Cover Letter: Examples, Format, Components & Features

Are you looking for the perfect job but don’t know how to create a standout cover letter? A well-crafted cover letter is essential in order to get noticed by potential employers. Also, it’s estimated that good cover letters can increase your chances of being hired by up to 90 percent. A well-crafted cover letter is essential in order for potential employers to see why they should hire you. In this blog, we provide some useful advice and cover letter examples on creating an effective and professional document that can make you stand out from all the other applicants.

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on your skills and experience. The content of the cover letter should be brief, succinct and highlight how you are qualified for the job for which you are applying. Its main purpose is to show an employer why they should consider interviewing or hiring you as opposed to other candidates who have applied similarly.

It can also be used as a way to make yourself stand out from the crowd by expressing enthusiasm about working at that particular company in addition to providing evidence directly related back to specific experiences outlined within your CV/resume qualifications section.

To learn more about how to improve your business communication, you can take this course on Business communication skills. This skill can also increase your chances of getting hired.

Cover Letter Examples & Template

In this section, we’ll provide several cover letter examples and templates for your next job application: 

1. Generic/Standard Cover Letter Sample

If you’re looking for a template on how to write a cover letter for a job application, here is a generic sample. However, you just need to edit this to suit your needs and experiences.

[Your Name] [Your Address] [Your City, State, and Zip Code] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email] [Date] Dear [Hiring Manager Name or Title], In response to your advertisement for a [job title] position at [company name], I am excited by the opportunity to bring my experience in [skill set] and passion for [career interest]. During my previous job as a [previous job title], I successfully applied technical skills such as on various projects resulting in positive outcomes. As an individual, I value which aligns well with this company’s core values of __. Furthermore, being part of the team would allow me access to more opportunities that might expand upon new professional skill sets from working within this particular work environment. Thank you for considering my application; please let me know if there is any additional information that could help support it further. Sincerely, [Your Name]

2.  Ph.D. Cover Letter Example

This is a sample cover letter for when you’re applying for a Ph.D. program.

[Your Name] [Your Address] [Your City, State, and Zip Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date] [Professor’s Name] [Department Name] [University Name] [University Address] [Your City, State, and Zip Code] Dear [Professor’s Last Name], I am reaching out to express my strong interest in pursuing a Ph.D. in [Field of Study] at your esteemed institution, [University Name]. I have earned a Master’s Degree/Equivalent degree from the same program and acquired skills that will enable me to succeed in this pursuit. I am highly motivated to pursue my doctoral studies in the field of [Field of Research], with a specific focus on [Specific Research Area or Topic]. Your impressive body of work and recognition within the academic world has propelled me further toward this goal. Under your mentorship, I seek to benefit from your expertise in refining my research skills as well as growing an understanding of developing relevant and impactful approaches when it comes to researching. It is certain that by having you guide me along my journey, I will gain invaluable insights into this area which could lead to groundbreaking contributions in [Field Of Study]. The quality research conducted at the University, especially within the specific area has left an impression on me inspiring confidence that such an education accompanied by guidance is exactly what I need for future accomplishments and development as well as personal growth. Please find attached my CV included herewith for further review, thank you very much for considering my application. Sincerely Yours, [Your Full Name]

3. Senior Level Employee Cover Letter Example

This is a sample professional cover letter for a job application if you’re applying for a senior-level position.

[Your Name] [Your Address] [Your City, State, and Zip Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date] [Company Name] [Company Address] [Your City, State, and Zip Code] Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name], I am writing to express my interest in the senior-level position at your company, [Company Name]. With over [number] years of experience and a strong background in[relevant field], I believe that I would be an ideal candidate for this role. My expertise includes specific skills and strength-based qualities that will prove invaluable when working with your team. Throughout my career, I have achieved many successes such as [mention key accomplishments] which have ultimately led to various positive outcomes. In addition, having leadership and strategic problem-solving capabilities helps me create innovative solutions while fostering collaboration within teams or groups effectively. It is these abilities combined with being highly impressed by the industry leader that [Company Name] has become, that motivates me to join and make a significant difference. Attached is my resume which demonstrates why I am the perfect candidate for this position. If you have more questions about how joining your team could be beneficial for both of us, please feel free to reach out to me. Thank you for taking the time to review my application and I hope to hear from you soon. Yours sincerely, [Your Full Name]

4. Consultant Cover Letter Sample

This is a cover letter example for a job application when you’re applying for a consultant position.

[Your Name] [Your Address] [Your City, State, and Zip Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date] [Company Name] [Company Address] [Your City, State, and Zip Code] Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name], I am writing to express my genuine interest in the consultant position at [Company Name]. With several years of experience in this field, I think it would be a great fit for my skills and knowledge. In addition, I have achieved some impressive results over the course of my career that could contribute greatly to your organization. As a consultant, I possess many strengths relevant to this role; including outstanding problem-solving abilities and an eagerness towards creating success stories with clients. After researching [Company name] extensively – there is no doubt that its reputation for excellence reflects strongly on them as well as its employees. This makes me even more confident that working here will give me tremendous growth opportunities both personally and professionally. Please find my resume highlighting my best qualities/achievements which proves why you’d want someone like myself on your team. Yours sincerely, [Your Full Name]

5. Sample Cover Letter for Career Change 

This is one of the best free cover letter samples when you’re trying to move from one career to another.

[Your Name] [Your Address] [Your City, State, and Zip Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date] [Company Name] [Company Address] [Your City, State, and Zip Code] Dear Hiring Manager,  I am writing to apply for the position of [position]. I believe my professional experience and transferable skills make me an ideal candidate.  I have held a variety of positions spanning different industries over the last 10 years which has taught me how to quickly adapt to any situation while maintaining high standards.            My most recent role was as a business consultant in finance leveraging strong communication, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail needed with clients within tight deadlines where accuracy is paramount. However, it wasn’t providing enough fulfillment or opportunities. So naturally, I decided that now would be the perfect time to explore careers outside my present field with new fresh energy invested into something else altogether. If selected, you not only gain someone who is excellent at navigating complex scenarios but also a person equipped with an unyielding dedication to customer service resolution. I have attached my resume below. If given the chance, it will be an honor to discuss how I may fit into this dynamic team more directly during our interview process. Thank you so much again for your consideration. Looking forward to hearing back from you. Kind regards, [Your Fullname]

Components of a Cover Letter?

If you want to design your own cover letter, here are the key components of a cover letter for a job application that you can not miss:

• Header
• Salutation
• Introductory Paragraph
• Qualifications
• Call to Action
• Signature

To get a better understanding of the key components of the cover letter, you can refer to the ‘How to Write a Cover Letter’ blog.

Features of a Professional Cover Letter

A professional cover letter needs to include certain components in order for it to leave a lasting impression on potential employers. These are the key features of a well-crafted professional cover letter:

Not Unnecessarily Long

Keep your letter under 300 words – or a single page if possible – while presenting all of the key points about your candidacy that will help inform their decision. Your ability to wrap it up quickly, but thoroughly can make an impact on how hiring managers consider you for available roles.

Friendly and Confident

When describing yourself in your letter of application, it is important to be friendly and exude confidence. Let them sense who you are as an individual within the initial few lines of the introduction. Simply state what position you’re applying for and how they were made aware of your interest.

Direct and Concise

Be mindful of how you present yourself during the interview process. Make sure to directly discuss why your skills, abilities, and qualities make you an ideal candidate for this particular role. Be concise in outlining why those characteristics are beneficial to them as a company.

Not Confusing

Your cover letter should be correct and straightforward. Make sure every sentence is grammatically correct, has a subject-verb structure, and remains relevant to the overall message you are conveying. Avoid adding difficult words or filling your writing with buzzwords that could make it harder for readers to understand what you want them to know about yourself and why they should hire you. Additionally, make sure to keep things professional by using titles or honorifics when necessary.

It should Answer Basic Questions

Aside from emphasizing your qualifications, an effective cover letter should address these four key questions:

1. Are you able and willing to fulfill the job’s duties? 
2. Do you sincerely desire this position? 
3. Would you be a good cultural fit for our company? 
4. Will hiring or promoting you help propel us forward rather than just keeping things as they are now?

Best Skills You Should Include in Your Cover Letter

Including relevant skills in your cover letter that emphasize how suitable you are for the position is essential when crafting a cover letter. Here are some of the most beneficial abilities to think about including:

Communication

The ability to express yourself clearly and accurately verbally and in writing. This is essential for working with clients, colleagues, or supervisors as it ensures that all parties involved have a common understanding of any project tasks at hand.

Customer service

Being able to effectively understand your customer’s needs and provide them with timely solutions while demonstrating knowledge of the services or products you offer are key skills when dealing with customers face-to-face, over the phone, or online channels 

Teamwork

Involves knowing how each person contributes toward reaching team goals. Although individual talent can suffer from excessive reliance on others. Great teamwork requires collaboration between everyone so problems get solved more efficiently than ever before possible   

Leadership

Leadership is an important skill to highlight in a cover letter because it shows that the applicant has the ability to motivate and inspire others. It also indicates that they are able to take initiative, work collaboratively with peers, and make decisions independently. 

Time Management

Managing time effectively is beneficial for the entire organization as it can help ensure deadlines are met and reduce stress levels. To do this, one should be aware of how long a project will take to complete and develop an efficient plan of action.

Conclusion

A cover letter is a great way for job seekers to show their qualifications and to also stand out from the other applicants. These cover letter examples provide a useful starting point for crafting your own, unique cover letters. With these samples to guide you, it should be straightforward and easy to create an individualized document that outlines why hiring you is the best decision an organization can make.