Writing a cover letter is one of the basic requirements for applying for a job, internship, or training course. There are different types of cover letters. The format varies according to the type of application. Avoid mistakes by using our cover letter examples.
All our cover letter examples are free and 100% customizable in Word. Choose the template that suits your needs and download it free of charge. Edit it directly in Word. It can’t be easier! Once finished, export your new cover letter as a PDF.
Writing an effective cover letter
Demonstrate your motivation and determination
The purpose of a cover letter is to attract the attention of the recruiter on the receiving end. Proving that your profile matches the position is essential. To give yourself the best chance of success, make sure that you:
- Present the cover letter well, so that you stand out from other candidates right from the start.
- Write your cover letter clearly and coherently, so that the recruiter has no trouble reading it.
- Mention the key elements of your profile.
- Express your motivation and determination. When they read it, they should get the impression that you’re a motivated and determined candidate.
- Ask people close to you to proofread your letter for an outside opinion. Having your letter proofread can also help avoid spelling mistakes.
CVs and cover letters complement each other
The cover letter goes hand in hand with the resume. It enables the recruiter to judge the candidate on criteria invisible in the Curriculum Vitae. For example, they will be able to see the level of writing and spelling, which showcases your written communication skills. When applying for a job or internship, always attach your CV to your cover letter.
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Cover Letters – FAQs
How to write a cover letter?
If you’re applying for a job for the first time, you’re probably wondering how to write a short, simple cover letter. Here are the different sections you need to follow to ensure that your letter is well formatted:
- Write your full name, address, telephone number and e-mail address at the top left of the page.
- In the top right-hand corner, write the name of the job-recruiter, or the department you’re applying to, as well as the name and address of the company.
- Below, on a single line aligned to the right, mention the location and the current date.
- On another line, aligned on the left: the purpose of the application. Specify the job title you are interested in.
- Next, write the body of the letter, mentioning the key elements of your professional experience and skills that you can bring to the new workplace.
- Finally, add your full name and your best signature!
How long should a cover letter be?
A job-winning cover letter should be no longer than one page. Keep in mind a word count of 250 words and you will be on the right track. This will allow job-recruiters to focus only on the information that should be mentioned, without oversharing and boring them with long texts that will probably force them to stop reading and set your application aside. Our cover letter examples fit this format, so you don’t have to worry about going overboard when writing.
How do I start a cover letter?
Here are a few key points to remember when editing your cover letter example:
- Don’t use “I” in the first sentence. Instead, introduce yourself in the third person: “Employee…”, “Literature student…”
- Add the number of years’ experience you have in the same sentence. “Employee with 4 years of experience in the communication industry.”
- Mention the company name.
- Write correctly the name of the position you are applying for.
- Emphasize your interest in the position.
How to finish a cover letter?
The best way to end a cover letter is with a polite closing. It ensures that your letter doesn’t end too abruptly, and leaves a good impression on the recruiter. Here are 2 examples:
I look forward to receiving your reply.
I look forward to hearing back from you.
What should I put in my cover letter?
Not knowing what to say in a cover letter can lead you to not creating one, which will most likely negatively effect your application. Let’s fix that. Here’s a list of what you can talk about:
- Your personality, your passions.
- Your interest in the field you’re applying for. How did this interest come about? How has it evolved over the years?
- Your skills, qualities and major professional achievements.
- What you know about the company and how it inspires you.
- What you can bring to the company, your expertise.
- Your willingness to join the team and become part of a project you’re passionate about.
- Snippets of suggestions for improving this or that aspect of the company. Don’t develop your ideas too much, and offer to “discuss them further at a possible job interview.”
Do I have to sign my cover letter?
In general, signing your cover letter is a good idea. Even while many cover letters are sent electronically and might not need a physical signature, adding a digital signature or a typed-out signature at the end of the letter can give your application a more personal touch and professional appearance.
The cover letter should be signed in your genuine handwriting if you are sending it as a printed document, though. To be sure you’re using their preferred method of submission, always verify the employer’s or organization’s specific criteria.
How to download our cover letter templates?
Easily download and use our cover letter samples by following these steps:
- Choose the sample cover letter that suits your application.
- Click on the download link “Letter in Word format” to generate the automatic download of your Free Letter in Word format.
- Customize the cover letter template in just a few minutes and export it as a PDF.
