Cover Letter Templates To Help You Get The Job

By Jack Flynn and Experts - Sep. 3, 2020

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Have you ever looked at dozens and dozens of cover letter templates on google images, only to end up confused about what the perfect cover letter really looks like? What’s considered too long? Too short? Or too cookie-cutter? How do you start a cover letter? Or end one?

Unfortunately, it’s common for a potential employer to disregard your application based on a poor cover letter. Therefore, in order to land that perfect job, you’ll have to nail your letter.

Likewise, a quality cover letter is a great way to leave an amazing first impression, and highlight your resume. A good letter will demonstrate your experience, as well as your motivation for the position; two things that will increase your odds of landing the job.

Whether it’s your first time writing a cover letter or not, this article will provide thoughtful and professional templates for you to use. After all, according to research by Saddleback College, 53% of employers surveyed considered a cover letter a “must have” on an application.

What Does Your Potential Employer Want to See?

When writing a cover letter, it’s important to write with an understanding of what your potential employer is looking for. For example, you should know how to address your letter. If you don’t know the name of the person you’re writing for, most employers prefer “Dear Hiring Manager”. However, if you do know the employer’s name, it’s important to use their name in the address, instead of that ambiguous title.

Truthfully, many employers will simply skim your letter. Did you know that nearly 70% of employers prefer a cover letter that’s only half a page? With that in mind, you should try to pack value into each sentence, while also keeping your letter length around 200 words. In making sure you keep to a shorter word count, it’s important that you open strong. The hiring manager will want to see a brief opening that highlights why you’re the person for the job.

While sharing your experience is a major part of a cover letter, keep in mind that the experience you write about has to be relevant to the position you’re applying for. If you’re applying for a position at a car dealership, you don’t need to share your experience working as a dog groomer. For that position, sharing your customer service or sales experience would be more appropriate.

Additionally, the hiring manager will want to see that you have motivation to work. Ideally, you should express a passion for the kind of work you’ll be doing. Write in a way that captures these emotions, and shows your eagerness to work.

With all this in mind, you’ll have the knowledge to tailor your cover letter to the eye of your potential employer.

How to Personalize a Template

While templates can be incredibly useful, keep in mind that you have to make your cover letter an expression of your personal interest. Now that you know what your potential employer wants to see, it’s easier to take a template and make it your own.

Cover Letter Template Examples

Your Name
Your Address
City, State, Zip Code

Date

Hiring Manager’s Name
Company Name
Company Address
City, State, Zip Code

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am interested in applying for the at . Express your education or any important experience you have that will catch your potential employer’s eye, and why this experience/education makes you perfect for the position.

I have of experience, including . Continue talking about your experience, especially any personal experience you have with the company you’re applying for. Have you visited, purchased products from, or worked at this company before? Show your passion and motivation for the position you’re applying for.

Given this experience, I believe I possess the skills necessary to succeed at your company. I even . Therefore, taking into account that I have all of the requirements for this position, I am ready and willing to start working immediately. I hope you will consider my application and I look forward to hearing back from you.

Sincerely,

Your Name

Now, you can take this template and make it relevant for the position you’re applying for. When in doubt, use less copy and paste and add more of your personal experience, education, motivations and accomplishments. For example:

Arthur Grant
444 Frog Rd.
Marigold, TX, 10987

September 2nd, 2020

Larry Morgan
Park Superintendent
Rune National Park
833 Rune Rd.
Marigold, TX, 10987

Dear Mr. Larry Morgan,

I am interested in applying for the Park Ranger position at Rune National Park. As an environmental studies graduate, who has experience preventing forest fires and maintaining wildlife, I believe I’d be a perfect fit for this position.

I have over 4 years of internship and educational experience, including field work I did at Mountain State Park over the summer. While participating in field work I was taught how to patrol grounds, and how I would properly conduct an investigation. My education has also given me extensive knowledge of not only Texas wildlife, but also native and invasive flora. Additionally, all of this experience is highlighted by my overwhelming passion for Rune National Park, as I have hiked and camped there several times.

Given this experience, I believe I possess the skills necessary to succeed at your company. I even developed a local conservation program for one of my college classes. Therefore, taking into account that I have all of the requirements for this position, I am ready and willing to start working immediately. I hope you will consider my application and I look forward to hearing back from you.

Sincerely,

Arthur Grant

As you can see, it’s important to utilize your own experience in your cover letter, rather than using a cookie-cutter template where you only fill in a few blanks. Doing so will really make your cover letter stand out, and bring you one step closer to getting that job.

What Does a Cover Letter via Email Look Like?

In the modern age, many people also email their cover letter and application. This will look similar to the other template shown, but with a few key differences. For example, you may exclude the headers, but make sure to include additional contact information within your email. Generally, your phone number and email will suffice.

Here is an example of an cover letter email:

Remember to once again personalize the template, and then submit the email to your potential employer. Using email also allows you to attach your resume or any other important documents, if desired by the hiring manager.

More Examples of How to Personalize A Cover Letter Template

With all this information in mind, here are some other examples of how to personalize the template provided:

James Tudor
767 Semloh Rd.
Dewfield, MA, 01230

September 2nd, 2020

Ron Johnson
General Manager
Pet Inc.
401 Main St.
Dewfield, MA, 01240

Dear Mr. Ron Johnson,

As a detail-oriented, experienced dog enthusiast, I was excited to see an opening for the Dog Groomer position at your company. Considering my deep passion for dogs and dog care, I believe that, if given the opportunity, I would be a valuable asset to your team.

I have over 5 years of dog grooming experience, including the work I did at Love Dogs Co. for the past 3 years. During my time in this position I learned not only how to professionally neaten a dog’s coat, but also specialized cuts such as the lamb cut, lion cut and teddy bear cut. I am also knowledgeable in calming methods, such as ways to keep dogs under control while being washed or having their nails clipped. All of this experience is highlighted by my overwhelming passion for our canine friends.

Given this experience, I believe I possess the skills necessary to succeed at your company. I even received my dog trainer’s certificate from Dog College. Therefore, taking into account that I have all of the requirements for this position, I am ready and willing to start working immediately. I hope you will consider my application and I look forward to hearing back from you.

Sincerely,

James Tudor

Nathan Burns
632 Park Ave.
Villtown, VT, 01301

September 2nd, 2020

Villtown Auto Sales
553 Central Ave.
Villtown, VT, 01301

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am interested in applying for the Automotive Sales Representative position at Villtown Auto Sales. As a recent graduate with a degree in Sales, who has experience in customer service, I believe I’d be a perfect fit for this position.

I have over 4 years of customer service experience, including the work I did at Helpers Retail while taking college courses. I have also participated in 2 summer internship programs related to sales, where I gained knowledge of accounting, customer patterns, and had in person experience with sales pitching. I also have experience working with cars, as my father was an auto mechanic and I worked with him for many years before I went to college.

Given this experience, I believe I possess the skills necessary to succeed at your company. I even bought my first car at Villtown Auto Sales, and loved the representative I worked with at the time. Therefore, my experience is highlighted by knowledge of your company, and taking into account that I have all of the requirements for this position, I am ready and willing to start working immediately. I hope you will consider my application and I look forward to hearing back from you.

Sincerely,

Nathan Burns

These examples highlight the importance of personalizing your cover letter. When you take a template and make it your own, your application is much more likely to succeed. Knowing this information, you are ready to write a cover letter that will really catch your potential employer’s eye.

References

  • Saddleback.edu. “PDF.”

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Author

Jack Flynn

Jack Flynn is a writer for Zippia. In his professional career he’s written over 100 research papers, articles and blog posts. Some of his most popular published works include his writing about economic terms and research into job classifications. Jack received his BS from Hampshire College.

Expert

Matt Warzel, CPRW, CIR

Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.

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Topics: Cover Letter, Get The Job