General-purpose format for a basic cover letter
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General-purpose format for a basic cover letter

Want to write a simple, concise cover letter to help bolster your application? Then you made the right call. Indeed, Recruiters would much rather read a basic cover letter that’s punchy and compelling than a lengthy document filled with irrelevant information.

Last update:
01/01/2024

All cover letter examples in this guide

two column Basic  cover letter example
Budaest
professional Basic  cover letter template
Kiev
modern Basic    cover letter template
Perth
basic Basic  cover letter example
Montecarlo
Resume Guide

Read on to find out how to write a convincing cover letter that catches the reader's attention. To stack all the odds in your favor, you can also take a look at our cover letter template – it's customizable for all kinds of job offers.

Your goal: to stand out from the other candidates and get called in for a job interview.

Save yourself some writing time! Use our customizable cover letter templates.

How to write a basic cover letter


It is well known that long, rambling cover letters instantly put off recruiters. Bear in mind that they only have a few minutes to look over each application file. This is why you need to aim to give a summary of your profile in just a few paragraphs. Your goal here is to make their lives easier.


When thinking about how to create cover letter for resume submissions, aim to summarize your profile in just a few short paragraphs. This way, recruiters can quickly understand your strengths without getting lost in unnecessary details.

To make your cover note CV straightforward, pleasant to read, and competitive, include these essentials:

  • A summary of your interest in the role
  • Your career goals (ideally aligned with the job)
  • Your key skills that match the position
  • A clear statement of your desire to come in for an interview

Layout for a basic cover letter

The way your cover letter looks can be just as important as what it says. A clean layout makes it easy for recruiters to scan your details quickly, while still showing that you’ve put thought into your application.

If you’d prefer not to start from scratch, you could always use a professional cover letter sample. It gives you a professional structure to follow and saves valuable time.

When setting up the layout of a basic cover letter, keep these points in mind:

  • One side of A4
  • Page not too crowded with 1.15 cm space between each line
  • Professional easy-to-read font (Arial, Verdana, Calibri, Cambria, Times New Roman etc.)
  • Clearly legible font size (12 to 14)
  • Text left-aligned
  • Short paragraphs (4 to 5 lines)

The structure of a basic cover letter

In general, recruiters prefer reading cover letters that have a simple and logical structure, such as the following:

  • A letterhead
  • A salutation/greeting to a real person (Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms. etc.)
  • A letter subject indicating the job title and the name of the company
  • An attention-grabbing opener summarising the candidate’s profile
  • A paragraph describing the candidate’s career goals as well as their interest in the post
  • A summary of the candidate’s skills and attributes
  • A closing paragraph expressing interest in proceeding to an interview
  • A complimentary close
  • Full name and signature (if providing a hard copy)

To make sure you don’t forget any of that, use our ready-to-use cover letter templates. All you need to do is compete online and then download your chosen template as a PDF or Word Doc.

Writing the letterhead for your cover letter

This is definitely the easiest part of your cover letter. However, there are still a few rules you need to follow.

Align your contact information to the right-hand side of the page and be sure to include:

  • Your name
  • Your address: the country and city can suffice
  • Your phone number: don’t forget to include the international dialling code if your cover letter is going to be submitted abroad
  • Your professional email address

The letterhead should also include the contact information of the company you are applying to.

Writing the perfect opener for a basic cover letter


Your cover letter should grab attention from the very first line. Since recruiters usually skim through piles of applications, you don’t have much time! So the opener needs to be clear, specific, and easy to digest.

Start by saying which role you’re applying for and add a quick note about your background, whether that’s your degree, past jobs, or even a project that relates to the position. From there, drop in one or two qualities that show why you’d be a good fit without going overboard.

At the end of the day, what is a cover letter for if not to introduce yourself and explain why the job matters to you? One simple way to frame it is like writing a cover note CV: short, to the point, and designed to spark interest right away. 

Now let’s get started with your first paragraph.

From the very first few sentences of your cover letter, recruiters need to be able to see:

  • Your level of education
  • The position you’re looking to secure within the company

Here’s a little tip for capturing your recruiter’s attention: Give them a small taste of what will be developed further later as they continue reading your cover letter.

Be sure to mention the main assets you have to offer (skills acquired during an internship, a summer job or another previous position, experience working the same job at another company, your level of experience, etc.)

Note that all this should be taken as a rule of thumb. Your opening paragraph needs to be adapted to line up with the reasons behind your application. For example, in a cover letter for a master’s course, the opener will differ slightly.

Example of a good opener for a cover letter

CORRECT
As a holder of a Food Preparation and Cooking qualification, I would like to apply for the position of commis chef at Snack Time. Having already held the same position previously for 3 years at Burger King, I have a very sound knowledge of food hygiene and safety standards. I hope to put my excellent ability to perform under pressure and work as part of a team to good use within your team of kitchen staff.

Example of a bad opener for a cover letter

INCORRECT
As a diligent and independent individual, I would like to apply for the position of commis chef in your company to contribute to the successful execution of your team’s activities.

How to make your Cover Letter and Resume match


A cover letter and resume work best when they tell the same story. They should give recruiters a clear view of your skills and experience while feeling personal and professional. Using related resume and cover letter template can help you make sure both documents match in style, tone, and layout, creating a neat, cohesive application.

Your cover letter is your chance to add context. It goes beyond the resume by explaining why your accomplishments matter and how they connect to your career goals. Learning how to make a cover letter and resume work together can make your application feel intentional and tailored, rather than generic or rushed.

Matching keywords in both documents is important, not just for recruiters but also to pass screening software. The cover letter lets you give examples or little stories that highlight your skills and show how you can contribute.

When done right, your CV &  resume work together as a single, compelling package. Recruiters can see at a glance what you’ve achieved, why it matters, and why you’re a good fit - making it much easier to get that interview

Bringing up career plans in a cover letter


Once your opener has grabbed attention, the recruiter will want to read on.

In this paragraph, you need to explain a very specific reason for applying to the position. Start by briefly outlining your professional ambitions. Then, connect these goals to why you are interested in this job.

To make your application stand out, do some research on the company beforehand. Visit their website to learn about their products, services, and any upcoming projects. This shows recruiters that you are genuinely interested in the company’s work and can earn you extra points.


Basic cover letter – career plans example

During the 5 years I spent working for the eBay website, I was able to increase website traffic by 21%. Now on the hunt for an even bigger challenge, I would like to take on the role of traffic manager within your company to help you optimize your website’s organic search ranking which is currently invisible to search engines.

Highlight your strengths and key skills in your cover letter


As you will see in the following resume with cover letter example, the candidate dedicated a paragraph to showing off their skill set. That said, in a basic cover letter, it’s best to stick to skills that your potential employer will actually care about. No need to list everything you know - focus on what matters for the role.

Try to highlight both hard and soft skills, but don’t overdo it. The template shows how you can mix specific achievements with personal strengths without making the letter too long. The idea is to give a clear sense of what you can bring to the team while keeping the recruiter’s attention.

To ensure you only include skills that will be useful for the company, take another look at the job posting. Tick off the skills that are the best fit for you as an employee and weave them into your cover letter. Try to strike the right balance between technical and social skills.

Don’t forget to indicate that these skills will be essential when it comes to successfully carrying out your future tasks and helping the company reach its objectives.

Basic Matched Resume & Cover Letter Examples

Marketing Executive Cover Letter Example

Copy

Jamie Manson

City, Country | +91 98765 43210 | jamie.manson@email.com

Dear Mr./Ms. [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am excited to apply for the Marketing Executive position at BrightWave Solutions. I bring 3 years of experience in project management and digital marketing tools like Google Ads and Mailchimp. I also excel in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, helping campaigns succeed under tight deadlines.

As shown in my resume & cover letter template, I have led projects that increased social media engagement by 30% and managed product launches successfully. I would welcome the chance to discuss how I can contribute to your team.

Sincerely,

Jamie Manson


Marketing Executive Resume Example

Copy

Jamie Manson

City, Country | +91 98765 43210 | jamie.manson@email.com

Professional Summary

Marketing professional with 3 years of experience in digital campaigns, project management, and team collaboration.

Skills

  • Project Management
  • Digital Marketing Tools (Google Ads, Mailchimp)
  • Social Media Strategy
  • Communication & Problem-Solving
  • Team Collaboration

Experience

Marketing Executive – BrightWave Solutions | Jan 2021 – Present

  • Increased social media engagement by 30% through digital campaigns
  • Led cross-functional teams for product launches
  • Managed email campaigns using Mailchimp

Marketing Associate – Creative Minds Agency | Jun 2019 – Dec 2020

  • Assisted in content creation and analytics
  • Supported project management and client communications

Education

BBA – University Name | 2019


Rounding off your basic cover letter


In the closing paragraph of your cover letter, be sure to get straight to the point: request an interview.

To end your cover letter on a high note, don’t forget to include a classic complimentary close.

Requesting an interview: examples

  • I am available to come in for an interview at your earliest convenience to further discuss my application with you.
  • I would welcome the opportunity to meet in person during an interview to truly demonstrate my motivation.
  • I hope that you will be interested in my profile, and I would be delighted to come in for an interview so that we can discuss our respective interests further.

Complimentary closes: examples

  • Sincerely
  • Yours sincerely
  • I look forward to hearing from you
  • I appreciate your consideration and look forward to your positive response

Summary: key points for writing a straightforward, first-rate cover letter


  • Keep the layout simple to make your cover letter easier to read
  • Write an attention-grabbing opener that encourages recruiters to read on
  • Demonstrate that your career plans line up with your interest in the post
  • Showcase any skills and attributes you have that are relevant to the job offer in question
  • Make it clear that you are available to come in for an interview

Create your resume with the best templates

Frequently Asked Questions for a Basic Cover Letter

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a brief document sent with your resume to introduce yourself to employers. It highlights your skills, explains your interest in the role, and shows why you’re a good fit.

What kind of resume should go alongside a basic cover letter?

Submit your cover letter with a resume that hammers home the fact that you’re the ideal candidate for the post. Every bit of information you provide in your cover letter needs to match up perfectly with that provided in your resume.

Be sure to take a look at our tips for writing a perfect resume. To make your life a bit easier, use one of our resume cover letter templates, which are available to download on our resume builder website. This ensures your documents look consistent and professional.

How do I start writing my cover letter?

Not sure where to begin? Don’t worry, knowing how to create cover letter for resume doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by saying which job you’re applying for, then quickly mention the skills and experience that matter most. Keep it short, clear, and focused on why you’d be a good fit. A little personality goes a long way, too; so don’t be afraid to let your enthusiasm show.

How should I write the email containing my cover letter?

When submitting your cover letter or resume by email, ensure you make the subject line specific. As for writing the body of the email, here are some good practices to adhere to:

  • Start off with a polite greeting (‘Dear…’) and address a real person's name. Not a generic ‘To whom it may concern’
  • Express your interest in the job position
  • Mention where you found the job posting
  • Highlight skills that are relevant to the offer description
  • Indicate that you have attached your cover letter to provide further details
  • Round things off with a complimentary close (regards, kind regards, best regards) followed by your full name.

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