Cover Letter Formats – The 2023 Guide with Examples

Writing an effective cover letter is key when looking for a job. Recent research revealed that 83% of hiring managers said that a great cover letter format affects their decisions, making it very important to get right. Whether you’re experienced or just starting in the job market, having solid writing skills and understanding how best to structure your application can be highly beneficial in landing that dream position.

In this blog, we share some top tips on formatting and crafting the perfect cover letter so don’t miss these golden opportunities. Investing some time into mastering the art of creating compelling yet concise applications could just lead you toward securing your ideal role.

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a brief, one-page document that you send along with your resume to provide employers with your introduction. It also offers any pertinent information about you related to the job for which you are applying. The cover letter format for jobs and other applications includes three paragraphs: 

• An opening paragraph introducing why you’re interested in the position. 
• A second body paragraph providing summary details about your professional background relevant to this role.
• Finally, a closing statement outlining what makes you uniquely qualified for the specific opportunity being pursued.

Depending on individual employer practices some will require applicants to submit their materials including both a resume and accompanying cover letter while others might make it optional or not even necessary at all.

Sample Cover Letter Format

Here’s a professional cover letter format sample to provide you with useful guidance on how to structure your letter effectively and highlight your qualifications, enabling you to make a positive impression on prospective employers.

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Today’s Date] [Employer’s Name] [Company Name] [Company Street Address] [City, State] Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name], I am excited to apply for the position of [Position Title] at [Company Name]. I know that through my experience in [Relevant Field] and other fields related to this role, I possess the skills required.  At my previous organization [ Previous Company/Organization], I achieved significant success where I had accomplished a great deal including [Mention your accomplishment or Project relevant to the position]. These experiences have given me indispensable knowledge which would be impactful when performing tasks like [Key Responsibility/Requirement from Job Description]. My capability has enabled me time and again to exceed expectations on projects involving [Additional Strength or Skill].  The reputation of [Company Name] in achieving [Specific Achievement/Recognition] is truly impressive, and I greatly admire your unwavering commitment to [Company’s Core Value/Strategy]. My expertise in the field of [Relevant Field], combined with my proven track record of accomplishing [Key Achievements/Results], would make a valuable contribution towards ensuring future success for you.  Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name] and would welcome the chance to discuss how my skills and experience align with your needs. For further details please refer attached resume along with the cover letter. Please feel free contacting if you require any extra information from my side that can demonstrate how well-suited I serve the current job requirements (if needed). Looking forward to optimistically proceeding ahead. Regards!   Sincerely, [Your Full Name] Resume (Attach File or Link to Resume)

Sample Cover Letter with No Experience 

This is one of the best cover letter examples for freshers or a person with no experience.

[Your Name] [Your Address] [Your City, State] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date] [Company Name] [Company Address] [Your City, State] Dear [Hiring Manager],  I am writing to apply for the position of [Position] as advertised on your website. I believe that my enthusiasm and commitment would make me an excellent addition to your team.  Although I do not have any work experience within this particular field, a combination of previous roles has equipped me with attributes that will be beneficial in meeting customer needs efficiently whilst still providing quality service and support.  My friendly personality allows customers from all backgrounds to feel comfortable when communicating with me – especially during difficult situations where tensions can rise quickly if handled improperly. I am eager to apply my skills and further develop them as part of your team.  Additionally, I have always been interested in this field so the opportunity for growth is something that continually excites me when thinking about joining your organization. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. If given the chance, it would be an honor to work with such incredible professionals who are striving towards making a difference each day.  Please do not hesitate to reach out should any additional information or documents regarding myself become necessary at any stage during consideration. Sincerely, [Name]

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Elements That Make Up a Cover Letter

Employing the right cover letter format can significantly enhance your chances of acing that first impression with prospective employers. Check out these guidelines on how to format a compelling cover letter:

1. Contact Details

In a proper job application cover letter format, include the following information in your cover letter header to make sure it is effective: 

• Name- Make it stand out by using large font sizes and bold text.
• Phone number- Include area/country code if you’re applying for a job outside of your current location.
• Email address- Use an appropriate email such as firstname_lastname@gmail.com. 
• Online profile (optional)- Enhance the application further with relevant online profiles, eg website or LinkedIn page, etc.

Next thing, to format your cover letter, include the current date and employer’s contact information. Leave a space between the date and the hiring manager’s name to make it easy for them to read.

• Today’s date
• Hiring manager’s name 
• Company name 
• Company street address 
• Company state, city, and ZIP code

2. Salutation

It’s important to make sure your cover letter is addressed correctly. Check the job description or check out the company website for the hiring manager’s name, but if you can’t find it that way don’t fret; just give them a call and ask who it should be sent to.

If that doesn’t work out, instead of using something generic like “To Whom It May Concern”, customize your salutation for who/what team /department you’re applying to. Try saying ”Dear Accounting Team,” or “Dear Hiring Manager”.

3. Starting Paragraph

This is your opportunity to grab the hiring manager’s attention and tell them who you are and why you’re applying for the job. Show enthusiasm by expressing how excited you are about this role as it relates to your career goals. Make it stand out by using keywords from the ad that relate directly back to what they’ve asked for, also mentioning if anyone referred you or knows someone at the company already if applicable.

In the initial section of your cover letter, strive to capture the hiring manager’s attention and present yourself. Additionally, indicate what position you’re applying for as well as where the job listing was discovered.

NOTE

• Grab the hiring manager’s attention 
• Provide a self-introduction  
• List the position you’re applying for  
• Describe where you found the job posting

4. Middle Body Paragraph

Now that you have established your interest and enthusiasm for the role, it is time to discuss what qualifications make you an ideal fit. In one or two paragraphs, explain how relevant experiences and skills can transfer directly into the new job’s requirements. Here, focus on specific accomplishments that demonstrate why you are perfect for this position; repeating bullet points from a resume isn’t necessary at this point since employers may already be familiar with them. Details here should further illustrate those highlights to present yourself as the best possible match required for the role.

Do research on the company you are applying to. Learn about their industry, how they currently stand in it, and if possible what their plans for the future look like. Write a paragraph explaining why your skills can help them reach these goals. You may want to include some career highlights as bullets between paragraphs; focus on accomplishments with quantifiable numbers so that readers remember more easily.

5. End Paragraph

End your letter by thanking the employer for their time and letting them know you are interested in progressing to further stages of the hiring process. You can also use this as an opportunity to explain any gaps in employment history or highlight why you would be a great fit for the role.

6. Complimentary Close and Signature

When writing a professional cover letter, choose an appropriate complimentary closing that is friendly yet formal. Examples of suitable closings include “Sincerely”, “Regards”, or “Best” followed by your first name and last name. Alternatively, you can use more specific phrases such as “Thank You” or ‘Thank You for Your Consideration”.

Refrain from using overly casual expressions like cheers, warm regards, thanks a ton, etc., which could be too informal in the context of business correspondence. If sending out hard copies make sure to sign off with a handwritten signature along with your full name at the bottom portion below the closure sentence.

Extra Tips for a  Professional Cover Letter Format:

If you want potential employers to take the time to read your cover letter, you must have a flawless format. To ensure proper formatting for an effective job application cover letter, consider these additional tips:

• Font style- Use a conventional font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Verdana. Avoid fancy fonts to ensure the letter is picked up by applicant tracking systems.
• Font size- No larger than 12-point font and no smaller than 10.5-point 
• font. 
• Margins- Between 1” and .5”; if running out of space adjust margins but not too drastically so that it looks thin/full.
• Spacing- Leave spacing between each part (date, address, etc). 
• File format & naming- Submit document files in either PDF/DOCX formats only; name them with your full name plus job title i.e JohnDoeJobTitleCoverLetter 
• Length- Every cover letter should be around 250-400 words maximum length and one page long

Conclusion 

A successful cover letter format can help you stand out from the competition and demonstrate why your qualifications make you an ideal candidate for a particular job. Be sure to include contact details, craft an engaging introduction, highlight relevant skills in the body of your text, and finish with a succinct closing statement. Customizing each application package shows employers that you put thought into submitting it.