Typical Cover Letter Format With Examples

What is a Cover Letter?

The cover letter typically accompanies your resume when you are applying for a position. It should be specific to the position that you are applying for, and demonstrates to the employer why (based on your background) you are a great candidate for that particular position (based on the job description) and/or company. The cover letter is a business document, so should be formatted with a business heading and left aligned

Typical Cover Letter Format

Your Address
Your Contact Information

Date

Contact Name (if available)
Contact Title
Company Name
Company Address

Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. (if no contact, you can say “Human Resources Manager, or Hiring Manager”),

The first paragraph is an introduction of yourself and how you learned of the opening, as well as your interest in the position/organization. This requires you to relate yourself to the organization or to the position in order to demonstrate your interest.

The middle paragraph(s) is a profile of how your skills and experience match the qualifications sought.

In order to do this, consider the following points:

1. Read the job description carefully to get a clear idea of what the company is looking for. This goes beyond just the “qualifications” section of a job description- make sure to discuss your ability to do the job.

2. Review the company website to learn what type of person the company might value.

3. Match your background, whether it is work experience, academics, volunteer experience, etc. and describe why you believe those experiences make you a qualified candidate for the position.

The last paragraph wraps up the cover letter. You should reiterate your interest in the position, and desire to hear from them regarding the opportunity. You also want to thank the reader for their time in considering your application, and provide information for how you can be reached. If you would like, and
are able to, you can state that you will follow-up with them directly. Be positive and confident (without being arrogant).

Sincerely,

Signed Signature (if a physical copy is being sent)

Name (Typed)

Cover Letter Checklist

• Is my cover letter consistently formatted, with 1” margins and font size between 11-12pt?

• Is my cover letter on one page?

• Did I personalize the cover letter to describe my interest in the position and company?

• Did I specifically address my ability to perform the job they are hiring for?

• Did I select my most relevant experiences to present my background to meet the reader’s needs?

• Is my cover letter error free including correct grammar, spelling and punctuation?

• Did I double check that the cover letter is addressed to the correct contact, company, and that the company name is correct throughout the document?

Cover Letter Samples

Below you will find samples for various types of cover letters including internship, full-time, full-time with prior experience, and email cover letters.
Use the examples for inspiration but do not copy word for word! Remember- your cover letter should be specific to the job you are applying for, based on your individual background.

Sample Email Cover Letters

Sample Full Time Cover Letter

Sample Internship Cover Letter