informal cover letter

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The Informal Cover Letter and Its Benefits

Table of Contents

Cover letters are indispensable for many professional job applications and can help you sell yourself to your future employer. Writing cover letters can be tedious, reading them even more so, but it does not have to be. An informal cover letter , also known as short cover letters, help break this tedium for job applicants and recruiters.

Keep reading to learn more about informal cover letters , their benefits, and the way to write one the next time you apply!

Types of Cover Letters

There any many types of cover letters for different scenarios. The most well-known is the  application cover letter . These types of cover letters are written for specific jobs and should include specific skills and qualifications regarding them.

The second type is the  prospecting cover letter.  Generally speaking, a prospecting cover letter is best suited to inquiries about open positions at a company you are interested.

Third is the  networking cover letter.  The networking cover letter is used to ask for career advice and career opportunities.

And finally, we come to the main topic of this article, the  informal cover letter .

What is the Informal (Short) Cover Letter?

The informal cover letter is a short cover letter with the purpose of quick introduction . You include information about yourself, your skills, why you are interested in the job, and your personal connection with the company. Short cover letters are for job inquiries that don’t require a formal cover letter.

This cover letter does not have a clear-cut format. Usually, it consists of a greeting, a simple body explaining your experience and your interest in the company.

As a rule of thumb, you should also attach your CV or resume to the cover letter when you are applying.

Benefits of the Informal Cover Letter

Many people think that a good cover letter should be lenghty. In fact, a short cover letter may be as beneficial to your application as a long one. There are many reasons hiring managers prefer a more brief cover letter:

• In most cases, hiring managers can read a short cover letter in less time. This makes it more likely that yours is read over a long cover letter from another applicant.
• Cover letters with a brief outline stand out more than longer ones.
• A short cover letter that grabs a reader’s attention quickly can show your ability to convey your qualifications concisely.
• It allows its author the freedom to discuss certain personal and professional experiences.

When Not to Write a Short Cover Letter?

Although short cover letters have many advantages over the traditional ones, there are some cases where you should not use them.

If you have too many relevant skills and experiences about the work, you should not trim them down. You should be writing all of them in great detail, with as much information as possible.

If the hiring manager or the employer put down word count limits in the job posting, you should obviously respect them.

Informal Cover Letter Examples

The most important thing to remember when writing a cover letter is that you are conveying relevant information in a concise manner.

Here is an example of an informal cover letter:

Dear Mr. Sacrimoni,

My name is Paulie, and I would be thrilled to join your team as an accounting manager. I admire Satriale Markets’ reputation of customers satisfaction.

My resume outlines my skills and 5 years of experience in accounting. I am passionate about speaking to new people and helping others reach their goals.

I believe my background will benefit a team that prioritizes collaboration, and Satriale Markets is the perfect place to apply for this role.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you to discuss the accounting manager position further.

Best,Paulie Gualtieri111 Oak Tree LaneSunnyvale, [email protected] | 555-123-12345

Employers might enjoy this example because it addresses the hiring manager personally. It also mentions the company in the first sentence, and it only takes half a page!

How Long Should it Be?

As a rule of thumb, write just half or two-thirds of a page. This way the hiring manager will be able to tell you right away it will be an effective and quick cover letter.

As most cover letters take up a single page, spending half or two thirds of the page shows the length difference.

Pam is an expert grammarian with years of experience teaching English, writing and ESL Grammar courses at the university level. She is enamored with all things language and fascinated with how we use words to shape our world.

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How to write a great cover letter in 2024: tips and structure

A cover letter is a personalized letter that introduces you to a potential employer, highlights your qualifications, and explains why you're a strong fit for a specific job.

Hate or love them, these brief documents allow job seekers to make an impression and stand out from the pile of other applications. Penning a thoughtful cover letter shows the hiring team you care about earning the position.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to write a cover letter — and a great one, at that.

What is a cover letter and why does it matter?

A professional cover letter is a one-page document you submit alongside your CV or resume as part of a job application. Typically, they’re about half a page or around 150–300 words.

An effective cover letter doesn’t just rehash your CV; it’s your chance to highlight your proudest moments, explain why you want the job, and state plainly what you bring to the table.

Show the reviewer you’re likable, talented, and will add to the company’s culture . You can refer to previous jobs and other information from your CV, but only if it helps tell a story about you and your career choices .

What 3 things should you include in a cover letter?

A well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out to potential employers. To make your cover letter shine, here are three key elements to include:

1. Personalization

Address the hiring manager or recruiter by name whenever possible. If the job posting doesn't include a name, research to find out who will be reviewing applications. Personalizing your cover letter shows that you've taken the time to tailor your application to the specific company and role.

2. Highlight relevant achievements and skills

Emphasize your most relevant skills , experiences, and accomplishments that directly relate to the job you're applying for. Provide specific examples of how your skills have benefited previous employers and how they can contribute to the prospective employer's success. Use quantifiable achievements , such as improved efficiency, cost savings, or project success, to demonstrate your impact.

3. Show enthusiasm and fit

Express your enthusiasm for the company and the position you're applying for. Explain why you are interested in this role and believe you are a good fit for the organization. Mention how your values, goals, and skills align with the company's mission and culture. Demonstrating that you've done your research can make a significant impression.

What do hiring managers look for in a cover letter?

Employers look for several key elements in a cover letter. These include:

Employers want to see that your cover letter is specifically tailored to the position you are applying for. It should demonstrate how your skills, experiences, and qualifications align with the job requirements.

Clear and concise writing

A well-written cover letter is concise, easy to read, and error-free. Employers appreciate clear and effective communication skills , so make sure your cover letter showcases your ability to express yourself effectively.

Demonstrated knowledge of the company

Employers want to see that you are genuinely interested in their organization. Mention specific details about the company, such as recent achievements or projects, to show that you are enthusiastic about joining their team.

Achievements and accomplishments

Highlight your relevant achievements and accomplishments that demonstrate your qualifications for the position. Use specific examples to showcase your skills and show how they can benefit the employer.

Enthusiasm and motivation

Employers want to hire candidates who are excited about the opportunity and motivated to contribute to the company's success. Express your enthusiasm and passion for the role and explain why you are interested in working for the company.

Professionalism

A cover letter should be professional in tone and presentation. Use formal language, address the hiring manager appropriately, and follow standard business letter formatting.

How do you structure a cover letter?

A well-structured cover letter follows a specific format that makes it easy for the reader to understand your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position. Here's a typical structure for a cover letter:

Contact information

Include your name, address, phone number, and email address at the top of the letter. Place your contact information at the beginning so that it's easy for the employer to reach you.

Employer's contact information

Opening paragraph, middle paragraph(s), closing paragraph, complimentary close, additional contact information.

Repeat your contact information (name, phone number, and email) at the end of the letter, just in case the employer needs it for quick reference.

Remember to keep your cover letter concise and focused. It should typically be no more than one page in length. Proofread your letter carefully to ensure it is free from spelling and grammatical errors. Tailor each cover letter to the specific job application to make it as relevant and impactful as possible.

How to write a good cover letter (with examples)

The best letters are unique, tailored to the job description, and written in your voice — but that doesn’t mean you can’t use a job cover letter template.

Great cover letters contain the same basic elements and flow a certain way. Take a look at this cover letter structure for ref erence while you construct your own.

1. Add a header and contact information

While reading your cover letter, the recruiter shouldn’t have to look far to find who wrote it. Your document should include a basic heading with the following information:

• Pronouns (optional)
• Location (optional)
• Email address
• Phone number (optional)
• Relevant links, such as your LinkedIn profile , portfolio, or personal website (optional)

You can pull this information directly from your CV. Put it together, and it will look something like this:

Christopher Pike

San Francisco, California

[email protected]

Alternatively, if the posting asks you to submit your cover letter in the body of an email, you can include this information in your signature. For example:

Warm regards,

Catherine Janeway

Bloomington, Indiana

[email protected]

(555) 999 - 2222

2. Include a personal greeting

Always begin your cover letter by addressing the hiring manager — preferably by name. You can use the person’s first and last name. Make sure to include a relevant title, like Dr., Mr., or Ms. For example, “Dear Mr. John Doe.”

Avoid generic openings like “To whom it may concern,” “Dear sir or madam,” or “Dear hiring manager.” These introductions sound impersonal — like you’re copy-pasting cover letters — and can work against you in the hiring process.

Be careful, though. When using someone’s name, you don’t want to use the wrong title or accidentally misgender someone. If in doubt, using only their name is enough. You could also opt for a gender-neutral title, like Mx.

Make sure you’re addressing the right person in your letter — ideally, the person who’s making the final hiring decision. This isn’t always specified in the job posting, so you may have to do some research to learn the name of the hiring manager.

3. Draw them in with an opening story

The opening paragraph of your cover letter should hook the reader. You want it to be memorable, conversational, and extremely relevant to the job you’re pursuing. 

There’s no need for a personal introduction — you’ve already included your name in the heading. But you should make reference to the job you’re applying for. A simple “Thank you for considering my application for the role of [job title] at [company],” will suffice.

Then you can get into the “Why” of your job application. Drive home what makes this specific job and this company so appealing to you. Perhaps you’re a fan of their products, you’re passionate about their mission, or you love their brand voice. Whatever the case, this section is where you share your enthusiasm for the role.

Here’s an example opening paragraph. In this scenario, you’re applying for a digital marketing role at a bicycle company:

“Dear Mr. John Doe,

Thank you for considering my application for the role of Marketing Coordinator at Bits n’ Bikes.

My parents bought my first bike at one of your stores. I’ll never forget the freedom I felt when I learned to ride it. My father removed my training wheels, and my mom sent me barrelling down the street. You provide joy to families across the country — and I want to be part of that.”

4. Emphasize why you’re best for the job

Your next paragraphs should be focused on the role you’re applying to. Highlight your skill set and why you’re a good fit for the needs and expectations associated with the position. Hiring managers want to know what you’ll bring to the job, not just any role.

Start by studying the job description for hints. What problem are they trying to solve with this hire? What skills and qualifications do they mention first or more than once? These are indicators of what’s important to the hiring manager.

Search for details that match your experience and interests. For example, if you’re excited about a fast-paced job in public relations, you might look for these elements in a posting:

• They want someone who can write social media posts and blog content on tight deadlines
• They value collaboration and input from every team member
• They need a planner who can come up with strong PR strategies

Highlight how you fulfill these requirements:

“I’ve always been a strong writer. From blog posts to social media, my content pulls in readers and drives traffic to product pages. For example, when I worked at Bits n’ Bikes, I developed a strategic blog series about bike maintenance that increased our sales of spare parts and tools by 50% — we could see it in our web metrics.

Thanks to the input of all of our team members, including our bike mechanics, my content delivered results.”

5. End with a strong closing paragraph and sign off gracefully

Your closing paragraph is your final chance to hammer home your enthusiasm about the role and your unique ability to fill it. Reiterate the main points you explained in the body paragraphs and remind the reader of what you bring to the table.

You can also use the end of your letter to relay other important details, like whether you’re willing to relocate for the job.

When choosing a sign-off, opt for a phrase that sounds professional and genuine. Reliable options include “Sincerely” and “Kind regards.”

Here’s a strong closing statement for you to consider:

“I believe my enthusiasm, skills, and work experience as a PR professional will serve Bits n’ Bikes very well. I would love to meet to further discuss my value-add as your next Director of Public Relations. Thank you for your consideration. I hope we speak soon.

Tips to write a great cover letter that compliments your resume

When writing your own letter, try not to copy the example excerpts word-for-word. Instead, use this cover letter structure as a baseline to organize your ideas. Then, as you’re writing, use these extra cover letter tips to add your personal touch:

• Keep your cover letter different from your resume : Your cover letter should not duplicate the information on your resume. Instead, it should provide context and explanations for key points in your resume, emphasizing how your qualifications match the specific job you're applying for.
• Customize your cover letter . Tailor your cover letter for each job application. Address the specific needs of the company and the job posting, demonstrating that you've done your homework and understand their requirements.
• Show enthusiasm and fit . Express your enthusiasm for the company and position in the cover letter. Explain why you are interested in working for this company and how your values, goals, and skills align with their mission and culture.
• Use keywords . Incorporate keywords from the job description and industry terms in your cover letter. This can help your application pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and demonstrate that you're well-versed in the field.
• Keep it concise . Your cover letter should be succinct and to the point, typically no more than one page. Focus on the most compelling qualifications and experiences that directly support your application.
• Be professional . Maintain a professional tone and structure in your cover letter. Proofread it carefully to ensure there are no errors.
• Address any gaps or concerns . If there are gaps or concerns in your resume, such as employment gaps or a change in career direction, briefly address them in your cover letter. Explain any relevant circumstances and how they have shaped your qualifications and determination.
• Provide a call to action . Conclude your cover letter with a call to action, inviting the employer to contact you for further discussion. Mention that you've attached your resume for their reference.
• Follow the correct format . Use a standard cover letter format like the one above, including your contact information, a formal salutation, introductory and closing paragraphs, and your signature. Ensure that it complements your resume without redundancy.
• Pick the right voice and tone . Try to write like yourself, but adapt to the tone and voice of the company. Look at the job listing, company website, and social media posts. Do they sound fun and quirky, stoic and professional, or somewhere in-between? This guides your writing style.
• Tell your story . You’re an individual with unique expertise, motivators, and years of experience. Tie the pieces together with a great story. Introduce how you arrived at this point in your career, where you hope to go , and how this prospective company fits in your journey. You can also explain any career changes in your resume.
• Show, don’t tell . Anyone can say they’re a problem solver. Why should a recruiter take their word for it if they don’t back it up with examples? Instead of naming your skills, show them in action. Describe situations where you rose to the task, and quantify your success when you can.
• Be honest . Avoid highlighting skills you don’t have. This will backfire if they ask you about them in an interview. Instead, shift focus to the ways in which you stand out.
• Avoid clichés and bullet points . These are signs of lazy writing. Do your best to be original from the first paragraph to the final one. This highlights your individuality and demonstrates the care you put into the letter.
• Proofread . Always spellcheck your cover letter. Look for typos, grammatical errors, and proper flow. We suggest reading it out loud. If it sounds natural rolling off the tongue, it will read naturally as well.

Common cover letter writing FAQs

How long should a cover letter be.

A cover letter should generally be concise and to the point. It is recommended to keep it to one page or less, focusing on the most relevant information that highlights your qualifications and fits the job requirements.

Should I include personal information in a cover letter?

While it's important to introduce yourself and provide your contact information, avoid including personal details such as your age, marital status, or unrelated hobbies. Instead, focus on presenting your professional qualifications and aligning them with the job requirements.

Can I use the same cover letter for multiple job applications?

While it may be tempting to reuse a cover letter, it is best to tailor each cover letter to the specific job you are applying for. This allows you to highlight why you are a good fit for that particular role and show genuine interest in the company.

Do I need to address my cover letter to a specific person?

Whenever possible, it is advisable to address your cover letter to a specific person, such as the hiring manager or recruiter. If the job posting does not provide this information, try to research and find the appropriate contact. If all else fails, you can use a generic salutation such as "Dear Hiring Manager."

Should I include references in my cover letter?

It is generally not necessary to include references in your cover letter. Save this information for when the employer explicitly requests it. Instead, focus on showcasing your qualifications and achievements that make you a strong candidate for the position.

It’s time to start writing your stand-out cover letter

The hardest part of writing is getting started. 

Hopefully, our tips gave you some jumping-off points and confidence . But if you’re really stuck, looking at cover letter examples and resume templates will help you decide where to get started. 

There are numerous sample cover letters available online. Just remember that you’re a unique, well-rounded person, and your cover letter should reflect that. Using our structure, you can tell your story while highlighting your passion for the role. 

Doing your research, including strong examples of your skills, and being courteous is how to write a strong cover letter. Take a breath , flex your fingers, and get typing. Before you know it, your job search will lead to a job interview.

If you want more personalized guidance, a specialized career coach can help review, edit, and guide you through creating a great cover letter that sticks.

Ace your job search

Explore effective job search techniques, interview strategies, and ways to overcome job-related challenges. Our coaches specialize in helping you land your dream job.

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

3 cover letter examples to help you catch a hiring manager’s attention

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• Resume and Cover Letter
• The Right (and Wrong) Ways to...

The Right (and Wrong) Ways to Show Personality in Your Cover Letter

7 min read · Updated on December 17, 2021

The ubiquitous “Just be yourself” isn't foolproof advice when it comes to cover letters. Here's how to add personality while keeping it professional.

For candidates in search of their next opportunity, the realities of the job-application process can be sobering.  According to Glassdoor , a corporate job opening attracts an average of 250 resumes. Of those, four to six candidates are typically interviewed, and only one gets the job.

What does this mean for you? First off, it requires you to submit your resume to multiple companies in quick succession. However, the standard resume format has its limitations when it comes to helping a candidate stand out. The cover letter is your opportunity to incorporate personality into your application — but it's critical to do this in a balanced and professional manner.

On one hand, if you aren't writing a cover letter that connects with the reader and showcases you as a unique person, you may as well not bother with a cover letter at all. On the other hand, a cover letter that's too informal or unprofessional will likely elicit a cringe from the hiring manager. How can you avoid common cover-letter mistakes, improve your odds of connecting with the decision-maker, and help your application rise to the top? Let's take a look.

Begin with an honest self-assessment   

Is there enough personality in your cover letter already? Maybe, or maybe not. A “black-marker test” will help you to elevate your cover letter and answer that question.

Here's how it works: Print your cover letter, then take a black marker and black out your name everywhere in the document. Reading it now, could you mistake it for someone else's? Could another professional replace your name with his or hers and use the rest of the cover letter without additional changes?

If your cover letter has failed the “black-marker test,” know that you are not alone. Most cover letters look and read almost identically because many candidates want to play it safe by using boilerplate language. Use this to your advantage! Make sure that your cover letter represents you and only you.

Understand the company culture

The goal of creating a personalized cover letter is to demonstrate a great fit between you and the company you are interested in. You want the hiring manager to get a sense that you will get along well with others who already work there. Therefore,  you must do your research to strike the right chord in your cover letter.

The company's website is a great place to get a sense of its culture. Does the company break the mold by introducing executives with personal anecdotes and cartoon drawings? If so, you have a bit more creative license when it comes to showcasing your quirky side. If you find a traditional corporate environment with black-and-white headshots and formal professional histories, your incorporation of personality should be carefully weighed and balanced.

Blog articles from the company, whether on the main website or on LinkedIn, can provide additional color and help your decision. Finally,  Glassdoor reviews can be useful as long as you approach them with healthy skepticism and look for patterns across a variety of individual experiences.

As you do your research and reflect on your application package, pay attention to any mismatches or resistance you may sense. For example, if you are having a hard time reigning in your tone to suit a hierarchical and formal organization, this company may not be the best fit for you in the long run.

Related:   How to Find a Job You Love by Assessing Company Culture

Don't just duplicate your resume — tell a story!

Once you understand the voice and style you are trying to echo, it's time to begin writing the cover letter. While following your resume is an easy way to structure the pairing cover letter, the result can come across as impersonal and boring. Instead of reiterating the professional experiences listed on your resume, use the cover letter to reflect on them by connecting to who you are.

Here are some brainstorming questions to spark new thinking:

What defining feature of your personality makes you a great fit for this position?

What quote might illustrate your interest in this company, your professional journey, or your personality?

What about this position draws you to apply?

What experience isn't on your resume but would be an appropriate connection point on the cover letter?

Here are some examples:

“I am the kind of a person who will insist on testing new teleconferencing software from multiple different internet browsers to make sure that the flow of the client conversation isn't interrupted by technical issues. My focus on identifying risks, then addressing them proactively and systematically, makes me the project manager you are looking for.”

“When I was eight years old, I asked my parents for starter capital to fund my very first business venture: breeding rabbits. With my father's help, I built cages and installed heaters to keep the bunnies warm during the winter. I volunteered to sweep the aisles at a local mom-and-pop grocery store in exchange for taking home discarded vegetables. Months of my hard work paid off at Easter. My hand-drawn advertisement posters brought in scores of local families who lined up to buy the bunnies for their kids. That spring, I made $50 and discovered my passion for entrepreneurship. I will bring the same enthusiasm, creativity, and tenacity to the position of Sales Manager at your company.”

“I remember looking out of the window of the Red Line train as it surfaced above ground to cross Charles River on my way to classes at Suffolk University. Every day, no matter how early or late, I would find the Hancock Tower above the Boston skyline and think to myself “Someday, I will work for Ernst & Young in that very building.” As I prepare to graduate this spring, my dream can come true with this internship position.”

Personalize for success (with caution)

From an honest self-assessment to brainstorming, understanding the company culture, and crafting a story, you are well on your way to writing a cover letter that will help you stand out in a pile of same-old applications.

As you write your personal take on why you are a great candidate for the position, be careful to use the right amount of personality. Stay away from stories that are deeply personal to the point of being embarrassing. Anecdotes that are funny for the sake of cracking a joke, or not relevant to the job at hand, won't help you make your case. Personality should never come at the expense of professionalism!

As always, don't neglect to spell check and proofread every cover letter. Reading it aloud can help you spot the sections that don't flow smoothly. Check your tone — it should be conversational, yet respectful. Use your cover letter as an opportunity to showcase the research you've done by mentioning client names that get you excited, recent accomplishments and pride points for the company, or anything else that will reinforce the personal connection between you and the position you want. Combine these tips with the right dose of personality and you'll be sure to show a hiring manager that you belong.

Click on the following link for more cover-letter advice .

Your resume should pair well with your cover letter. How does yours stack up? Submit it for a free resume critique and we'll tell you.

Recommended Reading:

Elevate Your Cover Letter With 3 Simple Tests

Ask Amanda: How Do I Write a Cover Letter?

9 Cliches to Cut From Your Cover Letter Right Now

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

From Bland to Beautiful: How We Made This Professional's Resume Shine

See how your resume stacks up.

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15 Short Cover Letter Samples [Examples + Templates]

3 key takeaways

• Step-by-step guide for writing the perfect short cover letter
• 15 samples of short cover letters for you to use
• How to use Teal’s AI Resume Builder to quickly and easily generate unique cover letters   

A short cover letter that’s customized for a specific position makes a great first impression, even when the hiring manager has limited time.

And for job postings that you're genuinely interested in, taking the time to craft a thoughtful cover letter is well worth it. It allows your unique voice and enthusiasm for the work to shine through. 

The article below explains how to create a brief cover letter that gets results and showcases some short cover letter samples you can use as inspiration throughout your job search.

Why write a short cover letter?

Writing a short cover letter doesn't mean you're providing less value. It means you're placing a premium on clear and impactful communication, which, even by itself, underscores your professionalism. 

In fact, there are a lot of reasons why it might be beneficial to stick with a short, concise cover letter.

• Efficiency : Short cover letters save time for both you and the hiring manager, allowing for quicker evaluations.
• Relevance : A concise letter ensures that every word you write directly contributes to showcasing your qualifications and aligns with the job's requirements.
• Engagement : A brief, compelling letter is more likely to capture the attention of busy hiring professionals, increasing the chances of them reading it.
• Clarity : Shorter letters are inherently clearer and easier to follow, making it more straightforward for the reader to learn your key strengths and motivations.
• Respect for time : It demonstrates respect for the time constraints of hiring managers, conveying your understanding of busy schedules and time management. 

Short cover letter outline

In a concise cover letter, brevity is a strength. So, what parts of a cover letter should an abbreviated yet impactful document include?

I. Introduction

• Briefly introduce yourself.
• Mention the specific job position you're applying for.

II. Why you're a fit

• Highlight one to two key qualifications or experiences that align with the job requirement (try incorporating relevant keywords from the job description).

III. Passion and enthusiasm

• Express genuine interest in the role and the company. (This is a great place to weave in a specific company value or mission.)

IV. Value proposition

• Quickly mention what you can bring to the organization regarding skills, achievements, or potential contributions using keywords from the job description.

V. Closing statement

• Politely thank the reader for their time.
• Include a call to action, like "Please contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] to discuss my application or schedule an interview.

VI. Signature

• Sign off with a professional closing, e.g., "Sincerely,"
• Include your name, email, and phone number.

3 key tips for writing a short cover letter

Now that you know what to include, here are some tips for writing a short cover letter.

Customize your cover letter for each job

Tailoring your cover letter to a specific job shows you have the experience, skills, and qualifications the company is looking for. Include keywords and focus on relevant experience to align closely with the job description, ensuring your application stands out as highly relevant and targeted.

Use bullet points to highlight your qualifications and achievements

If you find yourself staring at a wall of text, use bullet points to make your cover letter easier to skim. List key achievements (with results!) and qualifications directly related to the job.

Be clear and concise

Keep your cover letter brief and to the point. Avoid filler words and overly complex sentences. A clear, straightforward approach helps convey your message so key details stand out.

How to write a short cover letter

Different than writing a general cover letter (which tends to be significantly longer), writing a simple cover letter requires some steps that focus more on language and precision. 

Step 1: Research and prepare

Thoroughly research the company and job role to understand their specific needs and culture. 

These details will help you make your cover letter more personalized, which can set you apart from other candidates. If you can find the hiring manager’s name, address them directly and use it in your cover letter greeting. This shows potential employers that you care about the detail

Step 2: Identify key qualifications

Select one or two of your qualifications or experiences directly matching the job requirements. (Use keywords from the job description to align your skills.) 

Explain these briefly but with enough detail to illustrate your competence and how these experiences make you a great fit for the role.

Step 3: Prioritize recent relevance

Highlight only your recent career experiences relevant to the job. Avoid detailing every previous role, focusing only on what's applicable.

Step 4: Optimize Content Sections

Identify the most critical sections (e.g., qualifications, value proposition). Then, allocate space judiciously, emphasizing only the most impactful content that aligns with the role.

Step 5: Condense and simplify

Review your content for long phrases and unnecessary words. Aim to convey more with fewer words while maintaining clarity. (And do your best to use contractions whenever it makes sense. I.e., ”I’ll” rather than “I will” or “I’m” rather than “I'm.”)

For example:

Original: "I believe that I have the Python skills and 7 years of data experience that are relevant to this position." ‍ Improved: "I have the relevant Python skills and 7 years of data experience for this position."

Pro Tip: If you're looking to automate some of this process, let's say by writing your cover letter with ChatGPT or another AI program, copy and paste your content into the software, and prompt it to highlight any unnecessary filler words and phrases.

Step 6: Improve clarity and readability

Review your content for clarity and readability. Make sure your message is easy to understand and flows smoothly—avoiding ambiguity.

For example: 

Original: "I have experience working with diverse teams, which has given me valuable skills." ‍ Improved: "I've successfully collaborated with diverse teams on five major projects, resulting in a 20% increase in project efficiency." ‍ Best: "I collaborated with diverse teams on five projects, increasing project efficiency by 20%."

Step 7: Review, refine, and proofread

Carefully review your short cover letter for conciseness and relevance. Eliminate any additional words. Remember, every word should serve a purpose. 

Then, proofread it (and then proofread it again!). You can also opt to use a tool like Teal's AI Resume Builder with features like a cover letter builder with spell check, which can help you write, edit, and identify typos or grammar issues.

Use Teal's AI Cover Letter Generator

With Teal, you can generate a tailored, impactful cover letter in seconds. Just match your existing resume with a specific job description, and the AI Cover Letter Generator will write a personalized letter based on your career information and position details.

It can be a game-changer for your job application process. Try it yourself and see.

Remember, your cover letter is your chance to make a first impression. Take the time to make it count. With the right approach, the use of a cover letter checklist, and a little help from AI, you can create a cover letter that stands out for all the right reasons.

15 great short cover letter examples

Every person has different experiences and job stages, which means no two cover letters are built the same.

A short cover letter for an internship or for someone with no experience will be much different than a cover letter for someone at the senior or executive level.

Below are some short cover letter samples for a variety or roles and career stages. Use one of these short cover letter examples as inspiration for how to write a short cover letter and customize it based on your own experience.

Short cover letter samples

Short cover letter sample - sales.

Pro Tip:  See more short cover letter examples with these sales cover letter templates.

Short cover letter sample - customer service

Pro Tip:  Need more more short cover letter examples? Check out these customer service cover letter templates .

Short cover letter sample - creative jobs

Pro Tip:  See more examples in these creative role cover letter samples.

Short cover letter sample - hospitality

Pro Tip:  Need more short cover letter examples? Use these hospitality cover letter templates as a guide.

Short cover letter sample - administration

Pro Tip: See more short cover letter examples in these administration cover letter templates.

Short cover letter sample - human resources

Pro Tip : See more short cover letter examples in these human resources cover letter templates.

Short cover letter templates

Short cover letter sample - any job.

Dear [Hiring Manager], I'm excited to submit my application for the [Position] role at [Company Name]. As an experienced [title] with [X] years of experience, I'm confident that I have the [1-2 specific skills and qualifications from the job description] necessary to excel in this position. With [X] years of experience in [Industry], I've gained valuable transferable skills such as [Relevant Skills] that I believe will be an asset to your team. I'm confident that I can quickly adapt to this new role's demands and significantly contribute to your organization. Given my experience,  I'm eager to bring my expertise to your team at [Company Name]. Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further. Warm Regards, [Your Name]

Pro Tip:  See more short cover letter examples, and learn how to write a general cover letter with a comprehensive guide and templates .

Short cover letter sample - entry-level position

Dear [Hiring Manager],  I'm excited to apply for the [Position] at [Company Name].  As a recent graduate with a degree in [Degree Field], I focused my studies on [Study Areas]. I also gained hands-on experience at [Type of Business], where I was responsible for [List 2-3 Responsibilities]. I'm confident my academic and work experience make me a strong candidate for this position.  I've demonstrated my skills in [Relevant Skills] with a [Quantifiable Achievement] in my last role. I'm also committed to delivering [Deliverable From Job Description]. I'm excited about the opportunity to work at [Company Name] and contribute to your team. Thank you for considering my application.  Sincerely, [Name]

‍ Pro Tip:  Check out another short cover letter example in this entry-level cover letter template.

Short cover letter sample - manager position

Pro Tip:  Want more short cover letter examples? Check out these project manager cover letter templates .

Short cover letter sample - leadership position

Dear [Hiring Manager],  With [X]+ years of experience in the [Industry], including [X] years in [Specialization], I was thrilled to see an opening for the [Job Title] at [Company Name].   In my previous roles, I've consistently increased profits by [Percentage]% YoY through [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3]. I'm passionate about leveraging [Skill 4] to inform decision-making and identify opportunities for growth—evidenced by my [Strategy] for a flagship product line that increased market share by [Percentage]%.  As a senior-level candidate, I'm eager to bring my leadership skills and expertise to a dynamic and innovative team. I'm committed to fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning, with an [Percentage]% employee retention rate, and I'm excited about the opportunity to contribute to growth and success at [Company Name].  Thank you for considering my application. Please reach out to me at [Contact Information] to discuss my qualifications further.  Sincerely,  [Name]

Pro Tip:  Want to more leadership-level short cover letter examples? Check out these director cover letter templates .

Short cover letter sample - internships

Dear [Hiring Manager],  I'm writing to express my interest in the [Internship Position] at [Organization Name].  As a college student majoring in [Major], I've developed a keen interest in [Field of Interest], and I'm excited about the prospect of contributing to [Brief Description of Organization's Mission].  In my [X]-hour practicum in my school's [Department Name], I [Achievement With Impact or Result]. I also [Achievement With Impact or Result]. My practical skills in [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3] make me an excellent candidate for this internship. I'm passionate about making a positive impact in the world, and I believe that [Organization Name] is the perfect place for me to start.  I'm eager to learn from your team and contribute my skills to [Specific Type of Efforts].  Thank you for considering my application. Please reach out to me at [Contact Information] if you'd like to discuss my qualifications further. Sincerely,  [Name]

Pro Tip:  See more examples and learn how to write a short cover letter for an internship.

Short cover letter sample - gaps in employment

Dear [Hiring Manager], I'm excited to submit my application for the [Position] role at [Company Name]. As an experienced [title] with [X] years of experience, I'm confident that I have the [1-2 specific skills and qualifications from the job description] necessary to excel in this position. During a recent break in employment, I took the opportunity to focus on personal development and enhancing my skills through [titles of relevant certifications, education, or training]. I'm confident that these experiences have improved my expertise in [1-2 specific keywords from the job description].  I'm eager to bring my passion and expertise to your team at [Company Name]. I'm committed to contributing my best work and collaborating with others to [specific outcome from the job description]. Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further. Warm Regards, [Your Name]

‍ Pro Tip: See more short cover letter examples and learn how to explain gaps in your resume clearly and concisely.

Short cover letter sample - career transition

Dear [Hiring Manager], ‍ I’m excited to submit my application for the [Position] role at [Company Name]. As someone with a diverse background in [Previous industry/Field], I'm eager to pivot my career toward [New Industry/Field], and I believe that this position is the perfect opportunity to do so. ‍ Through my [Number of Years] of experience in [Previous Industry/Field], I've gained valuable transferable skills such as [Relevant Skills] that I believe will be an asset to your team. I'm confident that I can quickly adapt to the demands of this new role and make a significant contribution to your organization. ‍ I'm excited about the prospect of joining a company that values innovation and growth, and I'm eager to bring my unique perspective and skill set to your team. Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further. ‍ Sincerely, ‍ [Your Name]

Pro Tip: Need to write short cover letter for a career pivot? Check out " How to Write a Career Change Cover Letter ."

Short cover letter sample - internal position

Dear [Hiring Manager], I'm writing to express my interest in the [Position] recently posted in our internal job board.  Having worked at [Company Name] for [X] years in the [Current Department], I have a thorough understanding of our company's operations and goals. During my time in [Current Department], I have [1-2 Major Accomplishments], which have directly contributed to [Impact and Results]. My familiarity with our internal systems, along with my achievements in [Specific Area], align perfectly with the requirements and responsibilities of the [Position]. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my unique expertise to the [New Department/Position], where I aim to further contribute to our company's success. I'm enthusiastic about the challenges of this new role and look forward to discussing this exciting opportunity with you. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to your feedback and hope to discuss my application in more detail. Warm regards, [Name]  [Department]

Pro Tip:  When applying for an internal position, showcase your progress and promotions on your resume to align what you've already done for the company with the needs of your next role.

Short cover letter sample - informal

Hi [Hiring Manager], I hope this message finds you well!  I'm writing to throw my hat in the ring for the [Position] role at [Company Name].  I've been following your team's work for a while now, and I'm really impressed by [something specific about the company or team]. A bit about me—I've spent the last [X] years working in [Industry/Field], where I've honed my skills in [Relevant Skill 1] and [Relevant Skill 2] to [Results and Impact]. I'm eager to bring that same energy and initiative to your team. I love the idea of contributing to [Company Goal or Project], and I think my background in [Industry/Field] would be a great fit. Plus, I'm ready to hit the ground running and make a positive impact right from the start. Thanks for considering my application. I'd love the chance to chat more about how I can contribute to your team.  Best, [Your Name]

Pro Tip:  While keeping your cover letter informal can showcase your personality, it's still important to balance friendliness with professionalism to make a great first impression. For more examples of how to strike the right tone, check out this collection of  cover letter examples . 

Need a short cover letter? Teal can help!

Crafting a memorable cover letter boils down to personalization, relevance, and clear, engaging writing. And while this might seem like a tall order, it’s much easier with the right tools in your belt, like Teal. 

With Teal, you can leverage AI technology to create a short, standout cover letter tailored just for you— and the specific jobs you’re applying to. 

Ready to take the next step in your career? Start building strong, memorable cover letters to land your next interview. build strong cover letters that land your dream job.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a short cover letter be.

When it comes to the length of a short cover letter, less is more. 

Aim for brevity and clarity above all else. As a general guideline, a short cover letter should be between 100 and 200 words, or about half a page, single-spaced. 

This length is just enough to express your interest in the job, showcase your relevant skills, and leave the hiring manager eager to learn more about you from your resume. Remember, the goal is to be concise and impactful. You want to grab their attention and make a strong impression without overwhelming them with too much information.

When should I use a short cover letter?

Short cover letters are ideal in scenarios where you know the hiring process is fast-paced or the recruiter is dealing with a high volume of applications. 

Instances such as applying for a popular role or during peak hiring periods, like graduation season, are perfect examples. 

In these cases, a succinct and focused cover letter quickly highlights your key qualifications and showcases you as a candidate worthy of further exploration. A well-crafted, concise cover letter not only respects the hiring manager's time but also piques their interest in your potential fit for the role.

When shouldn’t I use a short cover letter?

While short cover letters can be highly effective, there are situations where a more comprehensive cover letter may be better. 

Positions that demand extensive experience, specific certifications, advanced educational qualifications, or complex skill sets often require a more detailed approach. 

In these cases, you'll want to devote enough space to discussing how your unique combination of skills, qualifications, and experiences makes you the ideal candidate. 

If the job description asks for a deep dive into certain competencies or a lengthy history of achievements, a longer cover letter can help you paint a comprehensive picture of your professional journey and precisely align your skills with the job requirements.

Kayte Grady

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How to Create a Parsable Workday Resume (+ Template)

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We help you find the career dream.

How to Write a Cover Letter [Full Guide & Examples for 2024]

After weeks of heavy job searching, you’re almost there!

You’ve perfected your resume.

You’ve short-listed the coolest jobs you want to apply for.

You’ve even had a friend train you for every single interview question out there.

But then, before you can send in your application and call it a day, you remember that you need to write a cover letter too.

So now, you’re stuck staring at a blank page, wondering where to start...

Don’t panic! We’ve got you covered. Writing a cover letter is a lot simpler than you might think. 

In this guide, we’re going to teach you how to write a cover letter that gets you the job you deserve.

We're going to cover:

What Is a Cover Letter?

• How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter, Step by Step
• 15+ Job-Winning Cover Letter Examples

Let’s get started.

A cover letter is a document that you submit as part of your job application, alongside your resume or CV.

The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, it should be around 250 to 400 words long .

A good cover letter is supposed to impress the hiring manager and convince them you’re worth interviewing as a candidate.

So, how can your cover letter achieve this?

First of all, it should complement your resume, not copy it. Your cover letter is your chance to elaborate on important achievements, skills, or anything else that your resume doesn’t give you the space to cover. 

For example, if you have an employment gap on your resume, the cover letter is a great place to explain why it happened and how it helped you grow as a person. 

If this is your first time writing a cover letter, writing about yourself might seem complicated. But don’t worry—you don’t need to be super creative or even a good writer .

All you have to do is follow this tried and tested cover letter structure:

• Header. Add all the necessary contact information at the top of your cover letter.
• Formal greeting. Choose an appropriate way to greet your target audience.
• Introduction. Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph and explain your interest in the role.
• Body. Elaborate on why you’re the best candidate for the job and a good match for the company. Focus on “selling” your skills, achievements, and relevant professional experiences.
• Conclusion. Summarize your key points and wrap it up professionally.

Now, let’s take a look at an example of a cover letter that follows our structure perfectly:

New to cover letter writing? Give our cover letter video a watch before diving into the article!

When Should You Write a Cover Letter?

You should always include a cover letter in your job application, even if the hiring manager never reads it. Submitting a cover letter is as important as submitting a resume if you want to look like a serious candidate.

If the employer requests a cover letter as part of the screening process, not sending one is a huge red flag and will probably get your application tossed into the “no” pile immediately.

On the other hand, if the job advertisement doesn’t require a cover letter from the candidates, adding one shows you went the extra mile.

Putting in the effort to write a cover letter can set you apart from other candidates with similar professional experience and skills, and it could even sway the hiring manager to call you for an interview if you do it right.

Need to write a letter to help get you into a good school or volunteer program? Check out our guide to learn how to write a motivation letter !

How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter

Now that you know what a cover letter is, it’s time to learn how to write one!

We’ll go through the process in detail, step by step.

#1. Choose the Right Cover Letter Template

A good cover letter is all about leaving the right first impression.

So, what’s a better way to leave a good impression than a well-formatted, stylish template?

Just choose one of our hand-picked cover letter templates , and you’ll be all set in no time!

As a bonus, our intuitive AI will even give you suggestions on how to improve your cover letter as you write it. You’ll have the perfect cover letter done in minutes!

#2. Put Contact Information in the Header

As with a resume, it’s important to start your cover letter with your contact details at the top. These should be in your cover letter’s header, separated neatly from the bulk of your text.

Here, you want to include all the essential contact information , including:

• Full Name. Your first and last name should stand out at the top.
• Job Title. Match the professional title underneath your name to the exact job title of the position you’re applying for. Hiring managers often hire for several roles at once, so giving them this cue about what role you’re after helps things go smoother.
• Email Address. Always use a professional and easy-to-spell email address. Ideally, it should combine your first and last names.
• Phone Number. Add a number where the hiring manager can easily reach you.
• Location. Add your city and state/country, no need for more details.
• Relevant Links (optional). You can add links to websites or social media profiles that are relevant to your field. Examples include a LinkedIn profile , Github, or an online portfolio.

Then it’s time to add the recipient’s contact details, such as:

• Hiring Manager's Name. If you can find the name of the hiring manager, add it.
• Hiring Manager's Title. While there’s no harm in writing “hiring manager,” if they’re the head of the department, we recommend you use that title accordingly.
• Company Name. Make sure to write the name of the company you're applying to.
• Location. The city and state/country are usually enough information here, too.
• Date of Writing (Optional). You can include the date you wrote your cover letter for an extra professional touch.

#3. Address the Hiring Manager

Once you’ve properly listed all the contact information, it’s time to start writing the content of the cover letter.

The first thing you need to do here is to address your cover letter directly to the hiring manager.

In fact, you want to address the hiring manager personally .

Forget the old “Dear Sir or Madam” or the impersonal “To Whom It May Concern.” You want to give your future boss a good impression and show them that you did your research before sending in your application.

No one wants to hire a job seeker who just spams 20+ companies and hopes something sticks with their generic approach

So, how do you find out who’s the hiring manager?

First, check the job ad. The hiring manager’s name might be listed somewhere in it.

If that doesn’t work, check the company’s LinkedIn page. You just need to look up the head of the relevant department you’re applying to, and you’re all set.

For example, if you’re applying for the position of Communication Specialist at Novorésumé. The hiring manager is probably the Head of Communications or the Chief Communications Officer.

Here’s what you should look for on LinkedIn:

And there you go! You have your hiring manager.

But let’s say you’re applying for a position as a server . In that case, you’d be looking for the “restaurant manager” or “food and beverage manager.”

If the results don’t come up with anything, try checking out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.

Make sure to address them as Mr. or Ms., followed by their last name. If you’re not sure about their gender or marital status, you can just stick to their full name, like so:

• Dear Mr. Kurtuy,
• Dear Andrei Kurtuy,

But what if you still can’t find the hiring manager’s name, no matter where you look?

No worries. You can direct your cover letter to the company, department, or team as a whole, or just skip the hiring manager’s name.

• Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
• Dear Hiring Manager
• Dear [Department] Team
• Dear [Company Name]

Are you applying for a research position? Learn how to write an academic personal statement .

#4. Write an Eye-Catching Introduction

First impressions matter, especially when it comes to your job search.

Hiring managers get hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of applications. Chances are, they’re not going to be reading every single cover letter end-to-end.

So, it’s essential to catch their attention from the very first paragraph.

The biggest problem with most opening paragraphs is that they’re usually extremely generic. Here’s an example:

• My name is Jonathan, and I’d like to work as a Sales Manager at XYZ Inc. I’ve worked as a Sales Manager at MadeUpCompany Inc. for 5+ years, so I believe that I’d be a good fit for the position.

See the issue here? This opening paragraph doesn’t say anything except the fact that you’ve worked the job before.

And do you know who else has similar work experience? All the other applicants you’re competing with.

Instead, you want to start with some of your top achievements to grab the reader’s attention. And to get the point across, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position.

Your opening paragraph should also show the hiring manager a bit about why you want this specific job. For example, mention how the job relates to your plans for the future or how it can help you grow professionally. This will show the hiring manager that you’re not just applying left and right—you’re actually enthusiastic about getting this particular role.

Now, let’s make our previous example shine:

Dear Mr. Smith,

My name’s Michael, and I’d like to help XYZ Inc. hit and exceed its sales goals as a Sales Manager. I’ve worked as a Sales Representative with Company X, another fin-tech company , for 3+ years, where I generated an average of $30,000+ in sales per month and beat the KPIs by around 40%. I believe that my previous industry experience, passion for finance , and excellence in sales make me the right candidate for the job.

The second candidate starts with what they can do for the company in the future and immediately lists an impressive and relevant achievement. Since they’re experienced in the same industry and interested in finance, the hiring manager can see they’re not just a random applicant.

From this introduction, it’s safe to say that the hiring manager would read the rest of this candidate’s cover letter.

#5. Use the Cover Letter Body for Details

The next part of your cover letter is where you can go into detail about what sets you apart as a qualified candidate for the job.

The main thing you need to remember here is that you shouldn’t make it all about yourself . Your cover letter is supposed to show the hiring manager how you relate to the job and the company you’re applying to.

No matter how cool you make yourself sound in your cover letter, if you don’t tailor it to match what the hiring manager is looking for, you’re not getting an interview.

To get this right, use the job ad as a reference when writing your cover letter. Make sure to highlight skills and achievements that match the job requirements, and you’re good to go.

Since this part of your cover letter is by far the longest, you should split it into at least two paragraphs.

Here’s what each paragraph should cover:

Explain Why You’re the Perfect Candidate for the Role

Before you can show the hiring manager that you’re exactly what they’ve been looking for, you need to know what it is they’re looking for.

Start by doing a bit of research. Learn what the most important skills and responsibilities of the role are according to the job ad, and focus on any relevant experience you have that matches them.

For example, if you’re applying for the position of a Facebook Advertiser. The top requirements on the job ad are:

• Experience managing a Facebook ad budget of $10,000+ / month
• Some skills in advertising on other platforms (Google Search + Twitter)
• Excellent copywriting skills

So, in the body of your cover letter, you need to show how you meet these requirements. Here’s an example of what that can look like:

In my previous role as a Facebook Marketing Expert at XYZ Inc. I handled customer acquisition through ads, managing a monthly Facebook ad budget of $40,000+ . As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation and management process end-to-end. I created the ad copy and images, picked the targeting, ran optimization trials, and so on.

Other than Facebook advertising, I’ve also delved into other online PPC channels, including:

• Google Search

Our example addresses all the necessary requirements and shows off the candidate’s relevant skills.

Are you a student applying for your first internship? Learn how to write an internship cover letter with our dedicated guide.

Explain Why You’re a Good Fit for the Company

As skilled and experienced as you may be, that’s not all the hiring manager is looking for.

They also want someone who’s a good fit for their company and who actually wants to work there.

Employees who don’t fit in with the company culture are likely to quit sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary , so hiring managers vet candidates very carefully to avoid this scenario.

So, you have to convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about working with them.

Start by doing some research about the company. You want to know things like:

• What’s the company’s business model?
• What’s the company’s product or service? Have you used it?
• What’s the company’s culture like?

Chances are, you’ll find all the information you need either on the company website or on job-search websites like Jobscan or Glassdoor.

Then, pick your favorite thing about the company and talk about it in your cover letter.

But don’t just describe the company in its own words just to flatter them. Be super specific—the hiring manager can see through any fluff.

For example, if you’re passionate about their product and you like the company’s culture of innovation and independent work model, you can write something like:

I’ve personally used the XYZ Smartphone, and I believe that it’s the most innovative tech I’ve used in years. The features, such as Made-Up-Feature #1 and Made-Up-Feature #2, were real game changers for the device.

I really admire how Company XYZ strives for excellence in all its product lines, creating market-leading tech. As someone who thrives in a self-driven environment, I truly believe that I’ll be a great match for your Product Design team.

So, make sure to do your fair share of research and come up with good reasons why you're applying to that specific company.

Is the company you want to work for not hiring at the moment? Check out our guide to writing a letter of interest .

#6. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Finally, it’s time to conclude your cover letter.

In the final paragraph, you want to:

• Wrap up any points you couldn't make in the previous paragraphs. Do you have anything left to say? If there’s any other information that could help the hiring manager make their decision, mention it here. If not, just recap your key selling points so far, such as key skills and expertise.
• Express gratitude. Politely thanking the hiring manager for their time is always a good idea.
• Finish the cover letter with a call to action. The very last sentence in your cover letter should be a call to action. This means you should ask the hiring manager to do something, like call you and discuss your application or arrange an interview.
• Remember to sign your cover letter. Just add a formal closing line and sign your name at the bottom.

Here’s an example of how to end your cover letter :

I hope to help Company X make the most of their Facebook marketing initiatives. I'd love to further discuss how my previous success at XYZ Inc. can help you achieve your Facebook marketing goals. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at the provided email address or phone number so that we may arrange an interview.

Thank you for your consideration,

Alice Richards

Feel free to use one of these other popular closing lines for your cover letter:

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

Cover Letter Writing Checklist

Once you’re done with your cover letter, it’s time to check if it meets all industry requirements. 

Give our handy cover letter writing checklist a look to make sure:

Does your cover letter heading include all essential information?

• Professional Email
• Phone Number
• Relevant Links

Do you address the right person? 

• The hiring manager in the company
• Your future direct supervisor
• The company/department in general

Does your introductory paragraph grab the reader's attention?

• Did you mention some of your top achievements?
• Did you use numbers and facts to back up your experience?
• Did you convey enthusiasm for the specific role?

Do you show that you’re the right candidate for the job?

• Did you identify the core requirements for the role?
• Did you show how your experiences helped you fit the requirements perfectly?

Do you convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about the company you’re applying to?

• Did you identify the top 3 things that you like about the company?
• Did you avoid generic reasons for explaining your interest in the company?

Did you conclude your cover letter properly?

• Did you recap your key selling points in the conclusion?
• Did you end your cover letter with a call to action?
• Did you use the right formal closing line and sign your name?

15 Cover Letter Tips

Now you’re all set to write your cover letter! 

Before you start typing, here are some cover letter tips to help take your cover letter to the next level:

• Customize Your Cover Letter for Each Job. Make sure your cover letter is tailored to the job you're applying for. This shows you're not just sending generic applications left and right, and it tells the hiring manager you’re the right person for the job.
• Showcase Your Skills. Talk about how your skills meet the company’s needs. And while your hard skills should be front and center, you shouldn’t underestimate your soft skills in your cover letter either.
• Avoid Fluff. Don’t make any generic statements you can’t back up. The hiring manager can tell when you’re just throwing words around, and it doesn’t make your cover letter look good.
• Use Specific Examples. Instead of saying you're great at something, give an actual example to back up your claim. Any data you can provide makes you sound more credible, so quantify your achievements. For example, give numbers such as percentages related to your performance and the timeframe it took to accomplish certain achievements.
• Research the Company. Always take time to learn about the company you're applying to. Make sure to mention something about them in your cover letter to show the hiring manager that you're interested.
• Follow the Application Instructions. If the job posting asks for something specific in your cover letter or requires a certain format, make sure you include it. Not following instructions can come off as unattentive or signal to the hiring manager that you’re not taking the job seriously.
• Use the Right Template and Format. Choose the right cover letter format and adapt your cover letter’s look to the industry you’re applying for. For example, if you’re aiming for a job in Law or Finance, you should go for a cleaner, more professional look. But if you’re applying for a field that values innovation, like IT or Design, you have more room for creativity.
• Express Your Enthusiasm. Let the hiring manager know why you're excited about the job. Your passion for the specific role or the field in general can be a big selling point, and show them that you’re genuinely interested, not just applying left and right.
• Address Any Gaps. If there are any employment gaps in your resume , your cover letter is a great place to mention why. Your resume doesn’t give you enough space to elaborate on an employment gap, so addressing it here can set hiring managers at ease—life happens, and employers understand.
• Avoid Quirky Emails. Your email address should be presentable. It’s hard for a hiring manager to take you seriously if your email address is “[email protected].” Just use a [email protected] format.
• Check Your Contact Information. Typos in your email address or phone number can mean a missed opportunity. Double-check these before sending your application.
• Mention if You Want to Relocate. If you’re looking for a job that lets you move somewhere else, specify this in your cover letter.
• Keep It Brief. You want to keep your cover letter short and sweet. Hiring managers don’t have time to read a novel, so if you go over one page, they simply won’t read it at all.
• Use a Professional Tone. Even though a conversational tone isn’t a bad thing, remember that it's still a formal document. Show professionalism in your cover letter by keeping slang, jargon, and emojis out of it.
• Proofread Carefully. Typos and grammar mistakes are a huge deal-breaker. Use a tool like Grammarly or QuillBot to double-check your spelling and grammar, or even get a friend to check it for you.

15+ Cover Letter Examples

Need some inspiration? Check out some perfect cover letter examples for different experience levels and various professions.

5+ Cover Letter Examples by Experience

#1. college student cover letter example.

Check out our full guide to writing a college student cover letter here.

#2. Middle Management Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a project manager cover letter here.

#3. Team Leader Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a team leader cover letter here.

#4. Career Change Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to a career change resume and cover letter here.

#5. Management Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a management cover letter here.

#6. Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing an executive resume here.

9+ Cover Letter Examples by Profession

#1. it cover letter example.

Check out our full guide to writing an IT cover letter here.

#2. Consultant Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a consultant cover letter here.

#3. Human Resources Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a human resources cover letter here.

#4. Business Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a business cover letter here.

#5. Sales Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a sales cover letter here.

#6. Social Worker Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a social worker cover letter here.

#7. Lawyer Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a lawyer cover letter here.

#8. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing an administrative assistant cover letter here.

#9. Engineering Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing an engineer cover letter here.

#10. Receptionist Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a receptionist cover letter here.

Need more inspiration? Check out these cover letter examples to learn what makes them stand out.

Plug & Play Cover Letter Template

Not sure how to start your cover letter? Don’t worry!

Just copy and paste our free cover letter template into the cover letter builder, and swap out the blanks for your details.

[Your Full Name]

[Your Profession]

[Your Phone Number]

[Your Email Address]

[Your Location]

[Your LinkedIn Profile URL (optional)]

[Your Personal Website URL (optional)]

[Recipient's Name, e.g., Jane Doe],

[Recipient's Position, e.g., Hiring Manager]

[Company Name, e.g., ABC Corporation]

[Company Address]

[City, State/Country]

Dear [Recipient's Name],

As a seasoned [Your Profession] with [Number of Years of Experience] years of industry experience, I am eager to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With my experience in [Your Industry/Sector] and the successes I've achieved throughout my education and career, I believe I can bring unique value and creativity to your team.

In my current role as [Your Current Job Title], I've taken the lead on more than [Number of Projects/Assignments] projects, some valued up to $[Highest Project Value]. I pride myself on consistently exceeding client expectations and have successfully [Mention a Key Achievement] in just a [Amount of Time] through [Skill] and [Skill].

I've collaborated with various professionals, such as [List Roles], ensuring that all [projects/tasks] meet [relevant standards or objectives]. This hands-on experience, coupled with my dedication to understanding each [client's/customer's] vision, has equipped me to navigate and deliver on complex projects.

My key strengths include:

• Improving [Achievement] by [%] over [Amount of Time] which resulted in [Quantified Result].
• Optimizing [Work Process/Responsibility] which saved [Previous Employer] [Amount of Time/Budget/Other Metric] over [Weeks/Months/Years]
• Spearheading team of [Number of People] to [Task] and achieving [Quantified Result].

Alongside this letter, I've attached my resume. My educational background, a [Your Degree] with a concentration in [Your Specialization], complements the practical skills that I'm particularly eager to share with [Company Name].

I'm excited about the possibility of contributing to [Something Notable About the Company or Its Mission]. I'd be grateful for the chance to delve deeper into how my expertise aligns with your needs.

Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

The Heart of Your Job Search - Creating a Killer Resume

Your cover letter is only as good as your resume. If either one is weak, your entire application falls through.

After all, your cover letter is meant to complement your resume. Imagine going through all this effort to leave an amazing first impression in your cover letter, only for the hiring manager to never read it because your resume was mediocre.

But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered here, too.

Check out our dedicated guide on how to make a resume and learn everything you need to know to land your dream job!

Just pick one of our resume templates and start writing your own job-winning resume.

Key Takeaways

Now that we’ve walked you through all the steps of writing a cover letter, let’s summarize everything we’ve learned:

• A cover letter is a 250 - 400 word document that’s meant to convince the hiring manager that you’re the best candidate for the job.
• Your job application should always include a cover letter alongside your resume.
• To grab the hiring manager’s attention, write a strong opening paragraph. Mention who you are, why you’re applying, and a standout achievement to pique their interest.
• Your cover letter should focus on why you’re the perfect candidate for the job and why you’re passionate about working in this specific company.
• Use the body of your cover letter to provide details on your skills, achievements, and qualifications, as well as make sure to convey your enthusiasm throughout your whole cover letter.
• Recap your key selling points towards the end of your cover letter, and end it with a formal closing line and your full name signed underneath.

At Novorésumé, we’re committed to helping you get the job you deserve every step of the way! 

Follow our career blog for more valuable advice, or check out some of our top guides, such as:

• How to Make a Resume in 2024 | Beginner's Guide
• How to Write a CV (Curriculum Vitae) in 2024 [31+ Examples]
• 35+ Job Interview Questions and Answers [Full List]

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16 Secrets for Writing Cover Letters That Get You Hired

I can write a solid resume, interview well, and make sure that my online presence is on point.

The one thing that’s always been a struggle? The dreaded cover letter.

Cover letters can be absolute torture, and it feels like there are a million ways to screw them up. Is yours too formal or informal? Too long or short? Too much information or too vague?

There’s an upside, though: Making your cover letter awesome doesn’t have to be a long, difficult process. In fact, as I’ve written more and more cover letters over time (and started helping dozens of other people write theirs), they’ve actually become (gasp!) fun.

Below, I’ve listed the 16 most important tips I’ve learned to make crafting a cover letter into an easy and pain-free process. Half of the tips are related to what you write, and the other half are tiny things that’ll make sure your cover letter is better than the rest. By the end of the list, there’s no way a hiring manager will be able to shuffle you to the bottom of the pile. Or you know…delete your email…

8 Tips for Cover Letters That Grab Hiring Managers’ Attention

1. Describe a pain point

Here’s the most important question any cover letter should answer: What problem would hiring you solve?

Notice that this question is about the company’s problem, not your desire to land the job! Tricky, I know.

But think about it: If a company has put up a job description, it means they have a pain point and need a solution. For example, if a company is hiring a web designer, it means they don’t think their current layout is up to snuff and they’re looking for someone who can get them there. That’s the problem they need solved, and that’s what your cover letter should make clear in first few sentences.

2. Don’t regurgitate your resume

This is a tip that you’ve probably heard before, but it happens all the time : Don’t use your cover letter to simply restate your resume!

Your cover letter is the perfect place to expand on things that your resume doesn’t detail, illustrate the more intangible reasons why you’re perfect for the job, and explain any particular circumstances that warrant discussion (for example, if you’re making a sudden or drastic career change).

Skillcrush: 22 Things to Remove From Your Resume Immediately

3. The tone should match the company

Cover letters are great for companies not only because they can see if you can solve the problem at hand, but also because they give hiring managers a sense of whether or not you understand the company culture.

How do they figure this out? Tone.

Take a look at a company’s website, how its social media is phrased, and how its employees talk about it online. Is this company a little more informal and fun? Is it buttoned-up and corporate? Your cover letter should be written in a tone similar to that of the company’s copy. Obviously put a professional spin on it, but keep the company’s culture in mind.

4. Keep the focus on the company

Hiring managers assume that if you’re applying to a particular job, that must mean you really want that job. Thus, you don’t need to spend your entire cover letter reiterating how badly you want the job and how great the experience would be for you .

It’s okay to spend one or two sentences tops explaining your love for the company, but then it’s time to turn the tables.

The majority of your cover letter should be illustrating to a potential employer what hiring you would do for their company. Again, focus on the pain point: What talents and skills do you have that would help this organization tremendously?

5. Use your numbers

A big problem I’ve seen in lots of cover letters is that they tend to be very vague in describing any notable accomplishments or achievements.

For example, instead of saying that you have had “a great deal of success as an email marketer,” use your numbers: “I spearheaded an entire newsletter redesign that resulted in a 500% increase in our open rate, which proves…”

Numbers also add intrigue and leave hiring managers wanting to hear more!

Psst! This tip holds true for resumes! ( More here .) Adding numbers and statistics is a solid way to stand out!

6. Make your anecdotes short

While examples can make your cover letter super effective, many people make the mistake of including unnecessary or irrelevant information when using anecdotes that make them drag on and lose their umph .

My personal rule is to make any example or story no longer than three sentences so that you can avoid going overboard and wasting valuable space. Here’s how to break it down:

• Sentence 1: Introduce the skill you’re highlighting.
• Sentences 2: Explain the situation where you showed off this skill.
• Sentence 3: What was the end result? Explain what it did for the company and what it proves about your character.

7. Make your opening line memorable

If the big opener to your cover letter is “I’m applying for Position X at Company Y” or “My name is…” it’s time to press the backspace button. There are two things wrong with both of these phrases:

• They’re redundant, so you’re taking up precious space! A hiring manager is already going to know your name from your application as well as which position you’re applying for. No need to repeat it.
• They’re generic and unmemorable. Give your hiring manager something to get excited about or be intrigued by.

So, how can you start a cover letter with something that has a little more pizzazz? Try opening with a favorite short anecdote, a quote that best describes you as a professional, or your personal tagline.

8. Everything should relate to the job description

As you write (and then read through) every line of your cover letter, ask yourself: How does this sentence relate to the job description? If you find yourself going on tangents or including facts that don’t prove your ability to excel at the job or understand the company culture, take it out.

And if you need some help making sense of exactly what will prove you are qualified for the job at hand, check out these 10 Tips for Deciphering Tech Job Listings .

8 Tips for Putting the Finishing Touches on Your Cover Letter

1. Research whom to address your letter to

Scrap the “To Whom It May Concern” greeting and do some research to find out who will be reading your cover letter.

In some cases, employers will be super helpful and straight up tell you whom to address that cover letter to. If you aren’t so lucky, a quick Google search can help, or if you have a connection to a potential employer, have a professional contact ask around to see if they can get a name.

If all else fails and you really want to avoid the dreaded “To Whom It May Concern” line, feel free to shoot the company an email. I did this before when I was applying to a company that had a plethora of people on its editorial and HR teams and I had no idea who’d be hiring me.

Here’s the quick template I used:

I’m applying to [name of company]’s [name of job title] position, and I was having some trouble figuring out whom specifically to address the cover letter to. Is there a particular person or department I should direct it to?

Thanks so much for your time!

[Your name]

2. Be smart with hyperlinks

If you’re going to use hyperlinks in your cover letter, there are two important things to keep in mind. First, try not to include more than two or three links tops in a cover letter (like an online portfolio or personal website). All links should be relevant, and your cover letter shouldn’t be used as a dumping ground for everything you’ve ever created!

Second, make sure you add context to a hyperlink to both draw attention to it and to make the hiring manager understand that it’s worth his or her time to click on. For example, if you’re referencing a recent design project you did, add that said project can be found “in my online portfolio” and add a hyperlink.

3. Delete extra images, clipart, emoticons and emojis

This is a no-brainer: Regardless of how “chill” the company says it is, keep clipart, emoticons, emojis, cute pictures of your puppy, and any other images OUT of your cover letter!

Squeeze an emoji into a cover email if you’re SUPER confident it’s appropriate. Otherwise, steer clear.

4. Keep it short (like, really short)

I’ve seen dozens of cover letters in the past month, and the biggest issue across the board is that people make their cover letters way too long.

Here’s the general rule of thumb to follow: Your cover letter should be a single page (no more!) and around 300-350 words. If you’re writing a cover email, three to five sentences works (since you usually have attachments or links for a hiring manager to click on).

5. Keep your font professional (and normal)

True story: I once received a cover letter from a friend where he’d had kept his writing to one page—but it was in eight-point font. Yikes.

Your cover letter font size should be normal (aim for between 10-point and 12-point), and your font should be straightforward and professional. Favorites include Arial, Times New Roman, and Georgia. Just say no to Curly Q or Comic Sans.

Skillcrush: 8 Free Font Pairings You Have to See

6. Break up your paragraphs

Nothing provokes fear in people faster than a wall of text. Hiring managers get a visual of your physical cover letter before they ever read it, and if their first reaction is, “Oh god, it’s all one paragraph!” that’s not a good sign.

Instead, break up your cover letter into smaller paragraphs of three or four sentences each. It’s so much more aesthetically pleasing, and the person reading your cover letter will thank you.

7. Cut the vague professional jargon

As with in a resume, using phrases like “team player,” “self-motivated,” or “results driven” only makes your cover letter generic and unmemorable. Use more lively language, or better yet, use specific examples to prove your point.

8. Re-read your cover letter over (and over and over)

Editing is the most tedious but also the most necessary part of any cover letter writing you do. Start by printing your cover letter out and reading it aloud. I also recommend reading the cover letter starting with the last sentence and working your way up.

Another pro tip: Definitely get someone else to read your cover letter. In many cases, you might think your writing is pristine, but a friend will find at least a couple typos and point out some places where your wording is a little clunky.

Getting that perfect cover letter doesn’t have to be a time-consuming process. Use these tips and you’ll be snagging the job (and impressing potential employers with your savvy) in no time!

Skillcrush: The Ultimate Guide the Perfect Email Cover Letter

Lily is a writer, editor, and social media manager, as well as co-founder of The Prospect , the world’s largest student-run college access organization. She also serves in editorial capacities at The Muse, HelloFlo, and Her Campus. Recently, she was named one of Glamour’s Top 10 College Women for her work helping underserved youth get into college. You can follow Lily on Twitter at @lkherman

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How to Format a Cover Letter (With 2022 Examples)

Learning how to format a cover letter is the first step towards your dream job -- find out how to do it (including examples) here.

Your cover letter is an integral part of any job application. Your resume does the hard work of spelling out your work history and skills, but your cover letter offers something just as critical. It gives hiring managers some insight into you—your personality, your approach to work in general, and your specific understanding of the role you want.

That’s why it’s so important to take the time to format your cover letter correctly. If you’re not sure how to format a cover letter in the most effective way, we’re here to give you the advice you need! Read on, and your cover letter will stand out for all the right reasons when it’s time to submit your application.

In this guide, we’ll cover the following points:

• What makes a good cover letter format
• The best formats for formal and informal cover letters
• Some examples of great cover letters
• Some guides to different formatting approaches for cover letters

How to Format Your Cover Letter

Your cover letter needs to contain the following elements:

• A header including both your address and the company’s address
• An introductory paragraph
• Information about your experience, skills and achievements
• What you hope to achieve in the role you want
• A conclusion and sign-off

In most cases—regardless of whether your cover letter is formal or informal—those elements will all need to appear. While an informal style of cover letter can be a lot more flexible in its approach, under most circumstances, these components of a cover letter will usually need to appear in the order in which we’ve listed them here.

What is a Good Cover Letter Format?

The best cover letter format will vary depending on a range of factors. If you’re applying to a well-established, conservative company as a new graduate with no work experience, your cover letter will look very different from that of a candidate for a start-up job who is making a major career change. Choosing the right format is all about identifying your own strengths, as well as the culture and attitude of the company where you want to work.

In general, though, a good cover letter format will allow you to showcase your best qualities without too many visual distractions. Remember, even if you’re including a more design-heavy header or a T-shape informational table, the focus should always be on the content of the letter itself. That’s the part that will matter the most to a hiring manager.

What is the Best Formal Cover Letter Format?

If you’re applying for a company with a more formal, professional or conservative workplace culture, you need to ensure that your cover letter reflects that culture. This is an important part of showing that you will be a good fit for the position you want. As such, you’ll need to ensure that you choose the best formal cover letter format when applying for the job!

In most circumstances, companies with a formal workplace culture won’t need you to incorporate too much design or visual flair into your cover letter. The block format (explained below) is a great place to start. It puts the focus squarely on the content of your cover letter, while delivering a widely-recognized businesslike format—allowing you both to foreground your own qualifications and to prove that you understand professional norms.

Whatever format you choose, though, you’ll need to pay attention to the little details when formatting a formal cover letter. Make sure that it opens with your address, followed by your location and the date. You’ll then need to include the contact address of your prospective employer. It should look something like this:

Edward Ogunde 1212 West Boulevard Akron, Ohio 44223 [email protected] Akron, 11/09/2022

Joanna Chiu Head of Software Development Nyoom, Inc 39 Circle Drive Columbus, Ohio 43004 Columbus, 11/09/2022

You should also make sure that your cover letter contains a formal greeting and a formal sign-off. “Dear Ms Chiu,” in the example above, would work very well—and if you don’t know the name of your contact at the company, “Dear Hiring Manager” is the best generic substitute. At the end, you should sign off with “Sincerely,” and your full name.

What is the Best Informal Cover Letter Format?

Certain companies take pride in their more informal workplace culture. This is most common in start-ups, tech companies, and companies designing or making products for younger generations. If you’re hoping to find work at one of these companies, showing that you can get to grips with a less formal approach is an important part of landing the job you want.

Remember, informal doesn’t mean unprofessional! Even if you’re in a position to take a less formal tone in your cover letter, it should still look put-together and stylish. Ultimately, an informal workplace is still a workplace, and you need to show that you can present yourself well in a high-stakes situation.

For a more informal cover letter, you could try experimenting with colors and other design elements. A more colorful or stylish header could catch a hiring manager’s attention, for example, as could incorporating a second column for your contact information and address. You can enjoy a lot more aesthetic freedom with an informal cover letter than with a formal one—though, as discussed, you should still keep things as professional as you can.

Cover Letter Format Examples

Want some examples to help you get started on your own cover letter? We’ve included some example cover letters below, as well as some advice about why each one works so well. Read on!

Esthetician Cover Letter Formatting Example

Emily Kaufmann 123 Grover Road Temecula, CA 92028 [email protected]

Temecula, 11/09/2022

Turtle Cove Spa 10 Green Way Temecula, CA 92028

Dear hiring manager,

I’m thrilled to submit my application for the role of esthetician at Turtle Cove Spa! I’m really excited by the thought of working closely with customers, offering them the service they deserve, and sending them out to face the world with a fresh sense of confidence.

I have supported myself through my esthetician studies by working at Barnum’s Department Store, where I have been able to apply my customer service skills to a wide range of different departments. I have especially loved working at the make-up counters, where I have been able to apply product knowledge and leave customers satisfied. I take joy in recommending new products to customers—I recently served a customer whose moisturizing product had caused a bad reaction. By talking to her and learning about her struggle, I was able to recommend a replacement product for sensitive skin. She came back a week later to thank me! That’s the kind of experience I hope to create for customers at Turtle Cove.

I would love to be a part of your team, and turn a lifelong passion for beauty into a career that can improve customers’ lives. You can reach me via email at [email protected] —I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Emily Kaufmann*

This cover letter takes a more informal tone, because it’s addressed to a local business where taking a friendly, approachable stance with customers is important. Despite that informality, it ticks every box: It includes all the necessary elements of a cover letter, its salutation and sign-off are appropriately professional, and its header contains all the information required.

Pharmacist Cover Letter

This cover letter is clearly geared toward a more formal, corporate company—and its tone is suitably professional. It uses a T-shape format to capture the exact ways in which the candidate meets the requirements of the role, without getting bogged down in anecdotes or details. For such a technical position, this cover letter is a great fit.

How Do You Write a Cover Letter in MLA Format?

The Modern Language Association (MLA) style of writing is most commonly used in academic contexts. So if you’re applying for an academic job, you may wish to consider writing a cover letter in MLA format. While this format has a lot in common with regular cover letter formats, it also has some crucial differences that make the most sense when applied to the academic job market.

In particular, a MLA cover letter is more likely to refer to your academic background than to any previous work experience. You should be prepared to write about how your previous studies in your field have prepared you for the job you want. You’ll also need to include a paragraph about the current status of your dissertation—whether you’ve completed it, the general topic it covered, and the broad-strokes findings of your work.

How to Write a T-Shape Cover Letter Format

A T-shape cover letter directly compares your skills, experience and qualifications to the requirements of the job you want. It’s called a T-shape cover letter because of the way it looks when formatted correctly. It includes a chart that splits the page into two columns—like the downward stroke of a capital letter T.

This format works because it’s easy for hiring managers to read through at a glance. It gives them a simple framework in with to assess your suitability for the role. Most importantly, it doesn’t leave them searching for useful information in a big block of text!

Writing a T-shape cover letter is simple. Once you’ve written your salutation and introductory paragraph, you can create a two-column table with the job requirements on the left and your own experience on the right. Each row of the table should contain a specific job requirement on one side, and the ways in which you meet that requirement on the other.

Done right, the table in a T-shape cover letter format should look something like this:

How Do You Write a Block Format Cover Letter?

The block format does what it says on the tin. It’s a cover letter written in paragraphs with no indentations, with line breaks between each paragraph. All the margins are left-justified, with no additional formatting involved—no elaborate headers, no T-shape tables, and no graphics.

A block format cover letter is easy to put together. Select a standard, readable font, justify everything to the left, and remove any default indentation in your document. From there, it’s a simple matter of typing out your cover letter and getting it ready to send!

This format doesn’t require any extra tricks or conceits beyond its visual layout. All that matters is writing a strong cover letter. As long as you include all the elements listed at the beginning of this guide, you’ll end up with a great final product.

The block format is widely recognized as a professional, businesslike format. It’s easy to read, with no visual distractions to take attention away from the content of your cover letter. If you’re applying for a job at a more conservative or formal institution, a block format cover letter is an approach that will work well for you.

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Informal Letters

40 great informal letters (format examples & templates).

The main types of letters are formal and informal letters. Formal letters are official letters written to communicate information to a business, government office, an NGO, or any other type of entity that requires official communication.

Table of Contents

• 1 Informal Letters
• 2 What are informal letters?
• 3 Informal Letter Format
• 4.1 Share gossip
• 4.2 Thank you note
• 4.3 Wishing well
• 4.4 Giving an invitation
• 4.5 Sending apologies
• 4.6 Congratulate someone
• 5 Features of an informal letter
• 6 Informal Letter Examples
• 7 How do you write an informal letter?
• 8 What is an informal letter example?
• 9 Friend Personal Letter Formats
• 10.1 The language used
• 10.3 Purpose
• 10.4 Recipient
• 11 Are there informal letter templates available?

Informal letters do not require to be written in formal language. They are letters communicating a message to someone known to you. Although they are informal letters, it is important to know how to develop skills for writing them. This is how you effectively write an informal letter.

What are informal letters?

An informal letter is a letter written using informal/nonofficial language. It is written to someone known to you either at a personal level or through a third party. The person could be your relative, a spouse, sibling, friend, workmate, etc.

There must be a reason that triggers you to write an informal letter which could be an achievement, requests for something, sending information about an issue, etc. Because they are informal, they salute the recipient by their name or title.

For example, Dear Uncle, Mother, Brother, Cousin, Peter, Serena, Amy, etc. The letter doesn’t require a subject line even when you have a specific issue you want to address or addressed.

Informal Letter Format

Types of informal letters you might write 

There are many reasons why you might decide to write an informal letter or friend personal letter.

Share gossip

You might want to share the latest gossip in your workplace, neighborhood, state, or school. The friend might be far from you and the best way to communicate is through a letter. You should understand the informal letter format to know how to write to them.

Thank you note

You might just want to write a thank-you note. Someone might have done you well for one reason or another and they made a big difference in your life. You can look for a good informal letter example to guide you on how to write.

Wishing well

Another reason is to wish someone well on their anniversary, birthday, wedding day , proposal day, etc. Because they are well known to you, you just want to wish them well on their special occasion. There is a unique format informal letter template for this purpose.

Giving an invitation

You might have an upcoming important event such as a graduation ceremony, a wedding, migrating to another place, or a party. You will send a friend a personal letter inviting them to attend your event.

Sending apologies

It is possible on certain occasions to have a misunderstanding with someone. It could be your parent, sibling, spouse, boy/girlfriend, or any other person well known to you. To win them again, you look for the best informal letter format and write to them to send your sincere apologies and ask to be forgiven.

Congratulate someone

Someone might have gotten a baby, a job, college, scholarship, visa, or something else important. You can read an informal letter example to get an idea of what to write to them.

Features of an informal letter

The features of an informal letter are the format or structure for writing the letter. Although there is a universal format informal letter template, the letters do not have a definite format. Each individual might decide to use their unique way of writing depending on who they are writing to. However, there are basic things that must be included in every informal letter.

Your address

To keep communication running, your friend must write back to you after receiving your letter. If they don’t have your current address, they will not write back to you to reply to your question, request, appreciation, or invitation.

Make sure to write the complete address without leaving out any details. These details should not lack in your address.

On the top left of the paper write –

• Your street name and number – example 2593 N. State Avenue
• The city you are located, state, and code – example Florida, Fl 93805
• The country – example USA.

The date comes below your personal address. It shows the date when you wrote the letter and not the date when you mailed it. The mailing date will be shown by the postal service stamp. There are two date formats you can use in your friend personal letter.

The American format starts with the month, date, year.

• February 22nd, 2022
• February 22, 2022

The British format starts with the day, month, year.

• 22 February 2022
• 22nd February 2022

Salutations

Below the date, your opening sentence should start with a greeting. Make them informal because this is a person known to you. Depending on your level of friendship, you may choose to use the word dear or another type of greeting.

You might write dear dad, dear uncle, mum, Mr. Caliph, Mrs. Wesley, etc. If it is your age mate, you can use the words dear Susan, cate, Charles, Andrew, etc. You may ignore the word dear if it is a very close friend and salute them hey Robert, Christine, etc. What is important to consider when writing the salutation is who the person is to you, their age, or their relationship.

Informal letter body

This is the place where you will introduce yourself if the person is not well known to you. You may refer someone they know well to help them remember you. If the person is well known to you, do a brief introduction to your reason/s for writing.

Do some other paragraphs to expound your message in a way they will understand easily. Cover one point at a time while being careful with your tone. Although it is an informal letter, you must have in mind the person you are writing to and choose the right tone.

Concluding sentence

The concluding sentence is a summary of your letter. Tell them you hope to hear from them and bid them a warm goodbye.

Even if you had written your name at the top, you must sign your full name at this point and include your signature. This helps confirm the letter is indeed from you. To give you a better idea, you may read an informal letter example online.

Informal Letter Examples

How do you write an informal letter?

Depending on who you are writing your informal letter to, the best way is to choose your unique style and let the words flow as your write. However, three main sections will not lack in any informal letter.

Opening paragraph

In the opening paragraph, address your recipient directly. Address them by their name or title like miss spencer, Mr. Robinson, uncle, dad, etc. Be mindful and show respect to the person if they deserve it due to age difference, status, or relationship. You don’t need to use a title if the person is well known to you. Just say Peter, Tom, Cecilia, etc.

Examples of opening words

• Dear mom, I hope you have been well
• How is the family
• I hope you, your uncle, and your kids are fine
• I hope you are pushing on with your wedding arrangements.

Letter body

Use a friendly tone in the body but again, be mindful of who it is that you are writing to. The best way to communicate with the right tone is to write as though the person is sitting before you and you are talking to others one on one. The language you would use in one-on-one communication, use it in your letter. Tell them your message without beating around the bush. Go straight to your point and then expound it.

Examples of subjects in the body

• The purpose of your letter
• Give details of your purpose
• Ask the person how they are or your expected response
• Include the body of the letter
• Request them to write back

Closing paragraph

Summarize your letter and be hopeful to hear from them soon. State this in the letter to remind them not to forget to communicate through your postal address.

How to close an informal letter?

You can use any of these closing sentences

• Hoping to hear from you soon
• Pass my greetings to…
• Wishing you all the best
• I hope to see you soon
• I can’t wait to meet you

Sign your informal letter

A formal letter restricts you to a specific kind of signature but informal letters are not restrictive in any way. You can choose any type of signature you want as long as it is the perfect one for your recipient. You may choose to use any of these signatures.

• With kind love
• With kindness
• Your best friend

What is an informal letter example?

You can check various websites online and download a format informal letter template or an informal letter example to give some inspiration on what you should write. No matter who you are an informal letter to, the main rule is to remember the structure, the dos, and the don’ts.

Structure:  start with your address on the top left, followed by the date and then immediately the salutation. Write the body or the main message and close with a concluding tag, then sign.

• Salute the recipient by their name or tile
• Use friendly language – consider the person you are writing to and use language that shows respect to them. The language you use when writing to your parent is different from the way you write to your brother, friend, uncle, grandparent, etc.
• Write a detailed body
• Request them to reply
• Conclude with your name or title
• Do not use offensive language – it is enough evidence to sue you
• Do not write a too lengthy letter – and not too short like an official letter
• Avoid official language

The advantage of writing an informal letter is that you don’t have any time limit for the number of letters you can write. As long as there is a good reason to write, you can write as many times as you want. You may write when you have a special request or need but its main purpose is to create constant communication among people.

Friend Personal Letter Formats

The major difference between a formal and informal letter

Although there are major differences between formal and informal letters, they also have major similarities. Their main similarities are as follows:

• They include addresses
• They have dates
• They have an opening sentence
• They have body content
• They have a closing sentence
• They include a signature

Here are their major differences:

The language used

A formal letter uses a formal tone or official language. This is a language used in official communication. Informal letters use casual language or language used in informal communication.

A formal letter adopts a neutral tone because it has to be objective. Sometimes you don’t even know the person you are addressing. Informal letter adopts a casual tone but the strength of the tone differs with the person writing and recipient.

Formal letters are specifically written for official reasons only. The most common formal letters written are jobs applications, requests for quotations, loan applications, job termination letters, etc. Informal letters are written for any kind of reason. It might be an invitation, thank you , appreciation, requests, apologies, updates, news, etc.

Recipients of formal letters are mostly CEOs and managers. Rarely will someone write a formal letter to junior staff because it is the managers that make important decisions such as hiring and purchasing of goods and services.

The recipients of informal letters can be anyone regardless of their position, title, or influence. Someone might be a CEO of a major company but they are someone’s spouse, dad, mom, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, etc. The people they are related to will write informal letters to them and use an informal tone. However, when they sit in the office of a CEO, the other people will write formal letters to them.

Are there informal letter templates available?

You will get any type of format informal letter template that you want. You just need to be certain of the person you are writing to. You may also check online to an informal letter example or informal letter format just to be sure of the tone to use or how to address the person you are writing to. The most important thing is to understand the structure and the language.

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Finally, you don’t have to build anything from scratch. That’s always the most difficult part. And now it’s the part you can just skip. Our free cover letter templates are ready to use and fill in with minimal effort. The attention-grabbing beautiful designs and organized structure have been tested and vetted. All our cover letter templates have been approved by recruitment experts.

Recruiters and hiring managers still emphasize poor grammar and typos as a dominant reason for rejecting applications. Don’t be a part of that statistic. We’ve taken care of combining all the tools you need in one place - including a spell-checker. No need to use multiple software or online tools - the perfect cover letter build unites them all!

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Go to our varied collection of beautifully designed cover letter templates and pick one that suits you! We have created templates and samples that align with jobs, industries and professional image goals. All you need to do is consider which one strikes your fancy and is appropriate for your potential employer.

Add your contact information, as well as any needed (and appropriate) personal data the employer requires. Our well-designed templates make sure your info won’t get overlooked and your documents don’t get lost due to boring visuals. After all, your cover letter is your ambassador.

Save tons of time, condensing the long journey of a convincing professional appeal to several minutes and keystrokes. You can use our free guiding samples that show mock-up cover letters, written by hiring professionals based on years of experience. With all the technical and guiding support - this won’t take long!

Tailor the design, structure and formatting of your cover letter in a couple of clicks. The template and other aspects of your document can be adjusted as you see fit. And what’s more, you can experiment as long as you want - our online and offline sync features mean you won’t lose any of your changes even if you lose your internet connection.

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Make your cover letter interesting. Hiring managers are people too.

I've seen a lot of talk about cover letters: whether or not to include one, what it should say, etc. As someone who's had to read a billion boring cover letters, I appreciate when someone makes their cover more conversational. Here's a cover letter I recently submitted that landed me an excellent job offer. Not only that, but it was a great conversation piece in the interview. Make your cover letter interesting and unique and it might help give you the edge.

Dear [Company] Hiring Manager,

I’m sure you have loads of resumes and cover letters to sift through so I’ll keep this brief. I saw your posting on [job site] looking for [job title] and I’d like to throw my hat in the ring.

I’m an account executive. A good one.

I’m sure lots of candidates tell you that – and I have also uploaded my resume which shows my extensive agency experience in areas like tourism, manufacturing and healthcare. But we both know the real trick is to find just the right personality fit; just the right person to service your client. Hopefully that’s me.

I’m bright, motivated, creative, intelligent and outspoken in a no-holds-barred-but-you-still-like-me kind of way. I’m one of the few people who still values integrity, honesty and character. I can treat a client to a nice dinner, hold a thoughtful conversation and close a deal, then go home and tweet, Facebook and post on Reddit about the latest Tigers score. I know what SMH, FTA and MT mean, and how to dance to Gangnam Style.

So. There it is.

I’d love to hear about your agency culture, the clients who need an account person, and the amazing work being produced by [Company name]. If you think I might be a fit, let’s talk more.

If not, I wish you all the best in finding the right match for your agency and clients.

John/Joan Q. Jobseeker

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• School Education /

Write a Letter in About 120 Words to Your Friend Describing the Match

• Updated on  
• Jun 25, 2024

Writing a letter to your friend is always an exciting opportunity to express your feelings and share experiences like a professional. On this page, we will discuss some sample letters in about 120 words to your friend describing the match. Whether it be football, cricket, hockey or any other match, sharing such experiences shows how effectively we can communicate with our friends. Let’s check out these sample letters and learn more.

Table of Contents

• 1 Sample 1: Letter in About 120 Words to Your Friend Describing the Match
• 2 Sample 2: Letter in About 120 Words to Your Friend Describing the Match 
• 3 Letter Writing Format 
• 4 FAQs 

Sample 1: Letter in About 120 Words to Your Friend Describing the Match

Must Read : Letter to Your Friend Advising Him Not to Use a Mobile Phone

Sample 2: Letter in About 120 Words to Your Friend Describing the Match 

Must Read : Letter to Your Friend Telling Him about Your School Picnic

Letter Writing Format 

Popular Academic Letter Topics

A.1 Start with the history of the cricket match followed by modern cricket. Add as many facts as possible. 

A.2 Start with a polite salutation, cover the purpose of the letter in its entirety, and then conclude with a “Take care”. 

A.3 Follow the informal letter-writing format. Divide your letter into three parts: Introduction, Body and Conclusion. Since it is an informal letter, you can use a conversational tone. Make sure to add all the details in the body and end your letter with a kind salutation.

For more information on such informative articles, visit our Letter-writing page and follow Leverage edu . 

Deepansh Gautam

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