Cover Letter Examples

Getting Started with Cover Letter Examples

A cover letter is a living document that often accompanies a resume. It gives job seekers the opportunity to elaborate on work experience and relevant qualifications included in their resume. Where a resume is technical, a cover letter leans into goals and can show passion and personality.

Now to blow your mind, a little cover letter trivia: cover letters are actually not often read before the resume (as the term implies). That’s right, while it’s written as an introduction, it’s often read after the hiring manager reads your resume and decides to learn more about you. So really, your cover letter could push you over the top, but it’s your resume that will get you in the door.

While we’re at it, it’s a pesky myth that every job application requires a cover letter. In fact, if a cover letter is requested in the job description, you should include one. But if the job description doesn’t mention a cover letter, it’s unnecessary.

Cover Letter Examples for Internships

Every cover letter should be approached the same way: based on the job you are applying for and your experience. However, writing a cover letter for an internship can be a little trickier, since you’re likely applying for the internship with little to no previous experience.

Since your biggest tool when applying for jobs is previous relevant experience, you might think you’re out of luck if you don’t have experience. Not true! Remember, everyone starts out with no experience. Volunteer work can be very valuable and should be mentioned in a cover letter if it is relevant. Consider picking up some relevant unpaid work to help you in your search for an internship or job.

Think of your education as your work experience. In the first paragraph, introduce yourself to the hiring manager and tell them about what you are studying and why you are interested in the offered job.

In the next paragraph, explain your goals for the rest of your education and your future career (just the next few years). Make sure the goals you mention are relevant to the job for which you are applying. For example, don’t tell the hiring manager of a marketing agency that your goal is to be a Veterinarian.

In the final paragraph, thank the hiring manager for his or her time and leave your contact information as well as a mention of any attached files. This paragraph is the same as it would be for a paid job.

Cover letter example for an internship

Cover Letter Types for Professionals

While the general structure of a cover letter remains the same for most jobs, the length and included information varies. Always update your cover letter for each job application that requires one. There are three main types of cover letters.

Application Cover Letter

This is the standard cover letter used alongside a resume during a job application. The application letter is geared toward a certain job, and it is tailored to the skills and specifications listed in the job posting. Just as it sounds, the application letter will be sent as part of an application, in response to a specific job.

The application cover letter is a tool used to sell yourself as a job candidate. It supplements your resume and expands upon relevant parts of your work history and qualifications.

Application cover letter example

Prospecting Cover Letter

Like the application cover letter, the prospecting cover letter is written by a job seeker to a company of interest. However, this type of cover letter inquires about open job positions in general. It is not a response to a specific job posting.

The prospecting cover letter will give a brief description of yourself as a job candidate, an explanation of why this particular company interests you, and a few examples of job tasks that would interest you.

Prospecting cover letter example

Networking Cover Letter

The networking cover letter is the black sheep of the cover letter family. This type of cover letter is the most casual and tends to be the shortest. It still comes from the job seeker, but rather than being sent to a company, it is sent out to former colleagues, mentors, friends and other contacts. It informs the recipient of the person’s status as a job seeker and asks them for help in their job search.

Networking cover letter example

It is appropriate to include a cover letter with your application, or to send it as an email when attaching your resume or reaching out to a recruiter or hiring manager. When writing a cover letter, make sure you are using the best type of cover letter. Take the time to mold each cover letter to each job you apply for. Check out our 20 best ATS-friendly cover letters here!

See Sample Cover Letter Scan

Emails Are Today’s Cover Letters

Gone are the days when cover letters were included in a brown envelope along with your resume. The goal of the cover letter is to come across as a professional, but with a personal touch. A cover letter allows you to show your personality, which can give you a leg up on other applicants. Nowadays, cover letters are often sent through email, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc. We recommend emailing the recruiter or the hiring manager, if you have their contact information, and sending a brief message about your experience.

Here’s an example:

Application cover letter example

Cover Letter Examples by Country

Unlike resumes, for which the guidelines vary extensively by country, cover letters are the same or very similar regardless of the country in which you are applying.

The United States, United Kingdom and Australia all use similar cover letter formats. There are, however, certain adjustments you might have to make.

When applying in other countries, you should be aware of differences in formality of language and ways of speech. For example, phrases that are common in the United States might not be common in places like Australia.

Another aspect to be aware of is pictures. Job seekers in the UK and Europe often add headshots to their resumes or cover letters. However, in the United States, pictures are highly discouraged. Since companies in the U.S. are legally not allowed to hire based on race or gender, hiring managers will often reject applications with pictures in an effort to protect the company from potential lawsuits.

Cover Letter Examples Downloads

• 20 Jobscan-approved cover letter templates
• Cover letter and resume templates
• Choose from 18 different cover letter templates
• Create multiple cover letters for each job application
• Cover letter templates by country
• Cover letter templates by Microsoft
• Basic cover letter template
• Forbes suggest this cover letter template
• Cover letter template from Princeton University
• Cover letter template for Australia
• Cover letter templates for UK
• Choose from 5 free cover letter templates
• Cover letter template for banking
• Cover letter template from Columbia University
• Three styles of cover letter templates

Cover Letter Examples FAQ