500+ Cover Letter Examples Updated for 2023

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Cover Letter Examples

Learn from real professional cover letter examples for 500+ different job titles. These cover letter samples will guide you through writing your own cover letter for your dream job.

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We get it – writing a cover letter is a tough job! And, can you imagine doing it without a cover letter sample to draw inspiration from? Mission impossible.

Cover letters are so notoriously dreaded among job applicants, that you aren’t alone in asking yourself if recruiters actually read them. (Heads up, they do!)

Even though just about 18% of jobs require you to write a cover letter, most frequently, it’s the job positions that are in upper and C-level management that do. Furthermore, traditional sectors like banking and law require you to submit a cover letter to even be considered for the job.

That’s why we’ve prepped over 80 cover letter examples, some of which got Enhancv users hired at Spotify, HotJar, and Tesla.

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PRO TIP
Did you know that applying with a matching resume and cover letter will make you stand out? Choose from over 500 resume examples created by professionals who got hired and apply with a matching pair!
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Marketing

Move up the ladder in your marketing career with a cover letter that grabs the recruiting manager’s heart. Find your position below and take a closer look into how you should build your marketing cover letter with an example below

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Hospitality

Working in the hospitality industry requires calm, focus, and perseverance. Tell your story to employers by following our time-proven cover letter templates and get that new job.

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Construction & Maintenance

Build your cover letter using one of our cover letter templates around the construction and maintenance industry. Focus on your strengths and let our cover letter builder do the job.

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Entertainment

Focus on your capabilities and let your character shine through one of the cover letter examples below.

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Finance & Banking

Sum up your skills and experience and show employers your character with a professional cover letter. Just follow one of the examples below and you’ll be on your way to a new job.

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Human Resources

Spend time communicating your HR skills and experience. Just pick a cover letter example that matches your job and follow the instructions in the article.

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IT & Software Engineering

Show how serious you are about your future and career growth with a well-written cover letter. Pick one of the job matching examples below and just follow our guidelines.

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C-Level Management

Cover letters are a great way to communicate the way you think and how you see the future. Pick a template that’s made for your position and use our cover letter builder to make yours shine.

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Project Management

Tell the story of how you make ideas into real-life products thanks to your project management skills. Choose an example that’s made for your job position and build your cover letter.

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Science

A cover letter can help you tell your story and make your resume that much better. Choose one of our science-related cover letter examples and make yours shine.

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Engineering

Present your love for making concepts a reality. Click on an engineering cover letter example that’s made for your position and follow the guide. You’ll be sure to build a cover letter that makes you stand out.

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Sales

Use a cover letter to impress hiring managers with your story. Show your understanding of human psychology by using a cover letter on top of your resume. Just pick a cover letter example and follow the guide.

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Business Development

Your expertise is everything when it comes to business development positions. Focus on your skills and tie them in with your accomplishments – just pick a cover letter example that suits your position.

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Retail

Create a cover letter that gets you remembered. Pick a cover letter example from the retail industry and make a job application that gets you remembered.

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Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Show your experience in handling client-related issues with a well-written cover letter. Focus on your skills and tie in your accomplishments with what the company you’re applying to needs.

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Real Estate

Show your talent in finding, marketing, and selling homes quickly. Use one of your cover letter examples and build yours in minutes.

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Innovation Management

There’s no better way to communicate your experience and vision for the future than using a cover letter – choose an example and just follow the instructions.

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Product Management

Your work makes a company tick. Tell your experience in building products with a cover letter that adds to your resume.

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Transportation

Focus on accomplishments and skills while you’re writing your cover letter. Tie it in with the needs of the company you’re applying for.

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Data

Your ability to work with data is valuable to most modern companies. Show them a story-driven cover letter and get the hiring manager’s attention by simply following one of the guides below.

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Investment

What makes a good investment? You know it, so show it in a cover letter that matches your resume. Follow our guide below and create a cover letter that stands out.

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What is a cover letter and what does it contain

A cover letter is a letter of introduction that you attach to your resume when you apply for a job. Oftentimes, job ads call it a covering letter, letter of motivation, or a letter of introduction – it’s all the same thing.

Ideally, you should aim at half-page to full-page. Its purpose is to introduce you to a potential employer and tell an inspiring story of your career and why you should be their next hire. Here’s a full guide on cover letter length that we’ve prepared.

A good cover letter can be separated into five different segments: salutation, opener, body, call to action, and closer. When appropriate, you can cover any gaps in employment, your availability, and if you’re ready to relocate.

Now, let’s dig deeper into the sections that a good cover letter includes.

Header

Name, job title, contact data - make sure all is well-formatted like in your resume.

Opening Paragraph

Use attention-grabbing sentences and ditch the old “To whom it may concern”.

The Body

Tell your story, add a bit of personality, outline 3 problems of the company and how you can solve them.

Call to action

Thank the interviewer for reading your cover letter and inform them of your availability and eagerness to start.

Cover letter salutation

Writing the proper cover letter salutation is about 50% of the struggle. Nothing seems appropriate. The time-proven, trusty cover letter salutations seem a bit cliché and outdated.

The secret to writing a suitable greeting is to be relevant. Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Do I know who the hiring manager/recruiter is?
  • Did someone recommend me the job?
  • Have I communicated with the recruiter before?

If you can answer one out of these three questions with “yes”, then feel free to use the recruiter’s name in the salutation. And if you feel like it’s inappropriate to call the hiring manager by name, rest assured, it’s absolutely alright. It shows that you’ve done your research, and people love it when someone’s put in the effort.

Good cover letter greetings to use when you know who the hiring manager is, include:

  • Dear [Last Name],
  • Dear [First and Last Name],
  • Dear Dr. [Last Name],
  • Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms [Last Name],

With that being said, “Dear” is as professional as you get in the world of cover letter salutations. However, if you’re applying for a job position in a creative agency where competition is fierce, and you need a cover letter to stand out, but the overall vibe is far more relaxed, feel free to start your cover letter with “Hello”.

If you have no idea who’ll be reading your letter of motivation, you can use a generic greeting. They’re far less enticing, but they get the job done. Generic cover letter salutations include:

  • Dear Hiring Manager,
  • Dear [Job Position],
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PRO TIP
Skip on the “Dear Sir or Madam” and “To whom it may concern”. Gender-specific greetings are a bit outdated in 2022. The latter is just far too impersonal and vague and just shows that you skipped the research.
Bad example
Hello John,
Good Example
Dear Mr. Propps,

Cover letter opening

A cover letter opening paragraph has one purpose – hook the reader, so they read your letter all the way through. That’s why you should keep the first sentence fairly short and straight to the point.

Here’s an example of a good opening:

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During my 3 years at ACME Corp., I’ve produced 753 articles and increased the conversion rate of the blog by 25%.

Summarize your biggest professional achievement in a single sentence. Show the impact you’ve had at your previous job. This makes it clear to the recruiter that you mean business.

Length-wise, the opening paragraph of your covering letter shouldn’t be longer than two sentences. If you’re into writing, the opening paragraph is your hook sentence. 😉

Bad example
My name is Jordan. I’m very excited to apply for the position of marketing director at JJW.
Good Example
For the past 4 years at Johnsons & Sons I’ve managed a marketing team that has lead the growth of the company from $1.5MM in yearly revenue to over $21MM in yearly revenue.

Cover letter body paragraphs

The body of the cover letter is the longest section. It consists of three to four paragraphs telling the story of your professional life.

Keep in mind that there’s a fine line between rephrasing what’s on your resume and writing a good cover letter. Remember this:

Resumes showcase facts, cover letters tell stories.
Career Specialist J.T. O’Donnel

Your best bet is to thoroughly research the company you’re applying to. Check their website, social media, PR coverage, and even their Crunchbase profile to see if they’ve had recent funding rounds.

Try to identify possible problems they may be facing and direct your cover letter in the directions of how you and your skill set can help them. Speak through your actions and results.

Don’t just say you’re good at something – prove it.

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PRO TIP
Don’t hide your personality from your cover letter. Yes, a letter of introduction relies on formal communication, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t let your personality shine. It’s your best bet to stand out.

Cover letter call to action

A call to action is a vital and strategic part of any cover letter. It’s important to phrase it in a way that shows your excitement for the position but isn’t too pushy on the hiring manager.

Put yourself in the reader’s shoes. They’ve read your letter this far. The recruiter knows that you’ve done the research. They can see you’re a great fit, so don’t leave them hanging – give them the next steps.

Here’s an example of a great cover letter call to action:

I’d love to meet in person to further discuss the opportunity to join ACME Inc. in its quest for Series C funding. I’m available for a meeting at your convenience.

A rule of thumb to follow in the call to action is to make it all about the company and not yourself.

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PRO TIP
If you feel like it sounds robotic –rewrite the sentence. You don’t want to write a great cover letter and end with a bad call to action.
Bad example
Thank you for spending the time to read my application and cover letter.
Good Example
If you think my experience is relevant to the position I’d love to further discuss my capabilities and how my skill set can help your company grow further.

Cover letter closer

Now that you know how to craft a great call-to-action sentence, it’s time to talk about the closer.

To be exact, we’re talking about the complimentary close. As a cover letter requires a degree of formality, it’s best to keep the complementary close simple. Here’s a list of our favorites that you can use:

  • Sincerely,
  • Regards,
  • Best,
  • Respectfully,
  • Thank you,

Followed by an empty line and your first and last name.

On another note, if you’re applying at a company where you know the hiring manager or the overall culture is informal, you can opt for a more relaxed complimentary close. Here are a few of our favorites:

  • Cheers
  • Warm regards
  • Yours truly
  • Fondly
  • Have a wonderful day

Keep in mind that those should be saved for the right occasion, and we recommend going with a more professional closer. If you aren’t sure, nothing beats a “Thank you,”. 🙂

Bad example
Goodbye,
[Your Name]
Good Example
Regards,
[Your Name]

Creative cover letter example

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Dear Mr. John,

Having recently completed my Master of Arts degree in Gender, Feminist, and Women's Studies, I am a passionate advocate for advancing the scholarship, publicity, and works of marginalized communities and underrepresented women of color.

I was excited to see the Publicity and Digital Marketing position at ACME Inc. because it fits well with my PR and communications experience and skills in gender advocacy, social issues, and political science.

With 4 years of experience in social media management and public relations for SaaS companies, here is what I can offer specifically to ACME Inc:

Using social media, I can bolster the reach and visibility of promotional events and digital media coverage. As the previous communications lead of a gender advocacy center, I can engage young adult demographics by bringing products and events to life using strategic marketing plans and innovative channels.

I can analyze and harness social media analytics to reach demographics most likely to resonate with the ideal ACME customer.

Lastly, my academic experience in political and social sciences has given me a strong attention to detail, research skills, and precise communication skills.

I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss how I am the best person for the Publicity and Digital Marketing position at ACME Inc.

Sincerely,

Jack Austin

Why this is a great creative cover letter example?

Creatives are among the most sought-after employees. They’re usually the people who come up with original ideas that give companies a competitive advantage. In the cover letter above, Jack has done a great job explaining his background in gender advocacy, social issues, and political science – all venues much needed in modern-day companies.

Furthermore, Jack has a detailed explanation of how he can help the company, focusing on solid examples and channels he considers to be his strengths. From social media to analytics, he’s done a great job of helping the hiring manager picture Jack as one of the team.

Finally, the call to action and closing paragraphs are spot on, giving the hiring manager a nudge to give him a call.

Career change cover letter example

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Dear Hiring Manager,

My name is Nicholas and for the past 5 years, I’ve been the general manager for Coffi&Biscuits where I managed to increase the YoY revenue of the shop 10x in the past three years.

I was excited to see the Business Development Manager position for Bootstrap IO, as it is a career change that I’m looking forward to making.

Managing a team of 15 taught me a lot about budgeting, planning, and organizing the workload. I can help you with expanding your team in the next quarter and reach your goal of launching your new product across the United States.

I’d love to jump on a Zoom meeting with you to further discuss joining the team. I’m available at your disposal.

Thank you,

Nicholas Costa

Why this career change cover letter is good

Taking a closer look at Nicholas’ cover letter, you’ll see that he was concise, went straight to the point, and most importantly explained how his current skill will help the company grow.

Writing a career change cover letter is all about showing the hiring manager how your skills can help them overcome challenges the business is facing.

Nicholas has done a great job explaining his skills. Furthermore, he’s done the research and knows what the future plans of the company are.

His call to action section further drives the point that he’s convinced of his skills and that he can help the company.

You can use this cover letter when:

  • You want a new job in a field unrelated to your current one.
  • When you want to apply for an internal position in another department.

Entry-level cover letter example

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Dear Hiring Manager,

I am applying for the position of Drug Research Specialist (Entry Level) that I came across at PANDA Corp. I believe that my academic experience matches your requirements.

During my studies, I have gained experience in the field of medicine and pharmaceuticals. Moreover, during my master’s program, I’ve completed my diploma in Pharmaceutical Research, which helped me in better understanding the processes and best practices in drug development.

Additionally, under the ImunoHelp program, I have undergone various professional and self-development training. Each training permanently added to my skill set.

Having spent the last seven years of my life outside the United States, my home country has made me multicultural. My vibrant experience traveling and studying at different institutions, in UAE, USA, Portugal, and France have undoubtedly contributed to my open-mindedness, creativity, and adaptability, as well as working in a diverse and multilingual team.

I’m excited to have the opportunity to discuss how my skills can help your company grow. I’m available for an interview at your convenience.

Thank you,

Anna Kendrick

Why this entry-level cover letter example is good

When you’re applying for an entry-level position, there’s a high chance that you’ll be competing with a lot of people that don’t have a lot of experience on their resume.

Most likely, you’re about to graduate, and you’re looking for your first job. Taking a look at Anna’s cover letter, you can immediately see that she’s focusing on her studies.

When you’re writing a cover letter for an entry-level position, focusing on your strengths is vital – after all, the hiring managers know that you won’t have years of experience behind your back. That’s why you have to show your strengths. Add what you’ve studied, any additional courses or training that you’ve been a part of, with a focus on what you’ve learned there.

General cover letter example

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Dear Mr John,

I was pleased to see you're hiring for the barista position at Grey Raven Coffee Bar. As an experienced barista with 6 years of professional experience I’m confident that I would be a valuable asset to Grey Raven and the local community you serve.

I’m recently left my job at one of New York's biggest coffee bars, where I’ve honed my barista skills and even won a few competitions. While employed here, I have successfully managed to work in a bustling environment, serving more than 2,000 clients per day.

I’m confident that my excellent work ethic, unparalleled attention to detail, and knack for delicious coffee-based drinks will make me an immediate asset at Grey Raven, and allow me to contribute to the team’s success.

I look forward to discussing the barista position and my qualifications with you in more detail. I’m available to talk at your soonest convenience. I’ll be in touch next week to follow up, just to make sure you’ve received my application.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Cindy Parker

Why this general cover letter example is good

The general cover letter example is perfect if you’re an applicant that has some experience, or you just need a template to send out to a few jobs that you’ve applied for.

Copy the example above, change the name and accomplishments with yours and you’re ready to go. Just remember to personalize each cover letter to the job position you’re applying for.

Executive cover letter template

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Dear Hiring Manager,

For the past 6 years, I've been successfully leading ACME Agency and increased YoY revenue by 150% every year for the past 4 years.

As the CEO of a creative agency, I think I have the skillset and vision needed to turn your agency into a market leader by partnering with top companies like Unilever, Google, and Apple.

I'm experienced in both company and franchise brand building. I build and lead high-performance teams that work both in online and offline campaigns.

Former employers will confirm, that I am a passionate leader who is hands-on when it comes to working smart and hard I am self-motivated and a highly dependable individual that is confident and culturally diverse.

I am a great communicator and I can convey information to anyone, regardless of where they are in the company hierarchy.

Whether monitoring performance, improving strategic plans, or managing the entire life-cycle of a project or product development, my references would confer that I exceed expectations by practicing the greatest level of expertise with professionalism whilst always being customer-centric.

Should you grant me an interview will be in a position to discuss in detail, how my skill set can be utilized to grow your business. I believe that your company is intent on reflecting positive growth and profitability and it would be my pleasure to actively contribute to the company’s future.

Kind Regards,

Nicholas Jasbin

Why this executive cover letter example is good

Nicholas goes above and beyond in describing his accomplishments and his soft skills in communication and management. He begins his cover letter directly with an accomplishment statement that will make him stand out from other applicants.

Further down, Nicholas collaborates on his experience working with large companies and building teams.

Cover Letter Examples FAQs

Should I address an employment gap in my cover letter?

If you think that addressing your employment gap is important, then definitely include a sentence about it. With that being said, employment gaps aren’t uncommon and most recruiters would love to know more about your unemployment gap as it can help them understand more about you.

Should I include information about my availability?

Of course! Cover letters are meant to help clear up any questions that your resume may not. Adding a sentence to the body segment of your motivation letter is a great way to do so.

Can I mention that I’m fine with relocating for the job?

Yes. Oftentimes, cover letters are the perfect place to mention that you’re okay with moving cities or even states if you get the job. Resumes generally only give you the opportunity to mention where you live, but not that you’re open to relocating.

Should I mention anything about the salary in the cover letter?

This is a bit of a double-edged sword. If the salary for the position is included in the job ad, and you’re okay with it, then yes, you can say that in the cover letter. Otherwise, don’t talk in the cover letter about the salary. Save it for the first or second interview instead.

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