11 Best Cover Letters of 2026 (And Why They Work)
Aktualisiert am 02/02/2026
Writing a cover letter that gets you noticed feels impossible when you're staring at a blank page. You know your qualifications are solid, but articulating them in a way that makes an impact is the challenging part.
You've probably sent dozens of generic cover letter examples, only to hear nothing back. Meanwhile, other candidates with similar experience are landing interviews while your applications disappear into the void.
The truth is, most cover letters follow the same boring formula and fail to leave a meaningful impression on employers.
That's why we've compiled the best cover letters of 2025! In this article, we'll show you real examples for various industries and experience levels.
Here's what we're going to cover:
- 11 Best Cover Letter Examples
- How to Write a Job-Winning Cover Letter?
- Best Cover Letter Format and Template
…and much more. Let’s dive in!
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11 Best Cover Letter Examples
These days, sending a cover letter is mandatory, so you’ll want to make the most of it.
These proven cover letter examples show various approaches that have helped real candidates secure interviews across different industries and career stages.
Professional Cover Letter
A traditional, formal cover letter should be your go-to option when you're not sure which approach to choose. It focuses on qualifications and achievements without unnecessary embellishments, and it works across most industries.
Here's what a winning professional cover letter looks like:
Why This Cover Letter Works
This cover letter succeeds because it maintains a respectful, business-appropriate tone while communicating your value as a candidate. It includes specific metrics and accomplishments that demonstrate your impact in previous roles, making it easy for hiring managers to see your potential contribution.
Use this approach when applying to established companies, government positions, or any role where formal communication and attention to detail are paramount. It's particularly effective for senior-level positions where professionalism and achievements speak louder than personality.
Improved Cover Letter
Sometimes, a complete rewrite can transform a mediocre cover letter into a compelling one.
The first version of this cover letter is too wordy and fails to hit the point:
Basic Cover Letter Example:
Dear Hiring Manager,I am writing this letter to express my sincere interest in the Software Developer position that I saw posted on your company's website. I have always been passionate about technology and coding, and I believe that this role would be a perfect fit for my skills and experience. I am a very hardworking individual who is always eager to learn new things and take on challenging projects.Throughout my career, I have gained valuable experience in various programming languages and have worked on many different types of projects. I am proficient in Java, Python, and JavaScript, and I have experience with both frontend and backend development. I have worked with teams of different sizes and have always been able to collaborate effectively with my colleagues. I am also very detail-oriented and always strive to write clean, efficient code.In my previous role at TechStart Inc., I was responsible for developing and maintaining web applications. I worked closely with the design team to implement user-friendly interfaces and ensured that all applications met the highest quality standards. I also participated in code reviews and helped mentor junior developers. I am confident that my technical skills and experience make me a strong candidate for this position.I would be thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to your team and help your company achieve its goals. I am available for an interview at your convenience and look forward to hearing from you soon.Thank you for your time and consideration.
Now, take a look at the transformed cover letter:
Improved Cover Letter Example:
Why This Cover Letter Works
This example shows how strategic editing can dramatically raise your chances of getting noticed.
The improved version eliminates unnecessary fluff and focuses on concrete achievements that align with the job requirements. Instead of generic statements about being "hardworking," you should focus on providing specific examples of your accomplishments and quantifiable results.
This approach works particularly well when you're struggling to make your initial draft compelling. If your first attempt feels too wordy or fails to highlight your strongest qualifications, consider restructuring it and cutting any redundant information.
Creative Cover Letter
A visually appealing cover letter can showcase your design skills and creative thinking. It also gives hiring managers an immediate sense of your personal brand and style, helping you stand out from the crowd.
Here's one creative cover letter that captures attention:
Why This Cover Letter Works
This cover letter immediately demonstrates your design capabilities while maintaining readability and professionalism. However, make sure that the creative elements support your message rather than distract from the content.
These types of letters are best suited for roles in marketing, photography, graphic design, advertising, or any artistic and creative field where visual presentation matters. That being said, avoid this approach for conservative industries where hiring managers expect traditional formatting and may view creative layouts as unprofessional.
Brief Cover Letter
A concise cover letter that gets straight to the point without sacrificing impact. Hiring managers typically spend only about six seconds scanning a resume – and it's much the same with cover letters – so brevity can be your advantage.
Check out this effective short-form approach:
Why This Cover Letter Works
The strength of this cover letter lies in its efficiency. Every sentence has a clear purpose and helps show why you are a great fit for the role. By not submitting an overly long cover letter, you show you respect the hiring manager's time while still providing enough detail to generate interest.
This format works best when you have strong, relevant experience that speaks for itself, or when applying to fast-paced industries where efficiency is valued.
Unique Cover Letter
Sometimes, the best way to grab attention is to break the mold. This bold approach can help you stand out in competitive fields where creativity and confidence are assets.
Here’s what a cover letter that’s more unique than conventional looks like:
Why This Cover Letter Works
This cover letter perfectly demonstrates your personality and specific communication style while still addressing the employer's needs. The unique approach shows confidence and creativity – qualities that are often just as important as technical skills in certain roles.
Use this strategy when applying for positions in sales, entertainment, startups, or other dynamic environments where personal touch and innovation are valued. Additionally, research the company culture first to ensure this approach aligns with their expectations and values.
Career Change Cover Letter
Changing industries can be challenging, but a well-crafted cover letter helps you explain your move and highlight what you bring to the table. This approach helps bridge the gap between your current experience and your target role.
Check out how you can effectively weave in transferable skills in your cover letter:
Why This Cover Letter Works
This example acknowledges the career transition upfront and then demonstrates how your existing skills apply to their new target field. It shows self-awareness and strategic thinking while reassuring the employer that hiring someone from a different background can be a strong choice.
This kind of letter is essential when you're making a major career shift, whether you're changing industries, moving from corporate to nonprofit, or transitioning from the military to civilian work.
The key is showing how your background provides unique value rather than treating it as a limitation.
Enthusiastic Cover Letter
When you're truly excited about a role or company, your cover letter is the place to express it. This is your opportunity to show a strong personal connection to the organization's mission or values.
Here's how you can express your enthusiasm in a cover letter:
Why This Cover Letter Works
What makes this kind of cover letter effective is its genuine tone and specific references to the company’s work. Instead of expressing generic interest, you're showing that you’ve done your research and explaining why the company’s values personally matter to you.
This approach is particularly powerful for nonprofit organizations, mission-driven companies, or roles where cultural fit is as important as qualifications. It also works well for entry-level positions where enthusiasm can compensate for limited experience.
Industry-Specific Cover Letter
To make an impact in a specialized field, your cover letter should reflect industry knowledge and speak the same language as insiders. By doing so, you show awareness of the field’s specific challenges and opportunities.
Here’s how you can highlight that expertise:
Why This Cover Letter Works
What sets this cover letter apart is its use of industry-specific terms and its awareness of current trends or challenges in the sector. You're not just showing that you're qualified – you’re showing that you’re ready to contribute within this specific industry and role.
This style works best when you're applying to industries like healthcare, tech, or finance – fields that rely on specialized knowledge and language. It's a great way to show a deeper commitment and understanding of your future job.
Data-Driven Cover Letter
When you can back up your claims with real numbers, your cover letter becomes much more convincing. Numbers provide concrete evidence of your capabilities and make your accomplishments more credible.
Here’s how you can let your achievements speak for themselves:
Data-Driven Cover Letter Example:
Dear Ms. Williams,Numbers don't lie, and mine tell a story of consistent growth and results that would benefit TechSolutions Inc.At my current company, I transformed an underperforming territory with 67% quota attainment into the top-performing region at 156% of target. I accomplished this by implementing a data-driven prospecting system that increased qualified leads by 89% and shortened our sales funnel by 29%.Your job posting mentions the need to grow market share in the Southwest region by 40%. Based on my track record of opening 73 new accounts in similar markets and my established network of 200+ qualified prospects, I'm confident I can help TechSolutions exceed this goal.I'd welcome the opportunity to discuss how these results can translate into success for your sales team.Best regards,Marcus Thompson
Why This Cover Letter Works
This cover letter turns general statements into clear proof of your value. Rather than simply saying you have "sales experience", you're sharing specific figures that highlight your success and show the potential benefit you bring to the employer.
Use this style for roles in sales, marketing, operations, or any job where measurable results matter.
Skills-Based Cover Letter
Highlighting your abilities is especially useful when you have limited or no experience in the role or industry. In this case, ensure you focus on the specific skills that match the job requirements to make your cover letter clear and relevant.
Take a look at how you can effectively emphasize your skills:
Why This Cover Letter Works
This cover letter links your abilities to what the employer is looking for, making it easy for hiring managers to see why they should hire you. It stands out because it addresses the "how" behind your qualifications, not just the "what."
This method is perfect if you're a recent graduate, career changer, or applying for a position where specific skills matter more than years of experience. You can also use it in technical roles where showing competence with particular tools or methods is key to moving forward.
Funny Cover Letter
A humorous cover letter that uses wit and personality can sometimes create a memorable impression. While risky, this approach can be effective in the right context and industry.
Here's how humor can open doors:
Why This Cover Letter Works
What makes this cover letter successful is that the humor feels appropriate and professional, highlighting your communication skills and fit with the company culture. The jokes support the main message about your qualifications and genuine interest, rather than taking the attention away from it.
This style is best for creative industries, startups, or companies known for casual, personality-driven cultures.
However, research the company thoroughly before attempting this approach, as humor that misses the mark can be worse than a standard cover letter. Additionally, consider the hiring manager's likely preferences and the company's communication style in their job postings and website.
How to Write a Job-Winning Cover Letter?
Creating an effective cover letter doesn't have to be overwhelming when you follow a tried-and-true process.
These essential steps will help you write a compelling cover letter that hiring managers will notice:
- Choose the right cover letter template. Start with a professional, well-formatted template that creates a strong first impression and matches your industry's expectations.
- Add your contact information. Include your full name, professional email, phone number, and location in the header, along with the hiring manager's details, when possible.
- Address the hiring manager personally. Research and find the specific hiring manager's name rather than using generic greetings like "To Whom It May Concern."
- Write an attention-grabbing introduction. Open with your most impressive, relevant achievement or a compelling reason why you're interested in this specific role and company.
- Tailor the body to the job requirements. Use the middle paragraphs to demonstrate how your skills and experience directly match what the employer is seeking, referencing specific requirements from the job posting.
- Show you're a cultural fit. Explain why you want to work for this particular company by mentioning specific aspects of their mission, values, or recent achievements that resonate with you.
- Close with a strong call to action. End by thanking the hiring manager for their time and asking for a specific next step, such as an interview or phone conversation.
- Proofread and format properly. Review for typos, ensure consistent formatting, and save as a PDF unless the employer requests a different format.
Cover Letter Writing Checklist
Does your cover letter heading include all essential information?- Full name
- Job title (matching the position you're applying for)
- Professional email address
- Phone number
- Location (city and state)
- Relevant links (LinkedIn, portfolio, etc.)
Do you address the right person?- The hiring manager by name (when possible)
- Your future direct supervisor
- The department or company in general (if name unavailable)
- Avoided generic greetings like "To Whom It May Concern"
Does your introductory paragraph grab the reader's attention?- Mentioned your most impressive, relevant achievement
- Used specific numbers and metrics to back up your experience
- Conveyed genuine enthusiasm for this specific role
- Avoided generic opening statements
Do you show that you're the right candidate for the job?- Identified the core requirements from the job posting
- Demonstrated how your skills match what they're seeking
- Provided specific examples of relevant experience
- Tailored content to the job requirements
Do you convince the hiring manager that you're passionate about the company?- Researched the company's mission, values, and recent achievements
- Mentioned specific aspects of the company that appeal to you
- Avoided generic reasons for your interest
- Showed knowledge of their products, services, or culture
Did you conclude your cover letter properly?- Thanked the hiring manager for their time
- Ended with a clear call to action (requesting an interview/conversation)
- Used an appropriate formal closing
- Signed your name
Final review:- Proofread for typos and grammar errors
- Ensured consistent formatting throughout
- Saved as PDF (unless employer requests a different format)
- Kept the length to one page
Plug-and-Play Cover Letter Template
A properly formatted cover letter creates an immediate professional impression and makes it easier for hiring managers to find the information they need.
Remember that using the right structure and template with essential sections can be the difference between getting your application noticed and having it overlooked.
Here's our proven template that works across industries:
Cover Letter Format:
[Your Full Name]
[Your Professional Title]
[Your Email] | [Your Phone] | [Your City, State]
[LinkedIn Profile or Portfolio URL][Date][Hiring Manager's Name]
[Their Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],I'm excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With my background in [Your Field/Expertise] and a strong passion for [relevant passion or goal], I believe I can bring valuable contributions to your team. [Add a sentence that introduces a hook—mention a project, achievement, or connection to the company or industry.]In my previous role at [Previous Company], I [describe a key responsibility or achievement]. This experience honed my ability to [mention a core skill or strength], which directly aligns with the requirements listed in your job description.What draws me to [Company Name] is your commitment to [mention something specific about the company's mission, product, values, or recent achievement]. I share this focus and am eager to contribute to [specific goal or area relevant to the company], using both my [skill/experience] and collaborative mindset.Thank you for considering my application. I’d love the opportunity to further discuss how I can support [Company Name] and its goals. I’m available for an interview at your convenience and can be reached at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email].Sincerely,
[Your signature (optional, if emailing)]
[Your Typed Name]
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Cover Letters
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Pro Tip:
Have you considered using AI for writing your cover letter? Take a look at our article and learn how you can use it to level up your job search!
Key Takeaways
You've made it to the end!
Before you go and write a job-winning cover letter, let's do a quick recap of what we've said.
Here are the most important takeaways from this article:
- Personalization beats perfection. It’s always better to tailor each cover letter to the specific job and company than to rely on a generic template.
- Lead with your strongest achievement. Starting with a compelling accomplishment or metric immediately shows your value and is far more effective than a typical, vague opening line.
- Quantify your impact with numbers whenever possible. Including metrics makes your accomplishments more credible, tangible, and memorable.
- Match your tone to the industry. Use a more formal voice for conservative fields like finance, but don’t be afraid to show personality when applying to creative or startup environments.
- Address the hiring manager by name. Taking the time to find out who will read your letter is a small detail that can make a big difference.
- Keep it concise and scannable. Aim for a single page with three to four short paragraphs, since hiring managers typically spend just a few seconds reviewing each application.
- End with a clear call to action. Instead of passive phrases like “I look forward to hearing from you,” directly suggest the next step – like scheduling an interview or call.