Cover Letter Templates & Examples (by Role)
Cover letter templates provide a structured, professional way to introduce yourself and highlight your fit for a role. In 2025, effective cover letters are concise, personalized, ATS-friendly, and tailored to industry and role expectations — helping you make a strong first impression.
| When to Use Cover Letters |
|---|
| When applying for roles requiring personalized outreach |
| To explain career changes, gaps, or special circumstances |
| When the job posting requests or prefers them |
Best-Practice Rules
- Personalize: Address the hiring manager by name if possible.
- Be concise: Aim for 3-4 short paragraphs max.
- Tailor: Match skills and achievements to the job description.
- Show enthusiasm: Convey genuine interest in the role and company.
- Proofread: Ensure there are no typos or grammatical errors.
- Use professional formatting: Clear font, readable size, standard business letter layout.
Templates/Examples for Common Scenarios
1. Entry-Level Cover Letter Template
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am excited to apply for the [Position] at [Company]. With a recent degree in [Field] and hands-on internship experience, I am eager to contribute my [key skills] to your team. I admire [Company]’s commitment to [value/mission], and I look forward to the opportunity to grow within your organization.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
2. Career Change Cover Letter Template
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the [Position] role. With [number] years of experience in [Previous Industry], I bring transferable skills in [skill 1], [skill 2], and [skill 3]. I recently completed [Relevant Course/Certification] to align my expertise with industry standards and am excited to contribute to [Company].
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
3. Return-to-Work Cover Letter Template
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
After a career break to [reason], I am enthusiastic about re-entering the workforce as a [Position] with [Company]. During my break, I maintained and enhanced my skills by [courses, volunteering, freelance work]. I am confident that my dedication and experience will allow me to make a valuable impact on your team.
Thank you for considering my application.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
4. Internship Cover Letter Template
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am thrilled to apply for the [Internship Position] at [Company]. Currently studying [Degree Program], I have developed skills in [relevant skills], which I am eager to apply in a practical environment. I am excited about the opportunity to learn from and contribute to your talented team.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Personalization Tips
- Research the company culture and job role before drafting.
- Incorporate language from the job description naturally.
- Reference shared connections or company values if appropriate.
- Adapt tone — formal for corporate, more casual for startups.
Do’s & Don’ts & Common Mistakes
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Address letter to the hiring manager | Use generic greetings like “To whom it may concern” |
| Keep paragraphs short and focused | Repeat your resume verbatim |
| Highlight how you add value | Include irrelevant personal info |
| Tailor to each application | Send unedited or rushed letters |
| Use professional tone | Overuse jargon or buzzwords |
FAQ
Q: Do I always need a cover letter?
A: Not always, but including one is best practice unless the employer states otherwise.
Q: How long should a cover letter be?
A: Around 3-4 concise paragraphs, approximately half a page.
Q: Can I submit the same cover letter for multiple jobs?
A: Customize each to show genuine interest and role fit.
Q: Should I mention salary expectations?
A: Only if explicitly requested in the job posting.
