Example of a cover letter

A cover letter convinces a reader to look at the rest of your application. The one below is a complete, realistic example, followed by an explanation of what each part does.

The example cover letter

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I am writing to apply for the [Position] role at [Company]. I have [number] years of experience in [field], and in my current role at [Current Company] I [brief, specific accomplishment]. I believe I can bring the same result to your team.

In my current role, I am responsible for [responsibility]. Last year I [specific number + measurable result, e.g. "cut response time by 30% by reworking the process"]. This taught me to work [skill] and to deliver under [constraint].

I was drawn to [Company] because [a genuine, specific reason: its approach, its work, or a project you admire]. I want to do the kind of work at the intersection of [skill] and [skill], which is exactly what your [team/department] does.

I am confident I can contribute to [Company] and I would welcome the chance to discuss how. Thank you for considering my application.

Yours sincerely, [Your name] [Your phone] · [Your email] · [A link to your portfolio or LinkedIn]

Why each part works

It names the role and company up front. A hiring manager scanning dozens of letters needs to know who this is for, immediately.

It gives one specific achievement, not a list. "I cut response time by 30%" is far more convincing than "I am a hard worker." Numbers and outcomes persuade; adjectives do not.

It shows rather than says. The letter demonstrates the skill through what the applicant actually did, not by claiming to be skilled.

It connects to the company specifically. A line that shows you understand the company ("its approach, its work") separates you from the applicants who sent the same letter to twenty employers.

It is short and ends with action. It does not pad. It closes by seeking a conversation and thanking the reader.

How to adapt it

• Replace the bracketed specifics with your own role, numbers and results.
• Research the company so the "why this company" line is real and specific.
• Match the tone to the industry — more formal for law or finance, warmer for creative roles.
• Keep it to one page; usually a few short paragraphs is enough.

Common mistakes

Writing a CV in prose ("I am a team player who enjoys challenges"). Listing everything you have ever done. Sending the same letter to every job. No specific result. Length — two pages of padding. Generic thanks.

Checklist

• I name the role and company up front.
• I gave one specific, measurable achievement.
• I showed my skills through what I did, not adjectives.
• I explained a genuine reason for this company.
• I kept it short and ended with a clear call to act.
• I proofread for errors.