12 Free Cover Letter Templates – Samples

Cover letters are part of the documents used when applying for a job. While they are not mandatory, most job applications require you to write a cover or application letter and attach it to other documents. Cover letters are an effective way for you to introduce yourself to the hiring manager and highlight your interest in the job.

Understanding how to write an effective cover letter can help you get more call-backs, interviews, and the desired job. This article outlines how to prepare a cover letter and what information you must include. It provides tips to help you write a good cover letter and answer frequently asked questions. 

You can download the following templates for free:

What is a Cover Letter for a Job Application?

A cover letter and resume are used in the job application process. It highlights your interest in the job and your qualifications. The cover letter allows you to distinguish yourself from the rest of the candidates by identifying your unique abilities. It will enable you to make an excellent first impression on the recruiter.

Writing a good cover letter increases your chances of getting a call-back; a poor cover letter, on the other hand, may mean the rest of your application will not be reviewed, lowering your chances of getting the job. Your cover letter should highlight your highest skills and qualifications and complement your resume.

Purpose of Writing a Cover Letter

Cover letters benefit both the applicant and the hiring manager. They allow the applicant to highlight their best qualities while giving the recruiter a chance to quickly understand what to expect from the rest of the application. In addition, a cover letter lets you express your interest in the position. You can indicate what you like about the job and how you think it will help you.

When writing the cover letter, you should highlight your strengths and what makes you uniquely qualified for the position. In addition, you can mention previous experiences and skills that make you the best candidate for the job. Most cover letters are 250 to 400 words long.

Cover letters allow you to tailor your qualifications to the company’s needs. You can show how you have had similar tasks and accomplished them satisfactorily through your work experience section. It helps the recruiter understand how you can respond to the company’s needs.

A cover letter often determines the attention the recruiter will give to the rest of your application.

Since it is the first document the recruiter will see, it needs to follow a good outline, as shown below:

Header

The header should include your details, the date, and the recipient’s address. Your details include your name, email address, phone number, and LinkedIn username. When writing the recipient’s address, you are encouraged to use their name to make it more personalized. The address should include the job title of the recipient, the physical address, and the email address.

Salutation

When addressing the hiring manager, it is advisable to use their name and title. Begin with a professional salutation such as Dear Mr., Ms, or Mrs, followed by the hiring manager’s name. Where necessary, you can include the hiring manager’s professional title. If you do not know the hiring manager’s name, you can find it through a quick online search of the company’s profile.

Tip: A cover letter is supposed to be formal. In this spirit, you should avoid salutations like ‘to whom it may concern’ because they appear impersonal and old-fashioned.

Opening paragraph

Your opening paragraph is your first opportunity to impress the recruiter. Begin with an eye-catching phrase by mentioning the role you are applying for, where you saw the job posting, and a quick overview of your relevant experience. Next, you can briefly list your most pertinent qualifications to describe why you are the best candidate.

Body paragraphs

Now that you have introduced yourself, you should maintain the recruiter’s interest by writing a personalized description of your accomplishments, skills, and relevant qualifications. Evaluate the job description and match your skills and experience to the job’s needs. If you have no work experience, list your academic qualifications, interests, and skills and compare them to the job description.

Closing paragraphs

The closing paragraphs should conclude the application enthusiastically. Explain that you feel confident about your qualifications and would be available for an interview. Keep it short but interesting. State that you can provide further information should the need arise.

Sign-off

When signing off, end the letter positively by appreciating the recruiter for taking the time to consider your application. It is advisable to use formal salutations, like ‘yours sincerely’, to conclude your application.

Now that you have created a basic outline, you should know the information you must include in your cover letter. This information helps the recruiter understand you better and shows your enthusiasm for the job.

You should:

Introduce yourself

Introduce yourself by stating the position you seek. State how you learned about the position, whether on social media or through a friend. If you have a testimonial from your former employer, mention the employer’s name, title, and their relation with you. Briefly state your highest accomplishments and qualifications that are relevant to the position.

For example:

“I am interested in the advertised vacancy for a Marketing Manager at Links Ltd. I have 6 years of experience in marketing design and campaigns, and I believe I could help your company achieve its objectives.”

The above example is unenthusiastic; it highlights no achievements.

A better example would be:

“I was excited to learn that Links Engineers have a vacancy for the Marketing Manager position. As a marketing manager with 6 years of experience, I believe I am the perfect fit for this position. One of my career achievements over the last 12 months is designing and launching a marketing campaign that led to a 40% increase in sales revenue for my employer.”

Show enthusiasm for the job

Your cover letter should express enthusiasm for the position you are applying for. Indicate your qualifications and highlight specific aspects of the job that excite you.

For example:

“I write this letter in response to your LinkedIn advertisement for the sales manager position. I believe I am qualified for the position because I have the relevant skills and experience for the job.”

The above example is boring and shows no interest in the job because it seems generic.

A better example would be:

“I admire your company’s sales policies and have always loved the execution and attention to detail. So I was excited to see that you have an opening for a sales manager position; I am confident I am a perfect fit for this job. I have six years of experience as a sales agent and have been a sales manager for my current employer for the last three years. During my tenure, I have executed excellent sales campaigns that have led to over 20% increase in sales over the last two years.”

Explain why you are qualified for the job

Convincing the recruiter that you are suitable for the job requires you to align your qualifications with the job description. Understand the position’s requirements and identify the skills you can use to satisfy the need.

For example:

“You mentioned that the job requires experience in product marketing; in line with that, I have worked in more than five marketing campaigns in which I have delivered more than a 15% increase in my employer’s client base over 12 months.”

The above example is better than the following:

The job description mentions you need someone experienced in product marketing. I have worked in marketing for five years with satisfactory results to my employer.”

Tip: When applying for an entry-level or without work experience job, highlight your academic qualifications, volunteer activities, and awards. Then, connect these skills to the job description.

Highlight your experience as per the company’s needs

Apart from the job description, research the mission and vision of the company to understand the company’s needs. Use the knowledge attained from their profile and the information in the job description to highlight your experience.

For example:

“I have noted that your company is opening a new branch in Woodvale, and you may need to hire a new team to undertake the operations. I have been an operation manager for the last three years and have experience as a station manager for six years. I have been exposed to managerial and recruitment roles since the beginning of my employment, and I am convinced I can help your company settle into the new location and begin operations without a hitch.”

The example above is better than the following:

“I have experience in managerial functions and believe I can execute my duties perfectly. I have worked as a manager at two previous jobs and was excellent at them.”

Call to action

Conclude the application with a call to action. Express your appreciation to the recruiter for considering the application and mention that you would like to continue the conversation through an interview.

For example:

“I appreciate you for considering my application. I am looking forward to your response. In addition, I hope to work with your company to improve product marketing strategies.”

The above example is better than the following:

“I have attached my academic transcripts for your consideration; please let me know if you need further information.”

Add a postscript

A postscript includes information that you think is relevant and would interest the recruiter. The language should be positive and express your enthusiasm for the position.

For example:

“P.S: I would love to share more details about my expertise in product sales using current marketing technology and modern trends; I have used these skills to increase the company’s reach by over 30%.”

The above example is better than the following:

“P.S: I enjoy working in product sales and have honed my skills through various jobs. I would like to discuss my skills with you if given a chance.”

You may have all the content and outline, but it is important to ensure your letter complies with the general rules of practice.

You can use the following tips to make your cover letter appealing to the recipient:

Format your letter

Formatting is necessary because it accounts for the general appearance of your cover letter. A professional letter gives you a better chance than a poorly formatted one, which makes you look careless. Use standard simple fonts like Times New Roman, use font size 10.5 at minimum and size 12 at maximum, keep your letter to an A4-sized page, and centre your header only; the rest of the document should be left-aligned.

Simplify your writing

Remember, a cover letter should sound professional but friendly. Avoid commonly used words that will make your letter look pretentious; use simple language that will seem more personal to the recruiter. 

Get off to a direct start

Be direct from the beginning of the letter. Mention what position you are applying for, the company, and how you learned about the job. In the same paragraph, mention your highest qualifications before moving to the body of the letter.

Offer something different than the resume

Unlike a resume, your cover letter allows you to be personal and introduce yourself. Use it to give relevant information that may not be included in your resume.

Include all important details

Your contact information is crucial because it will be used to contact you should your application be successful. Therefore, leave your updated contact information and let the recruiter know you may contact them to follow up.

Edit and proofread your letter

Editing and proofreading allow you to view your application from a different perspective. You can remove mistakes you had not noticed before and use a better font or correct formatting mistakes. Overall, proofreading allows you to polish your letter.