Cover Letters - Cover Letter Templates - Full Name, Date, and Writing Sections

Sep 22, 2026

Cover letter guidance and templates explaining how cover letters complement resumes by adding detailed context about relevant skills for a specific role. The material outlines a complete structure: full name and contact header, date, recipient address, opening, up to two middle paragraphs, and a closing. It also includes a cover letter checklist covering formatting, grammar, clarity, active voice, word count, and matching job and company needs, plus a sample cover letter for reference.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages5

Reading Time2 min

AccessFree to download

Cover Letters

Cover Letter Templates

Cover Letter Checklist

Formatting & Layout

Writing & Editing

Content

Sample Cover Letter

Cover Letters Cover letters are meant to provide context for the resume and provide detailed examples of how you your relevant experience has been utilized in similar situations. Unlike a resume which focuses on the breadth of your experience, cover letters are meant to go into depth about several key skills relevant to the position you are applying for. Cover Letter Templates Full Name (123)-[888-8888 | H@gmail.com| linkedin.com/in/firstnamelastname | YourOnlinePortfolioOrWebsite.com](888-8888 | H@gmail.com| linkedin.com/in/firstnamelastname | YourOnlinePortfolioOrWebsite.com) Date Mr./Ms. ABC DEFG (Try to include a name of a person at the company if possible) Title Company Name Street Address City, State & zip code Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name: Opening Paragraph 􀁸 Introduce yourself and the purpose of your letter 􀁸 Write why you want to work at that organization (be specific, if you are applying to Nike, don’t say you want to work there because you like sports, say something specific about that brand) 􀁸 State what position you are applying for and how you learned of the opportunity 􀁸 If you have networked with anyone at the organization, mention who you spoke to and why that convinced you to apply 􀁸 Write what skills you will bring to the organization, not how you will benefit from the position Middle Paragraphs (there should be no more than two of these paragraphs) 􀁸 In the first sentence of each paragraph, introduce the one to two skills that prove that you’re a good fit 􀁸 In the following sentences describe the places you have demonstrated that skill (ex: internships, work, school etc. ) 􀁸 Choose one to two or examples/stories that illustrate how you used that skill and how it added value to the organization Closing Paragraph 􀁸 Thank the hiring manager for their time 􀁸 Re-express your interest in the role 􀁸 Demonstrate knowledge of the employer 􀁸 Mention that you look forward to hearing from them. For e.g. "I look forward to hearing back from you and your team" Sincerely, First Name Last Name Cover Letter Checklist Before sending out your cover letter, always double (and triple) check to make sure everything is accurate, true, grammatical, spelled correctly, and the best representation of you for that position. Use this checklist to ensure you have the basics for a good application. FORMATTING & LAYOUT Cover letter is 1 page or less. Name is at the top, big, bold, and clear. Text is between sizes 10-12. Text is legible in a readable font. Margins are balanced and between 0.5-1 inch wide. Cover letter is organized and easy to read. Header matches the resume header and includes my name and contact info. Address the letter "Dear Mr./Ms. [Hiring Manager's name] . " (If I don't know their gender, address the letter "Dear [First + Last Name] ." or Dear Hiring Committee) Sign off cordially and formally with "Sincerely." WRITING & EDITING Everything is spelled correctly. Industry specific words are spelled correctly according to each company's preferences. (Is Communication supposed to have an "s"?) Cover letter is skimmable—you can discern my experience in 30 seconds or less. Everything is in the active voice. Use strong action verbs. Writing is clear and illustrative. Write to the audience (i.e. the hiring manager) . Writing is confident and engaging in a professional tone. It's short—between 200 and 350 words for the main text. CONTENT Include the job title and company name in the body of the letter. Show interest in the company's work and goals. The skills and experience match the employer's requirements. Cover letter does not repeat, rehash, or summarize the resume. Expand upon the resume through anecdotes, examples, or short narratives. Anticipate and answer potential questions the hiring manager may have. Show accomplishments and results, not just tasks. Focus on what

FAQs

What is the main purpose of a cover letter compared with a resume?

A cover letter provides context for the resume and explains how relevant experience was used in situations similar to the role. It focuses in depth on key skills rather than the overall breadth of experience.

What sections should be included in a cover letter template?

Include contact information (full name, phone, email, links), the date, recipient details, an opening paragraph, up to two middle paragraphs focused on skills with evidence, and a closing paragraph with a formal sign-off.

What does the cover letter checklist emphasize before sending?

It stresses accuracy and correctness (facts, spelling, grammar), professional formatting, skimmability within about 30 seconds, active voice, strong action verbs, appropriate length (about 200–350 words), and content that matches the employer’s requirements with accomplishments and results.

Sep 22, 2026

Upload by Jordan Avery