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Cover letter examples you can adapt

A good cover letter is short, specific and about the employer’s need. Below are three full examples, for an experienced hire, a career changer and someone returning to work, each under 300 words. Copy the structure, not the sentences, and put your own results in the brackets.

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Example 1: experienced professional

Dear Ms. Alvarez,

I am applying for the Director of Finance role at Northfield Health. Over the last nine years I have led finance for two regional healthcare groups, and your posting’s focus on moving from monthly to rolling forecasts is work I have done.

At Cedar Health I rebuilt the forecasting process, cutting the budget cycle from 11 weeks to 6 and improving forecast accuracy to within 2%. I also led a team of 12 and managed a $60 million operating budget through a merger.

I would welcome a conversation about how I can help Northfield through its next stage of growth. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely, Jordan Lee

Example 2: career changer

Dear Mr. Okafor,

I am writing about the Data Analyst opening at Brightline. For ten years I have managed operations in hospital logistics, where I built the reporting my teams used every day, and I want to do that work full time.

I taught myself SQL and Tableau and completed a certificate in data analytics. In my last role I built a dashboard that cut stockouts by 18% across six sites. That is the kind of problem your posting describes.

I would like to talk about how my operations background and new skills fit your team. Thank you for considering me.

Best regards, Priya Raman

Example 3: returning to work

Dear Hiring Team,

I am applying for the Brand Manager role. After a three-year break to care for my family, I am returning to marketing, where I spent eight years launching B2B products.

Before my break I led the launch of three products, taking one from zero to $4 million in its first year. During the break I kept my skills current with a course in marketing analytics and consulted for a local nonprofit.

I would be glad to discuss how I can contribute to your team. Thank you.

Sincerely, Maria Torres

What they share

  • The first lines name the role and give a reason this employer, not any employer.
  • One or two results, with numbers, that match the posting.
  • A plain ask to talk, and no apology for what the résumé lacks.
  • Under one page, written for one reader.

Frequently asked questions

What does a good cover letter look like?

A short letter, usually three or four paragraphs on one page, that names the role, gives one or two results that match the posting and asks for a conversation.

Can I copy a cover letter example?

Use the structure, not the sentences. A letter built from your own results and the employer’s needs reads as real and a copied one does not.

How many cover letter examples should I read?

One or two for your situation is plenty. Then write your own.

Should the cover letter repeat my resume?

No. Choose the one or two points from it that matter most for this job and add what the résumé cannot say, such as why this employer.

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