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Cover Letters: A Comprehensive Guide [+ Templates and Samples]
Published on April 15, 2020Write the perfect cover letter for a job application in every industry. Download our free cover letter templates and examples to impress the hiring manager and nab the job you want.
The purpose of a cover letter is to convince a hiring manager or recruiter to read your resume. Your cover letter tells the story of why you’re applying, and why you’re a great fit for the role. Then your resume backs it up with essential data and details.
But for a new or inexperienced job seeker, figuring out how to write an effective cover letter can be super confusing.
That’s why we’ve created various cover letter templates for you to download and use. They’re no-fuss, easy to edit and are even targeted at certain jobs (so you know they have the right information).
Use these cover letter templates as a starting point and personalise them however you want.
Are cover letters still relevant in 2021?
Cover letters are a hotly-debated topic amongst job seekers, recruiters, and people giving career advice. Doubt that? Try searching ‘cover letters’ on Reddit and see how many different opinions are out there.
Almost every job application requires a cover letter. It’s the first thing that hiring managers see, and creates a first impression (whether positive or negative) that can determine whether your application makes it past the skimming stage.
No wonder we often dread writing them. It’s common to stress over how to write it, what to include, and wonder if they even matter at all.
How much time should you spend on it? Does anyone actually read cover letters in 2021? (Yes, they do).
The most challenging thing about writing one is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Different industries and levels of seniority will have different sets of expectations.
If you’re applying for a position as a project manager in construction, your cover letter will sound very different than if you were applying for a customer service role. Likewise for roles in the creative industry, technology, and healthcare – they all have different flavours.
In 2021, cover letters are still very relevant, and many employers won’t even consider your application without one. But there are more modern ways of delivering them, as well as a few ways to make yours stand out.
Free cover letter template
Cover Letter Template
This is a generalised cover letter template that projects passion for any job. Just add your own information!
Download[Today’s Date]
[Your full name]
[Your phone number]
[Your email]
[Your address, city, state, postcode]
[Your LinkedIn]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Address, City, State]
[Phone number]
[Email address]
Dear [Hiring Manager],
RE: <insert role title> position
I am thrilled to submit my application for the <insert role title> role at <insert company name>. I believe I would be a perfect fit for the position as I am passionate about <insert your passion that aligns with the role you’re applying for> and possess the motivation and perseverance to overcome any challenge thrown my way.
Your company’s mission to <insert company mission you are passionate about> is inspiring, and I would be thrilled to contribute to this mission. I feel my relevant experience and skills match well with your company values, including:
<Experience: insert a sentence about your relevant experience. E.g.: Working in my role as XXX for X years, I’ve gained a deep understanding of XXX>
<Skills: insert a sentence that covers your key technical skills relating to the job. Avoid talking about soft skills or personal traits here.>
<Achievement: insert a sentence about an achievement or result that demonstrates your suitability for the role or exemplifies your work ethic.>
I can see myself vastly developing my skills and professional expertise at <company name>, which would be an exhilarating opportunity. I’m always hungry to improve myself and am dedicated to continuously learning.
From previous work experience at <insert company name>, I have learned valuable communication skills, problem solving, and teamwork. I thrive working in high-pressure situations and am a highly adaptable professional.
I am confident that I am a great candidate for this position and that I would be able to navigate the challenges of the <insert role title> role at <insert company name> successfully. I’d appreciate the chance to meet with you to further discuss this job opportunity. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
How to Write a Cover Letter That’s Unique (Like You)
Got questions about editing your cover letter template? The answers are here.
Best Cover Letter Examples and Why They Work
Discover how to win over the hiring manager with just your cover letter.
Cover letter examples for different kinds of jobs
Sometimes, you need an industry-specific cover letter, because generic ones just aren’t relevant to the positions you’re applying for. Here is a range of examples for the most commonly searched cover letter types.
Hospitality cover letter
Craft the perfect letter for a culinary or tourism job with this hospitality cover letter
DownloadAdministration cover letter
Create the perfect application with this administration cover letter example.
DownloadReceptionist cover letter
Get noticed and hired using this receptionist cover letter example.
DownloadCustomer service cover letter
Get a head-start on drafting the perfect customer service cover letter with this example.
DownloadHow to address key selection criteria in a cover letter
Discover examples and templates to help you properly address key selection criteria.
Creative cover letter design template
If you’re looking to enter a creative industry, or a role where you’ll be expected to offer some creative flair, these templates have been designed for you. Submitting a well-designed cover letter not only feels more premium, but it demonstrates your passion for creativity and creating high quality work.
This kind of cover letter won’t be appealing to employers in all industries, so be discerning about whether it will make the right impression for the job you’re applying for.
Artistic Flair Cover Letter Template (Orange)
A cover letter with a bold design to get noticed. Perfect for design-centred jobs.
DownloadArtistic Flair Cover Letter Template (Beige)
A cover letter with a bold design to get noticed. Perfect for design-centred jobs.
DownloadCreative Communications Cover Letter Template
A cover letter perfect for communications jobs, pairing bold design with a professional style.
DownloadModern Corporate Cover Letter Template
A sleek and professional cover letter that offers readability and style. Perfect for corporate jobs.
DownloadHow to message a recruiter on LinkedIn
Because, after all: it’s not always what you know, it’s who you know.
Making a great impression through a LinkedIn DM can be tricky. But, done well, it has the potential to propel you to the top of the interview shortlist.
This is how to message a recruiter on LinkedIn:
Cold contact with a recruiter to ask about future job openings
Message title: Speculative job application — [role title you’re interested in]
Hi <recruiter’s first name>,
I’m keen to connect with you to stay up to date on job openings with <company name>. As a recent <field of study> graduate, I’ve been on the lookout for a <specify the kind of role you want (e.g.: marketing assistant)> role in a company where I’ll be encouraged to strive for excellence in my work and have the chance to develop as a professional.
Through my research, I found <company name> to hold values that align with my own, and have a mission I feel passionately about pursuing myself. <Insert statement about how you relate to the company’s mission, or why you feel strongly about it.> Because of this, I feel we’d be a perfect fit for each other.
I have skills in <insert short list of key technical skills> founded in work experience at <company name>. I’m also dedicated to pushing for strong results, for example, <insert example of a situation where you’ve used one/multiple of these skills to push for an excellent result. Make sure it aligns with the role you want, and ensure you outline the result you achieved.>
I am a <insert snappy summary of who you are as a professional, e.g.: I am a proven writer with an adaptable mentality and a desire to exceed expectations and continuously learn.> I’d love the opportunity to work for <company name>. Although I can see there are no jobs advertised at the moment, I’d like to submit my resume for your future consideration.
If you’d like to discuss what else I can bring to <company name> as a <role title>, feel free to call me on <mobile number>.
Kind regards,
<Your name>
(Remember to attach your resume.)
LinkedIn message to complement recently submitted job application
Message title: Regarding the position of [role title] OR Concerning the recently advertised [role title] position
Hi <recruiter’s first name>,
I’ve recently applied for the position of <role title> with your organisation, and am keen to reach out to formally introduce myself. Working for your company has been a dream of mine since I began my studies in <field of study> X years ago. I have a deep respect for <something you respect about the company> and feel my own values align with this.
Through my studies and work experience at <insert company>, I’ve developed a broad skill set which would be highly beneficial in this role. For example, <insert example of a situation where you’ve used one/multiple of these skills to push for an excellent result. Make sure it aligns with the job description, and ensure you outline the result you achieved.>
I’ve outlined further examples of what I can bring to the company as a <role title> in my job application.
I hope we’ll have the opportunity to speak more about this role and what I can bring to it.
Regardless of whether I’m a successful candidate, it would be great to connect with you so I can stay on top of job opportunities with <company name>. Thank you for considering my application.
Warm regards,
<Your name>
If you’re struggling to find the right person to message, check out this video tutorial.
So they’ve read your cover letter, and decided your resume is worth a look. Make sure it’s doing you justice!
Check out the Ultimate Guide to Resumes for templates, examples and more.
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