practical writing resume and cover letter

Resumes, Cover Letters, & Writing Samples

Resources for writing professional resumes, cover letters, CVs and other job application materials. The recommendations you’ll find in this section are not rules written in stone. What matters most is that you present your experiences in a manner that is professional and easy to read.

Resume Formatting

Follow these guidelines to format your resume using industry best practices.

Sample Resumes

Take a look at these examples of professionally written and formatted resumes.

Cover Letters

Learn to write and format a professional cover letter and look over a sample letter to get some ideas to improve yours.

Academic CVs

How to create a curriculum vitae for academia and research positions.

Writing Samples & References

When you have other application materials beyond a resume or cover letter.

Resume Worded

Resume Worded is an online career platform that gives you instant tailored feedback on your resume and LinkedIn profile. Sign up with your Georgetown email address to get access.

13 Best Practices for Writing a Cover Letter

Writing a cover letter is no easy task. If a hiring manager sees two equally great resumes, it would be the cover letter that ultimately determines who gets the job and who has to continue the arduous application process. We're here to help you create the an amazing profile with our 13 best practices for writing a cover letter.

in this guide we'll teach you:

• Cover letter writing practices for content
• Best practices for formatting and addressing your letter
• How to find keywords and why integrate them in your cover letter

Before we dive into it, have one last look at your resume and make sure it's flawless.

Head over to our resume builder for some expert tips on how to best present your experience and get the job.

A good cover letter is a compilation of great content and skillful formatting. You have to pay attention to the small details and emphasize your relatable strengths.

1. Address your cover letter appropriately

The first thing that the hire manager sees on your cover letter is how you address them, so make sure you do it correctly.

Forget the impersonal "to whom it may concern" and get specific. If possible, use the hiring manager's name. If you can't find it on the job ad or the company website, try social media. LinkedIn is a great source of information.

If you can't find the name anywhere, use "Dear Hiring Manager." For more tips, check out 7 Cover Letter Opening Line Mistakes to Avoid (Examples) .

2. Have a clear message

Your cover letter has to be focused. The hiring manager has no time to read neither an essay version of your resume, nor irrelevant information.

Stick to the main questions:

• What position you're applying to
• How your experience is relevant
• What you want to accomplish in that role
• How you'll be of use to the company

3. Show relatable experiences and interests

One good practice for writing a cover letter is to stick to relevant information. While you may have the coolest hobbies and interests, like rock climbing or tango dancing, not all are relevant to the job you're looking to get.

Choose the hobbies that most closely relate to the position and talk about them. For example, if you're applying to be a web designer for a yoga company, talk about your love for yoga.

If you're applying to a bank that organizes 10K charity runs annually, talk about your passion for running. Make every piece of information on your cover letter relatable to the job.

4. Demonstrate motivation

Writing a cover letter (especially when the application doesn't require it) shows motivation. You should take it a step further and discuss why you're so eager to get the position.

Would this position help you make a difference in the world? Has it been your lifelong dream, or do you just feel very passionately about the daily tasks? Let the hiring manager know all that in the cover letter.

5. Do your research on the company

What do you do when you want to convince someone to do something for you? You find out as much information about them as you can and then use it in your favor. The same applies to job hunting.

Find out everything you possibly can about the company, the team and the work. Then address it in your cover letter.

Use the company name and whatever data you can quote. This will show the hiring manager that you've done your homework which would give you an edge.

6. Use keywords from the cover letter

The job description is a powerful weapon you can use in your cover letter. How? Find out what the key responsibilities of the position are and explain how you're qualified and motivated to perform them.

For example, if the ad says:

Responsibilities of the Sales Assistant: Provide great customer service by travel to retail stores throughout Boston to promote client services and compile a list of leads . Approach consumers during in-store retail campaigns and educate them about our product, making recommendations based on their needs . Run sales presentations during in-store sales campaigns with the goal of increasing brand awarenes s .

Report to the management team monthly.

The keywords here are highlighted in bold. Those are the main tasks that the ideal candidate would be able to execute.

Knowing that, a passage of a good cover letter would read:

cover letter example:

My experience with customer service over the past 3 years has showed me how to educate consumers on products and services, making sure that I cater to their needs. I enjoy collaborating and working in a team, and am always able to run a sales presentation at any given moment.

Promoting brand awareness and generating new leads are tasks that I perform with ease and motivation, and I'd be happy to do this for (Company Name).

Pinpoint the keywords on the ad and use them. This way you will reassure the hiring manager that you are the right candidate for the job.

7. Tailor each cover letter

Do you ever wear a suit that doesn't fit well to a job interview? No, you tailor it. This is how you have to approach each cover letter you send out.

While it's easy to send out a generic cover letter to 20 companies, the chances of you getting a job this way are slim.

Be specific and target your efforts to the company in question. For more tips, read How and Why to Tailor a Cover Letter .

8. Remove anything irrelevant

Recruiters are busy. Don't waste their time by adding irrelevant information or rambling about past experiences that have nothing to do with the position you're applying to. Keep your content short and clear.

9. Mention any personal references

Did someone from the company tell you about the position? Do you have a connection you can mention in the cover letter? If yes, do it.

This should be done in passing and delicately. You can say:

"(Name of Contact) who referred me to apply to the position explained that the job entails..."

A delicate mention of a connection can work in your favor.

10. Don't repeat your resume

Remember that the resume presents the facts of your career. The cover letter shows your motivation for applying.

While the cover letter may mention details from your resume, it should be completely different from your resume.

11. Be confident about your strengths and don't talk about weaknesses

The cover letter is supposed to show you in the best light possible, just like your resume. This is not the time to be shy or talk about your weaknesses.

Focus on what you're good at. The recruiter might ask about your weaknesses during the interview anyway, but don't jump the gun on that one.

12. Always proofread

We can't stress this tip enough. Always proofread your work. You might have the best content the hiring manager has ever seen, but if it's full of typos and grammatical errors, you won't get the job.

13. Format properly

Formatting is very important when it comes to writing a cover letter. You only get one page to work with, so you have to make the best out of it.

Stick to a neat font at a size between 9 - 11. Some of the best fonts for a cover letter are Times New Roman, Verdana, Calibri, Arial, and Tahoma.

For more tips on formatting, see our guide on Cover Letter Formatting Guidelines .

The best practices for writing a cover letter are simple and straightforward. Keep your content strong and to the point. Proofread and format well. Do your research and don't repeat your resume in a story format.

Try to incorporate as many of these 13 tips as you can and confidently send out your applications.

If you need a hand with your resume, head over to our resume builder .

Resume Builder

Create a Resume in Minutes with Professional Resume Templates

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How to Start a Cover Letter: 30 Creative Opening Sentences Recruiters Will LOVE

Wondering how to start a cover letter? Traditional cover letter wisdom might tell you to begin with something like, “Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to apply for the marketing manager position with the Thomas Company.” But we say: A cookie cutter cover letter intro feels as outdated as a Hotmail address.

A cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself to a hiring manager—who you are, what you have to offer, and why you want the job—but you have an extremely limited amount of space to do it. If you really want to get noticed, you’ve got to start right off the bat with something that grabs your reader’s attention.

What do we mean? Well, we won’t just tell you, we’ll show you. Keep reading to find tips on how to start a cover letter, along with 30 creative cover letter opening lines and sentence examples.

Still looking for that perfect next role? One of these open jobs on The Muse just might be the one »

5 tips on how to start off a cover letter

Here are a few pointers to guide you as you use our example cover letter openings—we’re getting there, we promise!—to craft your own:

1. Avoid boring or overused openers

Recruiters have read cover letters that start with lines like “I’m excited to apply for the front-end engineering position,” or “Your job posting on The Muse prompted me to…” so often they could wallpaper their homes with them. While those are OK and still acceptable, you'll have a better shot at impressing potential employers with a less cliché opening line.

2. Be lively and personable

People like reading interesting, engaging stuff—the kind that paints a picture, tells a story, and maybe even makes them smile. People like it when you’re human, genuine, and memorable. So figure out something about yourself and your background that relates to the company or position you're interested in, and use that to build a connection.

3. Show what you bring the company

You’ll get more into the details after your opening paragraph, of course. But your cover letter opener should still tell the reader, “This person can do something for us,” rather than, “This job would really help them.”

4. Stick to the point

Your opener, while creative, should still be relevant to the job. Don’t begin by highlighting an unrelated accomplishment or recounting an anecdote that never connects back to why you’re applying for the job. Part of writing an effective cover letter is curating key information that relates to that specific job opportunity and shows the reader that you're a good fit for the role.

5. Don't start with “To Whom It May Concern”

Find an alternative to “ To Whom It May Concern .” Seriously, banish those five words from your cover letter vocabulary forever. Nowadays, this phrase is seen as outdated, overused, and even rude—especially when better options exist.

30 cover letter opening sentence examples

We’ve come up with 30 creative cover letter opening sentence examples and separated them by the method they use to grab the reader’s attention. We don’t recommend copying and pasting because, well, your cover letter should be unique to your stories, background, and interests.

But you can most definitely use these examples to get inspired for your next application. (If you’re looking to see what an entire cover letter might look like, check out our article on the best cover letter examples for every type of job seeker .)

Start with passion

Employers want to hire people who care about what they’re doing. If you start your cover letter off talking about your passions and how they relate to the job, you’re telling the reader that you’ll be an engaged and motivated employee who’s likely to stick around. Plus, it’s a good way to tell the company a bit about who you are as a person right off the bat. Just be honest and realistic.

If truly loving data is wrong, I don’t want to be right. It seems like the rest of the folks at [Analytics Company] feel the same way—and that’s just one of the reasons why I think I’d be the perfect next hire for your sales team.

I’ve been giving my friends and family free style advice since I was 10, and recently decided it’s time I get paid for it. That’s why I couldn’t believe it when I found an open personal stylist position at [Company].

After about three years of trying out different roles at early-stage startups around San Francisco, watching more “ find your passion “ keynotes than I’d like to admit, and assuring my parents that, yes, I actually do have a real job, I’m starting to come to terms with the fact that I’m happiest when I’m doing two things: writing great content and getting it out into the world.

The other day, I took a career assessment , which told me I should be a maritime merchant. I’m not quite sure what that is, but it did get me thinking: A role that combines my skills in business development with my lifelong passion for the ocean would be my absolute dream. Which is how I found this role at Royal Caribbean.

As a kid, I once gave up a day of a family vacation to transport an injured lizard I found by our hotel two hours each way to the nearest animal hospital (and talked my dad into driving me pre-GPS!). When I was a bit older, I found out I could care for animals every day for a living, and I’ve been working toward that goal ever since.

I am constantly checking my LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram feeds—and not because of FOMO. Because I’m someone who wholeheartedly believes in the power of sharing ideas in online communal spaces, and I’m positive that I can help spark meaningful conversations as your next social media assistant.

When I was growing up, I wanted to be one of those people who pretend to be statues on the street. Thankfully, my career goals have become a little more aspirational over the years, but I still love to draw a crowd and entertain the masses—passions that make me the perfect community manager.

Start with admiration

Companies often want to hire people who already know, love, eat, and sleep their brand. What better to kick off your cover letter than a little flattery? Of course, remember when you’re telling a company why you love it to be specific and genuine. Because while everyone likes a compliment, no one likes obvious self-serving B.S.

I pretty much spent my childhood in the cheap seats at Cubs games, snacking on popcorn and cheering on the team with my grandfather. It’s that memory that’s shaped my career—from helping to establish the sports marketing major at my university to leading a college baseball team to an undefeated season as assistant coach—and what led me to apply for this position at the Chicago Cubs.

It was Rudy, my Golden Retriever, who first inspired me to apply to your operations assistant opening—not only have we used your app to find other dogs to play with in our neighborhood, he’s really excited about the prospect of coming to work with me every day. As I learned more about how [Company] is using modern tech to help pets thrive in cities, I couldn’t help but get excited to be part of it, too.

Example 10:

When I was seven, I wanted to be the GEICO gecko when I grew up. I eventually realized that wasn’t an option, but you can imagine my excitement when I came across your events manager position, which would have me working side by side with my favorite company mascot.

Example 11:

When I attended SXSW for the first time last month, I didn’t want to leave. So I decided I shouldn’t—and immediately went to check out job openings at the company.

Example 12:

If I could make the NYC apartment rental process better for just one person, I would feel like the horrors of my recent search would all be worth it. So a customer service role at [Apartment Search Company], where I could do it every day? I can’t think of anything more fulfilling.

Example 13:

[Vacation Rental Company] is synonymous with luxury and escape, known for spaces that inspire. I’ve felt this firsthand every time I’ve stayed at one of your properties—whether I was throwing a bachelorette party or working from home in a new locale—and I would love the chance to contribute to this reputation as your destination manager.

Example 14:

I was an hour out from hosting my first big dinner party when I realized I had forgotten to pick up the white wine. In a panic, I started Googling delivery services, and that’s when I first stumbled across [Delivery Service Company]. I’ve been hooked ever since, so I couldn’t help but get excited by the idea of bringing this amazingness to nervous hosts like me as your next social media and community manager.

Example 15:

Though I’m happily employed as a marketing manager, seeing the job description for your company’s PR director position stopped me in my tracks. I’ve been wearing your glasses for many years, and have always been impressed by the way the company treats its customers, employees, and the community at large.

Example 16:

A group of us IT folks were sitting around talking about our favorite Pacific Northwest companies this morning (coincidentally, over coffee). As you might figure, Starbucks was among the first names that came up. What makes you such a standout among Seattle-based corporations? Here’s the list we compiled:

Start with accomplishments

For any given job, you’re going to be competing with a lot of other job seekers—presumably, a lot of other similarly qualified people. A great way to stand out in your cover letter is to highlight something about yourself—a character trait, an accomplishment, a really impressive skill—that’ll quickly show how you stand out.

Example 17:

My last boss once told me that my phone manner could probably defuse an international hostage situation. I’ve always had a knack for communicating with people—the easygoing and the difficult alike—and I’d love to bring that skill to your open office manager position.

Example 18:

Among my colleagues, I’m known as the one who can pick up the pieces, no matter what amount of you-know-what hits the fan. Which is why I think there’s no one better to fill this customer service leader position.

Example 19:

Last December, I ousted our company’s top salesperson from his spot—and he hasn’t seen it since. Which means, I’m ready for my next big challenge, and the sales manager role at your company is exactly what I’m looking for.

Example 20:

After spending three years managing the internal communications for a 2,000-person company, I could plan a quarterly town hall or draft an interoffice memo in my sleep. What do I want to do next? Put that experience to work as a consultant for executives looking to level up their communications strategy.

Example 21:

While you won’t find the title “community manager” listed on my resume, I’ve actually been bringing people together online and off for three years while running my own blog and series of meetups.

Example 22:

If you’re looking for someone who can follow orders and doesn’t like to rock the boat, I’m probably not the right candidate. But if you need someone who can dig into data, see what’s working (and what’s not), and challenge the status quo, let’s talk.

Example 23:

I recently relocated my family to Texas. As we neared our new home, I noticed with intrigue the many wind turbines dotting the landscape. Suddenly, it hit me: “This is the career for me.” After unloading the moving van, I promptly researched companies in this sector that may benefit most from a skilled field engineer with expert electromechanical skills. And I discovered that [Company] is where I want to be.

Example 24:

You might be wondering what a 15-year veteran of the accounting world is doing applying to an operations role at a food startup. While I agree the shift is a little strange, I know you’re looking for someone who’s equal parts foodie and financial expert, and I think that means I’m your person.

Example 25:

Over the last 10 years, I’ve built my career on one simple principle: Work smarter. I’m the person who looks for inefficient procedures, finds ways to streamline them, and consistently strives to boost the productivity of everyone around me. It’s what’s earned me three promotions in the supply chain department at my current company, and it’s what I know I can do as the new operations analyst for [Company].

Start with humor and creativity

OK, before you read any of these, we have to stamp them with a big, blaring disclaimer: Do your homework before trying anything like this—learn everything you can about the company and the hiring manager to gauge whether or not they’d appreciate some comedic relief or a bit of snark. If it seems like they would, it’s a great way to make them smile (then call you). If they don’t? Try a different approach.

Example 26:

Have you ever had your mom call five times a day asking for a status update on how your job search is going, and then sound incredulous that you haven’t made more progress since the last phone call? That’s my life right now. But I’m hoping that soon my life will revolve around being your full-time social media manager. The good news is, I bring more to the table than just an overbearing mom. Let me tell you more.

Example 27:

Thank you so much for offering me the marketing manager position at [Company]! I wholeheartedly accept. OK, I know we’re not quite there yet. But if we were, here are just a few ideas for what I would do once in the role.

Example 28:

I considered submitting my latest credit card statement as proof of just how much I love online shopping, but I thought a safer approach might be writing this cover letter and describing all the reasons I’m the one who can take [E-Commerce Company]’s business to the next level.

Example 29:

I never thought that accidentally dropping my iPhone out of a second story window would change my life (it’s a funny story—ask me about it). But thanks to my misfortune, I discovered [Phone Repair Company]—and found my dream job as an expansion associate.

Example 30:

If we were playing “Two Truths and a Lie,” I’d say: I’ve exceeded my sales quotas by at least 20% every quarter this year, I once won an international pie-eating contest, and I have an amazing job at [Company]. The last, of course, is the lie. For now.

Frequently asked questions

How do you start off a cover letter.

When unsure how to open a cover letter, a good rule of thumb is to steer clear of clichés or overused opening lines. Instead, start by highlighting a passion or accomplishment relevant to the company or role you're applying for. You could also mention something about the company that caught your attention. Get creative, but keep it professional and make sure your narrative makes sense in that context.

How to start a cover letter greeting?

Try to find the hiring manager's name on LinkedIn or the company's website and address them directly, like “Dear Jane Doe”. If you can't find their name, “Dear Hiring Manager” is a good alternative. Avoid using “To Whom It May Concern” as it sounds outdated and impersonal.

How do I introduce myself in a cover letter?

Introducing yourself in a cover letter is straightforward: just share a bit about yourself. For example, “I'm a copywriter with seven years of experience in online content writing. At least officially. Since my first year of college I've been working on personal projects and keeping a track record of my accomplishments throughout the years.” No need to repeat your name since it's already in your contact information at the beginning of the letter.

How to start a cover letter without a name?

If you don't know the name of the person receiving your cover letter, start with “Dear Hiring Manager” or similar. Other possibilities include: “Dear Hiring Team”, “To the Hiring Team”, “To the Hiring Team”, “Dear Recruiter/Recruiting Team”, or “Dear Hiring Committee” if your industry evaluates cover letters and applications through a board.

Jenny Foss , Erica Breuer , Regina Borsellino , Amanda Cardoso also contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.

60+ Cover Letter Examples in 2024 [For All Professions]

No matter where you are in your career, or what job you’re applying for, submitting a cover letter with your resume is a must . 

Done right, a cover letter will effectively complement your resume and explain to the hiring manager in more detail why you’re the right person for the job.

Writing a cover letter, however, is easier said than done. 

You have to effectively demonstrate that you’ll be able to perform the responsibilities listed in the job description and that you’d be a better fit for the company compared to other candidates. 

And unless you’re a professional writer, this can be a very hard task.

Fortunately, we created these cover letter examples to inspire you and help you get started with your own cover letter!

Let’s dive in!

21 Cover Letter Examples 

#1. career change cover letter example .

Here’s what this cover letter does right:

• Has an ideal length. This cover letter includes all the relevant information for the hiring manager without getting into too much detail.
• Relevant introduction. The candidate explains that they’re changing careers and why they want to work in this new field from the get-go.
• Explains their related experience. The candidate explains how their previous experience in retail sales can help them succeed in PR.

Check out our guide video guide to learn how to write a Cover Letter that gets you HIRED!

#2. Recent Graduate Cover Letter Example 

• Personally greets the hiring manager. The candidate has taken the time to find the hiring manager’s name and address them by it, which makes the opening of the cover letter much more personal.
• Wraps up with a call to action. The candidate wraps up the cover letter by suggesting a meeting with the hiring manager, which makes them more memorable.
• Explains why the candidate is the right person for the internship. In this cover letter for an internship , the candidate explains how they’ve previously interned in a different firm, which gives them the experience to succeed in this role.

Have you just graduated from college? Make sure to check out our guide on writing an entry-level cover letter from start to finish! 

#3. Middle Management Cover Letter Example

• Use of bullet points. The candidate presents the information in a concise and reader-friendly way, making it easy for the hiring manager to find their key achievements. 
• Formal closing. The candidate has used a formal and polite tone to conclude their cover letter, which combined with a call to action makes them look professional and passionate about getting the job. 
• Explains how the company would benefit from hiring them. The candidate outlines exactly what they could do for the company, which not only highlights their skills but also shows they’ve done their research on the company’s needs. 

#4. Business Manager Cover Letter Example

• Detailed header. In addition to the must-have contact details, this candidate has also included their professional Twitter and LinkedIn profiles, making it easy for the hiring manager to look more closely into their career. 
• Concise and to the point. This candidate has used short paragraphs and bullet points to make the cover letter easy to skim through. 
• Wraps up with a call to action. By letting the hiring manager know they’ll be contacting them soon, they’re more likely to make an impression.

Check out this article for a complete writing guide and an inspiring business manager resume sample. 

#5. Ph.D. Cover Letter Example

Here’s what this cover letter does right: 

• Attention-grabbing introduction. In the opening paragraph, this candidate explains why they’re passionate about pursuing a Ph.D. in great detail. 
• Explains the candidate’s qualifications in detail. The candidate builds on their passion by explaining how they’re also qualified for the degree because of their education history and academic achievements. 

#6. Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

• Professional and minimalistic template. This senior executive has used a professional but minimalistic template that lets their work experience do the talking. 
• Achievement-oriented opening paragraph. Right from the get-go, this candidate explains what makes them so good at their job, effectively grabbing the hiring manager’s attention.  
• Wraps up with a call to action. By suggesting to have a meeting and discussing how they can help the company meet its goals, the candidate stands more chance to make a positive lasting impression. 

#7. Architect Cover Letter Example 

• Modern resume template. This architect has picked a template that perfectly matches his industry, as it is professional and modern at the same time. 
• A personal greeting to the HR. They address the hiring manager by their first name, which helps make a better first impression. 
• Measurable achievements. By quantifying their achievements, the candidate proves their achievements instead of just claiming them.

Struggling with your architect resume ? Check out our full guide!

#8. Business Analyst Cover Letter Example 

• Detailed contact information. The candidate has listed both their LinkedIn and Twitter profiles, providing the HR manager an opportunity to learn more about the candidate.  
• Mentions what the candidate can do for the company. This cover letter doesn’t just explain why the job would be great for the candidate, but also how the candidate would benefit the company. Win-win, right? 
• Error-free and reader-friendly. It’s super important for the cover letter to have no spelling or grammatical errors and be reader-friendly. This candidate made sure they did both.

Need a resume alongside your cover letter? Check out our guide on how to write a business analyst resume . 

#9. Consultant Cover Letter Example 

• Professional cover letter template. Being an experienced consultant, this candidate has picked a professional template that doesn’t steal the spotlight from their achievements. 
• Experience and achievement-oriented. The candidate has effectively elaborated on their top achievements relevant to the job. 
• Highlights the candidate’s passion. To show they want the job, this candidate has also explained how passionate they are about their profession.

For more advice on landing a job as a consultant, check out our guide to writing a consultant resume .

#10. Digital Marketing Cover Letter Example

• Creative cover letter template. This digital marketer highlights their originality by picking a creative cover letter template. 
• Lists the candidate’s awards. The candidate has taken advantage of the cover letter to list their most noteworthy awards in the industry. 
• Concludes with a call to action. As they used a call to action to conclude their cover letter, the HR manager will be more likely to remember them.

Want to take your digital marketing resume to the next level? Check out our guide!

#11. Graphic Designer Cover Letter Example 

• Detailed contact information. The candidate has included additional contact information such as their website link, as well as their LinkedIn and Twitter profiles.  
• Ideal length. This cover letter is concise, which means that the HR manager is more likely to read it from start to finish.  
• Draws attention to the candidate’s strong points. Although this candidate is a recent college graduate, they’ve managed to effectively show that they have enough knowledge and experience to do the job right.

Read this guide to write a graphic designer resume that’s just as good as your cover letter!

#12. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Example

• Minimalistic cover letter template. The candidate picked a well-designed but minimalistic template for their cover letter. 
• Focused on skills and achievements. This cover letter is packed with the candidate’s skills and achievements, proving he can be an excellent employee. 
• Formal closing. Politeness can go a long way and the candidate has used this to their advantage to make an impression. 

Our article on how to write an administrative assistant resume can help you take your job application to the next level.

#13. Front Desk Cover Letter Example

• Modern cover letter template. This template incorporates memorable colors and clear lines, which make the cover letter very visually appealing. 
• Attention-grabbing introduction. Using an attention-grabbing intro, the candidate is more likely to make an impression. 
• Calls the HR to action. By including a call to action, the candidate is reminding the HR of their immediate availability. 

#14. Human Resources Cover Letter Example

• It is concise and to the point. The candidate doesn’t dwell on unimportant details the HR won’t be interested in. 
• Uses a traditional cover letter template. The cover letter design is more on the conventional side, which fits the industry better. 
• Highlights the candidate’s strong points. The candidate has rich work experience and they use the cover letter to elaborate on it. 

This HR resume guide can help you get your resume just right.

#15. Sales Agent Cover Letter Example 

• Attention-grabbing cover letter template. As a salesperson, this candidate knows how important first impressions are, so they’ve picked a catchy cover letter template. 
• Has an ideal length. At the same time, they’ve also made sure to keep their cover letter at just the right length. 
• Lists the candidate’s career highlights. The candidate has made perfect use of the space by mentioning their most impressive professional achievements. 

Check out this sales agent resume guide to create an attention-grabbing sales resume .

#16. Receptionist Cover Letter Example

• Modern but minimalistic cover letter template. The template’s design hints the candidate is creative but professional at the same time. 
• Uses a catchy introduction. The candidate has used an attention-grabbing opening paragraph to catch HR’s attention. 
• Concludes the cover letter formally. The candidate proves that they’re polite and well-spoken, a quality very much important for the role they’re applying for. 

Take your receptionist resume to the next level with this receptionist resume guide .

#17. Information Technology Cover Letter Example

• Mentions measurable achievements. Numbers make an impact, which is why this candidate has included measurable achievements. 
• Lists both soft and hard skills. The candidate has mentioned a great mix of soft and hard skills, showing how well-rounded they are. 
• Contains relevant contact information. The candidate’s GitHub, website name, LinkedIn, and Twitter profiles are all great additions to the resume. 

Looking for tips to help you write a great IT resume ? Check out our guide!

#18. Real Estate Cover Letter Example

• Ideal length. Short and to the point, this cover letter is bound to get noticed by the HR manager. 
• Wraps up with a call to action. This candidate reinforces the HR to call them back through a final call to action. 
• Mentions the right skills. On top of their sales accomplishments, the candidate touch upon important soft skills such as customer service and communication . 

This real estate resume guide will help you take your resume from good to great.

#19. Teacher Cover Letter Example

• Mentions relevant contact information details. This candidate has included optional (but relevant) contact information details, such as their LinkedIn, Quora, and Medium profiles. 
• Achievement-oriented. The candidate has elaborated on their achievements in more detail throughout their cover letter. 
• Highlights the candidate’s passion. For some jobs, being passionate is much more important than for others. Teaching is one of these jobs, which is why this candidate explains their passion for the job. 

Our guide on how to write a teacher resume has all the tips you need to land the job.

#20. Project Manager Cover Letter Example

• Leverages a catchy introduction. Through a catchy introductory paragraph, this candidate is sure to grab the HR’s attention and get them to read the rest of their cover letter.
• Lists measurable accomplishments. This candidate explains exactly what they’ve achieved using numbers and hard data. 
• Personally greets the HR. A personal greeting sounds much better than “Dear Sir/Madam,” and the candidate knows this. 

This guide on how to write a project manager resume can help you perfect your appication.

#21. Paralegal Cover Letter Example

• Minimalistic cover letter template. This cover letter design looks good but doesn’t steal the show from the candidate’s abilities.
• Mentions the candidate’s academic achievements and extracurricular activities. Although the candidate is a recent graduate, they’ve used the cover letter to explain they have enough skills and achievements to do the job.
• Lists measurable achievements. The candidate proves they did well in their internship by mentioning quantifiable achievements.

Check out this paralegal resume guide to perfect yours.

40+ More Cover Letter Examples and Guides 

Couldn’t find a cover letter example for your field? Do not worry.

Below you can find a number of other cover letter examples for different fields and industries:

• Acting Cover Letter Examples
• Accounting Cover Letter Examples
• Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Architecture Cover Letter Examples
• Attorney Cover Letter Examples
• Barista Cover Letter Examples
• Bartender Cover Letter Examples
• Business Cover Letter Examples
• Business Analyst Cover Letter Examples
• College Student Cover Letter Examples
• Computer Science Cover Letter Examples
• Construction Cover Letter Examples
• Consultant Cover Letter Examples
• Customer Service Cover Letter Examples
• Data Analyst Cover Letter Examples
• Data Entry Cover Letter Examples
• Dental Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Digital Marketing Cover Letter Examples
• Elementary Teacher Cover Letter Examples
• Engineering Cover Letter Examples
• Executive Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Finance Cover Letter Examples
• Graphic Design Cover Letter Examples
• Healthcare Cover Letter Examples
• Human Resources Cover Letter Examples
• IT Cover Letter Examples
• Law Cover Letter Examples
• Management Cover Letter Examples
• Marketing Cover Letter Examples
• Mechanical Engineering Cover Letter Examples
• Medical Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Nurse Practitioner Cover Letter Examples
• Physician Cover Letter Examples
• Project Manager Cover Letter Examples
• Receptionist Cover Letter Examples
• Retail Cover Letter Examples
• Sales Cover Letter Examples
• Social Work Cover Letter Examples
• Software Engineer Cover Letter Examples
• Substitute Teacher Cover Letter Examples
• Teacher Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Team Leader Cover Letter Example

What is a Cover Letter? 

A cover letter is a one-page document that you submit as part of your job application, alongside your resume . 

Its purpose is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, your cover letter should be from 250 to 400 words long .

A good cover letter can give the hiring manager more insight into what makes you a good candidate and help them make up their mind about whether they should invite you for an interview. A bad cover letter, though, will get ignored (at best) and lose you the job (at worst).

So, to make sure this doesn’t happen, it’s essential to know how to write a convincing cover letter.

The first thing to remember is that a cover letter is a supplement to your resume, not a replacement. Meaning, you shouldn’t just repeat whatever is mentioned in your resume and call it a day. 

Optimally, you should use your cover letter to shed more light on your skills and qualifications, as well as explain anything you didn’t have space for in your resume (e.g. a career gap or why you’re changing careers).

If you’re writing a cover letter for the first time, though, putting all this together might seem pretty tough. 

Fortunately, you can follow our tried-and-tested format to make the experience much easier:

• Header - Input your contact information.
• Greeting the hiring manager - Open the cover letter with a “Dear Sir or Madam,” or use the hiring manager’s name if you know what that is.
• Opening paragraph - Grab the hiring manager’s attention by getting straight to the point. Mention what your professional experiences are, and what role you’re applying for.
• The second paragraph - Explain why you’re the perfect candidate for the job. Mention your top 2-3 achievements, your top skills, why you want to work in that specific industry, and whatever else is relevant.
• The third paragraph - End your cover letter with a call to action. E.g. “I would love to meet personally and discuss how I can help Company X.”
• Formal closing - Something like this: “Thank you for your consideration. Best, John Doe.”

Here’s what this looks like in practice:

9 Tips to Write a Cover Letter (the Right Way)

Now that we've covered the basics, let's talk about cover letter tips . Below, we'll give you all the knowledge you need to take your cover letter from "OK" to "great."

#1. Pick the right template

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

And what’s a better way to leave a good impression than through a professional, well-formatted, and visual template?

You can simply pick one of our tried-and-tested cover letter templates and you’ll be all set!

#2. Add your contact details on the header

The best way to start your cover letter is through a header. 

Here’s what you want to include there:

• Phone Number
• Name of the hiring manager / their professional title
• Name of the company you’re applying to

Optionally, you can also include the following:

• Social Media Profiles - Any type of profile that’s relevant to your field. Social Profiles on websites like LinkedIn, GitHub (for developers), Medium (for writers), etc.
• Personal Website - If you have a personal website that somehow adds value to your application, you can mention it. Let’s say you’re a professional writer. In that case, you’d want to link to your content portfolio site or blog.

#3. Greet the hiring manager the right way

Once you’ve listed all your relevant contact information, it’s time to address the hiring manager reading your cover letter. 

A good practice here is to find the hiring manager’s name and address them directly instead of using the traditional “dear sir or madam.” This shows that you’re really invested in the company and that you took your time to do some research about the job.

So, how can you find out the hiring manager’s name?

One way to do this is by looking up the head of the company’s relevant department on LinkedIn. Let’s say you’re applying for the position of Communication Specialist at Novoresume. The hiring manager is probably the Head of Communications or the Chief Communications Office.

Or let’s say you’re applying for the position of server at a restaurant. In that case, you’d be looking to find out who the restaurant manager is.

If this doesn’t work, you can also check out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.

If you still can’t find out the hiring manager’s name, here are several other greetings you can use:

• Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
• Dear Hiring Manager
• To whom it may concern
• Dear [Department] Team

#4. Create an attention-grabbing introduction

Recruiters 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 problem with most cover letter opening paragraphs, though, is that they’re usually extremely generic, often looking something like this: 

Hey, 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.

As you can probably tell, this opening paragraph doesn’t tell the hiring manager anything other than that you’ve worked the job before - and that’s not really helpful in setting you apart from other candidates. 

What you want to do, instead, is start off with 2-3 of your top achievements to really grab the reader’s attention. Preferably, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position. 

For example:

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 with Company X, a fin-tech company, for 3+ years. As a Sales Representative, I generated an average of $30,000+ in sales per month (beating the KPIs by around 40%). I believe that my previous industry experience, as well as my excellence in sales, makes me the right candidate for the role of X at Company Y.

The second example shows how the candidate is a top performer. The first just shows that they’ve worked a sales job before.

Which one are YOU more likely to invite for an interview?

#5. Show you’re the perfect person for the job

One great thing about cover letters is that they allow you to expand more on the top achievements from your resume and really show the hiring manager that you’re the right person for the job. 

A good way to do that is to first read the job ad and really understand what skills/experiences are required, and then to ensure that your cover letter touches upon the said skills or experiences.

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 $20,000+. As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation and management process end-to-end. This means I created the ad copy and images, as well as 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

#6. Explain why you’re a great company fit

The HR manager doesn’t only look at whether you’ll be good at the job or not. They’re looking for someone that’s also a good fit for the company culture.

After all, employees that don’t fit in are bound to quit, sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary . 

To convince the hiring manager that you’re a great company fit, do some research on the company and find out what it is you like about them, or about working there. 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 culture like? Will someone micro-manage your work, or will you have autonomy on how you get things done?

Then, turn your top reasons for liking to work there into text and add them to your cover letter! 

#7. Wrap up with a call to action

To make the end of your cover letter as memorable as possible, you want to:

• Wrap up any points you couldn't in the previous paragraphs. Mention anything you’ve left out that you think could help the hiring manager make up your mind.
• Thank the hiring manager for their time. After all, it never hurts to be polite. 
• Finish the cover letter with a call to action. A call to action is a great way to make your cover letter ending as memorable as possible. 

#8. Write a formal closing

Once you’re done with the final paragraph, all you have to do is write down a formal “goodbye” and you’re good to go.

Feel free to use one of the most popular conclusions in a cover letter:

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

#9. Proofread your cover letter

Last but not least, make sure to always proofread each and every document that you’ll be including in your job application - cover letter included. 

The last thing you want is to be claiming you’re a great candidate for the job with a cover letter full of typos! 

For an even more comprehensive guide on how to write an impactful cover letter , check out our article ! 

Cover Letter Writing Checklist 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have some questions about cover letters? Check out the answers below:

1. How do I write a simple cover letter? 

To write a cover letter that’s simple but also professional, make sure to include a header with your personal information, a formal greeting to the hiring manager, an attention-grabbing opening paragraph, a second paragraph explaining why you’re a good candidate for the job, and a formal closing (preferably with a call to action). 

2. What are the 3 parts of a cover letter? 

The three parts of a cover letter are: 

• The introduction , namely the header, the greeting to the hiring manager, and the opening paragraph. 
• The sales pitch is usually the body of the cover letter. 
• The conclusion involves a formal closing and a signature line.

3. What makes a great cover letter?

A great cover letter should be personalized for each job you’re applying for, instead of being overly generic. It’s also preferable to address the hiring manager by their name and not use the overly-used “Dear Sir/Madam.”

To make a great first impression, you should mention 1-2 of your top achievements in your opening paragraph - the more job-specific they are, the better. Also, don’t stop at showing the hiring manager why you’re a great candidate for the job. Make sure to also talk about how you’re a good culture fit for the company.

Last but not least, wrap up your closing paragraph with a call to action to give the hiring manager a little extra something to remember you by. 

4. When is a cover letter necessary?

Unless the job ad specifically states otherwise, you should always include a cover letter with your job application .

Even if the hiring manager doesn’t read it, you will look more professional simply by including one.

And that’s a wrap! We hope our cover letter examples and writing tips will inspire you to write a cover letter that will land you your next job.

If you’re looking for more invaluable career advice and articles, make sure to check out our career blog , or any of these related articles: 

• How to Write a Resume
• Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
• Cover Letter Format (w/ Examples & Free Templates)

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Resumes and Cover Letters

Samples, tips and resources for perfecting your resume and crafting your cover letter

• ENGINEERING RESUMES
• SAMPLE RESUME TEMPLATE
• SAMPLE COVER LETTERS

Resume Reviews

• VMock : an online resume review tool that uses data science, machine learning and natural language processing to provide instant personalized feedback
• Resume workshops and employer resume reviews are offered throughout the year: upcoming Resume Events  in Handshake
• Schedule a Resume/Cover Letter Review appointment with a member of our team through Handshake

Resume Format

• 1-page (front only)
• Margins .5-.75 inch on all four sides
• Font 10-12 (a sans serif font, like Calibri, may be more reader-friendly on a screen)
• Consistency (with size of dashes, type of bullet point you use, what you choose to bold or italicize throughout, etc.)

Resume Content

• Include keywords and language from the job description in your resume content whenever possible
• List the sections of your resume in order of relevance/interest to the reader - your goal is to have all of your related experience at the top of your resume
• Ditch complete sentences and use phrases beginning with s trong active verbs instead
• Go beyond simply summarizing your duties – demonstrate impact and results when possible
• Provide the most detail for the related experiences on your resume (3-4 bullet points)
• List your most relevant bullet points first

Engineering-Specific Resume Tips

Know your audience to target your resume.

If you're applying to a highly technical positon within your field of study and experience, crafting bullet points with technical language, jargon, acronyms, and details may be very appropriate. When applying to an opportunity that's more inter-discplinary or business-oriented, consider framing technical projects or experiences in a way your audience can understand, perhaps removing some of the techincal jargon. How would you describe the experience to a friend outside of the Engineering School? Sometimes sharing the big picture can help you connect more with readers.

Develop a "Master Resume" from which you can subsequently draw to create "Tailored Resumes" for job applications.

Employers want to read about your projects, including those from the classroom and others you may work on in your free time. Course projects highlight your emerging technical skills and knowledge, as well as your ability to work collaboratively, present your ideas effectively, and meet deadlines. 

Consider including projects in a section titled "Relevant Experience", "Technical Projects", or something similar.

Just as with projects, employers want to learn about the technical skills you've developed in the classroom along with those that are self-taught. Many engineering students have 1-2 lines in their Skills section, for example:

Microsoft Office, experienced in Autodesk Inventor, C/C++, Java, MathCAD, Mathematica, and Eclipse 

SOLIDWORKS, Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD, MATLAB, Java, Minitab, ImageJ, 3D printing

Depending on your interests, you may find it helpful to include sub-categories of skills to help readers skim them more easily. Below are various way to sub-divide your skills section, with samples directly from the resumes of alumni.

Languages : Java, XML, C, C++, JavaScript, SQL, HTML, UML  Tools : Borland JBuilder, Sun ONE Studio (Forte), Macromedia Dreamweaver MX, Rational Rose, UltraEdit-32, Borland CBuilder, Oracle SQL Plus  Operating Systems : Windows (XP, 2000, NT), IBM OS/2 2.0, HP-UX 9.0, DEC VMS 4.1, Unix (Linux and Sun Solaris). Software : Solidworks, MS Office, Autodesk Inventor, Siemens NX 9 Hardware : Electronics prototyping, 3D Printing, Soldering, Oscilloscopes & DMMs for testing/debugging Programming : Java, C, C++, Python, MATLAB, Embedded Systems, Android; Linux & Terminal Program & Data Representation : C++, Linux, Assembly, Data Structures & Implementation Mechatronics : C, Electronics & Prototyping, Debugging, Basic Control Algorithms, CNC Machining

In addition to listing your skills in a stand-alone Skills section, include the skills you most want to highlight ( especially if they're mentioned in the job description ) in your bullet points as well. By doing so, you're showing an employer a specific instance in which you used the skill, versus simply listing it in the Skills section. For example, "Simulated effect of novel device on blood flow through left ventricle using Autodesk CFD and SOLIDWORKS". 

Other experiences

If you particpate in hackathons, case competitions, or other skill and knowleged-based challenges, include them on your resume. Employers like to see that you pursue your interests outside of the classroom environment. 

Crafting Strong Bullet Points

Start by jotting down any of the tasks you remember performing – big or small – for the master version of your resume.

Then for each of those, ask yourself: WHY did I do this (what was the greater purpose? For example, “Collected and analyzed XYZ data in order to/resulting in/…” and here you continue with sharing what your research is trying to inform or improve – what’s the purpose of the research in terms of knowledge it’s trying to create or what practical application might it have)

WHO did I do this with (highlight examples of teamwork – “Collaborated with a research team of 5…” or “Worked closely with a doctoral student and post-doc to investigate ABC and XYZ in order to…”)

HOW did I do this (share instruments, research/lab techniques, and computer skills you used to complete the task and/or a process you applied)

How can I QUANTIFY this (the number of people you worked with, the number of experiments conducted or pages in a technical report, the % increase or decrease that resulted from your work or the potential % increase or decrease, or a dollar amount – the potential to make, save, fundraise, etc.)

What were the RESULTS of my work and/or what did I ACCOMPLISH ? If you were gathering data this summer and found a small way to improve the process that resulted in more accurate measurements or perhaps it reduced the time required to collect samples, you’ve just improved the results for the company or saved the time and money! Share these small or big wins so that future readers get a sense that you bring results to whatever you work on.

You don’t be able to answer every question for every bullet point, and you don’t need to. But by asking these questions, you can create strong bullet points.

Cover Letter Samples and Tips

A cover letter is a vital tool in marketing yourself to prospective employers for several reasons:

• An effective cover letter will draw attention to your qualifications and experiences that are most relevant to the position for which you are applying.
• Employers often use letters to assess the written communication skills that you will need for any position.
• A letter provides you the opportunity to convey to a potential employer your interest, enthusiasm, and other personal attributes that are not easily expressed in a resume alone.

Cover letters can play an important role in helping you gain interviews. For these reasons, you must prepare your written job search correspondence with as much care as you used when constructing your resume.

What should a cover letter include?

Instead of "To Whom It May Concern" or "Dear Sir or Madam", which you may read elsewhere online, employers tell us that they prefer "Dear Hiring Manager", "Dear (name of company) Recruiting Team", or "Dear FirstName LastName". 

Opening Paragraph

In the first paragraph, indicate why you are writing and where you heard about the position. Mention UVA and your year and major(s). Make sure to include the specific position title for which you are applying. If an individual or personal contact referred you to the organization, and/or you’ve interacted with company representatives at career fairs, info sessions, or other events, mention their names and events you attended. Consider ending the first paragraph with a sentence that identifies 2-4 skills or experiences you have that will help you contribute to the organization. Keep the first paragraph brief and attention grabbing.

Example 1:   I am a fourth year student at the University of Virginia majoring in Mechanical Engineering as well as minoring in Engineering Business and am writing to apply for the Systems Engineering position at Booz Allen Hamilton. While I have harnessed technical skills through the Mechanical Engineering degree, I am also fascinated by the systems development lifecycle and the integration of product teams and groups that a systems engineering career presents. I enjoyed speaking to ( Recruiter's Name ) at the Engineering Career fair as well as talking to some UVA alumni. After learning more about the company, I believe that I have the strong technical skills, academic background, and enthusiasm to work for and contribute to the successful atmosphere of Booz Allen Hamilton.

Example 2:   Over the last few weeks, I met with you and many of your coworkers to learn about Deloitte and how to become a member of the Deloitte team. After hearing presentations, talking to representatives at events and career fairs and reading about an available position on the firm’s website and through Handshake at the University of Virginia, I am interested in a Federal Business Technology Analyst position with your firm upon completion of my degree. I will be graduating this May with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering. I believe the fit between my skills and interests and your needs would make me an asset to your organization.

Example 3:   I am a senior Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Virginia (UVA), and I have had a strong interest in the automotive community ever since my father first took me out to the garage to work on our vehicles. I've continued to explore this interest during my time at UVA, where I've served as President of our team for the SAE Mini Baja Competition. When I'm not in the classroom, I'm often working on a 1986 K5 Blazer as a personal project. I am emailing you because I am very interested in a full-time entry-level position with International Truck and Engine Corporation and believe that my hands-on project experience, technical expertise, and strong teamwork skills would allow me to be an asset to your team.  

Body Paragraphs

In one or two paragraphs, detail how you can contribute to the company. Think about concrete examples that illustrate you have the qualifications and skills you identified at the end of the first paragraph. Tell a story about these previous experiences to help the firm understand that you’ll be able to bring these same skills to their team. Make sure not to reproduce your resume in this space, but rather highlight your most pertinent experiences. If you have access to a position description or job listing, specifically address how your background matches the qualifications they are seeking. Your objectives here are to demonstrate that you are a “match” for the position and to stimulate enough interest that the contact person will want to read your resume. Create a “need” for yourself at the company, and indicate your willingness to contribute to the organization.

Example 1:  I have been involved in academic projects that have further helped my teamwork and analytical problem solving skills. In my Introduction to Engineering class, I worked with four other peers to design an off-road baby stroller. We had a customer that introduced himself to the class and gave criteria for the stroller and how it would be tested. As such, we designed, tested, and pitched our stroller to the customer. Through this project I gained valuable design, teamwork, and communication experience that I am excited to utilize in an internship with XYZ company.

Example 2 : I initially became interested in consulting because of the opportunity to work with intelligent, driven and creative people. However, it is the fact that consultants utilize their skills to solve real world issues that motivated me to apply for a position at Deloitte. As a BTA, I want to apply my strong problem solving skills and creativity to help clients solve business and IT problems or capitalize on business opportunities. Through my coursework, I have developed the abilities to perform research, integrate information, determine the best solution, and design a plan for its implementation. Many of my courses allowed me to take the work a step further by testing proposals in the real world in areas ranging from medical device design to the improvement of preexisting consumer products. Just as important as the specific abilities I developed through my coursework is the mindset that I formed – a mindset that values practical solutions and visible results. I believe my abilities and mindset would make a career with Deloitte particularly rewarding for me and beneficial for Deloitte’s clients.

My courses often required function as part of a team. This experience helped me develop the skills needed to be an effective team member including the ability to communicate efficiently and effectively with others. I have learned that I possess the flexibility and professionalism necessary to succeed in a group setting, and am excited about the opportunity to draw upon these same attributes when interacting directly with clients and coworkers. As a firm that prides itself on not only developing recommendations but taking the process a step further to deliver tangible results, I believe my experiences are compatible with the mission of Deloitte. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications with you at your convenience.

Example 3: I first learned of International Truck and Engine Corporation through my father, who drove a tractor trailer for years.  He would tell me about all the different types of tractors, who made their engines, and which ones were the best. I later saw advertisements on television for the International Power Stroke Diesel and as I come to a close in my college career I realized that I should further my research into your company. I read on your website that you are a fairly large company with many different disciplines, which truly excited me. The ability to see multiple different aspects of a project and how they interact with each other is very important for younger engineers to gain experience with project management. Through my work on the SAE Baja cars, I have had the ability to manage multiple different teams and integrate their designs into one complete vehicle. Also, as the lead of one of those teams, I have had the opportunity to design, analyze, and fabricate multiple components and then incorporate them into a finalized car.

This past summer, I was granted an internship position with NASA under the USRP program. In this position, I conducted multiple CFD analyses using CFDesign. The skills which I gained from using this program would be immensely useful for setting up and analyzing intake flow rates and exhaust flow rates and EGT’s via the heat transfer capabilities.  I also created multiple CAD drawings of mounting brackets for experimental equipment to fly on a DC-8 aircraft.

Closing Paragraph

In the closing paragraph, thank readers for their time and consideration. Share your contact information (one email address and phone number – the same ones you share on your resume) and mention that you look forward to hearing from them.

Example 1:  If there is any other information I can provide you with that would be helpful as you assess my candidacy, please contact me at PHONE or at EMAIL. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your time and consideration!

Example 2:   Attached, please find a copy of my resume.  I will be contacting you in the coming weeks to discuss further opportunities within your company.  Please feel free to contact me at (xxx) xxx-xxxx or by email at [email protected] if you have any questions.  Thank you for your time and serious consideration.

Example 3:   Attached to the Handshake site is my resume for review. Please feel free to contact me at PHONE or at EMAIL if you have any further questions or would like additional credentials. Thank you very much for your time and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

And, be sure to include a professional closing of choice, such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards" before including your first and last name.

Cover Letter Advice & Samples

Cover letter advice and samples.

Section Menu

• Draft your cover letter knowing it is your first writing sample.
• Understand that a cover letter should persuade the reader.
• Use the cover letter to “connect the dots” of your experiences.
• Resist the temptation to restate your resume.
• Keep your cover letter to one page.
• Use the font style and point size that match your resume.
• Remember that the reader is busy: less is more.
• Ensure your cover letter is error free.

Cover Letter Construction

Address block and salutation.

• Address the cover letter to an actual person.
• Research websites or call employer to determine recipient’s name.
• If you cannot find the name of a hiring contact, address your letter to the head of the unit, department, or office.
• While this is the least-preferred option, you may address your letter to “Dear Hiring Committee” if you cannot locate the name of an actual person.
• For firms, address your letter to the recruiting director. For larger firms, contact information for recruiting directors is available at www.nalpdirectory.com in the Basic Information section.
• In the salutation, include the recipient’s title and last name (e.g., “Dear Ms. Raintree”) or write the recipient’s entire name (e.g., “Dear Jamie Morales”).

Paragraph One

• Tell the employer who you are and what you are seeking.
• Highlight (past, present, and future) geographic connections.
• Indicate if you have talked to students/faculty/friends/alumni who speak highly of the organization.

Paragraph Two

• Show that you understand the employer’s mission/practice, the work its attorneys do, and the clients it serves.
• Demonstrate your proven interest in and connection to that mission/practice, work, and clients.

Paragraph Three

• Describe skills you will contribute to support that mission/practice, work, and clients.
• Provide evidence from your experiences and coursework.

Paragraph Four

• List the documents included with the letter.
• Tell the employer how to get in touch with you by email, telephone, and mail.
• Convey your availability for a conversation, mentioning upcoming trips to the area.
• Thank the employer for considering you.
• Mention availability of Yale summer funding, if applicable.
• Optional: Promise that you will follow up in a few weeks if you think the employer would appreciate the diligence.

Sample Cover Letters (PDF)

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VMock: Writing Resumes and Cover Letters

Index for this page  .

VMock Instructions & Resume Writing Tips

Sample Resumes

Alternative Resumes

Cover letter writing tips, sample cover letter.

The VMock platform will analyze your resume from EVERY possible angle and help you arrive at a perfect version of yourself!

VMock is a 24/7 online resume-review tool that leverages data science, machine learning, and natural language processing to provide instant personalized feedback on your resume based on criteria gathered from employers and global best practices. VMock is designed to work with resumes from many different fields across various industries.

How Does VMock Work?

Sign up on VMock using your UNA Portal username and password, upload ( PDF only ), or create a resume, and VMock will:

• Provide you with  resume guidelines  based on your school template to ensure that you do not miss the fine details and establish a great first impression.
• Assess  how well you have marketed  your core competencies and showcase the right skills reflected in your academics, experience, achievements, etc.
• Give you  line-by-line suggestions  to improve your resume content in view of your course and level of experience.
• Give you an  aggregate resume score (strive for 70%, which may require multiple re-scores)  to assess the strength of your resume compared to that of your peers.

Once you receive detailed feedback, use the  built-in  SMART Editor  to convert your resume into a university complaint template and continue improving your bullet points . 

You can also send a feedback request to your counselor via the Network Feedback module from within the platform.

Please visit the following links for assistance navigating VMock: VMock Introductory Video , VMock Product Video , and Customized Student Guide . 

Contact [email protected] or [email protected]  if you have questions.

• There is  no absolute right or wrong way  to write a résumé; however, some ways are  more aesthetically pleasing than others.
• We work with employers on a daily basis to ensure that we are giving you the best advice when it comes to writing a résumé.
• Please remember that templates are not your friend . Many online employment systems cannot read templates due to the use of text boxes. Use a blank document , such as Word, to create your résumé.
• 10 tips to writing a resume (External Link).
• Make sure your résumé says the most about you in the fewest number of words. If your résumé is two pages long, add “name” and “page 2” at the top of the second page.  
• Make your résumé look professional. When submitting/presenting a hard copy, use white or off -white, 8 1/2" x 11" bond paper.  
• Choose a conservative, easy to read font that is between 11 and 12 pt.  
• Be consistent with your format. Margins, bolding, capitalization, spacing, and style must be consistent.  
• Both the résumé and cover letter should be examples of your best work. Maintain a positive tone by excluding negative aspects of your experience.  
• Omit all personal pronouns (I, we, they, you, etc.). Begin sentences with an action verb in list form (no paragraphs).  
• Do not include salary requirements, supervisor’s names, reasons for leaving jobs, personal opinions and personal information such as height, weight, age, marital status, etc.   
• In general, don’t list any high school information. (Exceptions:  freshmen and sophomores applying for part-time jobs, Education majors applying to a hometown school district)  
• Proofread for typing, spelling and grammar accuracy.  
• Phone number 
• Email address - be sure your email address is professional (not  [email protected] )  
• Education  –   In addition to the name of your school, list your degree , major,  and graduation date.  Including your GPA is optional but should not be included if it is below a 3.0.  
• Experience (Work and/or Activities s) – Positions should be listed in reverse chronological order.  Be specific with dates, job titles, employers, and accomplishments.  Be descriptive without being too long.  Always be completely accurate and truthful.  Be consistent in your format.    
• Honors, Awards, or Honor Societies 
• Leadership Experience 
• Computer Skills, Relevant Skills, Technical Expertise  
• Language Skills (Foreign or Computer) 
• Publications or Presentations 
• Professional Affiliations 
• Military Experience 
• Relevant Coursework  
• Objective  
• Personal statistics  (height, weight, marital status, health information, social security number, or other personal information unless the job specifically asks for it. Example: Law Enforcement may have to provide health related information.)  
• Photos of any type  
• References  (or “References Available Upon Request”)—Include a separate page for references.   
• Political or religious information  (unless it is relevant to the job)  
• Anything related to high school  (exceptions: freshmen, sophomores and Education majors)  
• GPA, if below a 3.0  (unless specifically requested by an employer)  

Each job duty on a résumé needs to begin with an action verb. Use past tense action verbs for previous jobs and present tense action verbs for current positions.     

• Your references should not be included on your résumé. List them on a separate page with the same heading as your résumé. Do not write “References Available Upon Request” on your résumé.  It is assumed that you are able to provide references.  
• Contact each person you intend to list as a reference and ask their permission. Ensure they are willing to provide a strong, positive recommendation. It is important that your references know you well and can speak to your character. It is also considerate to provide each reference with a copy of your updated résumé.  
• Include the following for each reference: name, title, place of employment, business address (city, state, zip code), business telephone number, and email address.  
• List 3-5 references. References can be an Academic Reference (professor, advisor, etc.) or a Professional Reference (employer, supervisor, etc.). Avoid “Personal References” unless they are specifically requested.  

.  Sample Résumés

The sample résumés listed below are to be used as a guide when creating your résumé. If we do not have a specific sample for your major, you may use any of the samples listed below.  

Please contact us at [email protected]  if you need a resume sample in accessible format.

Click to open in a new window

Creative Resumes —No matter how clever the design, a résumé will still need to convey to the employer your potential to bring value to the organization. If you put all your effort into the style of your résumé, you may neglect to develop the substance. Focus first on the content of your résumé. Think of creative projects you have done as a volunteer, organization member, employee, or intern that demonstrates your talents. Employers recommend promoting creativity through a portfolio. Research the organization to which you’re applying and try to determine if a more cutting-edge résumé design is your best bet. If the organization receives hundreds of résumés for each position, you might go with a design that will positively stand out from the rest. If using a more creative style, be mindful of the fact that some Applicant Tracking systems may not be able to read the graphics, textboxes, etc.    

Resumes for Government Jobs — Résumés for federal jobs include more details than those written for jobs in private industries. You can begin building a résumé for federal employment in the same way you build any résumé--by listing jobs, skills, accomplishments, projects, leadership positions, and activities. After generating this list, visit  www.federaljobresume.com  or  www.usajobs.gov  to learn how to put your information into the required format.   

International Resumes —If you are interested in working in another country, be sure to research guidelines for writing an appropriate résumé for your desired location. A resource that may help you is  www.transitionsabroad.com .  

The Military-to-Civilian Résumé  —Military experience provides opportunities to develop a range of skills, many of which transfer to civilian jobs. When you review potential job descriptions, you may quickly identify specific responsibilities in the military that allowed you to learn or strengthen those skills and abilities. Once you begin targeting jobs, you’ll want to write a résumé that includes your military experience described in terms readily understood by someone without a military background. Avoid using military jargon, abbreviations, and acronyms. Focus on the skills you developed in leadership, communication, teamwork, management, supervision, training, translating, coordinating, planning, monitoring, and organizing. A resource to help you translate your military experience and job titles into terms familiar to civilian employers is the Veterans’ Employment & Training Service Transition Assistance Program:  www.dol.gov/vets/programs .   

Once you’ve identified positions to apply for, it’s time to prepare your application materials.  You should include a cover letter each time you submit your résumé for a position. The cover letter is your opportunity to highlight your skills and qualifications and to explain why those experiences make you a good candidate for the job. Do not just reiterate your résumé. Instead, focus on several key areas and go into detail including what you did and what you learned.  

• Always  tailor  your cover letter to the specific organization and job for which you are applying.  Research the organization and include sentences that correspond to the job duties or qualifications from the job description.  Employers will know if your cover letter is generic and mass produced.   
• When submitting a résumé by email, consider the body of your email as the cover letter. Include your contact information in your email signature.  
• When submitting your application by web upload or mail, the cover letter should be typed in the same font as your résumé in business letter format. The heading of your cover letter should match the heading of your résumé. The letter should be 3 or 4 paragraphs and should not exceed one page in length.  

Remember, the cover letter is a sample of your writing ability. Employers will assume that the quality of your letter is indicative of the quality of your work. Proofread and spell check carefully!  

Salutation  – Never address your letter "To Whom it May Concern.” If you don't know whom to send the letter to, call and request the name of the person who is responsible for hiring entry-level professionals in your area. You can also check the company’s website directory to find names of people to contact.  Be certain to get the name and title (and correct spelling). Whenever possible, avoid sending your letter to the personnel department as it generally does not have the power to hire - only the power to screen you out.  

Section I  – Your opening sentence should state the purpose of your letter (your objective). Mention a name if you have permission (e.g., John Smith recommended I contact you.). You should also mention how you heard about the job and why it interests you. Try to make the first paragraph interesting to get the reader’s attention.  

Section II  – Address the particular strengths you have which qualify you for the job, but do not repeat information word-for-word from your résumé. Highlight coursework, skills, or experiences that will be of greatest interest to the organization. Reference actual job duties from the job description. This section can be more than one paragraph and should answer the question, “Why should I hire you?” Match your skills and experience to the job description.  

Section III  – Thank the reader for their consideration. Indicate your desire for a personal interview and state how the employer should contact you (phone, email). Offer any assistance to help in a speedy response.    

Please contact us at [email protected]  if you need a Cover Letter sample in accessible format.

Career Center

Resume, cv and cover letter review services.

The Career Center offers a variety of ways that students can receive guidance and support in crafting their resumes, CVs and cover letters.

Resume Support Services

• Resume Review+ : A virtual service where undergraduate students and recent alumni (up to one year of graduating) can submit their resumes, CVs and cover letters for review. 
• Drop-in Peer Advising :   This 15-minute service is available to undergraduate students and recent undergraduate alumni and will provide a more detailed resume/CV and cover letter review. Students can meet with a student peer advisor at the Career Center in person only.
• Career Advising Appointments :   This 30-minute service is available to all students and recent alumni and will provide a more detailed resume/CV and cover letter review. Students can meet with a Career Center staff advisor in person or remotely.
• Resume and Materials Workshops : Every quarter we offer workshops covering how to write a resume or cover letter and how you can market your skills, education and experience to tailor your document for your next role. We also have a resume series on YouTube.