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40+ Free cover letter examples + guides

Our free cover letter examples, templates, and builder tool are packed with useful tips and best practices to help you get hired in all industries. Use them together to finish your application in minutes and increase your chances of getting hired.
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40+ Free cover letter examples + guides

Cover letter templates lay the foundation for any successful job application, providing employers with insight into why you’re the ideal candidate for the job. At cvapp.ie, our mission is to enhance the career potential of our community of users. We offer customisable cover letter examples that can be tailored to showcase your professional experience, expertise and skills. 

Cover letter example to copy & paste

A sample cover letter can be an excellent foundation for your job application. If you’re unsure where to begin, have a look at this adaptable cover letter example that you can customise to suit your background and experience. You’re also free to adjust the template whenever you need to.

Example

Dear Mr. Byrne,

My experience in guiding teams through periods of change has reinforced my belief that prioritising people is key to achieving success. During a challenging 18-month downsizing phase at Glenmore Solutions, I led my team with resilience, and at Smith Enterprises, I navigated an entirely different scenario marked by rapid expansion. Regardless of the company’s path, there are always valuable lessons to be learned.

After completing my MBA last year, I realised that I am eager to step into a management role with an international focus. My time studying abroad in Europe and my experience working with diverse teams in Ireland have equipped me with a broad perspective and the adaptability needed to succeed in global markets. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to contribute to your company’s international growth, bringing my change management expertise to new and dynamic environments.

In a start-up environment, it's crucial to have team members who possess both operational and commercial acumen. My experience includes negotiating contracts valued at €9.7 million, increasing delivery efficiency by 11%, redesigning warehouse packing processes, managing employee relations, and driving profitability to industry-leading standards. At Emerald Enterprises, I led three initiatives last year that boosted net profit from 5.4% to 6.3%. When every aspect is taken into account, profitability improves.

I am a firm believer in empowering my teams to shape their development. I have collaborated with HR to create training programmes, which is particularly beneficial in a start-up setting. I thrive on the creativity and challenge of maximising the potential of a diverse group of professionals. Over the past five years, 60% of my former team members have received promotions.

I am excited to learn more about your international expansion strategy and believe I can contribute effectively.

Sincerely,

Lara O'Brien

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Our most popular cover letter samples:

Are you curious about what separates a good and a great cover letter? Explore our top-ranked cover letter templates to help you get started: 

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How to structure a cover letter 

Impressive cover letters require great structure and engaging design elements. Before you get started writing your cover letter, here are the most important sections to include in your cover letter to captivate employers and increase your chances of securing that much-anticipated interview: 

  1. Header: Positioned at the beginning or side of your cover letter, the header should include any important contact details, such as your name, phone number, email address, and any relevant links to professional websites. Your header must be appropriate for the job role you're applying for, so be sure to check out the best templates for your cover letter on the cvapp.ie website.
  2. Greeting: Your cover letter greeting should be warm, professional and addressed to the employer or recipient who will be reading your cover letter. Be sure to use the name of your employer if known to help establish a connection with the recipient.
  3. Introduction: Your introduction should be crafted to immediately capture the attention of potential employers. Be sure to include the name of the company you're applying to, as well as the specific position you're applying for.
  4. Body paragraphs: In the body paragraphs section of your cover letter, you have the opportunity to demonstrate to potential employers why you're the best candidate for the position. This section should feature relevant professional achievements, qualifications, and skills that are most relevant to the position. It's also a good idea to include keywords from the job description where appropriate -- so be sure to read the job description over thoroughly!
  5. Conclusion and sign off: End your conclusion with a call-to-action statement that encourages employers to contact you. We also recommend including a formal farewell, such as “Kind regards,” or “Best wishes.”
parts of a cover letter

Key elements of a great cover letter: 

An effective cover letter should include a range of different elements, including a professional design template, well-structured formatting and clear examples. We always recommend tailoring your cover letter to the specific job you’re applying for, as most employers know a copy and paste cover letter when they see one! Here are some important factors to focus on to help your cover letter stand out from the competition: 

  • A professionally-designed template: A cover letter should capture the attention of potential employers, and with a range of professional, customisable cover letter templates, we've got everything you need to create an attractive and compelling cover letter.
  • Structured formatting: Formatting is one of the most important visual elements of your cover letter. After all, no one likes unattractive, eye-sore formatting! When your cover letter is formatted correctly, it’s more likely to encourage employers to read the rest of your job application. Woo hoo!
Do
  • Keep your text-to-white space ratio balanced
  • Use correct punctuation, grammar and paragraph breaks
  • Select an attractive header from the CVapp.ie cover letter library
Don't
  • Try to cram in too much text by adjusting the margins
  • Use inappropriate, loud colours. Instead, choose colours that are aligned with the company you’re applying to
  • Forget to proofread your cover letter
  • A customised greeting: Be sure to use the name of your hiring manager or potential employer. If you don't know the name of your recipient, tailor your greeting to the company or team.
  • A professional email address: We recommend using an email address that includes your first and last name. Avoid using unprofessional email addresses, as this can leave a bad impression.
  • Organised structure: While a cover letter allows for free-form creativity, it's important to maintain a sense of organisation in your cover letter. Use the structure provided in our cover letter examples for inspiration on how to structure your own cover letter.
  • Clear examples: When crafting your cover letter, provide specific instances showcasing your skills, qualifications, and achievements. Try to incorporate facts, figures and statistics to add credibility to your claims.

Cover Letter FAQs

What should I write about? 

Your cover letter gives you the chance to elaborate on the skills, achievements and professional experience outlined in your CV. Remember: it's important that your cover letter is tailored to the specific job you're applying for. Employers are looking for fresh insight on your capabilities and what makes you unique. Try to use examples that demonstrate why you're the ideal candidate to help secure an interview opportunity. 

How should I start my cover letter? 

Your cover letter is more free-form than your CV, so don’t be afraid to get creative! You could incorporate any specific passions or skills you possess that are relevant to the job role, or even include an interesting and relevant anecdote or story. Before you get started, however, it’s important to remember that you should always include your name and contact information, as well as the name of your employers and the company you’re applying for. Fortunately, we have some great examples on how to start your cover letter on the CVapp.ie website. 

Is there anything I should avoid including in my cover letter? 

Your cover letter must be professional and appropriate, so avoid using slang or unprofessional content. We also recommend leaving out generic greetings, such as “to whom it may concern.” Professional doesn’t mean boring! You can still infuse your cover letter with a touch of personality and flair while maintaining a high degree of professionalism, and with cover letter examples that were designed by the experts, we can help you create cover letters that leave a lasting impact. 

How long should my cover letter be? 

While it depends on the specific job you're applying for, the ideal length for a cover letter typically ranges from 250 to 400 words and should be contained to a single page for the most impact. A cover letter that is too brief might not adequately showcase your qualifications, while one that is excessively long could risk losing the reader's interest. 

Simple cover letter examples: 

Still looking for more cover letter inspiration? We get it. Check out some of our simple cover letter templates for more creative ideas on how to craft a compelling cover letter: 

Engineering Cover Letter Example

Physical Therapist Cover Letter Example

Doctor Cover Letter

 

 

Build your cover letter in no time
Build your cover letter in no time
Make a lasting impression and get hired faster with our collection of free, expertly-crafted cover letter templates.
Create Cover Letter
Build your cover letter in no time
Build your cover letter in no time
Make a lasting impression and get hired faster with our collection of free, expertly-crafted cover letter templates.
Create Cover Letter

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