Cover Letter Templates & Format

The structure that works — plus 10 templates you can copy right now.

The 4-part cover letter format

Header & salutationYour contact line, date, theirs, then "Dear Hiring Manager," if no name exists.

Opening paragraphThe role and one-line proof you fit. No "I am writing to apply for…" padding.

Body paragraphOne quantified achievement that maps to the job description.

Closing paragraphOne specific reason for this company, then ask for the conversation.

Retail store positions (sales associate, store officer, shop assistant).

Registered nurse positions in hospitals and clinics.

K-12 teaching positions, public and private schools.

Software engineering roles at product companies.

Internship applications for college students.

Moving into a new industry or function.

First formal job (students, recent graduates).

Data analyst roles in product or business teams.

Support and customer service roles across industries.

In-house and studio design roles.

Café and coffee shop roles.

Security guard and loss prevention roles.

Office administration and executive support roles.

Project and program management roles.

Kitchen and culinary roles.