How To Write A Cover Letter For A Resume: Tips & Examples

A cover letter for a job is a one-page document submitted along with your resume during a job application. It’s a formal introduction to your prospective employer, where you express your enthusiasm for the target role and highlight relevant qualifications.

Most beginners do not write one, assuming the cover letter is mostly optional. However, from my survey of UNI Global Union employees and hiring managers, a poorly written cover letter (or, worse, a lack thereof) reduces your chance of landing an interview. 

My guide will reveal the secrets behind an effective cover letter that leaves a lasting impression.

How To Write A Resume Cover Letter

Step 1. Decide On The Template

Many reputable websites and job boards offer free cover letter templates. Even famous word processing software (Google Docs or Microsoft Word) introduces pre-built templates, so you have unlimited options here. 

On another note, certain industries may prefer different cover letter styles. For example, companies from creative fields are more impressed with a visually striking template. Finance positions, on the other hand, call for a more traditional and strictly organized format.

Experience level also plays a part here. Entry-level applicants told me that their cover letters benefit from templates with clear sections showcasing their education and basic skills. Conversely, experienced professionals require more room for their relevant accomplishments and achievements in the letters. 

Nevertheless, simplicity is key; don’t get bogged down by overly complicated or flashy templates. Focus on a clean, professional layout that lets your content shine, and modify the template (if necessary) if it doesn’t fit your specific needs or job description.

Step 2. Fill In Your Contact Details

The contact info section is usually placed at the top left corner of the cover letter. It provides important information for the hiring manager to reach you, learn more about your qualifications, or ask clarifying questions. Hence, you should include:

• Your full name (first and last name), exactly how it appears on your resume
• Your current work email address that sounds appropriate for a business setting. Leave out nicknames or anything informal.
• Your phone number (with the area code)
• (Optional) A personal website URL (e.g., LinkedIn profile) if it’s up-to-date or showcases your professional experience effectively.

Maintain a consistent font style and size for your contact details so they match the overall look of your cover letter. Most importantly, double-check for errors. You wouldn’t want to let a huge job opportunity slip away just because the company cannot reach you for interview scheduling. 

Step 3. Address The Recipient

Using impersonal salutations like ‘To Whom It May Concern’ or ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ makes your application seem generic. 

Instead, to show your dedication and research, make an effort to find the name of the hiring manager responsible for the position you’re applying for. You can search the company website and job listing or use professional networking sites (e.g., LinkedIn) for this.

If you manage to find the hiring manager’s name, using ‘Dear Mr./Ms.’ followed by their last name is a respectful and professional way to address them. ‘Dear [Full Name]’ is also a great option for workplaces with more casual company culture, such as modern or creative agencies. 

If you cannot find their name, use ‘Dear Hiring Manager’ or, as a last resort, “Dear [Department Name] Hiring Team.” 

Step 4. Write An Attention-Grabbing Opening

A great cover letter introduction is your chance to hook the hiring manager’s interest and make them want to learn more about what you have. Some common strategies to consider:

• Mention a specific achievement from your previous experience directly related to the job requirements. Quantify its impact with numbers whenever possible.
• Express your genuine excitement about the opportunity and the company, and give clear reasons for your interest. Is it the company’s mission, values, or a recent project that resonates deeply? 
• Begin with a thought-provoking question or a bold statement related to the industry or the job function. When phrased well, such openings immediately spark my curiosity and encourage me to read further. 

Aim for 2-3 sentences to grab attention without giving away everything upfront. Also, proofread carefully. Typos or grammatical errors right in the first sentence of the letter will likely discourage the human resources team from reading the rest. 

Step 5. Go Into Details In The Letter’s Body Paragraphs

It’s time to elaborate on your practical skills and explain why you are the perfect job candidate. The main body should consist of 3-4 well-structured paragraphs that flow logically. Here’s my suggestion:

• Paragraph 1 (Deepen your opening). Expand on the point you raised in your opening sentence. For example, you can provide more details about a relevant achievement or skill. 
• Paragraphs 2-3 (Highlight your qualifications). The second paragraph should showcase your most relevant professional skills, directly addressing the job requirements. Do not make overconfident claims without specific examples and evidence from your work history. 
• Paragraph 3 (Optional; Address a weakness or gap). If your professional background has a huge skill gap that you cannot leave unmentioned, briefly address it here. Phrase it carefully to show your willingness to learn and adapt; if possible, mention other transferable skills that can compensate for your current limitation.

A letter body that impresses HR professionals like me usually relies on the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), giving us a clear overview of how the challenge is tackled and the positive outcomes delivered. 

Numbers, percentages, or other quantifiable metrics add credibility to your claim. You can also use strong action verbs to describe your past actions and create a more dynamic, impactful writing style. Examples: lead, execute, boost,… 

Step 6. Wrap Up And Sign Your Formal Letter

We’re reaching the end here, so the final paragraph should be brief and to the point, typically 2-3 sentences. Thank the hiring manager for their time, and then briefly restate your interest in the position. You may also mention your availability for a follow-up meeting or interview.

Regarding sign-off, I recommend a formal closing  (“Sincerely,” “Regards,” or “Best regards,” followed by a comma). Type your full name below that closing, and that’s it. Some job seekers include a signed version of their name below their typed name, but this is optional for cover letters submitted electronically.

7 Templates For A Job Application Cover Letter

1. Basic

This template’s clear, straightforward structure is suitable for most job titles. It checks all the following boxes:  

• The specific job title (Marketing Manager)
• How you learned about it (LinkedIn)
• Relevant skills and experiences (content marketing, SEO, email marketing) 
• Numbers to back up the achievement (increased brand awareness by 20%, exceeded click-through rates by 15%).

Sample: 

2. Data-driven

You should use this cover letter template for data-driven jobs that value measurable, quantifiable results. In the sample below, you can see David has:

• Mentioned specific percentages and timeframes to showcase the impact of his past work (35% increase, 20% revenue boost, etc.)
• Highlighted how data analysis led to positive business results (increased customer acquisition, revenue boost, improved lead conversion rates)
• Provided additional metrics beyond increased acquisition and revenue to illustrate the campaign’s overall effectiveness (engagement, brand awareness, customer satisfaction).

Sample:

3. Referral

Does a respected figure or trusted source within the company speak highly of your experience? You can use this information to your advantage and leave an immediate impression. Sarah’s cover letter below mentions her referral from Michael Lee, who is working for ABC Company as a senior sales representative: 

Sample: 

4. Entry-Level

A lack of professional experience is one of the key challenges for entry-level applicants during job applications. 

Nevertheless, this perfect cover letter template still successfully highlights the transferable skills they have gained through other opportunities (volunteer work, academic studies, etc.), with specific numbers to back up the claims. 

In the sample cover letter example below, Sarah also demonstrates adaptability by expressing her willingness to learn new CRM software. 

Sample:

5. Freelance

Since freelance jobs are not permanent (and hence, more project-oriented), your cover letter must be tailored to the specific project you are applying for. 

You should briefly showcase your design specialty, years of experience, and industry experience relevant to the project – plus a prominent link to your design portfolio (where the potential employer can see your work), as seen in the sample below: 

Sample:

6. Promotion

This template is the best option if you seek a higher position within a company you are already working for. The sample below is an excellent promotion cover letter, as David has:

• Clearly stated his current position within the company (Social Media Marketing Specialist) and his interest in internal promotion (Social Media Marketing Manager).
• Demonstrated how his existing skills in social media strategy and content creation align with the requirements of the Social Media Marketing Manager role.
• Listed his achievements for the company with clear, quantifiable data.

Sample:

Bonus Cover Letter Tips: Common Mistakes To Avoid

1. Do not embellish skills or experience you don’t possess; experienced hiring managers like me can see through the lies immediately. Regardless of the role you’re applying for, always remember honesty is key.

2. Do not mention past layoffs, conflicts, or salary expectations. Save your requirements for the follow-up interview if you are selected.

3. Do not neglect the importance of formatting; you must ensure your spacing and margins are on point. Since the pre-made templates already give you a huge advantage, the double-checking should not take too long.

You might also like:

• How Long Should A Cover Letter Be?
• How To Start A Cover Letter Greeting?
• How To Close A Cover Letter
• Who To Address Cover Letter To
• To Whom It May Concern Alternatives

Conclusion

I have shared my writing tips and several job application cover letter samples. Of course, since they are just generic cover letter templates, you can always change the wording and body structure for a better, more personal touch. Write to me anytime if you still need advice!