8,000+ Cover Letter Examples & Templates for 2025 | Himalayas

Cover Letter Examples & Templates

When you're applying for a job, a cover letter lets you show who you are and why you're a good fit for the job. Cover letters should be around three to four paragraphs long and include specific examples from your past experience that make you qualified for the position.

A cover letter should include the following parts:

  • Salutation: A polite greeting addressing the hiring manager by name, if possible
  • Introduction: A concise statement introducing yourself and specifying the role you're applying for
  • Why you're a great fit: A paragraph highlighting relevant experience, skills, and achievements that align with the job requirements
  • Why you're interested: A paragraph explaining your enthusiasm for the company and role, showcasing genuine interest and alignment with your career goals
  • Closing paragraph: A brief summary reinforcing your interest, restating your fit, and inviting further discussion or an interview
  • Letter ending and signature: A professional sign-off (e.g., "Best regards," or "Sincerely,"), followed by your full name

If you need help writing a cover letter, try our AI cover letter generator for free or browse through our collection of professional cover letter examples and templates below.

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FAQs

Everything you need to know about our cover letter examples. Can't find the answer you're looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.

What is the purpose of a cover letter?

The primary purpose of a cover letter is to complement your resume by expanding on your achievements and explaining why you're a strong candidate for the job. It's essentially a marketing tool that allows you to showcase how your experience and skills can directly benefit the employer and demonstrate that you've tailored your application to the role. In short, a well-written cover letter lets you tell the story behind your resume and communicate your motivation for applying.

What should I include in my cover letter?

A great cover letter should contain several key elements:

  • Header with contact information: Include your name and contact details (and optionally the employer's name/address) at the top, just like a formal business letter.
  • Salutation: Greet the hiring manager by name if possible (e.g., "Dear Ms. Smith"). If you cannot find a name, use a general but professional greeting like "Dear Hiring Manager," instead of something generic like "To Whom It May Concern."
  • Introduction paragraph: State the position you're applying for and how you found out about it, and briefly introduce who you are. Mention why you're interested in the role or company to show enthusiasm.
  • Body paragraphs: Share relevant skills, experience, and accomplishments that make you a great fit for the job. Highlight a couple of your top achievements (with facts or metrics if possible) that align with the job requirements to demonstrate your value.
  • Closing paragraph: Reiterate your interest in the position, summarize why you'd be a good hire, and include a call to action – for example, express eagerness to discuss further and invite the employer to contact you. End with a professional sign-off (e.g., "Sincerely,") and your name.

Focus on information that is relevant to the job and avoid including personal details that are not pertinent – for instance, you don't need to mention your age, marital status, or other personal data in a cover letter. If you're unsure whether you've covered everything important, consider using a tool like our AI cover letter generator to help you structure your letter and ensure all essential sections are included (then personalize it for your situation).

How long should a cover letter be?

Aim to keep your cover letter concise – typically around one page in length (roughly 250–400 words). Recruiters often prefer short, focused cover letters that highlight the most important information. By keeping it brief, you demonstrate respect for the reader's time while ensuring you include only your most relevant qualifications.

How should I format my cover letter?

Format your cover letter like a professional business letter. Use a clean, easy-to-read font (such as Times New Roman or Arial, 10–12 point size) and keep the style consistent with your resume. Include your contact information and the date at the top, followed by the hiring manager's name and company address (if known), then a formal greeting. Align your text to the left and use standard margins (about 1 inch). The overall design should be simple and polished – remember, the content is more important than fancy formatting, so a plain, professional layout that mirrors your resume's look is ideal.

Who should I address my cover letter to?

Whenever possible, address your cover letter to the specific hiring manager or recruiter who will read it. Try to find their name by checking the job posting, the company's website, or even calling the company to ask. If you cannot find a name, use a generic yet professional salutation like "Dear Hiring Manager,". Avoid salutations like "To Whom It May Concern," which can come across as impersonal. Using the correct name or a respectful general greeting helps show that you've put effort into directing your letter to the right person.

Are cover letters still necessary (even if the posting says it's optional)?

Yes – in the vast majority of cases, you should include a cover letter with your application, even if it's listed as optional. Unless a job ad specifically states not to submit a cover letter, it's best to send one. A well-crafted cover letter can strengthen your application by allowing you to explain your fit and enthusiasm for the role, which your resume alone might not convey. Including a cover letter shows the employer that you're willing to put in extra effort, which can only help your chances. (The only exception would be if the employer explicitly instructs you not to include a cover letter, in which case you should follow their directions.)

Do employers actually read cover letters?

Many employers do read cover letters, but some may focus primarily on resumes due to time constraints. You have no way of knowing in advance which employers will read it thoroughly, so it's wise to assume that your cover letter will be read. A compelling cover letter can grab a hiring manager's attention and provide context for your resume, so always take the opportunity to write one. Even if a particular employer only skims it, a well-written cover letter can still make a positive impression and set you apart from candidates who don't include one.

Should I use the same cover letter for every job I apply to?

No – you should tailor your cover letter for each job application rather than using an identical letter everywhere. Employers want to see why you are the best fit for their specific job and company, so a generic, one-size-fits-all cover letter will be less effective. Take the time to personalize each letter by mentioning the job title and company name and by highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to that particular position. While you can reuse a basic framework or some general sentences, make sure to adjust details like the examples you cite or your explanation of why you want to work at that company, so it genuinely matches the opportunity. Using our AI cover letter generator can help speed up the process by giving you a strong starting draft for each application, but you should always edit the result to include specific keywords, duties, and reasons why you'd excel in the exact job you're targeting.

How can I make my cover letter stand out?

To make your cover letter stand out in a pile of applications, consider the following tips:

  • Personalize it to the company and role: Don't use a generic cover letter. Show that you've researched the company and explain why you're excited about this role in particular. Address the letter to the hiring manager by name and mention the company's name or specific projects to demonstrate genuine interest.
  • Start with a strong hook or referral: Begin your letter with an attention-grabbing opening. If someone at the company referred you or you have a connection, mention that in the first line to immediately draw the reader's interest. Otherwise, lead with a striking accomplishment or a statement about your passion for the industry that will make the hiring manager want to keep reading.
  • Highlight specific achievements and results: Use concrete examples to back up your qualifications. Instead of just saying "I have sales experience," you might write, "In my previous role, I increased sales by 30% within one year," to give a measurable achievement. Quantifying your accomplishments or sharing a brief success story helps prove your impact and makes your letter memorable.
  • Show how you fit the company's culture and needs: Tailor your content to the company's values and goals. Explain not only why you have the right skills, but also why you would be a great addition to their team. For example, if the company values innovation, you could mention a time you implemented a new idea. Connecting yourself with the company's mission or culture shows you're truly invested and observant.

Finally, remember to maintain a professional yet enthusiastic tone throughout, and end with a confident closing that includes a call to action. Even if you use a tool like our AI cover letter generator to help draft the initial version, be sure to infuse your cover letter with these personal touches and specific details – that's what will make it stand out to hiring managers.

What if I have no work experience?

You can absolutely still write an effective cover letter even if you don't have formal work experience. The key is to focus on your transferable skills and relevant experiences from other areas of your life. For example, you might draw on projects from school, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities. If you developed strong communication or teamwork skills during a class project or while volunteering, mention that in your cover letter. Emphasize your enthusiasm to learn and your passion for the field or position – a cover letter is a great place to show your motivation and positive attitude. In fact, a well-written cover letter can help compensate for a lack of experience by highlighting your willingness to grow and how your existing skills will enable you to succeed. If you're unsure how to start, you can use our AI cover letter generator to draft a baseline letter focusing on your strengths, then edit it to add specific details (like coursework, projects, or life experiences) that demonstrate your ability to take on the job.

How do I write a cover letter for a career change?

Writing a cover letter is especially important when you're switching careers, because it allows you to connect the dots between your past experience and the new field. In your cover letter, emphasize the transferable skills and accomplishments from your previous career that are relevant to the new industry or role. You should also give a brief explanation for why you're making the career change – focus on the positive aspects of your decision. For example, you might express that you're pursuing a long-time passion, or that the new field offers opportunities to leverage certain skills you excel at. Frame your background as an advantage; perhaps your diverse experience gives you a unique perspective or problem-solving approach that others might not have. By addressing your career transition head-on, you can preempt questions and show the hiring manager that your decision is well-considered. Be sure to highlight any achievements or training (even informal or self-taught) that demonstrate your ability to quickly learn and adapt to new challenges. A cover letter gives you the chance to assure the employer that, despite coming from a different background, you have the drive and capability to excel in the new role – and often, employers appreciate the fresh perspective and transferable expertise a career-changer can bring.

What are common mistakes to avoid in a cover letter?

When writing your cover letter, watch out for these frequent mistakes that can hurt your chances:

  • Using a generic cover letter or greeting: Avoid sending the same generic letter to every employer. Tailor each cover letter to the job, and address it to a specific person whenever you can. For example, writing "Dear Hiring Manager" is acceptable if you can't find a name, but never use "To Whom It May Concern," which comes across as impersonal. A personalized letter shows effort and is far more engaging to the reader.
  • Failing to proofread: Typos and grammatical errors leave a bad impression. Always proofread your cover letter multiple times (and consider asking someone else to review it) to ensure it's free of spelling mistakes and reads smoothly. Sloppiness in a cover letter can signal to employers that you might be careless in your work, so pay attention to detail.
  • Repeating your resume or overusing "I": Your cover letter shouldn't just regurgitate your resume in paragraph form. Likewise, be careful not to start every sentence with "I." Focus on what you can do for the employer and tell the story behind the key points on your resume. For instance, rather than listing duties from a previous job, you might explain how one accomplishment in that role makes you well-suited for the new position. This keeps the letter interesting and employer-centered.
  • Including irrelevant or overly personal information: Stay professional and relevant. Don't mention details like your age, marital status, religious or political affiliations, or other personal information that isn't directly related to the job. Likewise, avoid overly emotional appeals or life stories that stray off-topic – the letter should focus on your qualifications and interest in the job, not your autobiography. Sharing unrelated personal details can be seen as unprofessional and can distract from your qualifications.

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can ensure your cover letter presents you in the best possible light. Always keep it professional, targeted, and concise.

What's the difference between a cover letter and a resume?

A resume and a cover letter serve different purposes in your job application, and both are essential. Your resume is a structured summary of your work experience, education, skills, and accomplishments – typically presented in bullet points and organized in reverse chronological order. It provides the factual background of what you've done. In contrast, your cover letter is a personalized letter that accompanies the resume: it allows you to elaborate on the highlights of your resume and tailor your story to the job you're applying for. The cover letter explains why your experience and skills make you a good fit for that specific position and company, often by giving context or sharing your motivation and interest. In short, the resume shows the what and when of your career, while the cover letter explains the why and connects your qualifications to the role at hand. Together, both documents give a fuller picture of you as a candidate.

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