Cover Letter Format: Examples & Tips

A cover letter format is a framework to organize the content of your cover letter. The best cover letter format is the standard one-page business letter. It should contain the following sections: 

• A header with the applicant and hiring manager’s contact information.
• A salutation.
• An opening paragraph.
• One or two short body paragraphs.
• A closing paragraph. 
• A sign-off.

Our guide on what a cover letter should include shows you how to make the most of each section with advice from career experts.

The format for cover letters written in the body of an email is slightly different than those written in a document. When writing a cover letter in an email, remember:

• Omit a header if you send your cover letter as an email.
• Sign your cover letter with your name, followed by your city and state of residence, email address, phone number and job profile link (if available).

Check the job description for a specific subject line set by the employer. If there isn’t one, write the subject line with the job title, such as “Application for Teacher’s Assistant role,” followed by the job number if it has one.

The general rule for standard cover letter formats is one page. It’s important to be concise and to the point. 

• Use short paragraphs and bullet points to highlight your relevant skills and experience. 
• Avoid repeating information in your resume. Instead, narrate how you’ve been able to achieve your accomplishments. 
• Include qualifications from the job description to show you’re a great candidate.

Employers are constantly receiving applications. Keeping the one-page cover letter format will help you stand out from the crowd.  

Explore our guide on basic cover letters for additional guidance in creating a succinct yet compelling letter.

You can still write a great cover letter! To do this, focus on the transferable skills and soft skills you can apply to the job and explain how you would do so. Tell stories about how you used those skills in personal, school or volunteer experiences. 

For example, if you have strong interpersonal skills and have previously used them to achieve something or support someone, write about it. Or, if you are applying for a job that requires good writing skills, explain how you have used this skill to achieve something.

Remember non-traditional experience, like extracurricular activities, volunteer work and internships, which can help showcase your hard skills for the role you are applying.

Some of the most common mistakes when writing a cover letter are:

• Not using the correct format. 
• Writing lengthy letters.
• Using informal salutations and signoffs.
• Rehashing their resumes.
• Forgetting to include a call to action.
• Not proofreading.

Avoid missing one of these mistakes by following this guide or using our Cover Letter Generator, which automatically adjusts your cover letter format to business standards.

Check out the best AI cover letter generators and use one to make an error-free cover letter in minutes.

A cover letter follows a business format and has a clear and concise structure. It should be well-structured, professional, and easy to read and focus clearly on your skills and qualifications for the position.

Follow these cover letter format tips:

• Use a standard font: Choose a standard font such as Times New Roman or Arial, and use a font size of 10-12 points.
• Use a professional tone: Your cover letter should be written in a professional tone, with correct grammar and punctuation.
• Use a clear structure: Your cover letter should have a clear structure, with a header, introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
• Address the hiring manager: If possible, address the hiring manager by name in your opening paragraph or use an acceptable salutation, as seen in our examples. 
• Use keywords: Use keywords from the job description to tailor your cover letter to the role you are applying for. 
• Keep it concise: Write a one-page cover letter and keep your paragraphs short and to the point.
• Proofread your letter: Before submitting your cover letter, make sure to proofread it carefully for spelling and grammatical errors and to ensure that it is well-written and professional.

When formatting a cover letter for an internship, it’s important to follow a professional format and tone while highlighting your relevant skills and experience. 

• Use a standard business letter format, with your contact information, the date and the employer’s contact information at the top. 
• Address the employer by name, if possible. If you don’t know the employer’s name, use a professional greeting such as “Dear Internship Coordinator” or “Dear Hiring Manager.”
• In the opening paragraph, introduce yourself and explain why you are writing the letter. Mention the specific internship you are applying for and why you are interested in the position. 
• In the second paragraph, highlight your relevant skills and experience, and explain how they make you a good fit for the internship. In the third paragraph, explain why you are interested in the company and what you admire about its mission, values, or culture. 
• In the closing paragraph, thank the employer for considering your application and express your interest in discussing the internship further. Include your contact information and a call to action, such as “I look forward to hearing from you soon.”

If you don’t know the name of the person to whom you are addressing your cover letter, there are a few options. Here are some tips on how to write and format a cover letter when you don’t know who to address it to:

• Do some research: Try to find the name of the hiring manager or recruiter by doing some research online or by calling the company’s HR department. If you’re applying to a specific job posting, the contact information may be listed in the job description.
• Use a generic but professional greeting: If you don’t know the name of the person you’re addressing, you can use a generic greeting such as “Dear Hiring Manager,” “Dear Recruiting Team,” or “Dear Sir/Madam.” This is a polite and professional way to address your letter when you don’t have a specific name.
• Use a departmental address: If you can’t find a specific name, you can address your cover letter to a department rather than an individual. For example, you could address it to “Dear Marketing Department” or “Dear Human Resources Team.”
• Keep it professional: Regardless of how you address your cover letter, make sure to keep your tone professional. In the body of your cover letter, focus on your qualifications and how they make you a good fit for the position.

When applying for a job online, it’s important to format your cover letter so that it is easy to read and upload to the company’s website or application portal.

• Use a standard business letter format with a professional font like Times New Roman or Arial.
• Save your cover letter as a PDF file to ensure the formatting remains intact and the document is easy to read. 
• Use a clear structure with a header, introduction, body paragraphs and conclusion. 
• Proofread it carefully for spelling and grammatical errors and to ensure that it is well-written and professional.

All cover letters follow a standard business format. You can adjust your cover letter according to the application.

• Traditional business letter format for cover letters used as attachments or printed. 
• Adjusted to email, as described above, by skipping the header
• Written on an online application text box, following the same email cover letter format.