What Is a Cover Letter?

The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce you to an employer, and give them additional information about your qualifications, character, and why you’re interested in working for them.

It’s important to submit a cover letter, even if it isn’t expressly required, because it’s a valuable opportunity to market yourself to employers.

In this article, we’ll show you what a great cover letter looks like, and explain all the different types of cover letters that you might need to write.

Example cover letter for a job application

Not sure what a cover letter should look like? Here’s a simple cover letter example written by a mid-level candidate:

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What to include in a cover letter for a job

Here’s what to include in a cover letter for a job:

1. Contact information – List your name and contact details in your cover letter header, followed by the hiring manager’s name and contact details.
2. Salutation – Greet the hiring manager ideally with their preferred honorific (Mr. / Mrs. / Ms. / Dr. / etc.) and their name. Can’t find their name? “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable.
3. Opening paragraph – In your cover letter’s first paragraph, formally greet the hiring manager. Introduce yourself, and explain how you found the job posting.
4. Body paragraph(s) – Provide information about your previous work experience, and how it’s relevant to the job. Also use this space to list details about your professional accomplishments and skills.
5. Closing paragraph – In your closing paragraph, restate your interest in the position, and thank the hiring manager for their time.
6. Sign-off – End your cover letter with a sign-off like “Sincerely,” and then sign your name below.

Types of cover letters used in 2025

Your cover letter is the most versatile part of your job application. A great cover letter showcases your personality, argues why you’re the best person for the role, and even explains unique circumstances (if you have any).

These are the most common types of cover letters:

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Application cover letter

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Cover letter for internal position

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Internship cover letter

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Scholarship cover letter

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Letter of interest

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Volunteer cover letter

1. Application cover letter

An application cover letter is the most common type of cover letter used to apply to an open job position—think of it as the default cover letter.

Your application cover letter should briefly outline your professional experience and skills and make a compelling argument for why you’re the ideal candidate for the job.

You can also use your cover letter to explain anything not addressed in your resume. For example, a gap in your employment history or that you’re interested in changing careers.

2. Cover letter for an internal position

A cover letter for an internal position is what you submit to your employer if you’re applying for a different position within your current organization.

For example, if you’re applying for a promotion or want to transfer departments, you might need to write an internal cover letter to formally apply for the new position.

A cover letter for an internal position differs from a regular cover letter because it doesn’t include a formal introduction (your company already knows you). Instead, it focuses on your commitment to the company you currently work for, and your specific accomplishments while working there.

3. Internship cover letter

If you’re applying for an internship position, you might be asked to submit an internship cover letter with your application. Use it to explain why you’re interested in the position and provide additional information about your academic background and skills that you weren’t able to fit onto your resume.

For example, you could share a personal story of why you want a career in this specific industry, and then talk about courses you’ve taken that have prepared you for this opportunity.

4. Scholarship cover letter

Many scholarships require you to submit a scholarship cover letter along with your other application materials.

Writing a cover letter for a scholarship gives you the opportunity to highlight your:

• Interests
• Goals
• Commitment to your education

The goal of a scholarship cover letter is to ultimately convince scholarship committees that you deserve their assistance.

A scholarship cover letter differs from a standard cover letter because it targets your future ambitions and educational achievements rather than your work experience.

5. Letter of interest

Are you interested in working for a company that doesn’t have any publicly listed job openings?

In this situation, you’d write a type of cover letter called a letter of interest (sometimes called a speculative cover letter) to communicate to the hiring manager that you’d like to be considered for any open positions they might need to fill but aren’t advertising or future roles that become available.

A letter of interest is a great way to show initiative and be considered for positions that companies have available but don’t urgently need to fill. Even if you don’t immediately land a job by sending a letter of interest, it’s still a good way to be considered for future job openings.

6. Volunteer cover letter

Some organizations require applicants to submit a cover letter when applying for volunteer positions.

A volunteer cover letter is similar to other types of cover letters, but with a focus on your willingness to donate your time rather than seeking paid employment.

When writing a volunteer cover letter, focus on your enthusiasm for the organization’s mission and explain how your skills and experiences align with their needs.

Cover letter tips

Now that you know what a cover letter is, here are some quick cover letter tips to help you with your application:

1. Match your cover letter to the job description – This goes for your resume too. Check the job description for keywords such as skills, personality traits, and academic degrees that describe the employer’s ideal applicant. Then, tailor your cover letter to show that you meet these requirements.
2. Use a simple template – A good cover letter template is simple without distracting design elements to keep the focus on your achievements.
3. Express genuine interest – Passionate employees tend to be more effective workers and stick around longer, so use your cover letter to demonstrate your interest in the company. Mention a project of theirs that you’ve heard about, or anything else that made you want to apply.
4. Be concise – You don’t need to go over your entire work history in your cover letter. Focus on experiences that make you a competitive candidate for the job.
5. Mention referrals – If you received a referral from a current employee, mention their name in your opening paragraph. Having a referral in your cover letter makes it more likely to catch a hiring manager’s attention, because it shows someone at the company already trusts you to do a good job.

Build My Cover Letter

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.

Frequently asked questions about cover letters

Still have questions about making a cover letter? Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions about cover letters:

What should not be included in a cover letter?

Here’s what shouldn’t be included in a cover letter:

• Spelling or grammar mistakes: mistakes make you look sloppy and are an immediate red flag
• Salary expectations: your cover letter isn’t the appropriate place to discuss salary. Instead, talk about this once you’re offered the job.
• Inappropriate personal details: information about your sexuality, race, or religion don’t belong on your cover letter and put you at risk of hiring discrimination.
• Lies or exaggerations: if employers find out you aren’t being honest, they won’t want to hire you.
• Too much information: your cover letter should be concise and only highlight your most relevant qualifications.
• Negative comments about previous employers: Your cover letter should contain all relevant information, be polite and professional, and focus on what you can do for prospective employers.

The details above are all considered cover letter red flags by employers, and can derail your chance of landing a job.

What should a cover letter look like?

A cover letter should look professional, with a header that matches your resume. Your contact information should be placed at the top just below your header, followed by the recipient’s details.

After that, include 3-4 paragraphs that describe your professional background, followed by a sign-off. All of this information should fit on one page.

Who reads cover letters?

Cover letters are read by hiring managers or employers. If a job ad lists a cover letter as a requirement and your application is being seriously considered, then someone is definitely reading your cover letter.

That’s why it’s important to ensure your cover letter is well-written and effectively communicates your value as an employee.

What is a cover letter for an internship?

A cover letter for an internship is a brief letter that introduces you to potential employers. It explains how your skills, experience, and goals align with the position.

As someone with limited experience, focus on your academic achievements and extracurricular activities that have taught you transferable skills you’ll be able to use as an intern.

What is the difference between a cover letter and an introduction statement?

The difference between a cover letter and an introduction statement is that a cover letter serves as a complement to your resume and is part of a job application, while an introduction statement (or letter of introduction) is a quick summary of your career used for networking purposes.

For example, you might use an introduction statement to introduce two of your business connections to each other, or you could ask an acquaintance to write one for you and introduce you to someone in their network who you’d be interested in working with.