How to Write a Letter of Introduction for a Job
The best way to start writing a cover letter in 2021 is to check out examples of good cover letters.
Our extensive list of cover letter samples is perfect for all job seekers, whether you need to write one for a specific life situation (like a career change) or you're looking for the best cover letter format to use in your industry.
Table of Contents
- What Should a Cover Letter Say?
- Example 1: General Cover Letter
- Example 2: Professional Cover Letter
- Example 3: Creative Cover Letter
- Example 4: Entry-Level Cover Letter
- Example 5: Career Change Cover Letter
- Cover Letter Examples by Type
- Cover Letter Examples by Industry
1. What Should a Great Cover Letter Say?
A killer cover letter is made of the following four parts:
- Salutation: A professional greeting that addresses the hiring manager by name
- Introduction: An attention-grabbing opening paragraph that introduces yourself and your intention to apply for the open role
- Body paragraph(s): One or two paragraphs describing your relevant professional experience, achievements, skills, and education
- Closing paragraph: A cover letter ending that contains a call to action (CTA), asking the hiring manager to invite you in for an interview
The cover letter example below describes how to write each of these key sections:
2. General Cover Letter Example
This general cover letter was written by a candidate with two years of work experience.
In the example, the candidate is applying for a mid-level digital marketing position. In the first paragraph, the applicant:
- used the hiring manager's name (showing that effort was put into locating it)
- mentioned where she found the job posting (HR managers love this)
- highlighted relevant experience, establishing her ability to do the job
The cover letter example
Download This Free Example
Why this is a great example of a cover letter
In the example above, the candidate is concise and straightforward. She conveys much of what a cover letter should say in the opening paragraph, like her amount and type of experience plus where she found the job.
Then the candidate lists specific responsibilities from the job description, and mentions her experience handling such work. She even gives an example of how her efforts have benefited her current employer.
At this point, her cover letter has already gone beyond her resume and helped the hiring manager quickly understand her value as a hire.
Finally, the candidate signs off by mentioning how she'll reach out if she doesn't hear back from the hiring manager. This call to action is a valuable part of a general cover letter.
3. Professional Cover Letter Example
Are you a senior-level professional or experienced manager trying to highlight your professionalism in a cover letter?
The restaurant manager cover letter example below will show you how to come off as a qualified pro:
The cover letter example
Download This Free Example
Why this is a great cover letter
First, this applicant showcases the managerial skills they developed while working in the service industry. They then highlight how they'll use those skills to make an immediate impact on the company.
Additionally, the applicant mentions the company by name three times. It's clear that they're familiar with the business, have a specific interest in joining this team, and understand where they'd fit.
One final note: our applicant's cover letter template includes their address to highlight how close they live to the restaurant. However, listing your address on a cover letter is optional in 2021 because most applications are submitted online.
4. Creative Cover Letter Example
A creative cover letter makes your job application stand out by adding a bit of personality and flair.
In our creative cover letter example, the candidate is applying for a senior-level social media manager position. By the second paragraph, she has the reader's attention. Then, she establishes her qualifications:
The cover letter example
Download This Free Example
Why this is a great example of a cover letter
First, the candidate doesn't waste any time. She immediately states her interest in the position, relevant qualifications, and specific skills. Hiring managers are busy, so it's crucial to be direct in both your cover letter and resume.
Next, she presents her information in a casual, fun tone. A personal touch in your cover letter helps you present yourself as a creative, enthusiastic job seeker. It also makes your application more memorable.
Finally, the candidate lists specific accomplishments from her previous job, and explains how these accomplishments are relevant to the position.
Elaborating on your professional achievements is essential to writing a great cover letter. Your achievements show the hiring manager what they will gain by hiring you, and emphasize your worth as a potential employee.
5. Entry-Level Cover Letter Example
This entry-level cover letter was written by a recent graduate, who only has a little part-time work experience.
In our example, the candidate is applying for an entry-level IT technician position. She quickly establishes her enthusiasm about the opportunity, and then highlights her relevant skills to show she can do the job:
The cover letter example
Download This Free Example
What makes this a great cover letter
This entry-level cover letter sample stands out because the applicant emphasizes her enthusiasm about the opportunity from the very first sentence.
And she's not only excited for the job either. The candidate also quickly (and convincingly) markets her professional strengths, including relevant hard skills (Linux, backend coding) and soft skills (precision, attention to detail).
By the end of her cover letter, the candidate has demonstrated that she's even researched the position, and is passionate about the work the company is doing. Overall, this is an effective way to make a positive impression as an entry-level job seeker.
6. Career Change Cover Letter Example
Writing a cover letter for a job in your current industry is pretty straightforward. But writing a career change cover letter requires some finesse.
The sample cover letter below includes the three elements you need to persuade a hiring manager you're ready to transfer industries, such as:
-
- One reason (or more) for the career change
- An example of a transferable skill in action
- Proof of commitment to the new field
The cover letter example
Download This Free Example
Why this is a great example of a cover letter
The first reason this is a great example is because it's sincere. It's immediately clear that the author is passionate about her target industry. She even provides a relatable story to emphasize this sincerity.
This cover letter is also great because it's transparent. Letting the hiring manager know why you're looking for employment in a different industry is important if you're changing careers, because they'll want to know your reason(s).
Finally, it's clear the writer of this cover letter is committed to the new job, and has worked on her skill-set to prepare her for the career change.
7. Cover Letter Examples by Application Type
The following guides will show you how to write a variety of different cover letter formats and types:
- Short Cover Letter
- Cover Letter for Internal Position
- Relocation Cover Letter
- Email Cover Letter
- Letter of Interest
- Letter of Interest vs Cover Letter
- Best Cover Letters of 2021
8. Cover Letter Examples by Industry
Our robust collection of industry-specific cover letter examples is sure to have a cover letter for your unique situation. You can download all of these sample cover letters for free and customize them to fit your needs. We also have a sample cover letter template that you can use to quickly write the content of your letter.
Click your industry below to find examples for different jobs:
- Accounting & Finance
- Administration & Office Support
- Business & Management
- Construction & Maintenance
- Creative & Cultural Fields
- Customer Service & Retail
- Education & Human Services
- Emergency Services
- Engineering
- Food Service
- Healthcare & Wellbeing
- Information Technology (IT)
- Law & Legal
- Student
- Marketing & Sales
- Personal & Child Care
- Spa & Salon
- Transportation & Logistics
Accounting & Finance Cover Letter Examples
- Account Manager
- Accounts Payable
- Accountant
- Bank Teller
- Bookkeeper
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Finance
- Financial Advisor
- Financial Analyst
- Investment Banking
Administration & Office Support Cover Letter Samples
- Administrative Assistant
- Clerical
- Executive Assistant
- Front Desk
- Human Resources (HR)
- Office Assistant
- Office Manager
- Personal Assistant
- Receptionist
- Recruiter
- Secretary
- Supervisor
Management & Business Cover Letter Examples
- Assistant Manager
- Business Analyst
- Consulting
- Executive (CEO, CIO, CTO)
- Operations Manager
- Program Manager
- Property Manager
- Real Estate Agent
- Project Coordinator
Construction & Maintenance Cover Letter Samples
- Architecture
- Construction Worker
- Construction Project Manager
- Custodian
- Electrician
- Janitor
- Mechanic
- Project Manager
- Welder
Creative & Cultural Fields Cover Letter Examples
- Acting
- Artist
- Designer
- Event Planner
- Graphic Designer
- Interior Design
- Model
- Music
- Photographer
- Production Assistant
- Video Editor
- Event Coordinator
Customer Service & Retail Cover Letter Samples
- Call Center Representative
- Cashier
- Customer Service Representative
- Flight Attendant
- Grocery Store Cashier
- Housekeeping
- Retail Manager
- Retail Sales Associate
- Store Manager
- Hospitality (Hotel Front Desk)
Education & Human Services Cover Letter Examples
- Academic
- Academic Advisor
- Art Teacher
- Elementary Teacher
- Librarian
- Library Page
- Preschool Teacher
- Research Assistant
- School Counselor
- Social Work
- Special Education Teacher
- Substitute Teacher
- Teacher
- Teacher Assistant
- Tutor
- Coaching
Emergency Services Cover Letter Samples
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- FBI Agent
- Firefighter
- Police Officer
- Security Guard
- Security Officer
Engineering Cover Letter Examples
- Civil Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Engineering
- Mechanical Engineer
Food Service Cover Letter Samples
- Bartender
- Chef
- Entry-Level Waiter/Waitress
- Fast Food
- Food Service
- Hostess
- Restaurant Manager
- Server
- Waiter / Waitress
- Line Cook
Healthcare & Wellbeing Cover Letter Examples
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Dental Assistant
- Dental Hygienist
- Dentist
- Entry-Level Nurse
- New Grad Nurse
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Receptionist
- Medical Scribe
- Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing
- Personal Trainer
- Pharmacist
- Pharmacy Technician
- Phlebotomist
- Physician Assistant
- Physical Therapy
Information Technology (IT) Cover Letter Samples
- Computer Science
- Cyber Security
- Data Analyst
- Data Scientist
- Front End Developer
- Full Stack Developer
- Information Technology (IT)
- IT Project Manager
- Network Engineer
- Product Manager
- Software Engineer
- Scrum Master
- System Administrator
- Web Developer
- Java Developer
- UX Designer
- Programmer
- Help Desk
Law & Legal Cover Letter Examples
- Legal Assistant
- Paralegal
Student Cover Letter Samples
- College Student
- Cover Letter for Internship
- High School Student
- Recent Graduate
Marketing & Sales Cover Letter Examples
- Copywriter
- Digital Marketing
- Marketing
- Marketing Assistant
- Marketing Coordinator
- Marketing Manager
- Sales
- Sales Manager
- Social Media
Personal & Child Care Cover Letter Samples
- Babysitter
- Camp Counselor
- Caregiver
- Child Care
- Nanny
- Stay at Home Mom
Spa & Salon Cover Letter Examples
- Cosmetologist
- Esthetician
- Hair Stylist
- Makeup Artist
- Massage Therapist
Transportation & Logistics Cover Letter Samples
- Truck Driver
- Delivery Driver
Once you've found a cover letter example for your target position, use a matching resume sample to help you write a resume and complete your job application.
Start Writing Your Best Cover Letter
The examples provided above should be enough to get you started writing the perfect cover letter for a new job. Whether you start fresh, copy and edit one of our examples as a template, or use our cover letter builder, take your time and make sure you give the employer the best showing of yourself.
Cover Letter FAQs
- Is the cover letter dead?
- Should you introduce yourself in a cover letter?
- What do employers look for in a cover letter?
- What are the three types of cover letters?
- What is the best greeting for a cover letter?
- What does a cover letter look like?
How to Write a Letter of Introduction for a Job
Source: https://resumegenius.com/cover-letter-examples