How to Write Cover Letter for Job Application (with Samples)

Cover letters are no longer optional if you plan to stand out from the pool of applications. According to survey, 94% of hiring managers believe that cover letters are influential in deciding who to interview. This means that including a well-written cover letter can significantly increase your chances of getting an interview invitation.

In this guide, we’re going to teach you how to write cover letter for job application that will increase your chances of landing the job you deserve. Additionally, we include a cover letter template you can easily use.

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a one-page document submitted alongside a resume when applying for a job. It serves as an introduction to your application and provides additional context about your qualifications and experience.

While your CV/resume outlines your work history, skills, and achievements in a structured format, a cover letter allows you to elaborate on these points for the hiring manager. It gives you the chance to explain any gaps in your employment, showcase your communication skills, and demonstrate your understanding of the company and the role.

Related Article: How to Write a CV – Step by Step Guide (+Template)

What You Should Do Before Writing a Cover Letter?

Before writing your cover letter, gather all the necessary information to craft an effective cover letter that reflects the employer’s needs. Here are some information to know.

1. Research the Company

Visit the company’s website and social media pages to understand their goals, values, and work culture. Look for recent news articles, press releases, or updates about the company.

By understanding the company’s culture and recent activities, you can customize your cover letter to demonstrate your alignment with their objectives and showcase your genuine interest in the organization.

2. Understand the Job Description

Carefully read the job description to understand the specific skills, qualifications, and experiences the employer is seeking. Aligning your background with the key requirements will ensure that your application catches the attention of both the hiring manager and applicant tracking systems (ATS).

3. Gather other Necessary Information

If possible, try to find out the name of the hiring manager to personalize your cover letter. This information is often available on the company’s website or LinkedIn. Addressing the letter to a specific individual demonstrates that you’ve done your research and adds a personal touch. If you can’t find a name, you can address the cover letter to “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Human Resources.”

Lastly, make sure you have the correct company address and contact information to include in the header of your cover letter.

Cover Letter Structure

How to Write Cover Letter for Job Application

To enhance your chances of catching the hiring manager’s attention, consider the following constructive guidelines for writing an effective cover letter.

1. Header

A cover letter header typically lists your contact information, the date you are writing, and the employer information to which you are applying.

For your contact information, you will want to include the following:

• Your name
• Address 
• Phone number
• E-mail address, leave a line, then write
• Full Date (month, day, year)

Then proceed to write the company information which includes:

• Name of the hiring person
• Title of that person (if available)
• Address of the company

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2. Salutation

To write an outstanding cover letter salutation, establish a personal connection by addressing the hiring manager directly. An effective salutation is specific that sets the right tone for your cover letter.

Use “Dear [Name]” if you know the name of the HR or hiring manager. If you do not know the recipient’s name, opt for “Dear HR Team” or “Dear Hiring Manager.”

Always personalize your salutation to establish a connection, and avoid vague openings such as “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam.” Remember, personalization and a formal tone are essential.

3. Introduction

To make a strong impression with your cover letter, it’s important to begin with an engaging and attention-grabbing introduction. You want to avoid clichés like “I am applying for the position of ABC.” 

Recruiters seek candidates who are genuinely passionate about their work. By starting your cover letter with a discussion of your passions and how they relate to the job, you demonstrate to the reader that you are an engaged and motivated candidate. This approach suggests that you are likely to make a positive impact on the company.

Example for Experience 

“As a Journalist with 5 years of experience in the media industry, I’ve always had a knack for communicating with government officers and industry experts. I’d love to bring that skill to your open journalist position.”

Example for Entry level

“I am very interested in the entry-level position that is available at ABC Investment Partners. I recently graduated from XYZ College, and my courses in investments, finance, and business have equipped me with a solid base upon which I plan to build my career.”

4. Body Paragraphs

The body of your cover letter should explain why you are the best candidate for the position. Highlight two to three key qualifications that align with the job description, provide specific examples of your impact in past roles and summarize your interest in the role and company. If available, mention any mutual connections or referrals.

Entry-Level Example: 

“During my internship at XYZ Corporation, I developed strong analytical and problem-solving skills, which were demonstrated when I successfully redesigned a data entry system that increased efficiency by 15%. My coursework in computer science has provided me with a solid foundation in coding and software development. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to work with [Company]. because of your commitment to innovative solutions and fostering a collaborative environment.”

Experienced-Level Example

“As the Marketing Manager at PulseNG, I have honed my expertise in digital campaigns and strategic planning. I led a team that launched a product campaign resulting in a 30% sales increase over six months. My ability to analyze market trends and consumer behavior has consistently driven successful marketing strategies. I am eager to bring my skills to PulseNG Media, a company known for its cutting-edge marketing approaches and innovative client solutions.”

5. Closing

The closing paragraph of a cover letter is often the last sentence a hiring manager reads before deciding whether to review your resume or invite you for an interview. It’s important to convey confidence and enthusiasm about the opportunity.

In this paragraph, briefly align your career aspirations with the company’s mission. Use specific examples to demonstrate why you would be a great fit. To conclude, thank the reader for their consideration and include a respectful call to action, such as expressing your interest in discussing the role further.  Finally, wrap up with a professional closing statement, such as “Sincerely.

Example for Entry Level:

I’ve honed my analytical skills and gained practical experience in data analysis through academic years and internship. I’m enthusiastic about the opportunity to join [Company] and apply my abilities to help drive data-driven decisions. I’m excited to discuss how my passion for data analytics can benefit your team. 

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best Regard,
[Name]

Example for Experience Level:

In my five years as a marketing specialist, I have developed and executed successful campaigns that align with [Company] mission of creating impactful brand experiences. My expertise in market research and strategic planning has consistently driven results. I am eager to bring my skills to your team and help [Company] achieve its marketing goals. T

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your team.

Sincerely,
[Name]

Tips for Writing Effective Cover Letter Format for Job Application

Now you’re ready to write your cover letter! Before you start typing, here are some tips to make your cover letter better:

1. Keep it short!

A cover letter should be no longer than one page. Keep your writing clear and to the point. Focus on highlighting your most relevant qualifications and experiences. Avoid unnecessary details and ensure every sentence adds value to your application.

2. Use a Professional Tone

Maintain a professional and respectful tone throughout your cover letter. Use formal language and avoid slang or overly casual expressions. Your cover letter is a reflection of your professionalism, so it’s important to present yourself in the best light.

3. Avoiding Common Mistakes

Be sure to check for typos, grammatical errors, and awkward phrasing. Avoid using generic statements that lack substance, such as “I am a hard worker,” unless you provide specific examples. Tailor your experiences and skills to be relevant to the job and the company.

4. Address Any Employment Gaps. 

If there are any employment gaps in your resume, your cover letter is a great place to mention why. Your resume doesn’t give you room to explain aout an employment gap, so addressing it here can set hiring managers at ease—life happens, and employers understand.

5. Use a Professional Email Address:

Use a professional email address and ensure your phone number is correct so the hiring manager can easily reach you.

6. Always Proofread

Before submitting your cover letter, proofread it several times. Consider asking a friend or mentor to review it as well. Fresh eyes can catch mistakes you might have missed. A polished and error-free cover letter leaves a positive impression on the hiring manager.

6. Follow the Application Instructions. 

If the job posting asks for something specific in your cover letter or requires a certain format, make sure you include it. Not following instructions can come off as unattentive or signal to the hiring manager that you’re not taking the job seriously.

Cover Letter Sample

Here are some sample cover letters that can help you create your own easily:

Related Article: Graduate Trainee CV Templates (Download & Edit)

Cover Letter Sample For Entry-Level Positions

[Your Name] 
[Your Address]
[Your Email Address] 
[Your Phone Number] 
[Date]

[Employer’s Name] 
[Company’s Name] 
[Company’s Address] 

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] as advertised on [where you found the job listing]. As a recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in [Your Degree] from [Your University], I have developed a solid foundation in [Relevant Skills]. I am eager to apply my knowledge and grow my skills in a dynamic and innovative environment like [Company Name].

During my studies, I completed an internship at [Previous Company], where I honed my skills in [Relevant Skills or Experience]. My experience working on [specific project or task] has equipped me with the ability to [specific skill or accomplishment]. I am confident that my strong work ethic, dedication, and enthusiasm for [Your Field] will make me a valuable asset to your team.

I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] because of your commitment to [specific aspect of the company’s mission or values]. I am eager to contribute to your ongoing success and am confident that my background and skills align well with the requirements of the [Job Title] position. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my skills and experiences can benefit your team.

Sincerely, 
[Your Name]

Cover Letter Sample for Mid-Level Professionals

[Your Name] 
[Your Address]
[Your Email Address] 
[Your Phone Number] 
[Date]

[Employer’s Name] 
[Company’s Name] 
[Company’s Address] 

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] as advertised on [where you found the job listing]. With over [number] years of experience in [Your Industry], I have developed a robust skill set in [Relevant Skills or Experience]. I am eager to bring my expertise in [specific skill or field] to your esteemed company.

In my current role at [Current Company], I have successfully [specific achievement or responsibility], which resulted in [specific outcome or impact]. My ability to [relevant skill] and [another relevant skill] has consistently contributed to the success of my team. I am confident that my experience in [Your Industry] and my commitment to excellence make me an ideal candidate for the [Job Title] position.

I am particularly impressed with [Company Name]’s dedication to [specific aspect of the company’s mission or values]. I am excited about the opportunity to join your team and contribute to your continued success. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with your needs.

Best Regard, 
[Your Name]

Cover Letter Sample for Career Changers

[Your Name] 
[Your Address]
[Your Email Address] 
[Your Phone Number] 
[Date]

[Employer’s Name] 
[Company’s Name] 
[Company’s Address] 

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] as advertised on [where you found the job listing]. With a strong background in [Previous Industry] and a passion for [New Industry], I am eager to leverage my skills and experience to transition into this new field and contribute to your team’s success.

Throughout my career in [Previous Industry], I have developed transferable skills such as [relevant skill], [another relevant skill], and [additional relevant skill]. For example, in my role as [Previous Job Title] at [Previous Company], I successfully [specific achievement or responsibility], which demonstrates my ability to [relevant skill]. I am confident that these skills, combined with my enthusiasm for [New Industry], will make me a valuable addition to your team.

I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] because of your commitment to [specific aspect of the company’s mission or values]. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my unique perspective and skills to your team and contribute to your ongoing success. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my background and aspirations align with your company’s goals.

Sincerely, 
[Your Name]