A cover letter is more than a formality, it's a strategic tool. In today’s competitive job market, knowing how to write a cover letter that’s persuasive, personalized, and professional can be the edge that lands you your dream job or internship. Whether you're a student with no experience, a professional applying for a teaching or nursing position, or simply polishing your resume cover letter, this guide provides everything you need.
In this comprehensive article, you’ll learn:
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What a cover letter is and why it matters
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How to write a cover letter step by step
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Cover letter examples for jobs, internships, and more
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How to format and structure a strong, professional cover letter
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Tools, templates, and even how to use AI like ChatGPT to write your letter
What Is a Cover Letter? A Brief Overview
A cover letter is a one-page professional document typically submitted alongside a resume when applying for a job. It serves as a personalized introduction to a potential employer, explaining why you're applying, what you bring to the role, and how your skills align with the job requirements.
Many job seekers ask, "What is a cover letter?" or "What's a cover letter used for?" Simply put, a cover letter provides context for your resume and gives you an opportunity to highlight your most relevant qualifications, personality, and enthusiasm for the role.
So, what is a cover letter for a job? It’s a tailored message that bridges the gap between your experience and the employer’s needs - showing that you’ve not only done your research but that you’re genuinely interested in joining their team.
And what is a cover letter for a resume? It's the companion piece that connects your resume’s bullet points to a clear narrative, demonstrating why you're the ideal candidate.
Key Elements of a Cover Letter
An effective cover letter typically includes the following components:
- Header
Your contact information, the employer’s contact details, and the date. - Greeting
A professional salutation addressed to the hiring manager (e.g., Dear Ms. Smith,). - Opening Paragraph
State the position you're applying for and express enthusiasm. Mention how you found the role. - Body Paragraph(s)
Highlight your most relevant skills, accomplishments, and experiences. Tie them directly to the job description. - Company Fit
Show that you understand the company's values, goals, or culture—and explain why you're aligned with them. - Closing Paragraph
Summarize your interest, thank the reader, and include a call to action (e.g., a request for an interview). - Sign-off
A professional closing such as Sincerely or Kind regards, followed by your name.
Each section should work together to present a compelling case for why you're the right fit for the job.
How to Write a Good Cover Letter | Step-by-Step Guide
Knowing how to write a good cover letter is key to standing out in any job application. A strong cover letter isn’t luck—it’s strategy. Whether you're writing your first or fiftieth, follow these steps to craft a professional, targeted, and effective cover letter:
1. Start With a Professional Header
Your cover letter should begin like a formal business letter. Here's how to start a cover letter professionally:
Include your:
- Full name
- Phone number
- Professional email address
- LinkedIn URL (optional but recommended)
- Date
- Employer’s name, job title, company, and address
Example:
Jane Doe
janedoe@email.com | (123) 456-7890 | linkedin.com/in/janedoe
June 17, 2025Hiring Manager
Acme Corp
123 Market St, New York, NY
2. Address the Cover Letter Correctly
How to address a cover letter: Use the hiring manager’s full name if possible. If not, use one of the following:
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear [Department] Team,
- To Whom It May Concern (last resort)
If you're wondering who to address a cover letter to, the best option is always a real person. When unavailable, default to a professional, role-specific greeting.
3. Write a Strong Opening Paragraph
Your opening should instantly show:
- The job title you’re applying for
- Where you found the posting
- Why you're excited about the opportunity
Example:
I’m writing to apply for the Marketing Associate position at Acme Corp. With a strong background in digital strategy and a genuine passion for Acme’s mission, I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to your team.
If you’re applying for an internship, open with your academic background and interest in the organization:
As a third-year communications student at NYU, I’m applying for the Summer Marketing Internship at Acme Corp. I’m eager to apply my coursework in media strategy to a mission-driven, fast-paced environment like yours.
4. Showcase Relevant Skills and Achievements
In 1–2 paragraphs, prove you're qualified. Here's what should be in a cover letter to make it effective:
- Match your skills and experience to the job description
- Highlight achievements using numbers and results
- Show understanding of the company’s goals
Example:
At BrightTech, I led a digital campaign that increased qualified leads by 42% in just three months. This experience, combined with my Google Ads certification, aligns perfectly with Acme’s data-driven marketing approach.
For a nursing cover letter, emphasize clinical experience, certifications (e.g., BLS, ACLS), and compassion-driven patient care. Mention your alignment with the healthcare facility’s values and specific care approach.
5. End With a Clear Call to Action
How to end a cover letter professionally: Reaffirm your interest, express enthusiasm, and invite next steps.
Example:
Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background aligns with Acme Corp’s goals. I look forward to contributing to your team’s continued success.
6. Use a Formal Sign-Off
Wrap up with a clean, professional closing:
- Sincerely,
- Best regards,
- Kind regards,
Then, include your full name.
7. What Does a Cover Letter Look Like?
Your cover letter should be one page, clearly formatted and easy to read. Here’s what the layout typically includes:
- Header with your contact info
- Date and employer information
- A greeting addressed to the right person
- 3–4 concise paragraphs
- A professional closing and sign-off
Clean, scannable formatting is key; your cover letter should look polished, structured, and ATS-friendly.
✅ Pro Tip: Whether you’re applying for a job, an internship, or a nursing position, always tailor the tone and content to the role. That’s how you write a great cover letter that feels personal, relevant, and powerful.
How to Format a Cover Letter Professionally
Formatting matters. A well-formatted cover letter signals professionalism and attention to detail.
- Length: 1 page (300–500 words)
- Font: Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman (11–12 pt)
- Spacing: 1.15–1.5
- Margins: 1 inch on all sides
- File Format: PDF unless stated otherwise
✅ Professional Cover Letter Template, Example
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[Your Full Name] [Hiring Manager’s Name] Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name or “Hiring Manager”], I am writing to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With [X years of experience/educational background in XYZ], I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills to a team that values [relevant company mission, values, or projects]. In my previous role at [Previous Company], I [describe an achievement or responsibility]. This experience helped me [describe skill or result], which I believe aligns closely with the responsibilities of the [Job Title] role at [Company Name]. I’m particularly drawn to [Company Name] because of [mention specific reason: mission, recent project, reputation, etc.], and I’m confident that my [skills or qualifications] would allow me to make a meaningful impact. Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the chance to discuss how my background fits with your team’s goals. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to [Company Name]’s continued success. Sincerely, |
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