Discover business cover letter examples and more.
Tell hiring managers why you’re perfect for the job. Learn how to write a business cover letter with plenty of examples and a free downloadable template.
Your resume provides a high-level overview of your skills and experience — but a cover letter provides the hiring manager with more specific information about why you’re perfect for the job, both as a professional and as a person. A good cover letter can make or break any job application.
When to use a business cover letter.
A resume will only get you so far in a job hunt. Any time you submit a job application, you should include a business cover letter to accompany your resume. Think of it as a proposal to the hiring manager as to why you’re a good fit for the position.
Some clubs and organizations, especially mission-driven organizations, ask for cover letters from prospective members. They might want to see why you’d be a beneficial member who could further their mission before allowing you to join, which is the perfect time for a business cover letter.
Finally, you might want to include a cover letter if you plan to apply for a certification program. Some certifications have prerequisites. A business cover letter, along with your resume, is a great way to showcase your skills and that you’ve met all the requirements to earn the certification.
Download a free business cover letter template.
Not sure where to begin? Whether you’re looking for business cover letter examples for inspiration or want an outline to get started, you can download a free cover letter template online.
Once you download the template, you can convert the PDF to Word to customize the information to suit your skills and experience. You can also edit the PDF online to add text, leave sticky notes, and more.
To give you some ideas, here’s a quick business cover letter example of what you might want to make yours look like:
John Smith
San Jose, CA | j.smith@email.com | 123-555-4564
04/09/2024
Dear Jane Doe, VP of Human Resources
I came across your job posting for an Account Executive on the Company website, and given my extensive business background, I believe I would be an asset to your organization.
For the past seven years, I have worked as an Account Executive for Big Business, LLC., handling dozens of accounts from businesses both domestic and abroad. I have a certification in Business Development from the ALCOP, and I am also proficient with all major project management software, including Jibberjab, Smile, and Wink.
In addition to my business background, I am a strong communicator with experience leading small teams to achieve set goals within projected timelines.
My schedule is flexible, and I would be interested in setting up a time to discuss the Account Executive position further. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to speaking to you.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Tips to write a business cover letter.
A business cover letter is a balancing act between covering as much information about yourself as possible while keeping it short, so it’s easy for hiring managers to read.
Always use professional language. In a business setting, efficiency is key. Hiring managers read through many applications and don’t have time for fluff. Keep your business cover letter short and straight to the point. Highlight your strong points as quickly as possible.
Be sure to proofread your cover letter for mistakes before sending it. Nothing comes off as more unprofessional than a typo in an important business letter.
Once you’re happy with the final result, remember to save your business cover letter as a PDF. PDFs maintain their formatting regardless of device. You can easily convert Word to PDF online to transform your cover letter into a sharable document that’s ready to send to hiring managers.
The best business cover letter format.
There are several differences between generic cover letters and business cover letters. Overall, business cover letters should be more professional, both in tone and layout. Similar to a standard business letter, professionalism and conciseness is key here. But rather than sell products or services, you’re selling your skills and experience.
To keep your cover letter on track, here’s an outline of the important information and sections to include in your business cover letter template:
- Personal information – Start your cover letter with your name, email, and telephone number at the top of the page in a block format. Address or city is optional.
- Date – Every business letter should be dated. Add the date under your contact information.
- Salutation – Greet the hiring manager. Include their name and perhaps even their job title, just to show you’ve done the research.
- Opening paragraph – Explain that you’re interested in the position and how you heard about the opening. Include the exact job title.
- Second paragraph – Provide a summary of your relevant experience and critical hard skills that make you the best person for the job.
- Third paragraph: Briefly discuss the soft skills that would make you an asset to the business and a good team player.
- Closing paragraph: Let the hiring manager know about your availability to discuss the job further. Thank the hiring manager for their time by name.
- Signature – End the letter with a professional signature.
You should also use a business cover letter format that’s clean and in a block format, with a highly legible font. Use single spacing and keep your margins consistent to maintain a business feel. The easier it is for a hiring manager to read your cover letter, the better.
Frequently asked questions.
Should I write a new cover letter for each application?
Each cover letter should be specific to the job you’re applying to. However, you can create a business cover letter template that covers basic information and quickly customize it before applying to a job to save time creating letters from scratch.
How long should a cover letter be?
Your cover letter should be three to four paragraphs, or approximately 250 to 400 words. Always try to keep it to one page.
Is a cover letter the same thing as a CV?
While they are both very similar, a cover letter isn’t quite the same as a CV. CV stands for curriculum vitae, which focuses mainly on academic achievements. Cover letters focus on professional experience. In the business world, cover letters are preferred.
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