What Is a Cover Letter? How to Write + Examples

What is the point of a cover letter?

If you’re asking yourself “Do I really need a cover letter?”, you’re likely considering whether the effort to write one is worth the potential benefits. 

A cover letter helps you elaborate on the accomplishments stated in your resume. Although some job applications don’t require a cover letter, we always recommend including one so you can explain your key strengths, interest in the job opening, or passion for the employer’s goals. 

Your cover letter can also delve into the personal reasons why you want to work for this employer. Genuine interest can help sway a hiring manager’s decision to interview you. 

Feel more convinced now? If you’ve decided that a cover letter is right for you, we’ve got a professional Cover Letter Builder that can drastically cut back the time it takes to write a cover letter. Simply type in your target job title and watch the builder generate a personalized letter in minutes.

Different types of cover letters

Although this article focuses mainly on answering the question, “What is a cover letter for a resume?”, you’ll probably have opportunities to write other formal messages during your career. Here’s a list of different types of cover letters:

• Letter of application: A cover letter is a type of application letter. Other letters of application relate to college, grant, or fellowship applications.
• Letter of intent: Unlike a cover letter, which you submit along with your resume for a job opening, a letter of intent is a formal letter to introduce yourself to an employer not actively hiring.  
• Letter of interest: Use a letter of interest to request a job shadowing opportunity or an informational interview.
• Reference letter: Unlike a cover letter highlighting your qualifications, a reference letter vouches for another person’s qualifications and professional character.  
• Resignation letter: A resignation letter informs your current employer of your decision to leave a job and your last working date. A well-written letter can help you maintain positive working relationships with previous employers.
• Job acceptance letter: Once you land a job offer, a job acceptance letter lets you formally accept the position, confirm key details like your start date, and express enthusiasm for the role—setting a positive tone before your first day.

1. Contact information

At the top of the page, add your contact information, date of writing, and employer’s professional contact information. Your contact information should include your first and last name, phone number, professional email address, and city and state location for you and the employer.

Example:

2. Greeting and introduction

Open your cover letter with a personalized greeting. Avoid impersonal greetings like “To whom it may concern.” This overused opening gives your cover letter a disinterested and generic vibe that hiring managers can find off-putting. 

Follow this greeting with an introduction that references the open job title, your relevant work experience, and up to three relevant skills, along with short examples.

Example:

3. Body paragraphs

Describe your most marketable skills and achievements in one to two paragraphs, and explain how you meet the company’s demands. When describing your past accomplishments, use numbers and data to demonstrate quantifiable results! 

Visit our library to see additional cover letter examples.

Example:

4. Conclusion and sign-off

Close your cover letter with gratitude. Thank the hiring manager for their time, and share your interview availability. This information acts like a call to action, making it easier for hiring managers to schedule a follow-up interview.

Example:

What makes a good cover letter stand out?

A strong cover letter doesn’t just repeat your resume; it highlights your best selling points and shows why you’re a perfect match for the role. To make yours stand out from the stack, focus on adding these key elements:

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