cover letter example ireland

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How to write the perfect cover letter [2024 Ireland]

Perhaps you’re searching for your next exciting job. Or you want to find a company where you feel more invested in their team. You want to craft a personal career that you’re proud of, where you progress through the interview feeling valued by the hiring manager and sure that taking the next step was a great idea.

But why is it that the hiring manager keeps overlooking your application?

The cover letter: an overlooked problem

An often neglected facet of a job application is the cover letter. Many good candidates are held back because they do not know how to attract the attention of the hiring manager by writing a strong cover letter.

The cover letter is the first step towards gaining the career of your dreams, but a badly put together attempt can ruin the chances of even the best candidate.

The hiring manager you are approaching may well receive hundreds of cover letters, and if you don’t write a cover letter that stands out from the crowd, you may be overlooked, even though you are the right person for the job.

A well written cover letter is a vital step towards success in your job application. But you are probably wondering how to write a successful cover letter. Luckily, at CareerWise, we are experts in helping you navigate every step of the job search process, from job description to dream job. Here is our guide for how to write a cover letter.

Understand the format

The first step for how to write a cover letter involves understanding the context and format you should be writing in. For a formal application scenario, it is good to demonstrate your knowledge of correct formal letter writing. Be sure to include your name, address and contact details (email address and telephone number) in the top right hand corner of the page. Include the date below this.

Next, include the contact details of the person you are writing to (usually the hiring manager). These should be in a new paragraph, set to the right of the page. Include their job title, and the company name and address.

If you have been given a job reference number, include this underneath the contact details.

A great cover letter demonstrates straight away that the writer understands the conventions of the recruitment process.

Be specific

If you can learn the name of hiring manager or other person in charge of the application process, and address your letter specifically to them, it creates a much better first impression. Grab the hiring manager’s attention in less than a minute and demonstrate your problem solving skills by discovering their name and making your letter personal. Research this on the job ad, in the team information of the company’s website, or through social media profiles.

If you are forced to simply address “Dear Sir / Madam”, try and personalise your letter in other ways, to demonstrate your genuine interest in the role, rather than appear to be a generic application.

Grab attention

Hit the ground running and make a brilliant first impression. Make your suitability and enthusiasm for the role clear from your very first sentence. Start writing using the hiring manager’s name, and go on to highlight your proven track record for each of the job requirements.

However, remember the hiring manager has your entire application to read through, so no need to list every relevant accomplishment. Instead, pick something more anecdotal that stands out and relates you to the company. Include this in your second paragraph, in the main body of the letter, to keep things interesting.

Do your research

Make sure you know as much as possible about the role and the company you are applying to. Cover letters act as your introduction to hiring managers; you need to make clear your relevant skills and the qualities that help you stand out from other job seekers. But this is also about how you will fit in to company culture, and how you can show that you are great match because of your interest in this particular employer.

Your research into the company is doubly valuable, as you will need the knowledge later on for the interview process, but having it now will make your cover letter much more convincing. Find out:

• what the company does
• who are their competitors?
• who are their target audience?
• what does the role involve?
• what are the essential skills you will need for the role?

Once you know the answers to these questions, you will be able to demonstrate exactly how you can fill the company’s requirements.

Presentation

One of the key things when you are learning how to write a cover letter is to think about the design. Browse cover letter examples or even use a cover letter template to create something that is attractive to look at.

Make sure you use an easy-to-read font, and a simple, clear layout. Create a document that is a pleasure to look at, and gives an impression of your professionalism. Demonstrate another aspect of your communication skills by making your cover letter look great.

A hiring manager will have a whole pile of cover letters to get through. Don’t make their job harder work. Do not use joke fonts such as Comic Sans, or include unnecessary elements such as pictures.

Don’t repeat yourself

Your covering letter’s role is to introduce your C.V. There is no point in simply repeating everything your C.V. contains. Instead, use this as an opportunity to showcase other skills that make you suitable for the role, that you couldn’t include in your C.V.

Perhaps you could mention volunteering or charity work, a particular interest or hobby, or even an occasion where you have been impressed by the company you are applying to. This is a chance to set the tone of your application, and make yours stand out from the crowd.

Refer to a sample cover letter

When learning how to write a cover letter, it’s a good idea to look at lots of cover letter examples, to get a feel of what to aim for. Writing a cover letter is a real skill, but it’s one well worth learning if you are hoping to attract enough attention from the hiring manager to progress your job application to the next stage.

There are lots of tips and good cover letter examples out there, so do your research and ace the job.

Keep the job description on hand

In a cover letter, you have a very limited amount of time and space to make the right impression. So keep things concise and on track by referring back constantly to the job description and any other information you have about how to apply for the job.

A good cover letter demonstrates to the hiring manager that you tick all the boxes for the advertised role. So make sure that, from your opening paragraph to your final paragraph, everything you write is relevant.

Despite the point above, don’t start rambling! There will be many other applicants to the job, and you don’t want to irritate the hiring manager by making them wade through your essay before they even look at the substance of your application. Try and keep it as concise as possible, maintaining a clear format with spacious line breaks for ease of reading. Your cover letter should be a few well chosen sentences, grouped into brief paragraphs, and should never be longer than a single page.

Check your letter!

You might have written the best cover letter ever, but if you don’t go back and double check the basics, you’re in trouble. The best writing can be let down by simple typos, which from the hiring manager’s perspective will suggest you completed the cover letter in a hurry and without much effort.

So once you have written your letter, go back and re-read it. Use spell check, use your personal grammar skills, and perhaps get your housemate or highly literate friend to check it over for you too. A lot is riding on it – use all your resources to ensure you get it right.

A clear structure can help you articulate what you need to say as effectively and briefly as possible. You could consider the following layout:

• Explain why you are getting in touch – say which role you are applying for, and mention if anyone referred you
• Explain why you are suitable for the job – for instance, your years of relevant experience.
• Explain what you can do for the company – perhaps mention a previous example of career success that you didn’t include in your C.V.
• Reiterate – you could close by briefly restating your enthusiasm for the role.
• Sign off with the correct formal closing. “Yours sincerely” is the most established formal letter closing phrase, but implies that you have previously had some interaction with the recipient. “Yours faithfully” is traditionally used where you are writing to someone you don’t know.While writing a cover letter tends to address a hiring manager who you have most likely not met, in modern times formality has relaxed slightly. It is now common to sign off with “kind regards” or “best regards”, which both show a polite level of professional friendliness.

  Are you looking for a new job in Ireland?

Whether you are just starting out on your career journey, or you are in a more established phase of life, it’s never too late to brush up your skills and learn how to write a cover letter properly. The hiring manager at your next role will thank you for it!

If you’re hoping to discover your next employer, need to learn how to write a cover letter, or simply want to get beyond a job description and into your next role, look to CareerWise.

CareerWise is Ireland’s leading specialist recruitment firm, based in Cork , Shannon , Galway , Mayo and Dublin – bringing together employers with the perfect employees. We specialise in the Engineering, Supply Chain, Science/Pharma, IT and Accounting industries in Ireland, and we look forward to working with you.  Contact us online now  or call us on +353 (0)21 206 1900 to arrange a consultatio

(Senior Recruitment Consultant) BBS CIPD – Mayo Office

Louise has a Marketing Degree from Limerick Institute of Technology. She has also completed a Certificate in Personnel Practice from the National College of Ireland. She is also CIPD accredited. She has 16 years Recruitment experience with Collins McNicholas (Dublin, Galway & Athlone), HRM (Dublin), Lionbridge (Mayo) and Team Horizon (Mayo & Dublin).

She has also worked in Quality Assurance in Allergan (Mayo) & with Ballina Beverages (Mayo).

She has successful recruitment experience involving key roles within Human Resources, Engineering, Quality Assurance and Planning for large multinational companies. She was involved in recruiting all levels including Senior Management for the Medical Devices, Electronic, Pharmaceutical & Manufacturing Industries both on the contracting and permanent side of the business. She has developed a Strong Network of Engineers built up over the last 16 years as she worked in the Mayo, Sligo, Dublin, Athlone and Galway Markets.

Louise has joined CareerWise in March 2017 with the responsibility of growing the business out of the new Mayo office with a primary focus on the West & North-West regions.

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Sample cover letter

This template can help you to structure your own cover letter.

Fact checked by experts and reviewed by young people.

Written by: spunout

A cover letter allows you to give an employer more details about your experience and can help you to stand out from the other job applicants. A well written cover letter can increase your chances of being invited for an interview so it is a good idea to take some time to prepare it.

It is important to create a new cover letter for each application you submit so that you have information that is only relevant to the job included on it. 

Joe Sheeran

086- XXX XXXX

j [email protected]

August 18, 2021

Dear [Hiring Manager’s name],

I am writing to apply for the position of Youth Sports Counsellor as advertised on Indeed. Considering my experience in sport and youth-focused roles and my passion for helping young people to reach their full potential, I feel that I am a strong candidate for this position.

I particularly enjoy positions that allow me to spend time with youth outdoors and encourage them to get involved in a diverse range of activities. I feel that a position with your organisation would give me an opportunity to do this, while also allowing me to use my experience and knowledge of sports and fitness to help others.

Since graduating with a degree in Sports Science in 2014, I have worked in a range of youth leader positions. I am currently a youth leader with the Craic Club –  a non-profit organisation that aims to give young people somewhere to study, take part in sports and socialise after school hours. In my position, I work directly with young people between the ages of 12 and 20, encouraging them to try new activities and stay fit. I am also responsible for coordinating outreach to other youth organisations and encouraging more young people to join Craic Club.

Through working in various other roles, I have developed my ability to recognise and respond to the needs of young people and encourage them to find a form of exercise that works for them. Most recently, I worked as a P.E. teacher and sports camp leader at a local primary school. In this role, I was primarily tasked with organising and supervising group activities. By developing an awareness of the needs and preferences of each individual, I ensured the activities remained engaging and accessible for a diverse group of young people. As a result of this experience, I feel that I developed the organisational, communication and adaptability skills that you are looking for. 

Please find my CV attached. Thank you for taking the time to review my application. I hope to hear from you soon.

Yours sincerely,

Joe Sheeran.

Cover letter structure

The above sample should give you an idea of how to write a cover letter. Here are some basic guidelines on how to structure your own:

• First Paragraph: The first paragraph should be a brief introduction including information on who you are, the job you are applying for and where you saw the job ad
• Second Paragraph: Explain why you are interested in the job and the organisation. Try to show that you know about the company’s work and values
• Third Paragraph: Talk about your own relevant strengths and skills and why they make you a strong candidate
• Fourth Paragraph: Highlight any other relevant points such as what you hope to gain from the job and/ or other relevant skills and experience you have
• Final Paragraph: Conclude positively

Tips for writing a cover letter

Before sending your cover letter, there are some small things to keep in mind.

• Try to address your letter to the actual hiring manager. If their name is not mentioned, consider phoning or emailing the company and asking who the hiring manager is
• Make sure to check for any spelling and grammatical mistakes before sending your application

Find out more about how to write a cover letter .

Support with writing a cover letter

If you are unemployed,  your local employment service (LES)  or  your local Job Club  can help you with writing a CV and filling in job application forms. They can also help with training in interview skills .

Intreo Centres and Local Employment Services (LES) can help you to search for a job if you are long-term unemployed. They are in contact with local employers. LES also provide information on training options and employment schemes.  Find your nearest LES office .

Job Clubs  provide training and support for jobseekers. They can help with CV writing, interview skills, and give support with the search for a job.

They also offer drop-in services and formal workshops lasting from 1 to 4 weeks. To attend a formal workshop, you must be a jobseeker who has been referred by a local employment service.  Find your nearest Job Club . Find more information on getting a job on the  Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed  website.

Need more information?

We are here to answer your questions and talk through your options. Our online chat service is for 16 to 25 year olds and is available Monday to Friday, 4pm to 8pm. Chat to us now about your situation.

• Chat now  to a trained Youth Information Officer
• Or  leave us a message  and we will email you back

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Free cover letter templates

Finish your application and land that dream job with our collection of beautiful and effective cover letter templates designed to help you stand out from the crowd.

Beautiful designs built for professionals. Community approved, expert endorsed.

Why choose our cover letter templates.

After helping millions of job-seekers around the world, we know how the right job can change lives. That's why we've created compelling cover letter templates that both impress and engage employers. With elegant and professional designs, we can help you create a job-winning cover letter in minutes. 

Here are some of the most unique features of our free cover letter templates:

• Professionally Designed Templates: To cater to the diverse needs and expectations of modern job seekers, our team of professional graphic designers are constantly refining, updating and adding new cover letters to our online cover letter builder.   From modern and creative designs to more professional and simple templates, we’ve got something for everyone.
• Recruiter-Approved Designs: Our partnership with HR and recruitment specialists helps us ensure that our cover letter templates align with the criteria set by employers. By tracking modern employment trends and collaborating with career professionals, we can tailor and modify our templates to cater to the preferences of modern job seekers. 
• Easily Customisation Tools: As part of our commitment to providing our community of job-seekers with high-quality career resources, our online cover letter builder helps applicants customise their cover letters with ease. We have a range of easy-to-use tools and features in our online builder to help you create a cover letter that leaves a positive impression on employers.
• AI-Powered Resources: By integrating pre-written, AI-powered content directly into the cover letter builder , we make it easy to create compelling cover letter content. Additionally, our helpful spelling and grammar checker helps eliminate the risk of typos, so you can type with confidence. 

Whether you want to save and download your cover letter as a PDF or Word Docx format, we've got you covered. Simply create your cover letter, save and download it to either format in our cover letter builder .

Choosing the right cover letter template

Each candidate and role is unique, which means that a generic cover letter just won't cut it. For this reason, we've created a diverse collection of cover letter templates with dazzling designs for every professional: 

• Simple: Our simple cover letter templates are timeless classics that are suitable for a diverse range of roles and individuals. Ideal for students, entry-level job seekers, and those in industries such as hospitality, transportation, logistics, and retail, these templates offer the perfect blend of practicality, versatility and professionalism. 
• Modern: For industries that value creativity and innovative presentation, our modern cover letter templates are the optimal choice. With clean lines, sophisticated fonts and elegant design layouts, our modern templates are best for professionals in IT, marketing, administration, and sales.
• Creative: If your industry or job title demands a more bold or unconventional approach, be sure to explore our collection of creative cover letter templates. With vibrant colour schemes, striking fonts, and attractive headers, these templates will ensure your cover letter leaves a big impression upon employers. Ideal for professionals in fields such as film and television, design, photography, art, architecture, content creation, and any position where showcasing your personality is essential. 
• Professional: Our professional templates feature conventional designs, timeless designs and structured sections that can help bring your cover letter to life. With standard font options and flawless formatting, our professional cover letter templates are best for job-seekers applying for jobs in industries such as business, medicine, education, engineering, accounting, and finance.

What makes a good cover letter template?

A strong cover letter template uses a blend of different structural and design elements to highlight a candidate's skills and qualifications for the job role. While strong written content is essential, here are a few other important components of a cover letter:

An attention-grabbing header: An exceptional cover letter template should have a header that highlights an applicant's name and contact information. Whether situated at the top or at the side of the page, the header should include important contact details, such as a phone number, email address, and links to the candidate's LinkedIn profile or portfolio website.

Balanced white space to text: An outstanding cover letter template must be both well-crafted and visually appealing, striking a perfect balance between text and white space. It's also important that paragraphs are organised in a logical manner and that margins are properly formatted. 

Sensible fonts: The best cover letters use font styles that are easy to read and suitable for the industry or job position they're applying for. Fortunately, all of our cover letter templates have been designed by industry experts, so you don’t have to worry about frustrating formatting. 

Appropriate colour scheme: While it depends on the specific job role and industry you’re applying to, adding a touch of colour can help enhance the overall visual appeal of your cover letter. CVapp.ie offers cover letter templates with attractive colour palettes and design options, so you can get noticed by employers faster. 

The need for different cover letter formats can vary across job positions, which is why we’ve made it possible to change colours, modify line spacing, or select alternative templates directly within our cover letter builder.

Cover Letter FAQs

How do i format my cover letter .

A good cover letter format is designed to captivate the hiring manager's attention by incorporating an attractive layout, a clear and easy-to-read font, and concise yet comprehensive information showcasing your experience and qualifications. All of our templates are customisable and designed by industry-experts to meet the expectations of employers, so be sure to browse through our cover letter templates in our online cover letter builder.

Main sections of a cover letter

Before you get started, it’s important to know what sections to include in your cover letter. Be sure to include the following: 

• A warm, polite greeting: How potential employers are greeted at the beginning of the cover letter. For example, “ Dear Mr. Gallagher. ”   
• An engaging introduction: Your opening sentences that introduce you to employers and indicate what position you are applying for.  
• Strong body paragraphs: The main paragraphs of the cover letter where you should discuss your professional experience and the reasons why you're the right candidate for the job. When possible and appropriate, it’s important to include examples backed by facts, figures and strong action verbs.   
• An appropriate conclusion and sign-off: Your final sentences that express interest for the role, followed by your full name as a signature. For example, “Kind regards, Connor O’Grady.” In this section, it's also important to include a strong call-to-action statement that encourages employers to reach out at a later stage.

How long should my cover letter be? 

For an effective cover letter, aim to write about 250-350 words, or around three succinct paragraphs. Going below this word count could result in a lack of clarity about your qualifications, while exceeding it may cause the reader to lose interest before finishing your letter.

Is there anything I should avoid when crafting my cover letter?

• Include an attractive header that clearly presents your name and contact information
• Keep your text-to-white space ratio balanced
• Use examples and data when detailing your achievements and responsibilities
• Adjust the margins to try and fit in more text
• Add unnecessary or irrelevant details
• Use flashy or loud design elements, such as overly bright or inappropriate colours

Are cover letters really necessary?

Writing cover letters remains one of the most effective ways to improve your chances of securing the job you're applying for. Since cover letters are more free-form than CVs, you can elaborate upon details in your CV and address employers directly. 

Though not every hiring manager may read cover letters, those who do often use them to assess candidates for potential interviews. We encourage all applicants to write a cover letter to help illustrate their qualifications and reiterate their interest in the position they’re applying for, 

How should I end my cover letter? 

We highly recommend concluding your cover letter with a strong call-to-action statement. This statement can help showcase your enthusiasm for the job and encourages the hiring manager to reach out to schedule an interview. 

To conclude your cover letter effectively, finish with a sign-off like "Warm wishes" or "Best regards," along with your full name.

What if I don’t know the name of my hiring manager? 

While using the name of your hiring manager in your cover letter is the most effective way to establish a personal connection with your recipient, sometimes companies don’t disclose this information. In these situations, it's best to opt for a more generic greeting, such as "Dear (Business Name) Hiring Team" or "Dear (Department Name) Team Lead." 

Try our professional CV builder

The Best Cover Letter Examples for Every Type of Job Seeker

We love having examples. It’s so much easier to follow a recipe, build a puzzle, or yes, even  write a cover letter  when you know what the end product should look like.

So that’s what we’re going to give you—all the cover letter examples and tips you need to make yours shine (we’re unfortunately not experts in recipes or puzzles).

• Why Bother With a Cover Letter at All?

Before we jump in, it’s worth emphasizing why cover letters still exist and are worthy of your attention. I bet when you see a job listing where one’s “optional” you gleefully submit a resume and move on. But you’re truly doing yourself a disservice by not creating one (or by writing one that’s super generic or formulaic).

“When you’re writing a resume you’re oftentimes confined by space, by resume speak, by keywords—you’re up against a lot of technical requirements,” says  Melody Godfred , a Muse career coach and founder of  Write in Color  who’s read thousands of cover letters over the course of her career, “whereas in a cover letter you have an opportunity to craft a narrative that aligns you not only with the position you’re applying to but also the company you’re applying to.”

When you’re writing a resume you’re oftentimes confined by space, by resume speak, by keywords—you’re up against a lot of technical requirements, whereas in a cover letter you have an opportunity to craft a narrative that aligns you not only with the position you’re applying to but also the company you’re applying to.

It helps you explain your  value proposition , stand out from the stack, and create “continuity between your application and the person you’re going to be when you walk into the room,” Godfred says. If there’s a  gap in your resume , you have the opportunity to explain why it’s there. If you’re changing careers, you have the chance to describe why you’re making the switch. If your resume’s pretty dull, a cover letter helps you  add personality to an otherwise straightforward career path.

Convinced? A little less worried? Maybe not sold on the idea but now know why you need to spend time on it? Either way, let’s get started—we promise this will be painless.

• The Elements of a Perfect Cover Letter

Let’s go back to puzzles for a second. They’re made up of bits and pieces that fit together a specific way to complete the whole, right?

Cover letters are a little like puzzles. When you put each component in its proper place (and remove any parts that don’t fit), you create a complete picture.

Every great cover letter includes the following:

An Engaging Opening Line

Not “I’m applying for [position].” Not “I’m writing to be considered for a role at [Company].” Not “Hello! How’s it going? Please hire me!”

Your opening line is everything.  How you start a cover letter  influences whether someone keeps reading—and you want them to, right?

“Starting with something that immediately connects you to the company is essential—something that tells the company that this is not a generic cover letter,” says Godfred. “Even if your second paragraph is something that doesn’t ever change, that first intro is where you have to say something that tells the employer, ‘I wrote this just for you.’”

It can be a childhood memory tying you back to the company’s mission. It can be a story about the time you fell in love with the company’s product. It can be an anecdote from another job or experience showing how hard of a worker you are. Whatever you decide to open with, make it memorable.

A Clear Pitch

The next few paragraphs, Godfred explains, are where you include one of two things: “If you’re someone who’s transitioning careers, and you need to explain that transition, you do it there.” But if you’re not a career changer, use this section to “hit them with the strongest results you have that are aligned with the opportunity,” she states.

Ryan Kahn —Muse career coach and founder of  The Hired Group —calls this your pitch. In other words, the part where you’re “selling yourself for the position and why you’re qualified for it.”

Godfred emphasizes that this section should have a balance of soft and hard skills. Talk about your experience using Salesforce or doing SEO work (and get those job description keywords in! More on that later), but also highlight your ability to lead teams and communicate effectively.

“Companies are embracing authenticity, they’re embracing humanity, they’re looking for people who are going to fit their culture. So what are your values? What do you stand for?” says Godfred. These values should be as much a part of your cover letter as the nitty-gritty.

A Great Closing Line

Kahn explains that your  closing line  could include your next steps, such as “I welcome the opportunity to speak with you more about how I can contribute to [team]” or “I would love to schedule a time for us to discuss this role and my experience.”

But more importantly, “you want to make sure that you’re gracious and thanking them,” he says. While seemingly  cliché , it never hurts to end on a simple “thank you for your consideration.”

You can, however, exclude the “references upon request” line. “If an employer wants your references, you better believe they’ll ask for them,” says Godfred.

A Few Other Cover Letter Essentials

First off—please, I beg you,  address your cover letter  to a person. No  “To Whom It May Concern”  or “Dear Sir or Madam.” People don’t talk that way, so why would they want to read it?

Secondly, keep the applicant tracking system, or  ATS , in mind. This robot will be sifting through your cover letter much in the way it does with your resume, so you’ll want to scatter relevant keywords from the job description throughout your cover letter where it makes sense.

Third of all, get your  contact information  on there, including your name, phone number, and email (most of the time, your address and theirs is irrelevant)—and on every page, if yours goes over one.

“Imagine you come across a cover letter and you print it out with a bunch of applications to review and it doesn’t have the person’s contact information on it,” states Godfred. “You never want to put yourself in a situation where you’re the right person and they can’t find you.”

And know that the ATS can’t read crazy formatting, so keep your  font  and layout simple.

How to Get Started Writing a Cover Letter

Overall, says Godfred, “when you’re up against dwindling attention spans, the more concise you can be the better. Make every single word count.”

To get started, she always suggests that her clients do a “brain dump.” Once you just get your ideas onto the page, then “ask yourself how you can cut half of it.” Through this process, “you’ll find that those very generic phrases oftentimes are the first to go,” she says. You only have so much space to get your point across, so focus on the information that isn’t stated elsewhere rather than simply regurgitating your resume.

This can feel like a lot to do on one cover letter, let alone several, so Kahn likes to remind his clients that quality comes first. Target the jobs you’re most closely drawn to and qualified for and give them all your energy, rather than try to churn out hundreds of cover letters. You may not be able to apply to as many jobs, but you’re guaranteed to have better results in terms of response rate.

Cover Letters Come in All Shapes and Sizes

Whether you’re writing a cover letter for a data scientist or executive assistant position, a startup or a Fortune 500 company, you’re going to want to tailor it to the role, company, and culture (not to mention, the job description).

Don’t fret! We’ve got examples of the four basic types of cover letters below: a  traditional cover letter , an  impact cover letter , a  writing sample cover letter , and a  career change cover letter . We’ve also included the exact job descriptions they’re written for—to help inspire you to tailor yours to a specific position.

One note before you read on: There’s a difference between your  cover letter and the email you send  with your application. If you’re not sure whether to copy and paste your letter into your email or attach it as a document, common practice is to pick either/or, not both.

Example #1The Traditional Cover Letter

A traditional cover letter, is, as you guessed it, based on your average  cover letter template . You’ll most likely write this version if you’re applying to a very traditional company (like a law firm or major healthcare company) or a very traditional role (like a lawyer or accountant), or when you’re just looking to lean more conservative and safe.

The Job Description

Let’s say you’re applying to a  paralegal  job opening. The job description might look something like this:

Responsibilities

• Draft routine legal documents for review and use by attorneys
• Coordinate and organize materials and presentations for board meetings
• Research legal and related business issues and report findings and conclusions to team
• Provide overall legal administrative support of the legal team
• Maintain calendars and ensure timely filings

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent of relevant education and work experience
• Strong communication skills (oral and written)
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and prioritizing skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Trustworthy, positive, energetic, and optimistic attitude with a willingness to roll up your sleeves

The Cover Letter Example

Under the constraints of keeping things strictly professional, here’s what you could write without sounding too boring or jargon-y:

Dear Ms. Jessica Tilman,

In my five-year career as a paralegal, I have honed my legal research and writing skills, and the attorneys I’ve worked with have complimented me on my command of case law and litigation support. Spiegel Law Firm’s 20 years in practice proves that the firm has strong values and excellent attorneys, which is why I want to be a part of the Spiegel Law Firm team.

I currently serve as a paralegal for Chandler LLC, where I work closely with the partners on a number of high-priority cases. During my time here, I implemented a new calendar system that ensures timely filing of court papers. This system has prevented missed deadlines and allowed for better organization of internal and client meetings.

Previously, as a paralegal for the Neuerburg Law Firm, I received praise for my overall support of the legal team and my positive attitude.

My further qualifications include a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University, a paralegal certificate, and training in LexisNexis, Westlaw, and Microsoft Office Suite.

I would love the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your legal team. Thank you in advance for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely, Chase Broadstein [email protected] (222) 222-2222

Download this example

Why This Works

It’s short, sweet, and to the point. It shows both a knack for getting things done in a thorough and timely matter and an energy for helping out wherever it’s needed. They also toss some important keywords in there: implemented a new calendar system, My further qualifications include a Bachelor’s Degree…, training in LexisNexis, Westlaw, and Microsoft Office Suite…

Finally, it expresses a genuine interest in this specific firm in its opening lines.

Example #2The Impact Cover Letter

The impact cover letter works best for roles where you’re expected to deliver on certain goals or results. Maybe you’re in sales and the job calls for hitting a certain quota each quarter. Or maybe you’re an event planner looking to show you can run X number of conferences or create Y number of marketing campaigns. The key for this, then, will be to put your accomplishments front and center.

You’ve come across an opening for an  email marketing manager . The job description states the following:

• Manage email marketing strategy and calendar, including copywriting, optimization, monitoring, reporting, and analysis of campaigns
• Improve campaign success through conversion optimization, A/B testing, and running experiments
• Measure and report on performance of campaigns, assessing against goals
• Collaborate with the design team to determine content strategy and ensure brand guidelines are followed in emails
• Partner and collaborate cross-functionally with sales, product, product marketing, and data teams
• 3+ years in email marketing or equivalent field
• Experience with Google Analytics, HTML, CSS, Photoshop, Microsoft Excel, and SEO a plus
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written) and an eye for copyediting
• Team player with strong interpersonal, relationship-building, and stakeholder management skills
• Excellent project management, problem solving, and time management skills, with the ability to multitask effectively

Your personality can shine more directly through this kind of cover letter, but you’ll want to make sure your hard skills and successes stand out:

Dear Russ Roman,

I have a problem. See, my inbox currently (and embarrassingly) hosts 1,500 unread emails—including newsletters from at least 50 different brands.

But this problem only fuels my passion for creating emails that are worth opening. Because from my perspective, as someone who can barely get through their own stack of mail, that’s a true win.

I’ve been following Vitabe for years, and can proudly say that I open every single email you send to me. I’m a sucker for a good subject line—“Take a Vitamin-ute—We’ll A-B-C You Soon” being my favorite—and the way your email content feels both fun and expert-backed really speaks to me. This is why I’m thrilled to submit my application for a role as email marketing manager at your company.

I have over four years of experience working in the email marketing space. In my current role at Westside Bank, I was able to implement new email campaigns centered around reengaging churned clients. By analyzing data around the types of clients who churn and the engagement of our current email subscribers, as well as A/B testing headlines and newsletter layouts, we were able to increase email subscribers by 15% and convert 30% of those subscribers to purchase our product, a significant increase from the previous year. I also launched a “Your Credit Matters” newsletter focused on educating our clients on how they spend and manage their credit—which became our highest performing campaign in terms of open-rates and click-through to date.

Previously, as a member of the marketing team at Dream Diary Mattresses, I collaborated with the sales and product team to understand how I could best support them in hitting their quarterly goals. One specific project involving creating personalized emails for customers drew more people to come back to our site after 30 days than direct paid ad campaigns, leading to a 112% increase in revenue from the last quarter.

I take the content I write and the calendars I manage seriously, editing and refining to the point beyond being detail-oriented into scary territory, and I feel my experience and drive would greatly help Vitabe further develop their email program for success.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Lad Miller [email protected] (987) 654-3210

This sample cover letter concisely highlights the person’s significant achievements and ties them back to the job description. By adding context to how their projects were created, monitored, and completed, they’re able to show just how results-driven they are.

One thing worth noting: This person didn’t include skills such as Google Analytics, HTML, CSS, Photoshop, Microsoft Excel, and SEO—all of which are listed in the job description. The reason they decided not to was simply because those skills are most likely in their resume, and they wanted to use the space they had to discuss specific projects and tell a story not visible on other parts of their application.

Example #3The Writing Sample Cover Letter

Often for roles where communication is king, such as PR, copyediting, or reporting, your cover letter will either substitute for or complement your  writing samples . So it’s just as important to write eloquently as it is to showcase your skill set.

Let’s take the example of a  staff writer  position. The requirements might include the following:

• Pitch and write editorial content and collaborate with teams to report on timely issues and trends
• Evaluate content performance and digital trends on a daily basis to constantly adjust pitches and packaging
• Utilize CMS tools, strategically select photos and videos, and request original graphics to optimize all written content for maximum engagement
• At least 2-3 years of experience creating content at a digital-first outlet
• Strong writing and reporting skills, and the ability to write clearly and quickly
• Familiarity with working in a CMS and with analytics tools such as Google Analytics
• Deadline-driven, strategic thinker with a knack for crafting click-y headlines
• Strong collaborator who thrives in fast-paced environments

Have fun with this one, but make sure you’ve tripled-checked for spelling and grammar mistakes, and are showing off your best writing tactics:

Dear Mr. Kolsh,

Since I could walk, I’ve been dancing. And since I could read, I’ve been glued to Arabesque Weekly.

At one point, you featured one of my local heros—a ballerina who struggled with an injury early in her career and went on to become a principal at Pacific Northwest Ballet—and I plastered the article above my childhood bed. It’s still there today.

Of course, I never became a star myself, but it was that article and so many others you’ve published that taught me that dancing was about more than just pirouettes and arabesques (sorry, I had to)—and that the right kind of writer can shed light on aspects of the art that make it surprising, impactful, and universal. I can be that writer.

As an editorial assistant for The Improv Group for the past two and a half years, my main responsibility was to get all of our content ready to go live. This included a final round of proofreading, adding in HTML where necessary, fact-checking, and finding photos, videos, and GIFs that would complement the content and optimize audience engagement. As I tinkered with each post, I became intimately familiar with our internal CMS and what makes a piece perfect.

But, by far, my favorite aspect of this role has been writing. Each week, I pitch and write at least one article, from 250-word news items to 900-word advice pieces to even longer personal essays. I love the challenge of developing pitches that align with the trends we see in the data, fit in with the company’s brand and mission, and allow me to flex my creative muscles.

Collaborating with my team to form the best content library we can has been a dream come true. I am ready to use my experience to help Arabesque Weekly achieve all its big and small goals. And I hope to one day write a story that another child tapes to their wall forever.

It would be an honor to be a part of your editorial team, and I look forward to the possibility of discussing the opportunity with you.

Hoping to be your next staff writer, Marlee Wood [email protected] (555) 666-4433

This candidate is clearly passionate about this specific publication and leads with a unique personal anecdote tied to the company’s mission and further showing their ability to tell stories in a compelling way. There are relevant keywords and phrases, sure, but they’re not just thrown in there. Every sentence carries a specific voice, proving this person knows how to communicate effectively.

Example #4The Career Change Cover Letter

Like I said earlier, cover letters can play a big part in helping career changers prove their worth—especially when it’s unclear how your  skills transfer over  to this new field.

Writing a career change cover letter requires a bit more strategy. You’ll want to highlight the obvious skills you have that relate to the job description, but you’ll also want to draw a line between experiences you’ve had in the past and responsibilities you might have in this new role. Finally, you’ll want to explain, if not emphasize, why you’re making the switch and what’s driving you toward this specific industry, company, or position.

Let’s say you’re someone who has experience supporting a sales team as an administrative assistant, and you’re now looking to become a  sales representative . You come across the following job posting:

• Develop new sales techniques and strategies to build pipeline and hit team goals
• Coordinate with other teams to increase lead generation efforts
• Assist in the processing of new business, including contacting customers to finalize sales and service transactions
• 1-3 years of successful sales experience
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
• Ability to work independently to plan, set priorities, and effectively organize work
• Proven ability to be persuasive, persistent, and confident in closing a sale

Here’s how you might translate your past experience over to this new (and exciting) prospect:

Dear Maria Ross,

The head of sales at Sunshine Inc. was in a bind. She needed six client meetings scheduled, 18 service transactions processed, and a summary of the team’s new lead generation campaign drafted before getting on a flight to Austin—in three hours. So, she turned to her cool-headed, sales-savvy administrative assistant for help. That assistant was me. Not only did I execute everything on her to-do list, I did it all before her plane left the ground.

For three years, I worked in lockstep with a busy, growth-oriented sales leader to support the business development team. As the sole administrative assistant in the department, I balanced a swath of competing priorities, ranging from data entry and meeting coordination to contacting customers, finalizing transactions, and creating promotional materials. This role helped me to develop a comprehensive understanding of the sales cycle, sales strategy, and pipeline growth.

Like many others, my career path hasn’t been entirely straightforward. After leaving Crabapple Media, I enrolled in a local coding training program. Six months later, I emerged with a certificate in computer programming and a certainty that I did not want to be a coder. But education is never wasted. I’m now an aspiring sales representative with experience supporting a thriving sales team and extensive knowledge of the tech space.

Here’s a little bit more about how my experience would translate into this role:

• At Crabapple Media, I assisted in coordinating three annual sales strategy rollouts, each yielding a 26% increase in pipeline YoY.
• At Sunshine Inc., I supported 12 independent team members in their lead generation efforts. I also assisted in processing an average of 300 sales transactions every quarter.
• I thrive in busy, ever-changing environments that require me to communicate clearly and concisely. Supporting a high-volume team and a busy executive helped me to hone these skills—I typically sent more than 200 emails a day!

I would, of course, love to schedule a time for us to discuss this role and my experience, and I truly want to thank you for considering me.

All the best, Jaclyne Dean [email protected] (123) 456-789

The opener draws you in, leading you to want to learn more. It toots the person’s horn, but in a way that’s traceable. Then, the next couple sections explain both their experience in the sales space and in roles before, eventually tying that back to why they’re applying to this specific job. Similar to the impact cover letter, the author lists some of the more important qualities they bring to the table, doing a bit of keyword stuffing and resume gap explaining along the way.

Hopefully these cover letter examples help as you go to tackle your own. Remember: This is just one small step in the process! Take your time, but learn to move on when you’ve given it your all.

To further guide you, read some of the  best cover letters  we’ve ever encountered.

And, don’t forget to  edit ! Read about how to  cut a cover letter down to one page  (because any longer and no one’s reading), plus everything you should  double check  before pressing submit.

• Example #1: The Traditional Cover Letter
• Example #2: The Impact Cover Letter
• Example #3: The Writing Sample Cover Letter
• Example #4: The Career Change Cover Letter

Originally posted in ‘The Muse’  The Best Cover Letter Examples for Every Type of Job Seeker

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You are here Students > Applications and interviews > Cover letter

Cover letter

Generally, as part of your application process you will be asked to provide CV and cover letter. A cover letter is a brief email or letter where you emphasise your relevant skills, experience and motivation for the role.

Below, you can find information about how to present and structure your cover letter.

Layout of your cover letter

A standard cover letter is either written in the body of an email, or sent as an attachment, as an A4 page. If you are sending it as an attachment convert it to PDF so that the formatting remains the same. Your cover letter should be short and to the point, approximately three to four paragraphs long, and no longer than one page.

If sending as an attachment:

• Include your address and the date on the top right hand corner
• Include the employer’s address on the left hand side
• Always address the cover letter to the recruiter/member of staff named in the job description. If there is no name given, you can address your email or letter to “Dear Sir/Madam”.
• Make sure to include the full, correct job title of the role to which you are applying. If there is a vacancy code mention this also, either in the subject title of your email, or in the body of the cover letter.
• Tell the employer why you are suitable for this job by outlining your skills and experience. You can draw on your educational background, work experience, volunteering and other extra-curricular activities to provide evidence of your suitability. Focus on the skills, competencies and experience specified in the job description and make sure that you refer to them in your paragraphs.
• Your cover letter should strike a balance between outlining why you match their criteria, and why this role and this company are of particular interest to you.
• Avoid generic statements such as “I have excellent communication and time management skills”. Always provide evidence for any statement you make. For example you can say “I have demonstrated excellent communication skills through regularly participating in debates held by the Hist Society in college, and through numerous class presentations”.
• Employers are interested to know why you chose them amongst others, and how you see yourself fitting into their company’s culture. Find out more about the company (projects, people, recent innovation etc.) and the job as this will help you to make a stronger application which emphasises your motivation.
• Use a closing paragraph to reiterate your interest in the role.
• There is no need to conclude by sharing your email address or mobile number in the cover letter, these details are in your CV.
• Avoid saying "I am available for interview at your convenience" as this is a given.

Pointers for success

• Address the letter to a particular person by name. Phone to find this out if necessary.
• Communicate something personal that will grab their attention, e.g. "My project work put me in contact with X division in your company and I was very impressed by how helpful X and Y were. This cemented my interest in joining your organisation".
• Research the company, their culture, values, interests and recent achievements. Demonstrate knowledge of the company in a complimentary way in the letter. "Having done extensive research on X I am very interested in your company's work in X area..."
• Include the key phrases or language included in the job description, company literature and website. In that way you will show that you speak the same language and that you will fit into their culture.
• Use a positive and enthusiastic tone throughout.
• Look for feedback on what you have written. Show draft forms, letters or CVs to your careers consultant and seek their opinion.
• Do not send dozens of applications with little tailoring. It is better to send less applications that are well executed than a high volume of generic applications, which employers can easily spot. Remember it is the quality, not the quantity of applications that count.
• If there is anything that you think the employer may be concerned about in your application address this in your cover letter directly. If you had a period of unemployment refer to the creative way that you spent your time and the skills you acquired during that time.
• You may also send out a speculative letter along with your CV expressing an interest in a company should a position arise in the future. In this way the employer can keep you in mind should an opportunity arise to hire.

Disclosing a disability

Information about disclosing a disability can be found here:

Information on disclosing a disability

• Sample cover letter
• gradireland Ireland’s graduate website provides information about writing effective cover letters
• Targetjobs A UK graduate jobs website which provides an A-Z of careers that match degrees
• Prospects Prospects – UK’s graduate website provides information about writing effective cover letters

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