A great résumé can help you get noticed, but a strong cover letter is what helps you get remembered.
In today’s job market, where competition for every position can be intense, knowing how to write a cover letter that works is one of the most important skills any job seeker can learn.
The following cover letter examples and writing tips will show you how to structure, format, and personalize your letter so it stands out from the crowd and connects your experience directly to an employer’s needs.
Some job seekers wonder whether cover letters are still worth writing. The answer, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop, is yes. A professional cover letter remains one of the most effective ways to introduce yourself to an employer, highlight your enthusiasm for the role, and explain qualifications that might not be obvious from your résumé alone.
Recruiters and hiring managers often use cover letters to assess a candidate’s communication skills and motivation. A clear, well-written letter shows effort and professionalism and qualities that employers value just as much as experience.
Before exploring specific cover letter examples, it helps to understand what a strong format looks like. A standard cover letter follows a simple three-part structure: opening, middle, and closing. Each part serves a distinct purpose.
Start with a brief introduction that mentions the job title, where you found the listing, and a sentence on why the company interests you. The body paragraph(s) should highlight two or three specific skills, results, or experiences that match the position. Finish with a concise closing paragraph that expresses enthusiasm and includes a polite call to action, such as your interest in discussing the role further.
A good cover letter is one page in length, written in a clear, professional tone, and saved as a .docx or .pdf file depending on the employer’s instructions. Maintaining consistent fonts and formatting with your résumé reinforces attention to detail and credibility.
Here’s an example of a short, professional cover letter that follows this structure:
Example:
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I’m writing to apply for the Marketing Coordinator position at BrightWave Media. I’ve long admired your company’s creative campaigns and commitment to community impact.
In my current role at Horizon Communications, I manage multi-channel social media campaigns that reach over 50,000 users each month. I also coordinate with our design team to develop digital ads that increased engagement by 22% year over year. I’m passionate about connecting data-driven strategy with creative storytelling, and I believe my experience aligns well with BrightWave’s approach.I would welcome the opportunity to bring my skills to your growing team and contribute to your upcoming product launches. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
This professional cover letter example demonstrates clarity, enthusiasm, and measurable results—three key elements that employers notice right away.
Even though every letter follows the same basic structure, your focus should shift slightly depending on where you are in your career. Let’s look at how that plays out in practice.
Entry-Level Cover Letter Example
If you’re a student or new graduate, emphasize transferable skills from school, internships, or volunteering.
Example:
“I recently completed a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, where I focused on data analytics and communication. During my internship with the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, I helped coordinate marketing events for over 1,000 participants. That experience strengthened my project management and teamwork skills—qualities I’m eager to apply in a full-time administrative role.”
If you’re changing fields, show how your past experience connects to your new direction.
Example:
“As a retail manager transitioning into human resources, I bring years of experience in coaching, training, and conflict resolution. Managing a 20-person team taught me how to foster engagement and ensure accountability—skills that align directly with HR goals around performance and employee development.”
If you’re mid-career or senior level, focus on results and leadership.
Example:
“With over six years of experience managing cross-functional projects, I’ve developed a proven ability to deliver complex initiatives on time and under budget. In my current role,
I led a product rollout that generated $1.2M in new revenue within the first quarter. I’m now seeking to apply that same strategic mindset to your operations team.”
These brief but targeted examples show how small adjustments in tone and emphasis make your letter feel authentic and relevant, regardless of career stage.
Now that we’ve looked at structure and examples, let’s turn to the details that make a real difference.
Strong cover letters share a few best practices:
According to Indeed Career Guide, applicants who tailor their cover letters to each role are up to 50% more likely to receive an interview invitation. Customization signals genuine interest and attention to detail—two traits that separate top candidates from the rest.
Even experienced professionals can make small errors that weaken their cover letter. Here’s how to avoid them:
A simple final review aloud can help catch errors and improve flow before submission.
If you’re unsure where to begin, start with this basic layout. Replace the placeholders with your details, and adjust for tone and length as needed.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City], [State] [Zip]
[Email] | [Phone][Date]
Hiring Manager’s Name
Company Name
Company Address
Dear [Name],Opening paragraph introducing the role, your interest, and a quick connection to the company’s mission or focus.
Middle paragraph highlighting two to three specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to perform the job successfully. Use metrics where possible.
Closing paragraph thanking the reader for their time and inviting a follow-up discussion.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
This cover letter template works across most industries because it focuses on relevance and clarity rather than formality or length.
The best cover letters feel both personal and professional. They tell your story with confidence, connect your experience to the employer’s needs, and make the reader want to learn more.
By using these cover letter examples and following modern writing practices, you can create a letter that works with your résumé—not against it—and improves your chances of landing the interview.
For more guidance on how to format your résumé for today’s digital job market, see our related post: How to Create an ATS-Friendly Resume.
Need assistance writing or reviewing your cover letter? CareerSource Tampa Bay offers free résumé assistance, mock interviews, and job search resources to help you succeed.
Visit CareerSourceTampaBay.com to learn more about our workshops and career support services for job seekers.
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