Good Cover Letter Examples and Samples

Short cover letter sample

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The standard length of a cover letter is one page and contains three to four paragraphs, so it’s safe to say that every cover letter is a short one. However, it’s a good idea to keep your letter particularly brief if you’re writing a cover letter with no experience, or if you’re applying for a job that requires less experience, such as an entry-level position or internship.

In these cases, you probably don’t have an extensive work history, so you can focus on a few key points:

• your enthusiasm
• relevant skills
• any educational or voluntary experience that demonstrates your potential.

Sample cover letter for job application

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A sample cover letter can be a great starting point, but it’s important to tailor it to the specific role you’re applying for. Here are some tips you can use to personalise this example of a cover letter and create a cover letter for a job application tailored to the role:

• Match your skills to the job description: Focus on the key skills and experience that directly relate to what the employer is looking for.
• Highlight relevant achievements: Use examples from previous roles or projects that demonstrate your ability to succeed in the role.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the company: Mention something specific about the company to demonstrate your genuine interest and research.

Career change cover letter example

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Switching careers? Your career change cover letter is your chance to show employers your potential. Instead of focusing on the experience you lack, highlight what you bring to the table, including:

• transferable skills, 
• your passion for the new field, 
• any training or experience that will support your transition.

Internship cover letter example

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In an internship cover letter, emphasise your passion for the industry and your eagerness to gain practical experience. While as an intern  you may not have an extensive work history just yet, highlight your academic background, any relevant projects or courses, and extracurricular activities – this will show your dedication and ability to learn quickly.

Graduate cover letter example

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As a graduate, your cover letter is your chance to stand out and make a lasting impression. More than just an extension of your CV, it’s a personal pitch to showcase your skills, enthusiasm, and potential.

Think of your graduate cover letter as an opportunity to highlight your academic achievements, relevant projects, and any part-time or volunteer work that demonstrates transferable skills.

Referral cover letter example

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A referral (or reference) letter is a cover letter in which you begin your cover letter by mentioning someone who recommended or referred you for the job. Using a reference can help you stand out from the crowd, but it’s important to personalise the letter and highlight your qualifications.

Here are some tips for writing a strong referral cover letter:

• Mention the referral up front: Start by explaining who referred you and your relationship with them.
• Highlight your qualifications: Even with a referral, you still need to demonstrate the skills and experience that make you a good fit for the role.
• Express enthusiasm: Show your enthusiasm for the role and how the referral encouraged you to apply.

Networking cover letter example

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A networking cover letter is a letter you send to someone you’ve connected with through networking, whether through an in-person event, a mutual connection, or a professional networking platform such as LinkedIn. These letters are a great way to turn a professional connection into a potential work opportunity.

To write an attention-grabbing letter to someone you’ve met through networking, personalise the letter by mentioning how you know them or how you were introduced. State why you’re contacting them and express your interest in the role or project they’re involved in.