Cover Letter Examples
for Job Seekers in 2024
With so many different types of jobs out there, it can be tough to know how to tailor your cover letter. But by following these examples, you'll be able to write a cover letter that will make you stand out from the crowd!
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If you think cover letters are no longer relevant in today’s job market, think again. According to a recent survey, 83% of hiring managers say cover letters play an important role in their decision-making process.
In fact, 83% of the respondents to the survey said that a great cover letter can get you an interview, even if your resume isn’t good enough.
Amazingly, only 38% of candidates send a cover letter, even when it’s required.
This means that a strong cover letter will give you a significant edge over other job applicants. So if you’re not already including a cover letter with your job applications, it’s time to start doing so.
In this guide, we’ll provide some tips on how to write an effective cover letter, as well as some good cover letter examples to help get you started.
NEW! Jobscan has recently added an AI-powered cover letter generator. This tool uses GPT-4 technology to create a personalized and ATS-friendly cover letter in just one click.
There are four types of cover letters. They are:
- The application cover letter
- The career change cover letter
- The networking cover letter
- The prospecting cover letter
The general structure of all four cover letters will remain the same, or at least similar, regardless of your cover letter’s intent. This structure can be broken down into three steps:
Step 1 – Introduce yourself and explain why you are interested in the position.
Step 2 – Highlight your relevant skills and experience.
Step 3 – Thank the employer for their time and express your interest in meeting with them to discuss the role further.
Here are examples of the four types of cover letters. Each example can all be downloaded for free and customized to fit your needs.
Application Cover Letter Example
This is the standard cover letter you send along with your resume when you apply for a job. It supplements your resume and expands upon relevant parts of your work history and qualifications. It’s important to tailor your cover letter to the skills and specifications listed in the job posting.
Career Change Cover Letter Example
This cover letter explains that you’re hoping to move your career in a new direction. It should express your interest in the company, then pull several responsibilities from the job description and explain how your skills will uniquely fulfill those responsibilities and add value to the company.
Prospecting Cover Letter Example
This type of cover letter inquires about open job positions in general. It is not a response to a specific job posting. In this letter, you should give a brief description of yourself as a job candidate, explain why this particular company interests you, and include a few examples of job tasks you would excel at.
Networking Cover Letter Example
This cover letter is the most casual and tends to be the shortest. You send it to former colleagues, mentors, friends, and other contacts rather than to a company. It informs the recipient of your status as a job seeker and asks them for help in your job search.
Cover letter examples by job
When you’re applying for a specific job, remember that your cover letter should not simply repeat the information in your resume verbatim. Instead, your cover letter should enhance your resume.
For example, you might use your cover letter to explain why you are particularly interested in the company, or to highlight a specific skill or accomplishment. In essence, your cover letter should give the employer a better sense of who you are and what you have to offer.
Here are some professional cover letter examples tailored for specific jobs. Each example can all be downloaded for free and customized to fit your needs.
Communications Specialist Cover Letter Example
Show how you effectively communicate with others. Be sure to highlight your oral and written communication skills, as well as your ability to develop and deliver presentations. Also, emphasize any experience you have working in the media or with public relations.
Employment Specialist Cover Letter Example
Focus on your ability to help people find jobs and improve their career prospects. Highlight your skills in counseling, resume writing, and job search strategies. You should also emphasize your commitment to helping people overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
Project Manager Cover Letter Example
Showcase your proven track record of successful project management. Use numbers and metrics as evidence of your ability. In addition to relevant experience, highlight your leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
Marketing Manager Cover Letter Example
Talk about your experience using various marketing strategies, your ability to identify target markets, and your success in creating and implementing marketing campaigns. Also highlight your writing and communication skills, as well as your ability to manage people and projects.
Operations Cover Letter Example
Discuss your training and experience in the operations field, as well as your ability to manage and coordinate various types of operations. Also highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively under pressure.
Pharmacy Technician Cover Letter Example
Highlight your ability to accurately dispense medication, maintain records, and assist customers or patients. Also, mention your ability to work well under pressure and follow set procedures. If you have any additional certifications or training, be sure to mention those as well.
Software Engineer Cover Letter Example
Talk about your skills and experience designing, developing, testing, and debugging software applications. Highlight your ability to work in a team environment and contribute to the success of projects. Also mention any relevant coursework or projects you have completed, as well as any relevant awards or recognitions.
Warehouse Manager Cover Letter Example
Discuss your experience managing inventory, overseeing shipping and receiving operations, your knowledge of safety procedures, and your organizational skills. You should also highlight skills such as supervising employees and knowledge of warehouse management software.
Writing a cover letter for an internship can be a little tricky since you probably don’t have much experience. Here are four tips to help you create an effective cover letter for an internship:
- Focus on what you have accomplished in your academic and extracurricular activities, and how those experiences have prepared you for the internship.
- Do your research and tailor your cover letter to the specific organization and internship role. This will demonstrate your interest and commitment.
- Highlight any relevant skills or experiences that you do have, even if they’re not directly related to the internship role.
- Finally, be enthusiastic and convey your excitement for the opportunity to learn and grow in the role.
By following these tips, you can write a cover letter that will help you land the internship you’re after.
Here’s a sample cover letter for an internship:
Internship Cover Letter Example
Use your cover letter to explain why you are interested in the internship and how it will help you develop professionally. Include information about your qualifications and skills, as well as your interest in the specific internship you are applying for.
One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is sending out the same cover letter with each application.
A cover letter is an opportunity to sell yourself to a potential employer, and it should be specific to the job you’re applying for. Generic cover letters are often quickly disregarded by hiring managers, but a well-tailored cover letter can make all the difference.
Another reason why you should tailor your cover letter is because of applicant tracking systems (ATS). Many companies now use these systems to screen candidates, and generic cover letters are often filtered out.
To avoid this, make sure that your cover letter contains the exact same job title and skills that are in the job description. This way, when hiring managers search through the ATS for job candidates, your cover letter will stand out.
If you’re not sure whether your cover letter is properly tailored to the job you’re applying to, run it through Jobcan’s cover letter checker. It analyzes your cover letter and compares it to the job listing to identify the key skills and qualifications that recruiters are looking for.
You’ll get personalized feedback on how to improve your cover letter and make it more compelling to employers.
What do I write in a cover letter?
While your resume is typically a factual account of your qualifications, a cover letter allows you to tell a potential employer why you are the best candidate for the job.
Your cover letter is an opportunity for you to:
- Elaborate on your qualifications and professional experience.
- Describe your career objectives.
- Explain any gaps in your employment history.
- Talk about your motivation to join the company.
- Sell yourself!
It is important to take the time to craft a well-written cover letter as it can give you a competitive edge over other candidates.
What 5 things should a cover letter include?
Here are the five essential elements of a cover letter:
- An introduction: The first sentence of your cover letter should state who you are and why you are writing.
- An overview of your qualifications: In the second paragraph, briefly describe your qualifications and explain why you are a good fit for the position.
- A specific example: In the third paragraph, provide a specific example of a time when you used your skills to achieve success. This could be from your professional or personal life.
- A call to action: The final paragraph should include a call to action, such as requesting an interview or asking for further consideration.
- A professional closing: End your cover letter on a positive note by thanking the reader for their time and expressing your excitement about the opportunity.
What 3 main points should be included in your cover letter?
- Briefly introduce yourself and explain why you are interested in the position. This is your chance to make a good first impression, so be sure to be polite and professional.
- Highlight your relevant qualifications and experience. This is where you can really sell yourself as the ideal candidate for the job. Be sure to include specific examples of your successes and accomplishments.
- Thank the employer for their time and consideration. Then, you can express your interest in meeting with them to discuss the job further.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your cover letter makes a strong impression and increases your chances of landing an interview.
How do I write a cover letter as a student?
As a student, you should treat your education, volunteer work, school projects, and personal projects as your past experience. Talk about your future goals that are relevant to the job and explain how you will achieve those goals.
How do cover letters vary from job to job?
While the general structure of your cover letter will remain pretty much the same, you should always tailor your letter for each job you apply to. This means including the job title and skills that are listed in the job description.
How do I write a cover letter for a career change?
Read the job posting carefully and determine any similarities between your past work experience and what’s required in the new job. Talk about your goals for your career change and what you want to accomplish in your future career.
What is the difference between a cover letter and a resume?
Your resume is a brief listing of your past experience, while your cover letter expands on your experience and lets some of your personality come through.
Should I mention my salary expectations in a cover letter?
No. Conversations about salary should be reserved for a job interview.
How should I address the reader of a cover letter?
Always try to address the hiring manager or recruiter by their name. You can call the company and ask for their name or look it up on the company website or LinkedIn. Never use “To Whom it May Concern” as it is too impersonal.
How long should my cover letter be?
Cover letters should always be short. Try to keep it to one page.
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