged in the unauthorized use of company equipment. Specifically, you [Describe the specific incident of unauthorized use, e.g., downloaded personal software, used company computer for personal business, accessed unauthorized websites].

Our company policy on equipment use clearly states [Quote the relevant section of the policy, if applicable]. This policy protects company data, maintains productivity, and ensures the security of our systems. The unauthorized use of company equipment can expose the company to security risks and compromise sensitive information.

Despite [Mention any attempts to address the violation, e.g., an opportunity to explain the situation, a prior warning], we cannot condone this behavior.

• Final Paycheck: [Mention how the final paycheck will be handled. Consult with HR for specific details.]
• Company Property: Please return all company property, including your laptop, phone, and badge, to the IT department immediately.

We understand that this news may be upsetting. However, maintaining the security and responsible use of company equipment is paramount. This violation necessitates your termination.

18. Termination Letter due to Breach of Confidentiality

This letter formally informs you that your employment with [Company Name] is being terminated, effective immediately ([Date of Termination]). This decision is based on a confirmed violation of our company’s confidentiality policy.

On [Date], it came to our attention that you disclosed confidential company information to [Specify to whom the information was disclosed if known]. This information includes [ Briefly describe the specific type of confidential information that was breached without revealing sensitive details].

The confidentiality of our business information is critical to our success. Disclosing such information is a serious violation of our company policy and a breach of trust. Our policy on confidentiality clearly states [Quote the relevant section of the policy, if applicable].

We take such violations very seriously, as they can significantly impact our competitive advantage and client relationships. Despite [Mention any attempts to address the violation, e.g., an opportunity to explain the situation], we cannot condone this behavior.

19. Termination Letter Template for Workplace Violence

This letter formally informs you that your employment with [Company Name] is being terminated, effective immediately ([Date of Termination]). This decision is based on a confirmed violation of our company’s policy regarding workplace violence.

On [Date], you engaged in [Describe the specific incident of workplace violence, e.g., a physical altercation, threats of violence, intimidation towards a colleague, customer, or manager]. This behaviour is a serious offence and a clear violation of our policy on workplace violence, which states [Quote the relevant section of the policy, if applicable].

We take such violations extremely seriously, as they create a hostile work environment and threaten the safety of our employees and others. This type of behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

We have reported this incident to the appropriate authorities [Mention if authorities were involved, e.g., police], and they may contact you to investigate further.

We understand that this news may be upsetting. However, maintaining a safe and secure work environment is our top priority. This violation of our workplace violence policy necessitates your immediate termination.

20. Termination Letter Template for Possession of Illegal Substances on Company Property

This letter formally informs you that your employment with [Company Name] is being terminated, effective immediately ([Date of Termination]). This decision is based on a confirmed violation of our company’s policy regarding the possession of illegal substances on company property.

On [Date], [Describe the circumstances under which the illegal substances were found, e.g., during a routine security check, following a report from another employee]. A search revealed that you were in possession of [Specify the illegal substances found].

Our company has a zero-tolerance policy for the possession, use, or distribution of illegal substances on company property. This policy is in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all employees, and to comply with local laws. Our policy on illegal substances clearly states [Quote the relevant section of the policy, if applicable].

We take such violations very seriously, as they can create a dangerous work environment and pose a health and safety risk to our employees. Despite [Mention any attempts to address the violation, e.g., an opportunity to explain the situation], we cannot condone this behavior.

We understand that this news may be upsetting. However, maintaining a safe and secure work environment free from illegal substances is paramount. This violation necessitates your termination.

• It’s crucial to have documented evidence of illegal substance possession before issuing a termination letter. This could include security reports, witness statements, or any relevant information from law enforcement if involved.
• Consulting with HR and legal counsel is highly recommended before issuing the letter, especially for situations involving the use or distribution of illegal substances.

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How To Apply For College: Forbes Advisor’s Application Checklist

Updated: Jan 2, 2024, 1:26pm

Applying for college can be a lengthy, stressful and complicated process, with lots of moving parts and deadlines. Filling out an undergraduate application typically involves gathering documentation, taking standardized tests, writing essays and asking for letters of recommendation, among other steps. It’s easy to get overwhelmed.

To help you stay organized, we’ve put together this college application checklist. Here, we round up all the materials you need and the dates by which you need them. We even provide a printable version of this checklist to guide you as you work through this process.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• 6,290 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
• 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
• All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
• Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

Save This Checklist

Keep track of your most important application tasks and deadlines with the simplified PDF version of this checklist. Save it to your phone or print it out for easy reference. (If you print it, make sure to choose the “fit to paper” scale option!)

Forbes Advisor’s College Application Checklist 

Before you start.

You can’t begin the application process until you’ve made a plan. Start by narrowing down your prospective schools. Know where you’re applying, what each application entails and the due dates you need to meet.

Decide About Early Decision

It’s important to determine whether you plan to apply for early decision or early action at any school. As the name implies, early decision often involves an earlier due date for your application.

Early decision comes with perks—admission rates for early-decision applicants tend to be higher, for example, and you learn about your admission decision more quickly—but this method comes with strings attached, too. For example, if you are admitted on early decision, you may have to give your response before learning whether other colleges have also accepted your applications, and you may have to withdraw your applications to other schools.

Get a Jump Start on Standardized Tests

You should prepare for and take the SAT early on since many students take the SAT multiple times. If you plan to take the ACT more than once, consider taking the ACT early on as well. And make sure to sign up for the Common App , which allows you to use a single form to apply to multiple colleges.

Your Checklist

• Know which schools you’re interested in
• Take the SAT
• Know if you plan to apply for early decision
• Mark down all college application due dates
• Sign up for the Common App

Two Months Before College Applications Are Due

A couple of months before your deadlines, things are getting down to the wire. If you’re submitting standardized test scores, it’s time to make sure your results are up to snuff. If you plan to take the ACT , now is the time to do it. And if you weren’t satisfied with your earlier SAT scores , it’s time to retake that test as well.

• Take the ACT
• Retake the SAT (if applicable)

Four Weeks Before College Applications Are Due

Most undergraduate applications require letters of recommendation , at least one of which must come from an academic source. You could ask a teacher, a school counselor or another faculty member to write your recommendation letter.

Keep in mind that these individuals are busy professionals who may be writing multiple letters of recommendation for other students, so it’s important to give them at least a few weeks to complete this task.

• Ask for letters of recommendation

Several Weeks Before Applications Are Due

Not all universities ask applicants to submit essays, but this is a common requirement for many. If you’re applying to schools that require college essays , you’ve probably been working on yours for a while—potentially even as assignments in your English class.

In the weeks leading up to your application deadlines, it’s time to polish up those essays and get them ready for submission. Gather feedback from trusted peers, teachers and mentors, and make edits as necessary. Make sure your essays answer the prompts, comply with word count requirements and are free of grammatical errors.

• Complete college essays

The Week Before Applications Are Due

At this point in the application process, it’s time to gather all the materials required for your college application. These may include the application forms themselves, preliminary transcripts, test scores and essays. Make sure your letter-writers have finished your recommendation letters as well.

Once all your documents are in order, there’s no need to keep waiting—submit those applications.

• Gather letters of recommendation and required materials
• Submit all applications

Before, During and After Applying to College

Applying for college and applying for financial aid are separate processes. Before, during and after your college application process, you should be researching scholarships and grants to help you pay for your education.

Unlike student loans, scholarships and grants do not require repayment. These forms of aid may be need-based, merit-based or use other identifying characteristics, like ethnicity or religion. If you qualify for a scholarship or grant, make sure to apply—these awards can add up to make a big difference.

• Apply for scholarships and grants

During October

We recommend submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) regardless of whether you think you will qualify for financial aid. The factors determining aid eligibility are complex, so you may qualify for a federal student loan even if it seems unlikely to you. Many states use the FAFSA to determine eligibility for state-level student aid as well. Some aid is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so submitting the application in a timely manner is wise.

Also by October, you should know whether you will be registering to take any AP exams. The College Board usually requires all AP test-takers to register for their exams by November 15, but your high school may impose an earlier deadline for registration. Make sure you know and are on track to meet those deadlines.

• Gather materials and submit the FAFSA
• Know when to register for AP exams

By May, you should have received responses for all your college applications. Of the schools that granted you admission, you should have narrowed down your options and decided where you’d like to attend. Now, it’s time to make it official.

Note that if you were accepted to a school on early decision, you will have to complete this step of the process much earlier in the year—usually by February.

• Accept an offer of admission
• Decline offers of admission from schools you will not attend

During June and July

By this point, you’ve accepted admission to a college and you’ve graduated from high school—but we’re still going. Now that you’ve officially wrapped up your high school career, it’s time to tackle these last remaining tasks: submitting AP scores and official transcripts.

Send these materials in June if possible, and check with your prospective college for its specific deadlines—they are usually in early or mid-July.

• Submit AP scores (if applicable)
• Submit final transcripts
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• Online College Accreditation
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• Online Checklist For Students
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