I know how painful writing a cover letter can feel.
I’ve seen so many candidates fall at this hurdle – not because they weren’t qualified, but because their cover letters didn’t do them justice.
The good news is, you don’t have to start from scratch. With the right template, you can skip the guesswork and focus on tailoring it to your own skills and experience.
That’s why I’ve put together 13 proven cover letter templates you can copy, paste, and adapt to make your own – helping you make the right impression straight away.
Cover letter templates
Basic cover letter template
Dear [Recruiter’s name],
I am writing to apply for the [Job title] at [Company name], as advertised on [Website name]. With [Number of years of experience] in [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].
During my current job at [Company name], I [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].
I am eager to bring my [Mention suitable skill + aspirations] to the [Job title] at [Company name] and I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.
Kind regards,
[Name]
[Phone number]
[Email]
Basic cover letter example
Short cover letter template
Hi [Recruiter name],
I’d like to express my interest in the role of [Job title] as advertised on [Website name].
I am currently working in a [Current role] role for [Current employer], where I am responsible for [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].
I’m looking for a new challenge that will [Aspirations + mention of suitable skill].
It would be great to hear from you, and I am available to interview at any time.
Regards,
[Name]
[Phone number]
[Email]
Short cover letter example
Admin cover letter template
Good morning [Hiring Manager],
I am writing to submit my application for the position of [Role name] at [Company name]. As a passionate and committed individual with [Number of years] of experience and a track record of [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible], I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the continued success of your institution.
I have gained valuable insights into the [Core responsibilities of role + more quantified achievements.] In my current role as an [Current role], I have continuously facilitated positive change and enhanced [Company name’s] reputation.
Some notable achievements I would like to mention include [List quantified achievements].
With all my experience and a [Qualification] in [Subject], I hope that you recognise my enthusiasm and will consider me for the position.
Kind regards,
[Name]
[Phone number]
[Email address]
Admin cover letter example
Finance cover letter template
Hi [Recruiter name],
I am excited to apply for the role of [Job title] at [Company name]. As a results-orientated professional with a track record of [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible], I am confident that my expertise aligns perfectly with the needs of your organisation.
With [Number of years] of experience, I have developed [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].
In my current role as a [Current role] at [Current employer], I implemented a [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of further discussing my qualifications, skills, and contributions I will bring as your new [Job title].
Kind regards,
[Name]
[Phone number]
[Email address]
Finance cover letter example
Sales cover letter template
Hi [Recruiter name],
I hope you’re well. I am writing to apply for the [Job title] at [Company name]. With [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible], I am confident I can provide excellent service and benefit your company.
I am eager to apply my proactive and goal-orientated approach to drive revenue growth at [Company name]. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience to discuss how my dedication and skills can contribute to the success of your sales team.
Kind regards,
[Name]
[Phone number]
[Email address]
Sales cover letter example
Customer service cover letter template
Hi [Recruiter name],
I’d like to apply for the position of [Job title] as advertised on [Website name].
With [Years] of experience in customer-facing positions for leading retail companies, I have gathered extensive customer service skills in [Type of setting].
In my current role with [Company name], I am responsible for [Role responsibilities + quantified achievement if possible].
My role has given me [Aspirations + mention suitable skill].
I believe my skill sets and product knowledge will allow me to fit perfectly with the requirements you are seeking in a candidate, and I am available for an interview at short notice.
Kind regards,
[Name]
[Phone number]
[Email address]
Customer service cover letter example
Project management cover letter template
Hi [Recruiter name],
I am interested in applying for the role of [Job title]. My experience in [List core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].
I am enclosing my CV for your consideration, which further highlights my experience, which I am positive fully meets the demands of this role.
Kind regards,
[Name]
[Phone number]
[Email address]
Project management cover letter example
Education cover letter template
Hi [Recruiter name],
I hope you’re well.
I am writing concerning the advert for a [Job title] at [Name of educational setting]. Over the past [Number of years], I have [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible].
I am seeking a new opportunity that will allow me to [Aspirations + mention of suitable skill].
I am keen to talk to you more about the job role, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
[Name]
[Phone number]
[Email address]
Education cover letter example
Internal promotion cover letter template
Hey [Recruiter name],
I hope you and the team are well! I am thrilled to apply for the promotion to [Job title] of the [Department] team at [Company name], as advertised on [Website name]. With my [Number of years] of service as a [Current role] within the company, supported by [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible], I am confident I would be a great fit.
As a dedicated member of staff, I am eager to streamline and innovate the operations at [Company name] in this new role. I would love to discuss my vision for this role further in an interview at your discretion.
All the best,
[Name]
[Phone number]
[Email address]
Internal promotion cover letter example
Student cover letter template
Good morning [Recruiter name],
I would like to submit my application for the role of [Job title] at [Company name], where I believe my skills in [Industry] can make a valuable contribution.
As a highly driven [Core responsibilities of studies + quantified achievement if possible].
I am eager to continue learning and to have the opportunity to work alongside the team at [Employer’s name]. I am available for an interview at your convenience to further discuss my qualifications. Thank you for considering my application.
Kind regards,
[Name]
[Phone number]
[Email address]
Student cover letter example
No experience cover letter template
Hi [Recruiter name],
I am an enthusiastic [Job title/student] at [Current employer/School or university name] with excellent [Core skills], seeking to apply for the [Job title] at [Company name].
I am excited to contribute my [Aspirations + mention of suitable skill]. I am available for an interview from [Insert date] and I am eager to discuss how my skills can benefit your company’s success.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
[Name]
[Phone number]
[Email address]
No experience cover letter example
Formal cover letter template
Dear [Recruiter name],
I am an enthusiastic [Job title/student] at [Current employer/School or university name] with excellent [Core skills], seeking to apply for the [Job title] position at [Company name].
In my current role as [Current role] at [Current employer], I [Core responsibilities of role + quantified achievement if possible]. This experience has strengthened my [relevant transferable skill], while demonstrating my ability to [impact delivered].
I am eager to contribute my [aspiration/skill] to [Company name] and believe my background makes me well-suited to support your team’s goals. I am available for interview from [Insert date] and would be delighted to discuss how my skills align with your requirements.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Full Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
Formal cover letter example
Casual cover letter template
Hi [Recruiter name],
I’m really excited to apply for the role of [Job title] role at [Company name]. As a [Job title/student] at [Current employer/School or university name], I’ve built strong [Core skills] that I think would make me a great fit for your team.
Right now, I’m working as a [Current role] at [Current employer], where I [Core responsibilities + quantified achievement if possible]. It’s taught me how to [key skill/impact], and I’d love to bring that same energy and commitment to [Company name].
I’d be keen to chat more about how I can help support your team’s success. I’m available for an interview from [Insert date].
Best,
[Full Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
Casual cover letter example
How to write a cover letter
Walking through the following 5 steps and taking on board each of their helpful tips will ensure you end up with a cover letter which builds a rapport with any recruiter and convinces them to read your CV closely.
Include your cover letter within the email or message – don’t attach it
When you apply for a job online, your cover letter should go straight into the body of your email or application message, rather than being uploaded as a separate file.
Why does this matter? Because recruiters are busy people. They’re often reviewing dozens of applications in quick succession, and every extra click creates friction. If your cover letter is hidden away in an attachment, there’s a good chance it will be skipped entirely.
By placing it directly in the email, you make sure your introduction is the very first thing they see. It feels immediate and personal, and it’s effortless for them to read. Attachments can still be included if required (for example, your CV), but your cover letter should never be one of them.
Think of it this way: the easier you make it for a recruiter to see your enthusiasm and suitability, the more likely they are to actually read it – so don’t make the mistake of attaching your cover letter separately.
Tailor your greeting and directly address the recruiter
The very first line of your cover letter sets the tone, so it’s worth getting right. If you can, address the recruiter or hiring manager by name. It shows that you’ve taken the time to research who you’re writing to, and it instantly makes your application feel more personal and engaging.
Using the person’s first name or full name works well, while overly formal greetings like Dear Sir/Madam can feel outdated, and casual openers like “Hey there” may come across as unprofessional.
If you don’t know the name, it’s usually worth digging a little deeper. Check the job advert carefully, as the recruiter’s name and email are often listed. Company websites, especially the “About Us” or staff pages, can also point you in the right direction. And if you’re still stuck, a quick LinkedIn search often reveals who’s handling recruitment for the role.
Of course, there will be times when a name simply isn’t available. If that’s the case, don’t stress – just open with a polite “Hi” and move on.
Be personable and professional
One of the biggest challenges in writing a cover letter is nailing the tone. You want to come across as approachable and authentic, but also as someone who can represent themselves – and the company – in a professional way.
Leaning too far on the casual side can make you sound unprepared or overly familiar, while swinging too formal can make your letter feel cold and impersonal. The sweet spot is a tone that’s friendly and polished.
A simple way to achieve this is by writing as if you were speaking to the recruiter in a professional meeting. Keep sentences clear and straightforward, but don’t be afraid to let a little warmth shine through. Small touches – like starting with a line like “I hope you’re well” can set a personable tone right from the start.
Remember, your cover letter isn’t just a list of qualifications, so keep the length concise. It’s a chance to show some personality while demonstrating that you’ll fit in well with the company culture.
Highlight your most important skills
A cover letter isn’t there to retell your whole CV – it’s your chance to hook the reader and convince them to keep reading. The best way to do this is by pointing directly to the skills that show you’d be a strong fit for the job.
Start by studying the job description. Which skills are marked as essential? Which ones are repeated or emphasised? These are the clues that tell you what the recruiter is really looking for. By echoing these requirements in your cover letter, you show you’ve understood their needs and can deliver on them.
When you bring up these skills, make them concrete. Recruiters gain confidence when they see how you’ve applied them in real situations to achieve tangible outcomes, even in part-time work experience, volunteering, or through your hobbies.
For example, you could format sentences as follows:
- Customer service – “While working at a busy call centre, I consistently resolved customer queries quickly and effectively, earning a 95% positive feedback score.”
- Administration – “In my part-time office role, I managed scheduling and data entry tasks, ensuring records were accurate and deadlines were met every time.”
- Retail – “During my time on the shop floor, I processed high volumes of transactions with accuracy and maintained stock displays that boosted weekly sales by 12%.”
Conclude and add a professional signature
The way you close your cover letter matters just as much as the opening. A warm, polite sign-off leaves the reader with a positive final impression and signals professionalism. Phrases like “Kind regards” or “Best regards” work perfectly: they strike the right balance of respectful and approachable.
Once you’ve signed off, always include a professional signature at the bottom of your cover letter. This acts as a clear reference point for recruiters and makes it easy for them to contact you if they want to move you forward.
At the very least, you should structure your signature to include:
- Full name – Both first and last name, so the recruiter instantly knows who you are.
- Phone number – Ideally your mobile, so you can be reached quickly and directly.
- Professional email address – Keep it simple and professional (e.g., firstname.lastname@email.com). Avoid anything casual or gimmicky – no nicknames.
Optional extra personal details that can strengthen your signature:
- Current job title – Helps recruiters place you in context (e.g., Administrator or Marketing Graduate).
- LinkedIn profile link – If you maintain an up-to-date profile, this adds credibility and gives employers another way to learn more about you.
