How to Make a Cover Letter: Examples & Templates

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Learn how to create a strong cover letter to land your next career opportunity

Co-authored by Kolby Goodman and Jennifer Vasquez, BA, MA

Last Updated: April 3, 2026 Fact Checked

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• What to Include
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• Email Format
|
• Paper Format
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• Cover Letter Checklist
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• Sample Cover Letters
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• Video
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• Expert Q&A
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• Tips

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Cover letters can add value when you’re applying for jobs. They allow you to personally introduce yourself, highlight your qualifications for the role, explain why you’re a good candidate, and express your goals. We partnered with career consultants to provide you with expert tips for writing a cover letter that will make you stand out to prospective employers. You’ll find advice on what to include, formatting, and reviewing your cover letter. You’ll also find links to three free cover letter samples, which you can download and personalize.

Top Tips for Writing a Cover Letter

• Begin with a greeting that addresses the hiring manager or recruiter by name.
• In the opening paragraph, mention the role you’re applying to and how you found it.
• Write a body paragraph that gives concrete examples of your professional experience and accomplishments.
• Include a closing paragraph that explains your qualifications and interest in the position, and finish with a call to action.

Steps

Sample Cover Letters

Cover Letter Template

Sample Cover Letter Email

Sample Cover Letter for Employment

Sample Bank Teller Cover Letter

Section 1 of 4:

What to Include in a Cover Letter

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1. 
   1
   Start with a proper salutation. The greeting is your chance to make a positive first impression and sets the tone for the rest of your letter. Figure out the name of the hiring manager. This small detail makes a huge difference. Use “Dear” and their formal title. Career coach Amber Rosenberg, PCC, says it makes your letter seem less formulaic and shows the hiring manager that you care about this opportunity enough to figure out who to write to.

   • Go with another manager’s name if you can’t find the hiring manager. Look up the company’s employee roster and make an educated guess as to who will be reading your cover letter. Even if you’re incorrect, Rosenberg explains that it’s better than using “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To whom it may concern.”
   • If you can't find the name of an employee, you can also address your letter to the team. For example, “Dear Digital Marketing Team.“
   • Make sure to use the hiring manager’s proper title, like Mr., Ms., or Dr. If you can’t tell from their name what the manager’s gender is, address it to their full name.
   • End with a comma or semicolon. Ending the salutation with a comma is typically acceptable. If you want your letter to be more formal, opt for a semicolon instead.

   Meet the wikiHow Experts

   Amber Rosenberg, PCC, is a Professional Life Coach, Career Coach, and Executive Coach. She has 20+ years of coaching experience and a background in corporations, tech companies, and nonprofits.

   Madeline Mann is a Job Search Strategist and HR Leader. She has garnered an audience of millions of people and is a featured job search coach on Spotify & LinkedIn Learning.

   Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM, is the Founder and Principal Advisor of Whole U., a career and life strategy consultancy. Shannon has been ranked as the #1 Career Coach and #1 Life Coach in Boston, MA.
2. 
   2
   Write a concise opening paragraph that references the job role. State the job for which you're applying and how you found the job listing. Rosenberg offers the following advice:

   • The introduction is your chance to hook the reader and convince them that reading your cover letter is worth their time. If they aren't convinced in the first few sentences, they may not read the rest of the letter.
   • Start with a few unique, attention-grabbing lines that are creative and original. This can include relevant anecdotes, facts, or quotes. Always think about it from the perspective of the hiring manager or recruiter: what is the specific value you bring to the company, organization, or role?
   • Carefully evaluating a job posting is a great way of gauging the type of company that you’re applying to and can help determine the tone you’ll use in writing your letter.

   Want Feedback on your Cover Letter? Submit your cover letter for professional editing and feedback when you take wikiHow's New Cover Letter Basics Course!

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3. 
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   Include a middle paragraph that highlights your experience. Keep the body paragraphs short and focused—you don't want to overwhelm the hiring manager or use up a great deal of their time. Rosenberg shares that “body paragraphs are where you really get into why you are the best choice for this job because of your proven track record in your previous work experiences.” Make sure to mention:

   • Why you’re a qualified candidate for the position
   • What work experience you have that fits the listed job requirements
   • Why you want to work for this company specifically
   • What tangible actions and improvements you could make in this role
   • Rosenberg also recommends including relevant keywords from the job description as these are used by automated hiring software to help hiring managers and recruiters find relevant candidates.
4. 
   4
   Explain why you’d be a great fit for the role in the final paragraph. Express your excitement about the opportunity and emphasize why you’d be great in this position. Talk about how you’ll proceed with your application before thanking the manager for their time and signing off.

   • Reiterate why you’re a perfect fit. Sum up your qualifications in one succinct sentence to remind the manager why you’re the right person to hire.
   • Discuss what you’ll do next. If you plan on following up with the hiring manager in a week or two, include a specific date. Otherwise, just say that you look forward to interviewing for the position and discussing your qualifications further.
   • Give your contact information. Include your email address and phone number to make sure the manager can get in touch with you.
   • Mention any attachments you’ve included. This could be references, a resume, your portfolio, or other requested materials.
   • Thank the person for their time and consideration. Say something like, “Thank you very much for your time, and I look forward to speaking with you soon.”
5. 
   5
   End your cover letter with a respectful closing statement. "Best" or "Sincerely" are both classic options. It should be polite and professional. Also, finish the letter by typing your full name.
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Section 2 of 4:

Formatting an Email Cover Letter

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1. 1
   Write a clear subject line. When sending a cover letter via email, include the position title and your full name in the subject line. If you have a referral, insert that as well. For example, your subject line could read as follows: [Your First and Last Name] [Role] - Referred by [Referral’s Name]

   • Use a professional email address. Don’t use an email address that contains nicknames or numbers. If you can, use one that has your first and last name only or some sort of combination of that.
     • If you need help, check out our guide How to Create a .Com Email Address.
2. 2
   Begin with a greeting that includes the person’s name and title. Start with a salutation such as “Dear Mr./Ms./Miss/Mrs. [First and Last Name]” or “Dear [First and Last Name]” if you don’t know their proper title. It’s always best to address the hiring manager or recruiter by their name when possible.

   • This makes your email more personal and shows that you took the time to research the proper contact for the company to which you are applying. It also shows the hiring manager that your correspondence is targeted to their company, making it more effective.
3. 3
   Write an opening that gets to the point. Mention the role you’re applying for, how you found it, and why you’re a great fit. Job search and career coach Madeline Mann also suggests mentioning any direct connections or contacts you have with the company at the beginning. This lets the company know that you’re a recognized figure in your industry and could increase your chances of being considered for the role.

   • According to Rosenberg, name-dropping can be beneficial if you are confident that the person you know at the company you are applying to will vouch for you. However, do it with their consent. Sometimes a bit of inside help goes a long way, so don't dismiss this option if it is open to you.
4. 4
   Highlight your experience with bullet points. Bullet points help your achievements stand out, putting them at the forefront of your email. Career coach Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM, shares that the center paragraph of your cover letter should have bullet points that explain why you’re qualified for the job. Plus, this important information is clear and easy for a hiring manager or recruiter to see. Bullet points boost the readability of your email and make it easier to scan.
5. 5
   End with a call to action. At the conclusion, restate your enthusiasm for the role, emphasize the value you’d bring, and take initiative to follow up. This demonstrates confidence and encourages next steps to happen. The final paragraph of your email should leave a lasting impression. Here are some examples of effective CTAs:

   • “I would welcome the chance to discuss how I can contribute to [Company Name].”
   • “Please feel free to reach out if you’d like to discuss my qualifications further.”
   • “I look forward to discussing my plans for the role and how we can achieve [specific goal].”
6. 6
   Use an email signature that has your contact details. Check your email settings and make any updates to your signature if you don’t have a formal one that you’re using. Include your full contact details and links to professional social media profiles, like LinkedIn, and online portfolios in your signature. See the following guides for help on updating your email signature:

   • How to Create a Signature for Gmail (Web, Android, & iOS)
   • How to Add a Signature in Microsoft Outlook
   • How to Add a Signature to Yahoo Mail
   • How to Add a Signature to iPhone Email
   • How to Change the Email Signature on an iPad
7. 7
   Include necessary attachments. With an email cover letter, you don’t want to forget important attachments, such as your resume or CV. Make sure to attach any relevant documents to the email to ensure your application is complete.
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Section 3 of 4:

Formatting a Paper Cover Letter

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1. 
   1
   Add a letterhead at the top of the letter. In your letterhead, include your full name, address, telephone number, and email address. Align your letterhead along the left-hand margin or place it horizontally across the top of the page with a separating line—a good option if you want it to take up less space.

   • Write your name at the top. If you’re stylizing your letterhead horizontally, bold your name and write it in 14- or 16-point font. If not, put it in 12-point.
   • Include your address, phone number, and email. Make sure your information is up-to-date so the employer can easily contact you, and write it in normal, 12-point font.
   • Use a professional, legible font. Good options include Times New Roman, Calibri, and Aptos. You can use a different font from the rest of the letter to help your information stand out, but make sure it’s clear and professional. Avoid fonts with stylistic curls and add-ons.
   • Include an extra line under the letterhead. This creates visual appeal and separates the letterhead from the rest of the letter.
2. 
   2
   Write the recipient’s name, address, and the date below the letterhead. It doesn't matter whether you put the date first or last, or how many blank lines you include between them, as long as it looks professional.

   • From here on out, use 12-point Arial or Times New Roman throughout the entire letter, set your margins to one inch, and use single spacing. Choose a black font, and if you're printing your letter out, use standard-sized paper (8 1/2” by 11”).
3. 
   3
   Address the recipient. Refer to the recipient by his or her proper title (Mrs., Mr., Dr., etc.). If you’re not sure who the recipient is, write, “To Whom It May Concern:” or “Dear Sir or Madam.” However, it is usually best to address a cover letter to a real person to make it look like you’re not sending generic letters.
4. 
   4
   State your purpose in the first paragraph. Tell the employer why you are writing to them in two or three sentences. State the position for which you are applying (or the one you would like to have should it become available).

   • If you became aware of the position through a mutual contact or recruiting program, make sure to mention that here so you make the most of the connection.
   • If you are writing a letter of interest (also known as a prospecting or inquiry letter) in which you are asking about positions that might be available, specify why you are interested in working for the employer.
5. 
   5
   Outline your qualifications in the middle paragraph(s). Rosenberg says to make sure to match them to the requirements of the position. If you are writing to inquire about open positions, tell the employer how you can contribute to their bottom line, not what you want to get out of the deal.

   • Research the company and tailor your letter accordingly. The tone and content of your letter depend on the company you’re applying to, so it’s important to learn as much as you can about it.
   • Use language directly from the job listing. Incorporating the exact skills, requirements, and wordings used in the job listing will make your letter stand out to your employer and show that you’re exactly what they’re looking for.
   • Use a direct tone that matches the company’s atmosphere. Tailoring your voice shows the manager that you’ll fit in well at the company.
   • Research the employer’s mission and history. Incorporating bits of the company’s history and current projects will show that you’re invested and well-informed with their work.
6. 
   6
   Include a call to action in the final paragraph. Make this closing paragraph between two and four sentences. Add a positive statement or question in the final paragraph that will motivate the employer to contact you. Direct the employer to your enclosed resume and make sure you specify that you're available for an interview. Finish by thanking the recruiter for their time and consideration, and welcome them to get in touch with you to continue the conversation.
7. 
   7
   Write an appropriate closing. It’s a good idea to thank the reader for his or her time. After that, write “Sincerely,” “Respectfully,” or “Regards,” leave several spaces, and print your name.
8. 
   8
   Add your signature. If you will be submitting your cover letter digitally, it’s a good idea to scan and add your signature, write it in with a digital writing pad, or make a digital signature stamp with appropriate software.

   • If you’re working in an MS Word doc, see our guide on how to add a digital signature.
9. 
   9
   Make a notation of the enclosures. If you enclose something, such as a resume, with a letter, indicate that the letter contains enclosures by making the notation “Enclosure” or “Enclosures” at the bottom of the letter.
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Section 4 of 4:

Checklist for Preparing Your Cover Letter

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1. 
   1
   Edit and revise your cover letter. This includes spell-checking and proofreading. If you have a spell-check feature, use it. Some programs, such as Microsoft Word, also include a grammar check that you can use. Proofread your letter yourself. Rosenberg recommends asking a friend, or even two, to proofread your letter as well. When making revisions, here are some important things to watch out for:

   • Common misspellings and incorrect punctuation. Comb over your letter carefully to make sure you catch any mistakes that your spelling and grammar checker may have missed.
   • Writing in the passive voice. Now’s the time to own your accomplishments. Replace phrases like “This experience gave me the opportunity to…” with “I used this opportunity to grow and learn…”
   • Informal writing. Aim to sound professional and educated. Avoid all forms of slang and unnecessary abbreviations.
2. 
   2
   Read your letter aloud to hear how it flows. Do not rely on spelling and grammar checks to catch mistakes. Another good strategy is to spend some time away from your final draft (a few hours or even a whole day) so that you can return to it with a fresh perspective.
3. 
   3
   Check that all names and details are correct. Make sure no grammatical errors or inaccurate information slip by your attention. This ensures you make the best first impression through your cover letter. Double-check the following:

   • The complete name of the company to which you are applying
   • The name of the person to whom you are addressing the cover letter
   • The address of the person to whom you are sending the letter
   • The title of the job for which you are applying and/or its reference number, if it exists
4. 
   4
   Include skills that align with the qualifications of the role. Ask yourself what skills you possess that you are not using enough in your current role. Would the ideal candidate for this new role be required to make more use of those types of skills? What opportunities are missing in your current role? Answering these questions will help you explain why you are interested in leaving your current position. For example, are you looking for room for advancement or an opportunity to learn new skills?

   • Also specify the type of job or level of the position you are seeking. Is it entry-level, management, or senior level?
5. 
   5
   Clearly explain your current job or educational position. Knowing how to clearly define your current role is a tremendous asset. Focus on the parts of your professional background that match the role you’re applying to. For example, mention your title, years of experience in that role, and a key strength you brought to the position. Rosenberg mentions that it’s key “to map your skills to the qualifications outlined in the job description.” Being able to succinctly describe your current line of work or area of study can help you accomplish this.
6. 
   6
   Provide a description of your accomplishments and experience. Tailor it to the field to which you are applying. For example, you could have:

   • "fifteen years of excellent customer service experience"
   • "an outstanding background in scientific research and discovery"
   • "a solid history of dependability in the automotive industry"
   • Check out more tips on how to write a killer cover letter from wikiHow users on wikiHow’s “How to write a killer cover letter” forum.
7. 
   7
   Identify the assets you can offer to the company to which you are applying. Think about what you can help the company accomplish if given the job you desire. List a few examples of what you could bring to the organization in your cover letter, such as:

   • "extensive experience with start-ups"
   • "demonstrated ability to solve problems"
   • "refined ability to manage teams"
   • "proven ability to increase bottom line"
   • "track record of providing only the best in customer service"
   • "expertise in expanding customer base to increase revenue"
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Expert Q&A

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• Question

  What should I write if I don't have experience?

  

  Amber Rosenberg, PCC
  Founder of Pacific Life Coach

  Amber Rosenberg is a Professional Life Coach, Career Coach, and Executive Coach based in the San Francisco Bay Area. As the owner of Pacific Life Coach, she has 20+ years of coaching experience and a background in corporations, tech companies, and nonprofits. Amber trained with the Coaches Training Institute and is a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

  

  Amber Rosenberg, PCC

  Founder of Pacific Life Coach

  Expert Answer

  Address any skills you don’t have by saying something like, “Although I may not have spent as many years as a sales associate as some candidates, I am a fast learner." Keep the focus on the strengths and transferable skills you do have.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
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• Question

  How do you describe past experience in a cover letter?

  

  Amber Rosenberg, PCC
  Founder of Pacific Life Coach

  Amber Rosenberg is a Professional Life Coach, Career Coach, and Executive Coach based in the San Francisco Bay Area. As the owner of Pacific Life Coach, she has 20+ years of coaching experience and a background in corporations, tech companies, and nonprofits. Amber trained with the Coaches Training Institute and is a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

  

  Amber Rosenberg, PCC

  Founder of Pacific Life Coach

  Expert Answer

  Use the body paragraphs to really get into why YOU are the best choice for this job because of your proven track record in your previous work experiences. Whenever possible, use numbers to give concrete examples of the scope, frequency, and scale of the work you’ve done. For example, include metrics that show how you saved the company money, increased efficiency, increased sales, retained customers/clients and/or grew your team. Be specific, memorable, and concise.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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• Question

  Is It convenient to send a cover letter in PDF format attached to an email?

  

  Community Answer

  No. Do not send it as an attachment unless that is how it was requested.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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Tips

• Tailor your cover letter to the position you’re applying for. Rosenberg explains that if you are applying for specific jobs, then make it as relevant as possible. Include the job reference number, and address your cover letter directly to the company contact (if you have their name). Alternatively, if you are applying speculatively, you can start with the salutation, 'Dear Sir or Madam,' and finish with 'Yours faithfully' rather than 'Sincerely'.
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• If you’re having trouble coming up with a cover letter, recruiting consultant and career coach Darci Smith recommends “using tools like ChatGPT or other AI platforms to help draft one based on your resume and the job description. Then, rework it in your own words.”
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• Make sure your cover letter is visually appealing and coordinated with your resume. Use the same personal information block in the heading of your cover letter and your resume. A cohesive resume package is a very attractive selling point. If using paper (i.e., not online), use the same high quality paper for the cover letter as for your resume.
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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

• Do not overdo the style elements. Choose a font that is simple but elegant. Avoid uncommon decorative fonts unless you are applying for a job where being quirky is of greater value than being businesslike and the people who are doing the hiring are on board with this philosophy.
• Be concise. This person doesn't have all the time in the world and likely has a lot of cover letters to get through. Never use two words when one will do. Always strike the word "very" and eliminate the word "that" as much as you can.

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