sample cover letter for unemployed job seeker

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Unemployed cover letter example 1

Not sure what to say to an employer? Don’t worry you’ve come to the right place. This page is full of tips and examples for jobseekers who have career gaps or have been unemployed for a while.

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Unemployed cover letter example

Christine Graham Hiring Manager Dayjob Ltd 120 Vyse Street Birmingham B18 6NF

16 th July 2021

Dear Ms Graham,

I am writing to express my interest and enthusiasm for your …………… vacancy which was advertised on the Dayjob.com website today.

Although I come to you as candidate who is unemployed, I hope you will consider my application just as much as they would consider someone who’s employed.

I have spent much of my career in the ………….. industry. However, my last employer had to cut back on its staffing levels and I was laid off. Even though I have been unemployed for three years, I am extremely keen to get back to work as soon as possible.

Whilst not working, I have not been idle but have remained active by gaining relevant qualifications, refreshing my skills and keeping up-to-date with the latest industry developments. Based on this and on my previous experience and knowledge of ………………… I believe that I would be a perfect fit to your current position. Furthermore, after reading your job description, I am confident that I have everything you are looking for in an applicant and more.

I would also like to say that I share all of the values and goals you have on your company website.

On a personal level, I am a sociable individual who gets along with people from all social and cultural backgrounds. In addition to this I am ambitious, determined and very loyal to those I work for.

Further details of my past career, skills and academic achievements can be found in the attached copy of my CV. I hope that you will find this cover letter in combination with the attached CV enticing enough to invite me to an interview.

Thank you very much for your time and hopefully forthcoming positive response.

Yours sincerely,

Name Address 1 Address 2 Tel: 0044 123 456 7890 Email: [email protected]

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Written Samples

10 sample cover letters explaining gap in employment.

In the contemporary job market, gaps in employment are not uncommon. However, effectively explaining these gaps in cover letters remains a challenge for many job seekers.

Whether the gap is due to personal reasons, educational pursuits, or unforeseen circumstances, it’s crucial to address it in a way that is both honest and professional. This article provides ten sample cover letters, each tailored to different situations and reasons for employment gaps.

Sample Cover Letters Explaining Gap in Employment

These samples aim to guide and inspire job seekers in crafting their own compelling cover letters that transparently and effectively communicate their unique situations.

Sample 1: Personal Health Issue

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Where You Found the Job Posting]. My professional background in [Your Field/Industry], combined with my commitment to personal growth and development, makes me a strong candidate for this role.

I would like to address a gap in my employment from [Start Date] to [End Date], which occurred due to a personal health issue. During this period, I focused on my health and recovery, ensuring that I could return to the workforce with renewed vigor and dedication. This time away also allowed me to engage in various online courses and workshops related to [Your Field/Industry], keeping my skills and knowledge up-to-date.

I am now fully recovered and eager to bring my enhanced perspective and capabilities to your team. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my experience and skills will be beneficial to [Company Name].

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Sample 2: Family Care Responsibilities

I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With a strong background in [Your Field/Industry] and a proven track record of [Specific Achievement or Skill], I am prepared to make a significant contribution to your team.

Before delving into my professional qualifications, I wish to clarify the gap in my employment history from [Start Date] to [End Date]. This period was dedicated to providing essential care for a family member undergoing a serious health challenge. While this was a time of personal commitment, it also afforded me the opportunity to develop valuable skills such as time management, empathy, and resilience, which I believe are beneficial in any professional setting.

Now that I am returning to the workforce, I am eager to apply these skills, along with my professional expertise, to the role of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. Thank you for considering my application.

Sample 3: Educational Pursuits

I am writing to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as listed on [Where You Found the Job Posting]. My background in [Your Field/Industry], along with my recent educational advancements, positions me as a strong candidate for this role.

I would like to highlight the gap in my employment from [Start Date] to [End Date], which was due to my decision to further my education in [Field of Study]. During this time, I completed [Degree or Certification] at [Institution Name], which has significantly enhanced my skills in [Specific Skills or Areas]. This academic pursuit was a strategic step to deepen my expertise and broaden my capabilities within [Your Field/Industry].

With my updated qualifications and renewed passion for [Your Field/Industry], I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name] and achieve [Specific Company Goals or Projects].

Sample 4: Volunteering and Travel

I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to apply for the [Job Title] role at [Company Name]. My experience in [Your Field/Industry], coupled with my commitment to personal and professional growth, makes me an ideal candidate for this position.

I would like to address the gap in my employment from [Start Date] to [End Date]. During this time, I engaged in a combination of volunteering and travel. My volunteer work with [Organization Name] in [Location] allowed me to develop [Specific Skills or Experiences], while traveling provided me with a broader world view and an appreciation for diverse cultures and practices. These experiences have enriched my professional abilities, particularly in areas such as [Relevant Skills or Perspectives].

I am now eager to apply these enriched skills and perspectives to the role of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. Thank you for considering my application.

Sample 5: Starting a Business

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. My extensive experience in [Your Field/Industry] and my entrepreneurial background make me a unique and valuable candidate for this role.

I wish to explain the gap in my employment history from [Start Date] to [End Date], during which I pursued an entrepreneurial venture by starting my own business in [Industry/Field]. This experience was immensely valuable, equipping me with skills in [List Relevant Skills, e.g., leadership, financial management, strategic planning]. While the business eventually closed, the lessons learned and skills acquired are directly applicable to the [Job Title] role at [Company Name].

I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring my unique blend of traditional employment experience and entrepreneurial spirit to your team. Thank you for considering my application.

Sample 6: Mental Health Break

I am interested in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] and am excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and experience in [Your Field/Industry] to your esteemed organization.

In the spirit of transparency, I would like to address the gap in my employment from [Start Date] to [End Date]. This period was a necessary mental health break, allowing me to focus on personal well-being and self-improvement. During this time, I engaged in activities that enhanced my professional competencies, such as [List Activities or Skills Developed, e.g., online courses, volunteer work].

Fully rejuvenated, I am now eager to re-enter the workforce and apply my refreshed perspective and skills to the role of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. Thank you for considering my application.

Sample 7: Pursuing a Personal Project

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With a solid background in [Your Field/Industry] and a passion for continuous learning and development, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team.

I would like to bring to your attention the gap in my employment from [Start Date] to [End Date]. During this period, I dedicated myself to a personal project in [Describe Project or Area]. This project not only honed my skills in [Specific Skills], but also provided me with a deeper understanding of [Relevant Industry/Area Knowledge]. The experience has equipped me with unique insights and competencies that I am excited to bring to the [Job Title] role at [Company Name].

I appreciate your consideration of my application and look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my unique experiences can benefit your organization.

Sample 8: Dealing with a Personal Loss

I am applying for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], confident that my professional experience in [Your Field/Industry] aligns well with the demands of this role.

I would like to address a gap in my employment history, which occurred from [Start Date] to [End Date]. This period was marked by a significant personal loss, which necessitated time away from work to focus on personal matters and healing. Throughout this challenging time, I maintained my commitment to professional development by engaging in [List Any Relevant Activities, e.g., part-time courses, freelance projects].

As I return to full-time employment, I bring not only my professional expertise but also a renewed sense of resilience and emotional intelligence. I am eager to apply these qualities to the [Job Title] role at [Company Name].

Sample 9: Career Transition

I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With a diverse background in [Previous Field/Industry] and now transitioning into [New Field/Industry], I bring a unique perspective that can add substantial value to your team.

I would like to explain the gap in my employment from [Start Date] to [End Date], which was a strategic career transition phase. During this time, I focused on upskilling and retraining for [New Field/Industry] through [List Training, Courses, or Certifications]. This deliberate move was aimed at aligning my career with my passions and strengths, and I am now well-equipped with [List Newly Acquired Skills or Knowledge] relevant to the [Job Title] role.

I am enthusiastic about bringing my combination of experience and new skills to [Company Name] and contributing to your success.

Sample 10: Sabbatical for Personal Growth

I am eager to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. My extensive experience in [Your Field/Industry], coupled with my recent sabbatical for personal growth, positions me well for this exciting opportunity.

I would like to discuss the gap in my employment from [Start Date] to [End Date], which was a purposeful sabbatical devoted to personal growth and exploration. This time allowed me to engage in activities such as [List Activities, e.g., volunteering, travel, studying], each of which has contributed significantly to my personal and professional development. These experiences have enhanced my abilities in areas such as [List Relevant Skills or Qualities, e.g., cross-cultural communication, adaptability, creative problem-solving].

I am now ready to re-enter the workforce with a refreshed perspective and a wealth of new ideas that I am excited to apply in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. My unique journey during this period has provided me with invaluable insights and skills that I am eager to bring to your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to [Company Name] and achieving new heights together.

In summary, when explaining gaps in employment in cover letters, it’s important to focus on the positive aspects of what you learned or how you grew during that time. Whether it was personal development, acquiring new skills, or overcoming challenges, these experiences can be valuable in the workplace.

The key is to communicate this effectively and professionally, as demonstrated in the samples above. Remember, every gap in employment is an opportunity to showcase resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

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Template: Currently Unemployed Cover Letter

If you’ve been unemployed for a period of time, a cover letter is your prime opportunity to explain any gaps on your CV that a hiring manager might be questioning.

It’s an unfortunate situation to be in, but it happens! It’s important to not let your confidence take a knock - get right back out there and apply for new opportunities. Writing a top-notch cover letter will help your application stand out from the crowd and help you get your career back on track.

Don’t try and hide the fact that you have been unemployed - even if it has only been for a short period of time. Describe the reason why you’re currently unemployed, before moving onto an explanation of why you’re ready to return to work. You can use our article on finding a job after being made redundant as a guide.

Always mention how you’ve been spending your time in this period of unemployment. Any volunteering or upskilling is great to showcase to potential future employers.

If you are looking for more guidance on how to write the best cover letter , we can help!

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Unemployed? Put Your Cover Letter to Work

For many of us, writing a cover letter is about as fun as having a root canal or being audited by the IRS. Add a period of unemployment to the mix, and the task can seem downright daunting. Don't let time away from the workforce prevent you from writing a good cover letter. Try these expert tips.

Keep It Positive

The purpose of a cover letter is to pique employers' interest so they want to interview you. "Talking about unemployment is a downer, and job candidates should only provide information that enhances their value to an employer and makes a compelling case for an interview," said Linsey Levine, a licensed counselor and president of CareerCounsel, based in Ossining, New York.

Sue Campbell, president of resume-writing firm 1st-Writer.com, agrees that the cover letter should emphasize the job seeker's strongest qualifications. "Focus on what you can contribute and how this contribution will benefit the employer," Campbell said.

Address relevant skills, abilities, education and experience that will enable you to provide exemplary work, she adds, not extraneous information about your unemployment. (See our sample cover letter for an unemployed job seeker.)

Fill the Gap

If you've been sitting idle at home when you could have been engaged in career-related activities, it's time to spring into action.

"Job hunters with big gaps of unemployment should demonstrate what they did to be productive while they were not working," said Nancy Friedberg, a career coach with Career Leverage in New York City.

Friedberg coaches her clients to remain active and keep their skills fresh during periods of unemployment. "If you have done nothing career-related during your unemployment, start today," she said.

Friedberg suggests volunteering, going back to school, securing freelance or part-time work, assuming leadership roles in charitable organizations or becoming active in your professional organization. "Every activity you undertake requires a skill, whether you are paid or not," she said.

Be Honest But Don't Overshare

Millions of people have lost their jobs recently, and employment gaps no longer carry the stigma they once did. It's not necessary to explain a few months of unemployment due to circumstances beyond your control, such as a layoff.

However, it is a good idea to account for longer-term unemployment. Trisha Scudder, president of New York City-based Executive Coaching Group, coaches her clients to deal with the gap and avoid making excuses.

"The bottom line is that there's a gap," she said. "You can't hide it. Tell it straight and don't make apologies. Show the interviewer how this makes you a more attractive candidate."

For example, she suggests adding a line to your cover letter, saying something like: "Returning to full-time employment after caring for an ill family member, I am eager to contribute my 15 years' experience in (career field) to benefit your company."

Campbell also offers verbiage to help explain unemployment: "Since leaving my last employer, I have been completing intensive training in ____," or "I have been contributing my time and talents to the successful advancement of Charitable Organization while actively seeking a full-time position with a leading company such as yours."

Scudder advises job seekers not to provide too much information about the unemployment.

"Don't let this gap distract you from the primary purpose of the cover letter -- demonstrating what you could do for the organization if hired," she said.

Use Your Judgment

However, sometimes special circumstances can work to your advantage. Scudder suggests thinking about how the unemployment could make you a better employee. "For example, did it inspire you to move to a new industry or career? If you took on freelance work, did it teach you the value of retaining clients?" she said.

Friedberg had a client who was diagnosed with cancer and missed an entire year of employment after graduation. "In his cover letters, he confidently and honestly wrote about his cancer," she said. "He explained that he doubled up on classes in between chemotherapy treatments in order to graduate and sat for the first part of the CPA exam. An accounting firm was so impressed that they called him in for a series of interviews and hired him based on his character, his can-do attitude and his perseverance."

Focus on Your Strengths

Whether your time off has been because of a layoff, job termination, illness, care of sick relatives, child care, a sabbatical or any other reason, the purpose of a cover letter -- to generate a call for an interview -- remains the same.

"If job seekers can draw a correlation between what they offer and how they will benefit the employer, then the cover letter should achieve some real success," Campbell said.

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The Best Cover Letter Examples for Every Type of Job Seeker

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We love having examples. It’s so much easier to follow a recipe, build a puzzle, or yes, even write a cover letter when you know what the end product should look like.

So that’s what we’re going to give you—all the cover letter examples and tips you need to make yours shine (we’re unfortunately not experts in recipes or puzzles).

Why Bother With a Cover Letter at All? Before we jump in, it’s worth emphasizing why cover letters still exist and are worthy of your attention. I bet when you see a job listing where one’s “optional” you gleefully submit a resume and move on. But you’re truly doing yourself a disservice by not creating one (or by writing one that’s super generic or formulaic).

“When you’re writing a resume you’re oftentimes confined by space, by resume speak, by keywords—you’re up against a lot of technical requirements,” says Melody Godfred, a Muse career coach and founder of Write in Color who’s read thousands of cover letters over the course of her career, “whereas in a cover letter you have an opportunity to craft a narrative that aligns you not only with the position you’re applying to but also the company you’re applying to.”

It helps you explain your value proposition, stand out from the stack, and create “continuity between your application and the person you’re going to be when you walk into the room,” Godfred says. If there’s a gap in your resume, you have the opportunity to explain why it’s there. If you’re changing careers, you have the chance to describe why you’re making the switch. If your resume’s pretty dull, a cover letter helps you add personality to an otherwise straightforward career path.

Read the full article here.

Why I started using this blunt cover letter after applying to more than 1,200 jobs and rarely hearing back

• Kevin Cash has applied to more than 1,200 jobs since being laid off in November 2022.
• He started using a "no-nonsense" cover letter after getting fed up with not hearing back.
• Cash hopes recruiters will start thinking about applicants as people who need to make a living.

This as-told-to essay is based on an interview with Kevin Cash . Cash, who lives outside Portland, Oregon, has a background in business intelligence and working in semiconductor-manufacturing facilities. Cash, 42, served in the Navy, is a member of the high-IQ society Mensa, and has five degrees, including an MBA. He's been looking for a full-time job since getting laid off in November 2022, and he posted online a cover letter he recently wrote that he describes as "no-nonsense." The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

At my last job, a handful of people got let go after the company was acquired. They came in and said everyone's job was safe. Then, the day after they took the keys to the company, they're like, "You're gone. You're gone. You're gone." I'd been there for six months, and I was one of the higher-up employees, so it was kind of an easy choice for them to cut me loose. Before I got that role, my job hunt lasted two and a half years.

I'm keeping track of my job search in a spreadsheet. The only benefit really has been to my sanity. When you're submitting a résumé online, the standard procedure is to read about the position, read about the company, alter your résumé, rewrite it for each application, and come up with a cover letter.

You put all this time and effort into this application. You get emotionally invested in it, reading about it. This pay is great. And this is the scale. Can you imagine if I was on the upper end? This is what they do, and I'm going to go ahead and research what this is because it touches my job and it's listed on there, but it's not something I have experience in. So I want to make sure I know about it as soon as they call me for the interview. You can get really excited about it, and I did that for a long time. And then, when you inevitably get ghosted or get your boilerplate rejection letter, which, from my data, is 99.51% of the time, it's defeating. It can send you into a depression spiral. And I've been in that several times this job hunt.

I know that every time I submit a résumé, as I said in my cover letter, "there is a 0.49% chance that a human will even see this application, let alone this cover letter." So yeah, for my sanity, the spreadsheet is keeping me from getting too excited about job opportunities. It's really just helping me maintain an emotional balance.

One metric that surprisingly has not come up yet in the 1,200-plus résumés I've submitted is if somebody writes me a personalized email that's like, "Hey, Kevin. We took some time to look at your résumé. And, you know, it looks good, but this is a concern, so we're not going to be moving forward." But 100% of the rejection letters that I've received are boilerplate. I've gotten 336 of those.

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Now I just expect the ghosting. I've been ghosted 892 times.

I have a ton of experience. I can figure things out. I'm well-educated in several fields. I'm even a member of Mensa. But none of that seems to matter.

I feel like I have a lot to offer. I spent 10 years in college; I have five degrees. Two are associate's. Most people don't count the associate's, but, man, I was working overtime — seven 12-hour shifts at one point doing semiconductor research and development work. I was a new parent. It took me five years to get my associate's degrees. I'd have two or three hours to sleep and then have to go do it again. Before that, I was in the Navy for six years and studied electronics engineering. I had secret clearance and worked on the ship's missile systems.

I stopped pouring my heart and soul into my cover letters

In the past, if there was a cover letter, I put my heart and soul into it every single time. That was really draining. Then, after a while, I was like, "Why am I doing this? It's not even required." And so I quit sending out cover letters unless it was mandated. After the ghosting and the rejection letters, I dropped the amount of effort that I put in. There have been times when I was just fed up. Maybe I had a day where I got 12 rejection letters or more. I'm applying to this thing, and I already see the data coming through. At that point, it was like 67% were black holes and 30-some percent were boilerplate rejection.

There was a time this past summer where when a cover letter was required, I'd be like, "Honestly, you're hiring for this position. And this is a work I do, and I need money." And that's all I put for my cover letter. I never heard back anything from anybody doing that.

With this latest cover letter, it was the first time that I came across a required cover letter in several months. So I was like, I'm going to be honest. "You're hiring for this, and this is what I do. And I'd like to have a job. I'm good at what I do. Give me a chance. But you know, based on my research, you're not going to." I honestly doubted anyone was ever going to ever see that cover letter other than on Reddit.

The reason I posted it was maybe someone would find this funny. I was also thinking maybe some recruiters are going to see this, and maybe it'll change the way they do things. Maybe they'll start thinking about applicants as people who need to make a living instead of, "I posted this on LinkedIn yesterday and I've got 4,000 applicants." That's 4,000 people. We need to be able to eat and stay warm during the winter, and you're just letting the software go through and weed out these people who are qualified. Hopefully, they'll see it. They'll be like, "Wow, there's somebody who has this much education and experience, and he's having this hard time getting through. Maybe we should look at them differently."

I've tried using my network

I had a contact through my girlfriend at one of the major mobile carriers. I would love to work for a company like that — for any of these major mobile carriers — because they have the money to pay me to do what I do at the level that I'm at, and they have tons of work, so they'd keep me busy. So I get in contact with the woman on LinkedIn. She's like, "Oh, I'd be happy to help out. It sounds like you're qualified for a lot of stuff that we need. Go on the company website and find something you want to apply to." So I find something, and I go through the process. And I sent it to her, but she didn't get back to me right away. And I was like, "Well, I don't want to be a late applicant." So I applied to it. Then I heard back from her, and I said, "This is the position. I went ahead and submitted it because I didn't want it to be too late." Her response was, "Oh, that's not a real position. That's one of our generic positions that we post to generate interest about the company."

So how many jobs that are posted aren't even real jobs? And people are applying to them, spending time. This is why I don't put a ton of work into my résumé anymore. I'm applying to jobs that don't even exist.

To make ends meet, I started doing Uber Eats again this past spring. I did that during my prior job search, too. I'm grateful for Uber Eats because I can just sit in my car and listen to podcasts, and you make 20 to 30 bucks an hour doing that. The only thing is it's $75 for a tank of gas, and it puts wear and tear on your car.

I think hiring software has made itself obsolete because so many people can apply for so many jobs so quickly. It's not really a viable resource to get in the door at any company. It was supposed to make it easier, but it's actually made it harder, and now the only way that you can get a job is if you know somebody. It's harder at my age to not have the income to go out to events but I'm still trying.

As I said in my cover letter, "I just need someone to give me a chance."

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Watch: Goldman Sachs' HR chief explains what she looks for in a cover letter

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18 Free Cover Letter Templates That Will Actually Get You Interviews

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Professional Cover Letter

Jobscan’s cover letter templates are clean and professional . We intentionally avoided using flashy colors and design elements when creating them. Why?

Because most companies nowadays use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes and cover letters. These systems can struggle to read and interpret visually complex documents.

This means your beautifully designed, eye-catching cover letter might remain stuck in an ATS database, never to be seen by an actual human being.

By using one of our simple, easy-to-read templates, you’ll significantly improve the chances that your cover letter will successfully pass through an ATS and into the hands of a hiring manager.

It’s super easy to get started too! Simply click the download button to get your hands on a Word document that you can customize to fit your unique situation.

When you’re done writing your cover letter , run it through Jobscan’s ATS-friendly cover letter checker to get personalized feedback on how to improve your letter and make it even more compelling to employers.

Basic Cover Letter

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Operations Manager Cover Letter

Pharmacy Technician Cover Letter

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Prospecting Cover Letter

Engineer Cover Letter

Supervisor Cover Letter

Human Resources Cover Letter

Intern Cover Letter

Marketing Cover Letter

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Communications Cover Letter

Changing Careers Cover Letter

What is a cover letter?

It’s a letter of introduction that you send along with your resume when you apply for a job.

The key thing to remember about your cover letter is that it shouldn’t simply regurgitate your resume. Instead, it should support it.

Your cover letter can do this by:

• Explaining why you’re excited about the job opportunity.
• Showing how your skills and experience match the job requirements.
• Addressing any gaps in your work history.
• Showing off your personality (but not too much!).

By highlighting your strengths and showing your passion for the role and the company, your cover letter can make a strong case for why you deserve an interview.

NOTE : Get inspired by our expertly crafted cover letter examples and learn what makes each one shine. Our examples cover a wide range of jobs, industries, and situations, providing the guidance you need to create a winning cover letter.

Are cover letters necessary in 2023?

While some companies may not require one, a cover letter can still set you apart from other applicants and increase your chances of landing an interview.

In one survey , 83 percent of hiring managers said cover letters played an important role in their hiring decision.

In fact, most of the respondents in that survey claimed that a great cover letter might get you an interview even if your resume isn’t strong enough.

So don’t skip the cover letter ! When done correctly, it can be a powerful tool in your job search toolkit.

Why should you use a cover letter template?

Here are the 5 main reasons why you should use a cover letter template .

• It saves you time by creating personalized letters quickly and easily.
• It provides a framework or structure for your cover letter.
• It ensures that all the necessary information is included.
• It makes it easy to customize your cover letters for multiple applications.
• It helps you create a professional and polished cover letter without starting from scratch.

A template helps you streamline the cover letter writing process. This means you can devote more time and energy to other important aspects of your job search, such as networking and researching potential employers.

Generate a personalized cover letter in as little as 5 seconds

Our AI-powered cover letter generator uses GPT-4 technology to create a personalized and ATS-friendly cover letter in one click.

What should you include in your cover letter?

Every cover letter format should include the following information:

Contact information : Your name, address, phone number, and email address should be at the top of the letter.

Greetings : Address the letter to the hiring manager or the person who will be reviewing your application.

Opening paragraph : State the position you’re applying for and explain how you found out about the job. You can also briefly mention why you’re interested in the position and the company.

Body paragraphs : Use one or two paragraphs to highlight your relevant skills, experience, and qualifications that match the job requirements. Provide specific examples of your accomplishments and how they show off your abilities.

Closing paragraph : Repeat your interest in the position and thank the hiring manager for considering your application. You can also include a sentence or two about why you believe you’d be a good fit for the company culture.

Closing : Conclude your cover letter with a professional sign-off, such as “Best regards,” or “Sincerely”.

Do you need a unique cover letter for every job?

Absolutely! Do NOT use the exact same cover letter and simply change the name of the company and the position.

Instead, tailor each cover letter to the position you’re applying for.

You can do this by highlighting how your skills and experience match the specific requirements and responsibilities of the position.

It’s crucial to include the keywords that are in the job posting.

Why? Because your application will most likely go straight into an ATS database. Hiring managers search through this database for suitable job candidates by typing keywords into the search bar.

If your cover letter includes these keywords , it will be seen by the hiring manager. If it doesn’t include these keywords, your cover letter will remain in the database.

Not sure if your cover letter is ATS-friendly? Try running it through Jobscan’s cover letter checker .

This easy-to-use tool analyzes your cover letter and compares it to the job listing. It then identifies the key skills and qualifications that you should focus on in your letter.

How to write a cover letter if you have no work experience

If you don’t have much work experience, writing a strong cover letter can be challenging. But you can still do it!

Here are some tips to help you out:

Hook the reader right away . Introduce yourself and explain why you are interested in the position. If possible, mention a specific aspect of the company or role that especially appeals to you.

Highlight your relevant skills and experience . Focus on the skills you’ve gained through school projects, internships, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities. Be sure to provide specific examples .

Showcase your enthusiasm and willingness to learn . Employers look for candidates who are eager to learn and grow. Use your cover letter to convey your enthusiasm for the role and your willingness to take on new challenges.

Close with a strong call to action . End your cover letter by requesting an interview or expressing your interest in discussing the position further.

Proofread your cover letter carefully and customize it for each position you apply for.

Cover letter do’s and don’ts

• Address the letter to a specific person or hiring manager, if possible.
• Include your contact information at the top of the document.
• Tailor your letter to the company and position you’re applying for.
• Use keywords from the job description.
• Highlight your relevant skills and experiences.
• Use specific, measurable results to demonstrate your abilities.
• Try to inject some of your personality into the cover letter.
• Proofread your letter carefully for errors.
• Run your cover letter through Jobscan’s cover letter checker .
• Use a generic greeting, such as “ To Whom It May Concern .”
• Use a one-size-fits-all cover letter for all your job applications.
• Simply repeat your resume in your cover letter.
• Use overly casual or informal language.
• Write a long and rambling cover letter.
• Use jargon or technical terms that the hiring manager may not understand.
• Include irrelevant information or details.
• Send a cover letter with spelling or grammatical errors.

Q: How long should a cover letter be?

Most cover letters are too long. The ideal length is around 250-400 words. Hiring managers probably won’t read anything longer.

Q: Should I use a PDF or a Word cover letter template?

Either one should be fine. Some older ATS might not accept PDFs, but this is rare these days. Always check the job listing. If it says to submit a Word resume, then do that. Otherwise, a PDF resume works just as well.

Q: Can I email my cover letter instead of sending a cover letter?

Yes, you can email your cover letter instead of sending a physical copy through the mail. In fact, many employers now prefer to receive cover letters and resumes via email or through an online application system.

Explore more cover letter resources

Cover Letter Formats

Cover Letter Tips

Cover Letter Examples

Cover Letter Writing Guide

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Cover Letters Tips for Older Job Seekers

Discrimination Against Older Workers

Age-proof your cover letters, cover letter tips for older job seekers, review a cover letter example.

Applying to jobs when you're in your 50s, 60s, or beyond brings with it some unique challenges. Sure, you have plenty of experience. But hiring managers don't necessarily see all those years on the job as an asset. They may believe seasoned, mature candidates will expect more money or responsibility, struggle to work with a younger manager, or lack up-to-date skills.

And while the Age Discrimination Act in Employment Act means that discriminating against older employee and job candidates is illegal, we hear from many unemployed job seekers who feel that their age is an issue.   They say things like:

• I have learned that age does matter in employment.
• My age seems to be my biggest enemy.
• I think my age is my downfall right now.

It's true—despite legal protections, being considered an older job seeker can hinder your chances of finding employment. However, there are ways you can age-proof your resume and address age issues when writing cover letters. Review these cover letter writing tips for older job seekers to help market your candidacy effectively to employers.

Key Takeaways

Pay Attention to Word Choice: It's essential that your cover letter does not look old-fashioned. Watch for dated language, too. Your word choices can potentially make you seem older or younger than your actual age.

Keep It Snappy: Favor short, snappy sentences over longer, more complex syntax. Consider having a younger professional—preferably in your industry—read through your cover letter to make sure your phrasing doesn't date you.

Don't Promote Your Age: Avoid terms like “seasoned professional,” “a wealth of experience,” “worked for many years,” or anything similar. There's no need to highlight, in general, your years of experience. Instead, stick to the facts (e.g., "I led a team of 10 marketing professionals over at XYZ company.").

Your cover letter is a sales pitch. In a few short paragraphs, it needs to convince the hiring manager that you’re a good fit for the job. These tips will help you close the deal.

Target Your Cover Letter

The most important way you can show the employer that you're worth interviewing is to customize your cover letter . Take the job posting and list the criteria the employer is seeking. Then list the skills and experience you have, either in paragraph form or in a bulleted list. This way, the hiring manager can see why you're qualified for the job.

Don't Summarize Your Entire Resume

This advice applies to candidates of all ages. A good cover letter doesn't read like an autobiography or a distillation of your resume. For older candidates, it is important to veer away from a sequential recounting of your employment, and instead focus on experience relevant to the job at hand.

Don't Include Years of Experience

Don't list the length of experience you have in your cover letter. For example, it's not advantageous to say you have 20 or 30 years of experience. It will flag you as an older candidate.

Emphasize Your Related Experience and Strengths

While highlighting your years of experience isn’t helpful, talking about your related experience will get the hiring manager’s attention. Your cover letter is an opportunity to mention your proven experience, which a less-experienced candidate may not have. Again, specify how that experienced is related to the job you're applying for—the more specific you are, the more relevant a candidate you'll be.

Do Mention Connections

As always in a cover letter, it's powerful to mention a connection . Review samples of cover letters with referrals to guide your own writing. 

Focus on Flexibility

Mention your flexibility, adaptability, and willingness to learn in your cover letter. It will peg you as young and eager, even if you aren't so young in years. Similarly, highlight any knowledge of current technology, since this is often a big concern for hiring managers.

Be Careful About Salary Requirements

If the job posting requests your salary requirements , note that you're flexible. That way employers won't think of you as being overqualified and/or overpriced.

Polish Your Cover Letter

Presentation matters. Make sure your cover letter is correctly formatted . That means opting for the right font (and font size). Use a plain font, never a scripted one. Include a space between every paragraph, and choose an appropriate salutation and closing sign-off , too.

Be Prepared to Email Your Cover Letter

Be sure that you are following email etiquette guidelines when you email your cover letters.

You can view a sample of a cover letter for an older job seeker, and download the cover letter template (compatible with Word and Google docs).

Cover Letter Sample for an Older Job Seeker

Annabel Elder 123 Shady Rest Lane Tampa, FL 33605 (123) 456-7890 aelder@email.com www.linked.com/in/annabelelder

February 25, 2021

Ms. Catherine Collins Director Helping Hands Nonprofit Organization 1234 Sunset Way Tampa, FL 33605

Dear Ms. Collins:

It was with much interest that I learned, through Indeed.com, about the Executive Assistant position that has opened with Helping Hands Nonprofit Organization.

Your position announcement intrigued me, since many of the qualifications you list are ones I’ve developed as an Executive Assistant to four C-level officers of ABC Enterprises, a global development group. Examples of my skills and experience that align with your requirements include:

• Demonstrated efficiency and accuracy in calendaring and appointment scheduling, travel planning, and in drafting correspondence to project stakeholders.
• Well-versed in coordinating all venue, catering, travel, and entertainment details for large-scale events including fundraisers, stakeholder meetings, and conferences.
• Effectiveness scheduling and supervising office teams of ~5 administrative assistants and receptionists.
• A proactive stance in learning rising administrative and office management technologies, as evidenced by my recent transition of the ABC Enterprises office to a cloud-based communications system.

As part of ABC Enterprises’ community outreach program, I’ve had the privilege of working with Jason Edwards, one of your trustees, and have found him to be a passionate advocate of the good that Helping Hands Nonprofit Organization does for underrepresented groups in Tampa. I would thus welcome the opportunity to use my administrative talents to ensure the smooth running of your initiatives.

Thank you for your time and consideration; I look forward to your response and hope to meet with you soon to learn more about the great work you do.

Best regards,

Signature (hard copy letter)

Annabel Elder

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. “ The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 .” Accessed Feb. 25, 2021.

Cover letter templates

Impress employers with a perfectly designed cover letter.

Introduce your resume with a little color without distracting from the purpose.

Professional

Basic cover letter format with a strong heading makes for an ideal introduction.

A representation with just enough vertical color to highlight personal information.

Bold colors line the top while a subtle background balances the look.

Easy to create with a classy, sophisticated look, start your application off right.

A modern approach to a cover letter complete with bold color, shapes and design.

Incorporate color and vertical columns with this casual cover letter template.

A colored heading to highlight personal information, and a basic letter outline.

A basic template with minimal shape and color for a little dimension.

Keep things simple with this straightforward cover letter template.

Bold and creative look with an easy-to-follow overview of your skills and experience.

Easy to read yet powerful cover letter template to showcase your experience and background.