Resume Cover Page: Examples & How to Write (2026 Guide)

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When referring to job application documents, “resume cover page” is often considered outdated or even incorrect. Use “cover letter” in your documents and filenames, and when talking to recruiters and employers.

How to write a cover page for your resume

Master how to write a cover letter that showcases your accomplishments and helps you stand out from other candidates. Follow these five essential steps:

1. Make your name stand out

Write your name in the cover page header in large, bold text to help the hiring manager remember your application.

Place your contact information (phone number and email address) beside or below your name so it’s easy to find.

2. Start with the hiring manager’s contact information and address them by name

Follow business letter etiquette by putting the hiring manager’s name and the company’s contact information in a left-aligned block under your header. If you don’t know the hiring manager’s name, write the department you’re applying to.

Use this cover letter salutation format: “Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx.] [Hiring Manager/Department’s Name],”.

3. Craft a catchy opening paragraph

The opening paragraph of your resume’s cover page does two things: it introduces you and immediately demonstrates your value to the employer.

Lead with a relevant accomplishment, explain how you can help solve a company challenge, or show that you understand their mission.

Example opening paragraph

I know BrightWave Media is expanding its social presence across new platforms, and during my marketing internship at TechStart, I helped launch our TikTok channel and expand it to 2,000 followers in three months. I’m excited to bring that same platform-building experience to your Digital Communications Specialist role.

This opening works because it shows the candidate researched the company’s goals and can immediately connect their hands-on experience to those specific needs.

4. Expand on the details mentioned on your resume

The main body of your cover letter gives you space to expand on the qualifications you highlighted on your resume.

Focus on one or two of your strongest achievements that match what the employer is looking for, and use specific numbers and results whenever possible.

If necessary, use a bulleted list to highlight your most notable professional accomplishments, skills, or responsibilities that directly link to this position.

5. Expand on the details mentioned on your resume

The second and third paragraph of your cover page is where you have a bit more space to expand on the qualifications you highlighted on your resume.

If necessary, use a bulleted list to highlight your most notable professional achievements, skills, or prior responsibilities that directly link to this position.

6. Close with a call to action and sign off politely

An example of a cover letter ending with all three sections highlighted

Thank the hiring manager for reading your cover page and request an interview in a short closing paragraph. Mention when you’re available and remind them that your contact details are listed at the top of the page.

Close your cover page with a customary sign-off like “Sincerely,” or “Best regards,” followed by your typed name (and a handwritten signature if you’re submitting a printed copy).

Ready to get started?

Write a cover letter that gets interviews. Pick a template, answer a few questions, and have a professional letter on the spot.

Cover page examples

Below, you’ll find two resume cover page examples for different levels of work experience:

1. Cover page example without experience

If you have a resume with no experience, you can still show your relevant education and skills on your cover page.

The following cover letter was submitted with a college student’s internship application:

Entry-level cover page for a resume for an internship

Download This Free Example

Why this cover letter works:

Emphasizes a strong academic background to compensate for limited work history
Presents coursework as a scannable bulleted list showing relevant skills
Proves capability with a real achievement (winning the campaign competition)

2. Cover page example with experience

This project manager cover letter demonstrates how experienced professionals can open with measurable achievements and connect them directly to the employer’s needs:

Download This Free Example

Why this cover letter works:

Includes measurable data for every achievement to demonstrate real impact
Balances technical project management skills with leadership qualities
Shows a genuine interest in the company’s mission, not just the role

Cover page template (text format)

Copy and paste this template into a word processor and fill in your details to speed up the writing process:

[Your Name]

[Your Phone Number] | [Your Email Address]
[Your City and State]
[LinkedIn Profile or Website (optional)]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Job Title]
[Company Name]
[Street Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]

Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx.] [Hiring Manager’s Last Name],

I understand [Company] is focused on [Specific Goal/Initiative/Challenge], and with my experience in [Relevant Skill or Area], I’d be excited to help support that work as your [Job Title].

In my previous role at [Most Recent Company Name], I [Briefly Describe Your Responsibilities or Accomplishments]. This experience has strengthened my [Specific Skills or Qualities], which align closely with [Company Name]’s goals and values.

I’m particularly drawn to [Company Name] because [Specific Reason Related to Company’s Mission, Values, or Projects]. I’d welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience and skills can contribute to your team’s success.

Thank you for considering my application. I’ve attached my resume, and I’d love to discuss how I can support [Company Name]’s goals. I’m available for an interview at your convenience and look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

For automatic formatting and a polished look, pair this text with one of our free cover letter templates for various industries and career levels.

Let us write your resume cover page for you

Our AI cover letter builder simplifies the application process with pre-written content, professional templates, and easy customization options.

Answer a few questions about your background and the job you’re applying for, and our builder will generate a polished, ATS-friendly cover letter in minutes. You can then download it in your preferred format and submit it alongside your resume.

Build My Cover Letter

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.

Frequently asked questions about resume cover pages

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about resume cover pages:

What is on a cover page for a resume?

Here’s what goes on the cover page for a resume:

Your contact information (name, phone number, email address)
The hiring manager’s name and the company’s contact information
A professional greeting
An opening paragraph introducing yourself and expressing interest in the role
1–2 body paragraphs highlighting your most relevant skills and achievements
A closing paragraph thanking the hiring manager and requesting an interview
A professional sign-off and your signature

Aim for 250–400 words, and keep it to one page.

What should a cover page look like?

A cover page should look like a business letter: professional, clearly formatted, and no longer than one page, with a focus on why you’re a strong fit for the role.

It should use the same contact information as your resume (name, phone number, email address). For consistency, use the same colors and template for both.

What’s the difference between a cover page and a cover letter?

In practice, there is no difference between a cover page and a cover letter. A cover page is another name for a cover letter or cover sheet, which serves to introduce you and support your resume with a personalized message.

However, when naming your files or speaking with recruiters and employers, use “cover letter.” “Cover page” is considered outdated in professional contexts, even if the terms mean the same thing.