The cover letter template that will get you hired

 

Use our cover letter template to help you land your perfect job, with our seven step structure designed to make applying easy.

A cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself to prospective employers. It’s your first hello, your virtual handshake (while real ones still aren’t allowed), and your opportunity to make a great first impression.

So how do you nail it?

Our cover letter template is split into seven simple sections, letting you copy and paste it ready to go. We’ll show you how to make each section stand out, so you can fill it in with your own information and make that hiring manager pay attention.

What is the point of a cover letter?

Think of your resume like your technical specifications. It lists all the things you can do and all the places you’ve done them.

Your cover letter, on the other hand, is more personal. It talks more about your attitude, your motivation and your goals, letting employers see the real you and get an insight into how you think.

It’s the chance for a new company to get to know you. What makes you tick? What would make you someone they simply have to hire?

The seven sections of a good cover letter (and how to make the most of them)

Split your cover letter up into the following seven sections to make it easy for a potential employer to read. Each section should be clear and concise, using subheadings and bullet points to make key information stand out.

Part 1. The header

Your header should contain all your important contact details, such as your name, your telephone number, your email address and your home address. You should mirror it with the heading you use for your resume to create consistency.

You can also include a one-liner that explains what you’ll bring to the business. Something like, ‘A passionate project manager capable of delivering big results’.

Links to social media profiles (relevant ones, maybe not your Instagram) should also go here.

Cover letter header example:

Full Name. Tel number. email@address.com. Home address.
A passionate marketer with experience of driving real growth across the financial and telecoms sectors.

Part 2. The greeting

Time to say hello. Start your letter with a personalised greeting to the hiring manager. Don’t go for anything like ‘Dear Sir or Madam,’ as this shows you’ve done no research.

LinkedIn is a great tool for finding out who works where, so if the hiring manager isn’t obvious do a bit of digging.

Be as formal as the company you're applying for. ‘Dear <hiring manager>’ is great for professional organizations, whereas a ‘Hey <first name>’ might be more appropriate for creative jobs.

Cover letter greeting example:

Dear <hiring manager>,
I am writing to express my interest in the role of Project Manager, as recently advertised on your website.

Part 3. Introduce yourself

Make the first paragraph all about you. Introduce yourself and say what would make you perfect for the job. Briefly talk about your current role, or your latest one, and explain how you heard about the position.

This can be used to your advantage if someone who already works there has recommended you, or even if you saw it on an employee’s LinkedIn. It gives you a foot in the door and gets people talking about you before you’ve even had an interview.

Cover letter introduction example:

My name is Full Name, and I have over five years’ experience of working in the telecommunications sector. I currently work as a Senior Campaigns Executive for Company Name, where I have spent the last two years delivering a key customer support campaign that has achieved X% growth for the business.

I was introduced to the position by Colleague Name, who recommended I get in touch having previously worked with me at Former Business.

Part 4. Why you?

Use this section to talk about any relevant experience and qualifications. Mention why you think you’d be right for this role and link it to past experience. If the job is looking for a creative manager, talk about how you’ve creatively managed projects in the past and share results.

This is where you should provide more detail on the things you mention in your resume. If one job deserves highlighting, do it here. If one project will help you stand out from the crowd, shout about it.

Cover letter about you example:

In my current position I am responsible for the management and delivery of a range of top tier projects. I have delivered a new help desk for our IT department, while also upgrading our mobile offering to make it easier for customers to access our support.

This project saw a 13% increase in order completion on mobile devices, bringing in a further £250,000 in revenue during the financial year.

Part 5. Your values.

Now it’s time to talk about how you and the job will go well together. Focus on how your goals and values match that of the business, how you believe in the same things they do, and how you could help their goals become a reality.

How can the work you do benefit both yourself and the company? Why would you two be a match made in heaven?

Give each value a subheader to help them stand out. Choose three or four and keep them succinct.

Cover letter value examples:

I believe we share the same core values when it comes to telecoms platforms, and I am keen to further demonstrate how my beliefs and ways of working can blend with and enhance your own.

Commitment
Getting the job done is my main incentive. During my recent help desk project, I had to regularly update key stakeholders with the latest developments, making it my priority to ensure no stone was left unturned to guarantee stage sign-off.

Putting the customer first
If the customer says it isn’t good enough, we go again. When the mobile app was launched, we ran numerous rounds of usability testing that resulted in us redeveloping various sections. This was a continuous process until the final app was released to the mass market.

Delivery over design
It was my role to ensure the app worked at its best before it looked its best. By being the bridge between the creative team and the project management team, I could guarantee the final delivery worked for both them and our target audience.

Part 6. Drive the deal home.

Wrap your cover letter up with a call to action. Say how excited you are about the possibility of the role, and how you’d love to speak further about joining the team.

Thank the hiring manager for their consideration.

Cover letter call to action example:

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to speaking more about what I can bring to your business and am excited about the opportunity.

Part 7. Your signature.

Finish with a professional sign off and your printed name and signature. Some acceptable sign-offs include: Yours sincerely, with thanks, regards, best wishes.

Cover letter sign off example:

Sincerely,
Full Name.
Signature.

Our cover letter template to submit with your resume:

<Your full name>

<Your address>

<Your phone number>

<Your email>

<LinkedIn profile URL>

<The date>

<Opening statement, eg: A senior project manager looking to step up in the creative industry>

Dear <hiring manager name>,

I’m writing to apply for the position of <job title> at <company name>. I’ve been following the company for some time and am excited about the opportunity to be part of such a progressive organization.

Having worked at <job title> for the past <time period>, I possess great experience in <skills> and am confident in my abilities to help achieve <company goals>. I am highly enthusiastic about <career interest> and believe <company name> would be the perfect place for me to achieve my ambitions and help deliver <company goal>.

With a background in <experience>, I have experience in <projects> and am ready to now take the next step in my career. In my previous role, I delivered <project examples>.

<company name>’s goals excite me. By working together, I am confident we can make them a reality.

<goals and how you match them. Give each goal a subheading>

My background in <career> has prepared me perfectly for this role, and I am excited to see how I can contribute to your already impressive results. The opportunity to work with you would enable me to both grow professionally and bring my <experience> to your organization.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you and talking through my application in more detail.

<sign off>

<Name and signature>

---

If you’ve followed the template, you’ve likely captured the attention of the hiring manager. Need more inspiration to write a cover letter that will get you hired?
Here’s an example of this template put in practice:

How to Write a Cover Letter

 

We've got writing tips and a sample you can use to get started.

Jamie Thork, Monster contributor

Why do you need to know how to write a cover letter? Picture this: You've found the perfect job, hit the "apply" button, and started the process with your engines revved and ready. But wait! Slam the brakes!

They want a cover letter.

Don't let this request derail you. This article will show you how to write a cover letter by using our easy-to-follow cover letter template. We know writing about yourself can be especially tricky, but in order to have a successful job search, you really do need to make a cover letter that sells your skills to a hiring manager. Scroll down to see a sample cover letter that you can use to craft your own.

What Is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a one-page document that, along with your resume, is sent with your job application. A cover letter is your chance to tell a potential employer why you're the perfect person for the position and how your skills and expertise can add value to the company. The letter should be professional but personable, and serve as a sort of introduction.

Do I Need to Send a Cover Letter?

A lot of job seekers today wonder if a cover letter is still appropriate to send with your resume—and the answer is yes! Even if an employer doesn't ask for a cover letter, it couldn't hurt to send one. In fact, it can help you get someone's attention in a different way, and it can be a great way to display your enthusiasm for the job and company.

What Are the Basic Elements of a Cover Letter Template?

These five steps are the basis of how to write a cover letter:

1. Greeting: Address your cover letter to the proper person.
2. Opening: Write a personable, inviting opening paragraph that notes how your skills are a perfect fit to the job and displays your enthusiasm.
3. Hook: Highlight your past achievements as they relate to the job you're applying for.
4. Skills: Emphasize additional relevant skills, such as computer languages or certifications.
5. Close: Briefly recap your strengths as a candidate, and include your contact information.

Cover Letter Tips

1. Parrot the keywords: Just like with your resume, your cover letters should be customized for each job you apply to. Use these tips to create a cover letter template, and then fill in the specific details for each position. Start by reviewing the job description. In it, you will find important keywords that let you know what kind of employee the company is hoping to find. Use these same keywords throughout your cover letter.
2. Adapt for the company: Each version of your cover letter should talk about how your skills will benefit the particular company that you want to work for. You want to target the company's needs—not your own. Demonstrate how you could help them achieve their goals. Remember: You're selling yourself in a resume and a cover letter, but the employer has to want to buy.
3. Show you "get" them: Your cover letter should demonstrate that you have done some research into what the organization's pain points are. Presenting yourself as a solution to a hiring manager's problem can help your cover letter take the right tone. If you're applying to an administrative position, be sure to mention your time-management skills; if you're an IT professional, include your expertise in improving efficiency. Always ask yourself: How can I help this company?
4. Proofread. Don't assume spell check will catch every mistake (it won't). Slowly review your cover letter to make sure everything reads properly. Have someone else read your cover letter for backup.

Need even more confidence before you start your cover letter? Below are some additional cover letter tips you could reference—or keep scrolling for a cover letter sample:

Cover Letter Mistakes You Should Avoid: From overusing "I" to being too vague, there are a bunch of pitfalls that can trip you up. Don't let them!

Cover Letter Format and Advice Tips: Learn how to set up your cover letter and what each section should include.

Cover Letter Tips for New Grads: You might lack real-world work experience, but your cover letter can be chock-full of activities that demonstrate your potential to succeed.

Cover Letter Tips for Technology Professionals: The ease of applying to online jobs has led many IT professionals to skip sending a cover letter, but that's a mistake.

Cover Letter Tips for Finance Professionals: If you're searching for a finance job or want to be prepared just in case, you will need a dynamic cover letter to grab the hiring managers' attention.

Tips for Better Email Cover Letters: If you're emailing a resume, your cover letter will deliver the first impression. These eight tips will help you craft a better email cover letter.

Cover Letter Sample

Check out the sample cover letter below (or download the cover letter template as a Word doc) to get some inspiration to show you how to write a cover letter for your particular situation. And we've also got you covered if you're looking for a cover letter in a specific industry.

[Date]

Ms. Rhonda West
Customer Service Manager
Acme Inc.
123 Corporate Blvd.
Sometown, CO 50802

Re: Customer Service Representative Opening (Ref. ID: CS300-Denver)

Dear Ms. West:

I was excited to see your opening for a customer service rep, and I hope to be invited for an interview.

My background includes serving as a customer service associate within both call-center and retail environments. Most recently, I worked on the customer service desk for Discount-Mart, where my responsibilities included handling customer merchandise returns, issuing refunds/store credits, flagging damaged merchandise for shipment back to vendors and providing back-up cashiering during busy periods.

Previously, I worked within two high-volume customer-support call centers for a major telecommunications carrier and a satellite television services provider. In these positions, I demonstrated the ability to resolve a variety of issues and complaints (such as billing disputes, service interruptions or cutoffs, repair technician delays/no-shows and equipment malfunctions). I consistently met my call-volume goals, handling an average of 56 to 60 calls per day.

In addition to this experience, I gained considerable customer service skills during my part-time employment as a waitress and restaurant hostess while in high school.

I also bring to the table strong computer proficiencies in MS Word, MS Excel and CRM database applications and a year of college (business major). Please see the accompanying resume for details of my experience and education.

I am confident that I can offer you the customer service, communication and problem-solving skills you are seeking. Feel free to call me at 555-555-5555 (home) or 555-555-5500 (cell) to arrange an interview. Thank you for your time—I look forward to learning more about this opportunity!

Sincerely,



Sue Ling

Enclosure: Resume

 

Show Off Your Cover Letter

Now that you know how to write a cover letter, you'll want to make sure you get it in front of as many hiring managers as possible. Ready to get started? When you create a free profile on Monster, you can choose to make it visible to recruiters who can connect you to great job opportunities. Your career will thank you.

Skills of a waitress, waiter or bartender; great for resumes

 

Employment for Waiters and Waitresses is looking up. These skills, on a resume, can help land a new position in or out of the restaurant industry.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Overall employment of food and beverage serving and related workers is projected to grow 10 percent from 2019 to 2029. More restaurants mean more earning potential, and establishments will fight to hire the most competent servers, and maybe even lead to a management career, since restaurants tend to promote from within for management positions. The median hourly wage for servers is about $11.42, though top earners can bring in around $17 per hour. At an upscale establishment in a metropolitan area, skilled waiters and waitresses can work their way up to $45,000 annual salary.

Landing a server position requires more than just walking into a restaurant and signing up. Even if you don't have previous experience, you probably know that waiters and waitresses need an eye for detail as well as excellent customer service skills.

However, what you may not know is that in addition to these valuable skills, restaurant managers are looking for a few more unusual traits that you probably possess, but likely aren't listing on your application. You can make your resume stand out by highlighting these three skills:

Color Vision

This may seem obvious, but if you can see color (and especially if you can see color well), put it on your resume: restaurant managers may be looking for it. Waiting tables is a busy, fast-paced task, and an eye for color can help you recognize various types of beverages or dishes without examining them in detail—and even spot possible errors in a customer's order. An experienced server may even be able to distinguish between pale ale and lagers or various types of red wine, a valuable skill when it comes to keeping customers happy. Look for examples of past jobs or activities to back up your claims (e.g. art or graphic design experience, etc.).

Depth Perception

Waiters and waitresses carry precarious trays full of heavy items while navigating crowded aisles and making sharp turns; as such, delivering a customer's order from the kitchen to their table requires excellent depth perception and knowing precisely how close or far away a given object is from your position. A server with poor depth perception is more likely to misstep, tripping over items in his or her way. And spilled trays aren't just a waste of food (and money): they can also infuriate customers, especially if an accident causes their meal to be late (or all over their lap).

Highlighting depth perception on your resume may be easier than you think. Maybe one of your hobbies (e.g. knitting, sculpture, woodcarving, etc.) required excellent depth perception; additionally, if you've played sports like baseball, softball, or archery, including these activities on your resume will help get the point across. Don't be afraid to mention it outright, too: managers are looking for servers with depth perception, so it's up to you to communicate that you have it.

Heavy Lifting

If you've ever been to a restaurant and watched your server whisk away a tray loaded with dishes, glasses, pitchers, and platters, you probably understand why it's important that waiters and waitresses be able to lift and carry heavy objects with ease. Waiters and waitresses will hold up the kitchen, and their hungry customers, if they can only carry one or two things at a time. And it's not just food and drinks: waiters and waitresses may have to quickly arrange tables and chairs according to the needs of their customers.

Creative thinking will once again enable you to highlight your heavy lifting skills on your resume. As with depth perception, experience participating in certain sports (football, wrestling, cheerleading, etc.) can adequately convey your abilities, as can activities such as weight training at the gym or yoga classes (where balance, poise, and posture are key).

Jobs in bars also require this set of unusual skills, color vision, heavy lifting, and depth perception the key to getting your foot in the door will require selling these skills on your resume and application.

5 Tips for Explaining Why You’re Looking for a New Job

By Jennifer Parris

There are a number of questions you know will be asked during a job interview. One of those questions is often, “Why are you looking for a new job?”

When you’re employed, it can be somewhat awkward to explain why you’re looking for a new job. Of course, you should always answer honestly. But, you also don’t want to bad-mouth your boss or current company.

So, how do you explain why you’re looking for a new job when you’re already employed? Here are five tips to help you out!

1. You’ve Outgrown the Position

Gone are the days when people stay with one company their entire career. But unless the position has grown and changed with you, your might feel bored or uninspired by the job.

It’s acceptable to state that while you’ve loved working for the company and have learned so much in your job, you feel that you’ve learned everything that you can and are looking for a job with new challenges where you can better utilize your skills and experience.

2. Explain What Problems You’ll Solve

While explaining why you want a new job is an acceptable answer, don’t stop there. Take it a step further and explain how you’re a problem solver, that you’d like to solve problems for the company, and how that advances your career.

For example, you could point out potential pain points the organization might be facing and then explain how you plan to solve them with your fresh ideas, experience, and knowledge. Then focus the rest of your answer on why this new job aligns better with your career goals and where you want your career path headed in the future.

3. You’re Changing Careers

One of the easiest ways to explain why you want to leave your current position is that you’ve changed career interests. It’s a sign that you know what works for you and what doesn’t—literally.

So, if you are applying for a new job that is different from your former field, let your interviewer know that you are changing career paths and that working for this company would be in line with your new career goals. Then explain all of your transferable skills and experience to show that you are qualified for the job.

4. It’s the Next Logical Step

Sometimes you’ve gone as far as you can go in your career at your current company, but you want to go farther. It might be because the company is small, and there’s no room for you to move up the career ladder. Or, it could be that your current company has a narrow focus, and you’ve decided you want to work on broader or larger projects.

Whatever it is, explain how the new role at the new company helps you advance along your career path while mentioning how your current skill set will benefit the employer.

5. Tell Them This Is Your Dream Role or Company

Employers aren’t just looking for anyone to fill open job positions. They want job seekers who ardently want to work for their organization. Make your answer less about your current employer and more about why the hiring manager’s company is the perfect fit for you. Explain how you believe in their mission statement, support their humanitarian efforts, and connect with their company culture.

These can show a potential employer that you’ve not only researched the company but that you’ll fit in well with the company and won’t leave after six months.

Here’s Why

Explaining why you’re looking for a new job when you already have one is a balancing act. Focusing your answer on what you can offer the company and why it’s the right career move for you can help you impress the hiring manager.

Even seasoned pros need some interview prep. FlexJobs members get discounted access to our Career Coaches and mock interview sessions. Join today and schedule your mock interview session. Or, take the tour and learn about all the benefits of membership.

8 of the best entry-level jobs by industry

 

If you're just starting out in your career, try one of these entry-level careers, with high growth potential, good pay and advancement opportunities.

When you’re looking for your first job out of school, it can be tempting to accept the first offer that comes your way; however, it’s important to choose your first job carefully. Landing a good entry-level job will give you a strong foundation upon which to build a career. A good entry-level job will help you learn the right skills for advancement and can propel you to success at a faster rate than settling for something just to pay the bills.

Of course, identifying a good entry-level job is easier said than done. It’s important to take into account factors like room for advancement, base pay, benefits, and learning and development opportunities. To make it even easier for you, we’ve provided a list of some of the best entry-level jobs by industry, with good pay and high growth.

Engineering: Civil engineer

As long as there is demand for the construction of dams, bridges, buildings and other structures, society will need civil engineers, who conceive, design and oversee infrastructure projects in the public and private sector. In addition to the high demand, a job in civil engineering pays well, and because the field is so vast, there are a number of specialized areas where one can focus based on personal interest.

Median annual pay for a Civil Engineer is $84,770, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Fastest Growing Occupations, and projected growth (from 2016 to 2026) is faster than average, at 11 percent.

Finance: Financial analyst

Someone who is good with numbers is valuable. Someone who can understand what those numbers mean and report on potentials and data has a bright future. Financial analysts offer guidance to independent investors and companies. While financial analysts can be personal business owners, a good entry-level position would be working in a company where you could make connections and network.

Median annual pay for a Financial Analyst is $84,300, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Fastest Growing Occupations, and projected growth (from 2016 to 2026) is at a faster-than-average 11 percent.

Health care: Registered nurse

Flexible scheduling, ample pay and plenty of opportunities for advancement make nursing one of the best entry-level positions out there. There are many paths to becoming a nurse, and many go one of three routes: getting a bachelor’s degree in nursing, getting an associate’s degree in nursing, or getting a diploma from an approved nursing program. Once you’re licensed, you can choose to work in a variety of environments, from hospitals, physicians’ offices or nursing care facilities to outpatient clinics, schools or even the military.

Median annual pay for a Registered Nurse is $70,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Fastest Growing Occupations, and projected growth (from 2016 to 2026) is much faster than average, at 15 percent.

Information technology: Database administrator

If you have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related subject, consider entry-level work as a database administrator. As data grows, so does the need for these professionals, which means you will be in demand and compensated nicely. Database administrators use specialized software to store and organize data, such as financial information and customer shipping records. They’re the ones making sure an organization’s data is protected from unauthorized access.

Median annual pay for a Database Administrator is $87,020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Fastest Growing Occupations, and projected growth (from 2016 to 2026) is at a faster-than-average 11 percent.

Information technology: Computer systems analyst

Another option if you want to go into IT, where professionals are in high demand and opportunities are growing rapidly, is a computer systems analyst. While many of these individuals have bachelor’s degrees in computer or information science, many firms hire individuals with business or liberals arts degrees and skills in IT or computer programming. Computer systems analysts (sometimes called systems architects) find ways to help companies operate more efficiently and effectively by studying their current computer system and procedures.

Median annual pay for a Computer Systems Administrator is $88,270, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Fastest Growing Occupations, and projected growth (from 2016 to 2026) is a healthy 9 percent.

Legal: Paralegal

The high demand for paralegals isn’t dying down anytime soon. While most paralegals have at least an associate’s degree or certificate in legal studies, that’s not necessarily a requirement. In fact, many employers hire college graduates with a bachelor’s degree and train them on the job. Paralegals often work in law firms to support lawyers by maintaining and organizing files, conducting legal research and drafting documents, among other tasks.

Median annual pay for a Paralegal or Legal Assistant is $50,410, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Fastest Growing Occupations, and projected growth (from 2016 to 2026) is 15 percent - much faster than average.

Marketing: Public relations specialists

Almost any time you hear about a company doing something innovative, unique or philanthropic, there is usually a public relations specialist behind it. Public relations specialists work on the behalf of companies or individuals to create and maintain a positive public image. This entails speaking with media, putting out press releases and using social media to raise brand awareness and shape the public’s perception of their client.

Median annual pay for a Public Relations Specialist is $59,300, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Fastest Growing Occupations, and projected growth (from 2016 to 2026) is a healthy 9 percent.

Marketing: Market research analyst

If numbers are infinitely exciting to you, a good entry-level position in the marketing department is that of analyst. Marketing departments are seeing an increased need to be able to understand the customer data in performance campaigns. Market research analysts study market conditions to help companies understand what consumers want and what they’re willing to pay for it.

Median annual pay for a Market Research Analyst is $62,230, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Fastest Growing Occupations, and projected growth (from 2016 to 2026) is 23 percent - much faster than average.

No matter what entry-level position you choose, the most important things to keep in mind are room for advancement, acquiring skills and adding to your network. If you can come out of your first entry-level position with a great skill set, a few good references and an understanding of your career and work preferences, you had a successful first job.