Fill in the job you are applying for and a few details about yourself to get a cover letter written for that job. Pick a style, then copy it, email it or download it as a PDF.
Your letter
[Your name]
[City] | [Phone number] | [Email address]
[Date of the letter]
[Hiring manager's name]
[Company name]
Subject: Application for the position of [Job you are applying for]
Dear [Hiring manager's name],
I am writing to apply for the [Job you are applying for] position at [Company name], which I saw advertised on [Where you saw the job]. I recently completed my [Your degree or course] at [College or university], and I am looking for a role where I can put what I have learned to work and grow with a good team. [Why this company]
During my studies I built a solid foundation in [Key skill 1] and [Key skill 2], which I understand are important for this role. I applied both in my coursework and projects, and I enjoy using them to solve practical problems. Group projects also taught me how to share work fairly, meet deadlines and explain my results clearly. [One achievement]
I have read the job description carefully, and it describes the kind of work I want to build my career in. I may be new to full-time work, but I am ready to learn the job properly. I take feedback seriously, I am punctual and organised, and I am willing to take on responsibility early. I am also comfortable with everyday office tools such as email, spreadsheets and online meetings.
I would welcome the chance to discuss how I can contribute to [Company name]. My resume is attached for your review, and I am available for an interview, or any test that is part of your selection process, at a time that suits you. You can reach me on [Phone number] or at [Email address].
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely,
[Your name]
Words in [brackets] are what you replace. The generator above fills them in for you.
Fresher
[Your name]
[City] | [Phone number] | [Email address]
[Date of the letter]
[Hiring manager's name]
[Company name]
Subject: Application for the position of [Job you are applying for]
Dear [Hiring manager's name],
I am writing to apply for the [Job you are applying for] position at [Company name], which I saw advertised on [Where you saw the job]. I recently completed my [Your degree or course] at [College or university], and I am looking for a role where I can put what I have learned to work and grow with a good team. [Why this company]
During my studies I built a solid foundation in [Key skill 1] and [Key skill 2], which I understand are important for this role. I applied both in my coursework and projects, and I enjoy using them to solve practical problems. Group projects also taught me how to share work fairly, meet deadlines and explain my results clearly. [One achievement]
I have read the job description carefully, and it describes the kind of work I want to build my career in. I may be new to full-time work, but I am ready to learn the job properly. I take feedback seriously, I am punctual and organised, and I am willing to take on responsibility early. I am also comfortable with everyday office tools such as email, spreadsheets and online meetings.
I would welcome the chance to discuss how I can contribute to [Company name]. My resume is attached for your review, and I am available for an interview, or any test that is part of your selection process, at a time that suits you. You can reach me on [Phone number] or at [Email address].
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely,
[Your name]
Experienced
[Your name]
[City] | [Phone number] | [Email address]
[Date of the letter]
[Hiring manager's name]
[Company name]
Subject: Application for the position of [Job you are applying for]
Dear [Hiring manager's name],
I am writing to apply for the [Job you are applying for] position at [Company name], which I saw advertised on [Where you saw the job]. I have [Total work experience] of work experience, most recently as [Current or last job title], and I believe my background is a good match for this role. [Why this company]
My work has given me strong, practical experience in [Key skill 1] and [Key skill 2], both of which I understand are important for this role. Along the way I have learned to work to targets and deadlines, to coordinate with other teams, and to keep my manager informed without needing close supervision. I stay calm when things do not go to plan, and I pick up new tools and processes quickly. [One achievement]
I am now looking for a role where I can take on more responsibility and keep growing. I am confident I can make a useful contribution to your team from the start, and I would bring the same commitment and reliability to [Company name] that I have shown in my work so far.
I would welcome the chance to discuss how my experience fits what you need. My resume is attached with more detail about my work, and I can share references from previous managers if they would help. I am available for an interview at a time that suits you, and you can reach me on [Phone number] or at [Email address].
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely,
[Your name]
Internship
[Your name]
[City] | [Phone number] | [Email address]
[Date of the letter]
[Hiring manager's name]
[Company name]
Subject: Application for the position of [Job you are applying for]
Dear [Hiring manager's name],
I am writing to apply for the [Job you are applying for] position at [Company name], which I saw advertised on [Where you saw the job]. I am currently pursuing my [Your degree or course] at [College or university], and I am looking for an internship where I can apply what I have learned and gain real work experience. [Why this company]
Through my coursework and projects I have built a good working knowledge of [Key skill 1] and [Key skill 2], which I understand are important for this role. Group projects have also taught me how to share work, meet deadlines and present my results clearly. [One achievement] I am keen to see how these skills are used at work and to learn from experienced people on your team.
As an intern, I would make myself useful from the first week: by doing routine tasks carefully, by asking questions early instead of guessing, and by finishing what I start. I take feedback seriously, and I am used to balancing several deadlines at once. I see this internship as a chance to understand how a professional team works, and I would give every task the same care. I am available [When you can intern].
My resume is attached for your review. I would be glad to discuss the internship in an interview, in person or online, at a time that suits you, and I am happy to complete any test or assignment that is part of your selection process. You can reach me on [Phone number] or at [Email address].
Thank you for considering my application.
Yours sincerely,
[Your name]
Tips
Write a fresh cover letter for each job. Use the job title exactly as the advert gives it, and spell the company name correctly.
Pick the two skills the job description stresses most, and say where you used them. One concrete example with a result is worth more than a list of adjectives.
Add one sentence on why this company: something about its products, customers or the way it works. It shows you didn't send the same letter everywhere.
Keep it under one page: three or four short paragraphs. The resume carries the detail.
Address a named person if the advert or the company's website gives one. "Dear Hiring Manager" is fine when it doesn't.
Read it aloud before you send it. Send it as a PDF or in the email body, whichever the advert asks for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cover letter?
A one-page letter sent with your resume that explains which job you are applying for and why you suit it. It lets you add what a resume cannot, such as why you want this particular role.
Do freshers need a cover letter?
It helps, especially when you have little work experience: it connects your studies, projects and internships to the job. If the advert asks for one, always send it.
How long should a cover letter be?
Less than one page, usually 250 to 400 words in three or four short paragraphs. Recruiters skim, so keep each paragraph to one point.
Should the cover letter go in the email body or as an attachment?
Do what the advert asks. If it says nothing, a short email with your resume attached works well, and you can attach the cover letter as a PDF too. The job application email template covers the email itself.
What if I don't know the hiring manager's name?
Write "Dear Hiring Manager". It is polite and works everywhere. Avoid guessing a name or a gender.