Cover Letter Examples

A cover letter works when it does three things fast: proves you understand the role, shows measurable results from your past work, and makes the hiring manager want to keep reading. This page collects complete, ready-to-adapt cover letter examples across industries and experience levels so you can see exactly what strong letters look like in practice.

Every example below follows the structure outlined in our how to write a cover letter guide and uses the standard cover letter format that hiring managers expect. Read them, study what works, then build your own.

What makes these examples work

Before you dive into the letters, here are the principles behind every example on this page:

• Specific opening hooks. Each letter opens with a clear connection to the role — a relevant achievement, a company reference, or a direct statement of fit. No generic filler.
• Quantified achievements. Numbers give hiring managers something concrete to evaluate: revenue percentages, team sizes, project counts, efficiency gains. Most of these examples include at least two metrics.
• Tailored company references. The strongest letters mention something specific about the employer — a product launch, a company value, a recent expansion — proving the applicant did their research.
• Confident but professional tone. None of these letters apologize, hedge, or overexplain. They state qualifications directly and let the results speak.
• Clear structure. Every example follows a four-paragraph arc: hook, evidence, company fit, and closing action. This makes them easy to scan and easy to remember.
• Strong closings. Each letter ends with a specific next step — a call, a meeting, a discussion — not a passive sign-off.

Cover letter examples by industry

Administration and office

The following example works well for entry-level administrative roles. It leads with enthusiasm and transferable skills from part-time and internship experience. For more tailored advice, see the full administrative assistant cover letter guide.

Administrative assistant cover letter example

Strong for recent graduates or early-career applicants. Notice how it turns limited experience into concrete contributions — filing systems improved, scheduling managed, response times reduced.

Subject: Application for the Administrative Assistant position

Dear Ms. Thornton, I am applying for the Administrative Assistant position at Lakeview Property Group. My experience coordinating office operations during a six-month internship at a mid-size real estate firm, combined with strong organizational skills developed across two years of part-time administrative work, makes me confident I can contribute to your team from day one. During my internship at Ridgeline Realty, I managed the front desk, coordinated scheduling for a team of nine agents, and maintained the digital filing system for over 400 active listings. I restructured the document naming conventions and folder hierarchy, which reduced file retrieval time by roughly 40% according to team feedback. I also handled incoming client calls, achieving an average response time under two minutes during peak hours. I am drawn to Lakeview specifically because of your reputation for responsive client service and your recent expansion into commercial property management. I am proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and Appfolio, and I am comfortable learning new platforms quickly. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my organizational skills and administrative experience can support your growing team. I am available for a call or in-person meeting at your convenience. Sincerely, [Full Name]

Business and finance

This example targets an experienced account manager position. It leads with portfolio size, then builds the case with retention metrics and a specific client success story. See the full account manager cover letter page for more guidance.

Account manager cover letter example

Metrics-heavy and results-driven. The candidate leads with ARR figures, names specific tools, and tells a concise client save story — exactly what hiring managers in B2B sales want to see.

Subject: Application for the Senior Account Manager position

Dear Mr. Kaplan, I am writing to apply for the Senior Account Manager position at Stratos Cloud Solutions. Over the past four years at Meridian SaaS, I have managed a $5.8M ARR portfolio of 42 mid-market accounts, consistently delivering net revenue retention above 115% and maintaining a client satisfaction score of 92. My approach centers on proactive relationship management. Last year, when our third-largest account signaled churn risk after a platform migration issue, I assembled a cross-functional response team with engineering and customer success, delivered a custom onboarding reset within 10 days, and secured a three-year renewal worth $420K annually. That experience taught me that account management is not about waiting for problems — it is about identifying friction before the client feels it. I have followed Stratos closely since your Series B announcement, and I am particularly excited about your expansion into the healthcare vertical. My portfolio at Meridian includes six healthcare SaaS clients, so I understand the compliance requirements and longer sales cycles that come with the sector. I would welcome a conversation about how my retention track record and mid-market expertise can support the growth targets outlined in your recent expansion plans. I am available at your convenience. Sincerely, [Full Name]

Engineering and tech

This mid-career software engineer example balances technical depth with communication skills. It avoids listing every framework and instead focuses on impact. For the full guide, visit the software engineer cover letter page.

Software engineer cover letter example

Notice the balance: technical specifics (microservices, latency reduction, CI/CD) alongside team collaboration and business impact. This avoids the common trap of writing a resume in paragraph form.

Subject: Application for the Senior Software Engineer position

Dear Hiring Team, I am applying for the Senior Software Engineer position at Vanguard Technologies. With five years of backend development experience and a track record of reducing system latency and improving deployment velocity, I believe I can make a meaningful contribution to your platform engineering team. At Nimbus Systems, I led the migration of a monolithic billing service to a microservices architecture serving 1.2 million monthly transactions. The project reduced average API response time by 65% and cut deployment cycles from biweekly to daily through a CI/CD pipeline I designed using GitHub Actions and Terraform. I also mentored three junior engineers during the migration, establishing code review standards that reduced post-release defects by 28%. What draws me to Vanguard is your commitment to building developer tools that scale. The technical challenges your team has described publicly — handling high-throughput data streams with low-latency guarantees — align closely with problems I have spent the last two years solving. I am proficient in Go, Python, and TypeScript, and I work comfortably across AWS and GCP environments. I would appreciate the chance to discuss how my experience with distributed systems and team mentorship can support your engineering goals. I am available for a technical conversation at your convenience. Sincerely, [Full Name]

Healthcare

This registered nurse example leads with clinical credentials and patient outcomes, then balances compassion with operational efficiency. For role-specific tips, see the nurse cover letter guide.

Registered nurse cover letter example

Blends clinical competence with patient-centered care. The candidate quantifies patient loads, names certifications early, and connects personal motivation to the hospital's specific program — a strong differentiator.

Subject: Application for the Registered Nurse position – Medical-Surgical Unit

Dear Nurse Recruiter, I am writing to apply for the Registered Nurse position on the Medical-Surgical Unit at Meridian Health Systems. I hold a BSN from Elmwood University and an active RN license, with three years of acute care experience managing patient loads of 5 to 7 on a 36-bed surgical floor. At Crestfield Regional Medical Center, I coordinate pre- and post-operative care for general surgery, orthopedic, and bariatric patients. Over the past year, I contributed to a unit-wide initiative that reduced catheter-associated urinary tract infections by 31% through improved insertion protocol compliance and daily necessity assessments. I am BLS and ACLS certified, and I have completed additional training in wound care management and pain assessment documentation. I am drawn to Meridian because of your Magnet designation and your investment in the new surgical recovery program. During my clinical rotation at your facility, I saw firsthand how your team prioritizes evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary collaboration. I want to contribute to that culture while continuing to develop my skills in a high-acuity environment. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my clinical experience and commitment to patient outcomes align with your unit's needs. I am available to meet at a time that works for your team. Sincerely, [Full Name]

Education

This teacher example highlights classroom management, measurable student growth, and curriculum development. Visit the teacher cover letter page for the full writing guide.

Teacher cover letter example

Goes beyond generic enthusiasm by citing specific assessment data, class sizes, and curriculum projects. The personal connection to the school's mission feels authentic, not templated.

Subject: Application for the 4th Grade Teacher position

Dear Dr. Whitfield, I am applying for the 4th Grade Teacher position at Crestwood Academy. With four years of elementary teaching experience and a demonstrated ability to raise student achievement in literacy and math, I am excited about the opportunity to join a school known for its commitment to project-based learning. At Birchwood Elementary, I teach a diverse class of 26 students, including seven English Language Learners and four students with IEPs. Last year, 84% of my students met or exceeded grade-level benchmarks on the state ELA assessment, compared to 71% the previous year. I achieved this by implementing a guided reading workshop model and developing a supplemental vocabulary curriculum aligned to the science and social studies units we covered throughout the year. Beyond instruction, I co-lead the school's STEM enrichment club, coordinating six after-school sessions per semester with a local robotics nonprofit. This experience strengthened my ability to design hands-on learning experiences — exactly the kind of work I understand Crestwood prioritizes across its curriculum. I would welcome the opportunity to share my teaching portfolio and discuss how my approach to differentiated instruction can serve your students. I am available for an interview or classroom observation at your convenience. Sincerely, [Full Name]

Sales and service

This sales manager example leads with revenue and team results, then demonstrates strategic thinking. For more on sales roles, see the sales manager cover letter guide.

Sales manager cover letter example

Pure results: quota attainment, team size, revenue growth, and a specific turnaround story. The candidate positions themselves as a builder, not just a closer — which is what sales leadership roles demand.

Subject: Application for the Regional Sales Manager position

Dear Ms. Alvarez, I am applying for the Regional Sales Manager position at Pinnacle Distribution. In my current role at Ironclad Supply Co., I manage a team of 11 sales representatives across a four-state territory, and we have exceeded our annual quota by an average of 14% over the past three years while growing total regional revenue from $8.2M to $11.6M. The result I am most proud of is rebuilding our Midwest territory after a period of significant churn. I inherited a book of business that had lost 30% of its active accounts in 12 months. By restructuring territory assignments, implementing a weekly pipeline review cadence, and personally re-engaging 15 lapsed accounts, we recovered $1.4M in annual recurring revenue within two quarters. Three of those recovered accounts are now among our top 20 clients. I have followed Pinnacle's growth in the commercial building materials segment and am impressed by your recent acquisition of Hartwell Supplies. I see an opportunity to apply the territory-building and team development playbook I have refined at Ironclad to help integrate new sales teams and expand market share in the Southeast. I would welcome a conversation about how my experience scaling regional sales operations can contribute to Pinnacle's next phase of growth. I am available for a call this week or next. Sincerely, [Full Name]

Cover letter examples by situation

Not every cover letter challenge is industry-specific. If you are switching careers or entering the workforce for the first time, the following examples show how to handle these situations effectively.

Career change

Changing careers requires a letter that reframes your experience instead of apologizing for it. The key is leading with transferable skills and addressing the transition directly. For the full guide, read our career change cover letter page.

Career change cover letter example

This candidate moves from hospitality management to HR. Notice how every hospitality achievement is reframed in HR language — hiring, training, retention, conflict resolution — without ever sounding defensive about the change.

Subject: Application for the Human Resources Coordinator position

Dear Mr. Okonkwo, I am applying for the Human Resources Coordinator position at Atlas Consulting Group. After seven years managing hotel operations — including direct responsibility for hiring, training, and retaining teams of up to 45 staff members — I am transitioning into human resources, where I can apply my people management expertise in a more strategic, organization-wide capacity. As the Front Office Manager at The Weston Grand Hotel, I led the full hiring cycle for front desk, concierge, and guest services roles, conducting over 200 interviews and reducing new-hire turnover by 22% through a structured onboarding program I developed. I also managed employee scheduling for a 24/7 operation, mediated workplace conflicts, and coordinated with our corporate HR team on compliance training and performance review cycles. To formalize my transition, I completed a Professional in Human Resources certification through HRCI and have taken coursework in employment law and compensation management. I am confident that the combination of my hands-on people management experience and formal HR training positions me to contribute meaningfully to your team. I would welcome the chance to discuss how my background in high-volume hiring, employee development, and operational coordination aligns with the needs of your HR department. I am available at your convenience. Sincerely, [Full Name]

Entry-level and no experience

When you lack direct experience, your cover letter carries even more weight. Focus on academic work, internships, volunteer projects, and the specific skills you developed in each. For detailed strategies, read the no experience cover letter and entry-level cover letter guides.

Entry-level cover letter example (no experience)

This recent graduate turns a capstone project and part-time work into compelling evidence. The letter is short, confident, and focused on what the candidate can do — not what they have not done yet.

Subject: Application for the Junior Marketing Coordinator position

Dear Hiring Manager, I am applying for the Junior Marketing Coordinator position at Brightpath Media. As a recent graduate with a B.A. in Communications from Westlake University and hands-on experience from a semester-long marketing capstone and two years of part-time social media work, I am eager to contribute to your content and campaign team. For my capstone project, I led a four-person team that developed a full digital marketing strategy for a local nonprofit. We created a content calendar, ran a six-week social media campaign across Instagram and LinkedIn, and produced a 12-page analytics report. The campaign increased the nonprofit's follower count by 34% and generated 80 event sign-ups — their highest registration in three years. During my part-time role at a campus coffee shop, I managed the business's Instagram account, growing it from 600 to 2,100 followers over 14 months by posting three times weekly and responding to every comment within 24 hours. I taught myself Canva, Later, and basic Google Analytics along the way. I admire Brightpath's work with emerging consumer brands, especially your recent campaign for Solara Skincare. I would love to discuss how my content creation skills and enthusiasm for data-driven marketing can support your team's goals. Sincerely, [Full Name]

How to use these examples

These examples are starting points, not scripts. Copying a letter word for word will not work — hiring managers can spot generic applications, and applicant tracking systems flag duplicate content. Here is how to get the most out of them:

1. Pick the example closest to your situation. Match by industry, experience level, and career stage.
2. Study the structure, not the sentences. Pay attention to how each paragraph builds the case: hook, evidence, company fit, closing.
3. Replace every detail. Swap in your company names, your metrics, your certifications, and your specific achievements.
4. Research your target employer. The company-specific paragraph is what separates a strong letter from a forgettable one. Mention a product, initiative, or value that genuinely resonates with you.
5. Keep it under one page. If your letter runs longer than 350 words, look for sentences that repeat what your resume already says and cut them.

For pre-formatted starting points, browse our cover letter templates page.

Quick reference: cover letter structure

Every strong cover letter follows this four-paragraph framework:

Paragraph 1 — The hook. Name the role, the company, and your single strongest qualification. This is your headline. The reader should know within two sentences whether you are a plausible candidate.

Paragraph 2 — The evidence. Provide one or two specific achievements that prove you can do the job. Use numbers: revenue generated, efficiency improved, team size managed, projects delivered. This paragraph does the heavy lifting.

Paragraph 3 — The company connection. Show that you researched the employer. Reference a specific project, product, value, or recent news item. Explain why this company — not just this role — appeals to you.

Paragraph 4 — The close. Request a specific next step (a call, an interview, a portfolio review) and state your availability. Keep it to two or three sentences.

For detailed formatting rules — margins, font size, file naming — see our cover letter format guide.

Before you send: final check

Run through this list before submitting any cover letter:

• Company name and job title are correct. This sounds obvious, but mismatched details are one of the most common rejection reasons.
• At least one or two metrics appear in the body. If you cannot find a number to include, think harder: response times, team sizes, project counts, satisfaction scores, and budget figures all count.
• The letter is under one page. Three to four paragraphs, 250 to 400 words. Anything longer gets skimmed or skipped.
• Every sentence earns its place. If a line could apply to any job at any company, cut it and replace it with something specific.
• You have proofread for names and pronouns. If you addressed the last letter to a different person, make sure you updated every reference.
• The file is saved as a PDF. Unless the application specifically asks for a different format, PDF preserves your layout across devices.

For a more detailed pre-send workflow, visit our cover letter checklist.

FAQ

How do I write a cover letter with no experience?

Focus on what you have done, even if it was not a traditional job. Academic projects, volunteer work, internships, freelance gigs, and part-time roles all produce transferable skills and measurable results. Lead with your strongest accomplishment, not a disclaimer about what you lack. Our no experience cover letter guide covers this strategy in detail.

How long should a cover letter be?

Keep it to one page — typically 250 to 400 words across three to four paragraphs. Hiring managers spend very little time on an initial cover letter scan, so every sentence needs to carry weight. If you find yourself exceeding a page, look for lines that duplicate your resume and remove them.

Should I include a cover letter if it is optional?

Yes. When a job posting says a cover letter is optional, most applicants skip it. That means submitting one immediately sets you apart. It also gives you space to explain context that a resume cannot convey — career changes, employment gaps, or a specific connection to the company. The only exception is if the application explicitly says not to include one.

What is the best format for a cover letter in 2025?

Use a clean, single-column layout with standard one-inch margins, a professional font like Arial, Calibri, or Garamond at 10 to 12 points, and consistent spacing. Save the file as a PDF to preserve formatting. Include your contact information at the top, the date, and the employer's details if you have them. For a complete formatting walkthrough, visit our cover letter format page.

Can I use the same cover letter for multiple jobs?

You can reuse the same structure and some of the same achievement paragraphs, but you must customize the company-specific paragraph and the opening for every application. Hiring managers can tell when a letter was not written for their role, and generic letters perform significantly worse than tailored ones. At minimum, update the company name, job title, and the paragraph that explains why you want to work at that specific organization.

Where can I find cover letter templates?

Our cover letter templates page offers pre-formatted starting points for different industries and experience levels. Each template follows the four-paragraph structure used in the examples on this page, so you can plug in your own details and have a polished draft quickly. If you need a step-by-step writing walkthrough before using a template, start with our how to write a cover letter guide.