Most job applications are sent via email. If an employer asks for an email cover letter, that means you’re expected to write a short cover letter in the body of your email that accompanies your full-length cover letter and resume.
If you aren’t explicitly requested to send an email cover letter but don’t know what to write in your email, you can follow this outline and send your cover letter and resume as a .PDF or .docx
Our 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.
Five email cover letter samples
Here are five examples of compelling email cover letters, that can be used for several situations:
Example #1: impressing the hiring manager
Here’s an email cover letter sample from a candidate who wants to dazzle a hiring manager with their skills:
Example #2: keeping it brief
Here’s an example of a brief email cover letter:
Subject: Melissa Firscht: Application for Marketing Specialist Position
Dear Mr. Richards,
I’m excited to apply for the Marketing Specialist position at Harcot Products. With over three years of experience in digital marketing, I’m confident in my ability to contribute to your team’s success.
At Boston Global, I led an email marketing campaign that increased customer engagement by 45% and boosted sales by 30% within six months. I’m eager to bring this results-driven approach to Harcot.
I have attached my resume and cover letter for your review. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills align with your needs. Please let me know a convenient time to connect.
Best regards,
Melissa Firscht
(908) 886-1924
Example #3: explaining relocation for an out-of-town position
Here’s an example of an email cover letter for an out-of-town position:
Subject: Melissa Firscht: Application for Marketing Specialist Position
Dear Mr. Richards,
I’m eager to apply for the Marketing Specialist position at Harcot Products. With three years of experience in digital marketing and a strong track record in SEO and campaign management, I believe I would be a great asset to your team.
At Boston Global, I optimized paid ad campaigns that increased lead conversions by 38% and reduced acquisition costs by 25%. I’m excited to bring this level of performance to Harcot. While I am currently based in Boston, I am relocating to Chicago and am fully prepared to make the move for this opportunity.
I have attached my resume and cover letter for your review. I would love the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications. Please let me know a suitable time to connect.
Best regards,
Melissa Firscht
(908) 886-1924
Example #4: explaining a short period of employment
Here’s an example of an email cover letter that explains a short period of employment:
Subject: Melissa Firscht: Seeking Long-Term Opportunity as Marketing Specialist
Dear Mr. Richards,
I’m excited to apply for the Marketing Specialist role at Harcot Products. With a strong foundation in digital marketing, campaign strategy, and analytics, I’m eager to contribute my skills to your team.
My most recent position at Boston Global was a contract role where I successfully managed an SEO-driven campaign that boosted engagement by 40%. Although my time there was brief due to the contract’s completion, I gained invaluable experience that will benefit Harcot’s marketing initiatives. I am now seeking long-term tenure with a stable firm such as Harcot.
I have attached my resume and cover letter for your review. I would love the opportunity to further how I can best support Harcot’s Marketing Division. Please let me know a convenient time to connect.
Best regards,
Melissa Firscht
(908) 886-1924
If applicable, you should always quickly explain any questions that your resume may raise. For example, you may want to explain employment gaps on your resume or short periods of employment, like this email cover letter does.
Example #5: highlighting a colleague’s referral
Here’s an example of an email cover letter that highlights a colleague’s referral:
Subject: Melissa Firscht: Application for Marketing Specialist Position – Referred by Jane Smith
Dear Mr. Richards,
I was excited to hear about the Marketing Specialist opening at Harcot Products from a mutual acquaintance, Jane Smith, who spoke highly of your team and company culture. Given my three years of experience in digital marketing and my success in optimizing campaigns for increased engagement, I believe I would be a strong addition to your team.
At Boston Global, I implemented an SEO strategy that improved organic traffic by 60% within six months, leading to a significant increase in online sales. Jane shared that Harcot values data-driven marketing approaches, and I am eager to contribute my expertise.
I have attached my resume and cover letter for your review. I would love to discuss how my experience aligns with your needs. Please let me know a convenient time to connect.
Best regards,
Melissa Firscht
(908) 886-1924
Six steps to writing a great email cover letter
We’ve got six steps to help you write your own compelling email cover letter:
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 phone.
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
- emailing the office manager or receptionist and asking for their name
If you’re unable to find the hiring manager’s name, try to avoid “Dear Sir or Madam” and use “Dear Hiring Manager” instead.
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
6. List your contact information in the signature block
Finally, end with a professional and courteous sign-off such as “Sincerely,” “Regards,” or “Best regards,” followed by your full name and your contact information.
Here’s an example of a good sign off with all the contact information listed in the signature block:
Regards,
Melissa Firscht
(908) 886-1924
melissa.firscht@gmail.com
Email cover letter template
Now that you know how to write an email cover letter for any situation, here’s a template you can copy-paste when writing your own email cover letter:
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
As a [Position Name] with [X] years of experience [Action], I believe that I am the ideal candidate for [Role] at [Company Name] that I saw listed on [Name of Job Posting Site].
I’m currently employed at [Current Company Name], where I’ve spent the last [X] [years/months] honing my [Specialty] skills. I am a [Adjective], [Adjective] worker, and in my current position have successfully [Achievement 1— with numbers]. I’m certain that the knowledge and expertise I’ve developed will be highly valuable to the [Department Name] team.
I’ve attached my cover letter and resume. I welcome the opportunity for an interview to further discuss how my experience and skills can be an asset to [Company Name].
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Telephone Number]
[youremail@gmail.com]
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.”
- Use a professional email address — don’t send job applications from an email address ending with @yahoo.com or @aol.com. Likewise, don’t use an email address with nicknames, slang, or inappropriate language, as this could damage your professional image.

Leora Joy Jones
Career Expert & Content Writer
Leora Joy Jones is a multidisciplinary creative who writes career content for job seekers. She is passionate about empowering people to invest in personal development. From recent graduates to career changers to DIY freelancers, she aims to cheerlead her readers to make informed choices. Born in the USA and raised in South Africa, Leora now lives and works in Taiwan. She has a BFA in Fine Arts, an MA in Art Curation, and over 10 years experience writing and editing words on many topics. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
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