14/05/2019 Cover Letter Template to Use to Apply for a Job

COVER LETTERS SAMPLES

Use This Cover Letter Template to Apply for a

Job

BY ALISON DOYLE Updated May 09, 2019

A cover letter is an important part of almost any job application. While a resume o ers a
thorough look at your background, skills, and education, the cover letter is your opportunity to
point out information that makes you well qualified for the position at hand. Think of the letter
as making the case for your candidacy. And, while resumes tend to be a bit dry, listing
information in bullet points, a cover letter has room to be more engaging. 

Just like a resume, though, cover letters have a distinct format and style. Hiring managers
have certain expectations when it comes to both the details included within a cover letter,
and how the letter is organized. If you do not adhere to the standard format of a cover letter,
you will appear unprofessional and it could torpedo your application. 

Take a look at the following cover letter template, which lists the information you need
to include in the cover letter you submit with your resume. Use the template as a guideline to
create customized cover letters to send to employers. Plus, read on for tips on how to use a
cover letter template e ectively. 

Tips for Using a Cover Letter Template

A cover letter template helps you with the layout of your letter. Templates also show you what
elements you need to include in your letter, such as introductions and body paragraphs.

While you should follow the template, you can customize the body paragraphs to suit your
needs. For instance, the template lists just one body paragraph, but if you need to have two
paragraphs, adjust accordingly.

Note: If you feel bullet points are the most e ective way to convey your
qualifications, go ahead and use them.

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Keep in mind that there are slight — but significant — di erences in the cover letter format if
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Cover Letter Template

Contact Information
The first section or header of your cover letter should include information on how the
employer can contact you. If you have contact information for the employer, include that.
Otherwise, just list your information.

Your Contact Information
Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State Zip Code
Your Phone Number
Your Email Address

Date

Employer Contact Information

Name
Title
Company
Address
City, State Zip Code

Salutation
Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:

Body of Cover Letter

The body of your cover letter lets the employer know what position you are applying for, why
the employer should select you for an interview, and how you will follow-up.

Tip: Use several shorter paragraphs or bullets rather than one large block of text so
that your letter is easy to read.

First Paragraph:
The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are writing. Mention
the position you are applying for. Include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one. Be

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clear and concise regarding your request. Your goal is to convince the reader that they should
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Middle Paragraphs: 
The next section of your cover letter should describe what you have to o er the employer.
Make strong connections between your abilities and the employer's needs. Mention
specifically how your skills and experience match the job you are applying for. Remember, you
are interpreting your resume, not repeating it. Try to support each statement you make with a
specific piece of evidence.

Final Paragraph: 
Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position.
Include information on how you will follow up.

State that you will do so and indicate when (one week's time is typical).

Complimentary Close
Respectfully yours,

Signature:
Handwritten Signature (for a hard copy letter)

Typed Signature

Sample Cover Letter

This is a cover letter sample. Download the cover letter template (compatible with Google
Docs or Word Online) or read the example below.

Screenshot of a cover letter example

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14/05/2019 Cover Letter Template to Use to Apply for a Job

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Download the Word Template

SAMPLE

Sample Cover Letter (Text Version)

Thalia Washington
9 Beacon Street
Appleton, WI 07987
555-555-5555
twashington@email.com

September 1, 2018

Helen Jackson
Director of Human Resources
Ultimate Beauty
289 Oxford Avenue
Wellington, WI 09419

Dear Ms. Jackson:

I am writing to you today to apply for the open position of social media marketing
manager. My colleague, Ms. Anna Boston,EXPAND
told me
+ about the job opening and has o ered

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Sending an Email Message

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useare writing in the subject
of cookies.
line of your message:

Subject: Thalia Washington – Social Media Marketing Manager Position

List your contact information in your signature, rather than in the body of the letter:

Sincerely,

Thalia Washington
9 Beacon Street
Appleton, WI 07987
twashington@email.com
555-555-5555

Review an Email Template

Email cover letters have a slightly di erent format than printed or uploaded cover letters. For
example, in an email cover letter, you put your contact information at the bottom of the letter,
not at the top. You also do not include the employer’s contact information or the date at the
top.

Just like any other cover letter, it is useful to look at a template when writing an email cover
letter. Read here for an email cover letter template, and review these tips for emailing a cover
letter, too. 

Create a Personal Cover Letter Template 

Microsoft Word cover letter templates are available for a variety of circumstances. Add your
personal information to the template to create cover letters you can use for a variety of types
of job applications. Like Microsoft Word, Google Docs o ers a variety of professional letter
templates that you can use when writing your cover letter. Just fill in the template with your
personal information, and save the document in your account.

Review Sample Cover Letters and More Tips 

Along with using a cover letter template, you might also review cover letter samples and read
advice on how to format a cover letter to get ideas on writing your own cover letter. Plus,
discover our 10 biggest tips for writing a cover letter, so you can make sure yours is e ective. 

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Computer with pencil and letter

SAMPLES

Create an Attractive Cover Letter SAMPLES

With These Free Templates Professional Layout Sample for
Cover Letter

COVER LETTERS

Easy Block Paragraph Format Cover SAMPLES

Letter Template General / All-Purpose Cover Letter
Sample and Writing Tips

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SAMPLES SAMPLES

How to Compose a Job-Winning Use this Sample Cover Letter for

Cover Letter Technical Support Jobs

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100+ Free Professional Cover Letter How to Write a Finance Internship

Examples Cover Letter That Gets Noticed

SAMPLES COVER LETTERS

Receptionist Cover Letter Examples Cover Letter Samples That Include

Referrals

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HOW TO WRITE SAMPLES

Tips for Using a Template to Write a Sample Cover Letter for a School
Resume Cover Letter Position

SAMPLES SAMPLES

Free Cover Letter Templates for Example Cover Letter for an

Microsoft Word eCommerce Technology Position

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Cover Letter Samples for Business Template for Software Engineer

and Administration Jobs Cover Letter and Resume

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