The purpose of any cover letter is to introduce yourself to the hiring manager, explain how you found the job, why you’re applying, and briefly go over your experience and qualifications.
An email cover letter is no different. The only thing that separates an email cover letter from a regular one is that it’s:
- Pasted into the body of your email
- Or attached to the email you send an employer for a job application (alongside your resume)
Our free-to-use cover letter builder can make you a cover letter in as little as 5 minutes. Just pick the template you want, and our software will format everything for you.
Email cover letter sample
Here’s a compelling email cover letter sample from a candidate applying for a marketing position:
Email cover letter (text format)
Email Cover Letter (text version)
Dear Mr. Richards,
I’m excited to apply for the Marketing Specialist position at Harcot Products that I saw listed on Indeed.com.
As a dynamic marketing professional with 3+ years of experience at a Fortune 500 company, I’m confident that my expertise in data analysis, email marketing, and search engine optimization makes me an ideal candidate for this role.
I’m currently employed at Boston Global, where I’ve spent the last three years honing my online marketing skills. While working here, I helped execute a campaign that increased monthly average sales from $5,000 to $12,000. I’ve also onboarded three marketing trainees, which has further solidified my marketing fundamentals.
I’m certain that the knowledge and expertise I’ve developed at Boston Global will be highly valuable to Harcot’s marketing team.
I’ve attached my resume and cover letter to this email. I welcome the opportunity for an interview to further discuss how my experience and skills can be an asset to Boston Global.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Regards,
Melissa Firscht
(908) 886-1924
melissa.firscht@gmail.com
1. Make it easy to read
The average recruiter spends very little time reading each email. If you want your job application to stand a chance, your email cover letter format must be clear and easy to read – even on a smartphone.
Each paragraph should be one to three sentences long. Ensure that your introduction, main body, and closing paragraphs are clear, so that hiring managers can skim and find the information they’re looking for.
2. Be direct and to the point
The trick for writing an email cover letter is to keep it informative but short.
Briefly introduce yourself, and your experience, qualifications, and skills to convince the hiring manager to consider your application.
To ensure you’re hitting all the right points without adding too much fluff, follow these three rules:
- Include only the most relevant information concerning the position (check the job description and try to match the experience and skills you mention with it)
- Highlight one (or two, maximum) of your professional achievements
- Provide a brief, confident call-to-action, listing your contact information and your availability for an interview
If you need help writing a cover letter that’ll impress hiring managers, try using an AI cover letter generator that can showcase your skills and experience in just a few clicks.
3. Include an informative subject line
Your subject line is the first thing potential employers see. You might have an impressive resume and cover letter, but if your subject line is unclear, hiring managers won’t take the time to open your email.
To guarantee you win the hiring manager’s attention, your email subject line should be professional, brief, and relevant, including:
- Your name
- The position you’re applying for
The only exception to this rule is if the job you’re applying for has a specified format the employer wants your subject line to use. Double check the job listing to see if this is the case.
4. Personalize your email to the reader
Hiring managers are much more attentive when they read their own name, so make sure you address the hiring manager by name (if possible).
If you don’t know the hiring manager’s name, try to find it by:
- searching on LinkedIn
- checking the company’s website
- calling the office manager or receptionist and asking for their name
If you’re unable to find the hiring manager’s name, use an alternative like “Dear Sir or Madam” like “Dear Hiring Manager”.
5. Finish with a convincing closing paragraph
Your email cover letter closing should lead to the next step of the hiring process by inviting the hiring manager to reach out to you.
Repeat your interest in the position and state your availability for an interview.
Be confident and make it clear that you’re available and interested, but don’t pressure the hiring manager to respond.
Finally, end with a professional and courteous sign-off such as “Sincerely,” “Regards,” or “Best regards.”
Here’s an example of how to close your email cover letter:
I’ve attached my resume and cover letter to this email. I welcome the opportunity for an interview to further discuss how my experience and skills can be an asset to Boston Global.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Regards,
Melissa Firscht
Dread writing cover letters? Read our guide to learn how to write a great cover letter that convinces hiring managers you’re the ideal person for the job.
Tips for sending your cover letter
Once you’ve finished writing the main contents of your email cover letter, you’re ready to send it to the hiring manager (and attach your remaining application materials).
Before emailing your resume and cover letter though, there are three simple rules you should keep in mind:
- Follow the instructions in the job ad — some jobs have specific instructions regarding how they would like your application materials attached. Double check the listing to make sure you’re following their guidelines.
- Send your files in PDF or .docx format — .pdf and .docx are the most accessible file formats and are considered standard for most jobs. If the employer doesn’t specify which, use .pdf because it’s widely supported and will display the same on all devices and operating systems.
- Use a professional file name — your file name should follow a format like “First-Name Last-Name Cover Letter.”
Nathan Soto
Career Expert & Digital Content Writer
Nathan Soto is dedicated to providing practical guidance to job seekers, especially people with nonlinear career paths. Nathan’s articles and career advice have been featured on multiple platforms, including Newsweek and Fast Company, offering insights into resume writing, interview preparation, and personal branding. Nathan graduated from the University of Nevada with a double B.A. in French and Music. Currently based in Taipei, Taiwan, he also excels as a Mandarin–English translator and English language coach.
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