How to write a cover letter
A strong cover letter does one job: it connects two or three achievements from your resume to what a specific employer is looking for. The examples above give you a starting structure for your industry — this guide covers what goes into each part and how to avoid the mistakes that get letters skipped.
What to include in a cover letter
Every strong cover letter, regardless of industry, includes these five parts:
- Header: Your name, phone number, email, and city/state at the top, matching the header on your resume so both documents read as one application package.
- Greeting: Address a specific hiring manager by name whenever you can find one. “Dear Hiring Manager” is an acceptable fallback, not a first choice.
- Opening line: Name the role, and give one reason you're a strong fit — a shared value, a specific skill, or a mutual connection. Skip generic openers like “I am writing to apply.”
- Body paragraphs: One to two paragraphs connecting two or three achievements from your resume to what the job posting actually asks for. Use numbers where you have them.
- Closing: Restate your interest, invite the next step, and thank the reader for their time. Sign off with your full name.
Choosing the right cover letter format
The right format depends on your industry and how the letter will be submitted. Here are the three most common approaches:
Traditional block format
A single-column letter with your header, the date, the employer's address, and three to four short paragraphs. The safest choice for conservative industries like law, finance, and government.
Modern format
Drops the mailing addresses and leads with a short, punchy opening line. Common in tech, marketing, and creative roles where recruiters read quickly on screen.
Email-style format
A shorter two-to-three paragraph letter meant to be pasted directly into an email body or an online application field, with the header condensed to just your name and contact line.
Write a cover letter in 4 steps
- Pick a matching example: Choose the closest role and industry above as your starting structure.
- Research the employer: Note one detail about the company or role you can reference in your opening line.
- Swap in your achievements: Replace the placeholder details with two or three results from your own resume.
- Proofread and export: Read it aloud once, then export a clean PDF that matches your resume formatting.
Common cover letter mistakes to avoid
- Repeating your resume word for word: The letter should add context — why this role, why now — not restate the same bullet points.
- Using the same letter for every application: Swap the company name, role title, and at least one specific detail from the posting for every application you send.
- Opening with “I am writing to apply for...”: It's the most common opening line hiring managers see. Lead with a reason you're a fit instead.
- Making it longer than one page: Three to four short paragraphs is plenty. A letter that runs long usually signals it hasn't been edited down to what matters.
Why use our cover letter examples for your job search
- Industry-specific structure: Each example is organized around what that field's hiring managers actually look for first, not a one-size-fits-all template.
- Pairs with your resume: Open the matching layout in our cover letter builder and your header, fonts, and colors stay consistent across both documents.
- Built for real job applications: Every example is written to be edited, not copied — swap in your own achievements, company name, and role details before you send it.
- Free to browse: Every example and its accompanying writing tips are free to read. Upgrade only if you want unlimited exports from the builder.
Are the cover letter examples free?
Every cover letter example and writing tip on this page is free to view. The cover letter builder includes a free tier, with paid plans for unlimited exports — see the full breakdown on our pricing page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a cover letter if the job posting doesn't require one?
Submitting one is rarely a mistake. A short, well-targeted letter can set you apart even when it's optional, especially for competitive roles. Pair it with a matching resume example for a consistent application.
How long should a cover letter be?
Aim for three to four short paragraphs on a single page — roughly 250 to 400 words. Hiring managers skim quickly, so every sentence should earn its place.
Can I use the same cover letter for multiple jobs?
You can reuse the structure, but change the company name, role title, and at least one specific detail pulled from each posting. A generic letter is easy to spot and easy to skip.
What's the difference between a cover letter and a resume?
Your resume lists what you've done. Your cover letter explains why it matters for this specific role and this specific employer, in your own voice.
Should my cover letter match my resume design?
Yes — matching fonts, colors, and header formatting make your application look intentional. Our cover letter builder shares the same template styles as the resume builder for exactly this reason.
Can I edit these cover letter examples for my own experience?
Yes. Every example is a starting structure, not a finished document — replace the placeholder details with your own achievements, employer name, and role before you send it.