I’ve seen friends stick with jobs they don’t like just because applying elsewhere feels like too much hassle. Between competing against hundreds of applicants and the pressure to perfect your resume and cover letter — it’s a lot. So, I get wanting to throw together a basic cover letter and send it off to every job you see.
But “basic” doesn’t mean lazy. Can you keep it short and sweet? Absolutely. Is it doable to write a quick cover letter? With a little know-how, yes. What you don’t want to do is copy-paste a generic template. Hiring managers can spot that a mile away, and you don’t want your first impression to be, “The candidate who didn’t care.”
Find out how to write a basic cover letter without being basic. This guide will show you:
- A variety of simple cover letters from different industries.
- What to include in a basic cover letter to get noticed.
- How to structure a cover using professional formatting.
Need to draft a cover letter fast? Use our AI Cover Letter Builder. Simply input your job title and the company name, and our tool will create a customized, concise cover letter in seconds.
Basic Cover Letter Examples
If you’ve ever searched for cover letter tips, you probably know the number one rule: tailor your application to the job. And no, just name-dropping the company won’t cut it. Are you weaving in the right industry skills? Does your tone match their vibe? Are you striking the perfect balance of professionalism?
Check out these basic cover letter examples to see how making small tweaks can align your letter with the industry, position, and company culture.
Basic Business Cover Letter Example
Think of your cover letter as a persuasive pitch. It should highlight who you are in the industry while emphasizing your professionalism and the value you can deliver. Include specific examples revealing how your work has resulted in successful business outcomes.
Check out this business cover letter sample:
Basic Creative Cover Letter Example
Creativity in a cover letter isn’t about flashy fonts or images; it’s about naturally adding splashes of personality and emphasizing your creative background. Use humor and anecdotes (if appropriate) to show your uniqueness and enthusiasm.
Basic IT Cover Letter Example
There’s a fine line between showing your technological know-how and overloading your cover letter with complex jargon. Mention relevant software or tools from the job ad, but make it accessible to non-technical readers by describing how your skills led to concrete achievements.
Basic Part-Time Cover Letter Example
Whether you’re a student, a stay-at-home mom, or a retiree, you probably have more relevant experiences than you think. Whether through college, volunteer work, or previous jobs, identify your transferable skills and how they can benefit the company. You should also mention your flexibility to work different shifts if needed.
Don’t have much experience? No worries: How to Write a Cover Letter With No Work Experience
Basic Email Cover Letter Example
Your email cover letter works the same as a standard cover letter, though there are a couple of extra details. Your subject line is the first thing the hiring manager sees, so make sure it’s clear, with your name and job title. Pay attention to any instructions about whether the letter should be in the email body or as an attachment.
Need more cover letter inspiration? Take a look: 7 Short Cover Letter Samples
10 Cover Letter Basics
The overly ambitious Thanksgiving feast, that long cross-country road trip, or nailing the perfect cover letter — everything feels daunting until you get the basics down. Good news: writing a cover letter isn’t as stressful as juggling pots or tackling endless highways. It boils down to tailoring your content, adding a touch of personality, and showing the company how you can solve their needs.
Below, I’ve broken it into ten easy steps with examples to guide you through writing a basic cover letter.
1. Prove you have done your research
There are two kinds of birthday cards: the ones with a heartfelt message and those that just say “Happy Birthday.” Which would you rather get? That personal touch shows someone put in the time and actually cares. The same goes for cover letters. Adding a bit of personality and effort makes you stand out from the sea of generic applications.
The first step to personalization is easy — just reference the specific job position and company. Then, check out LinkedIn or X to see what the company’s up to. Are they highlighting a new project? Did they acquire another company? Adding these details shows you’re not just repeating their “About Us” page — you’re up-to-date with their world.
And don’t forget to include authentic praise. You don’t have to go full-on fan mode, but mentioning something specific about their mission, products, or goals shows respect without feeling exaggerated. This isn’t just about proving you can use Google; it’s showing that you’re engaged and enthusiastic about what they do.
Here’s how to show you’ve done your homework in your cover letter:
I’ve been following your recent expansion into international markets, and I admire how your team handled the challenges of scaling operations while maintaining a strong focus on customer experience. Your commitment in this area aligns perfectly with my experience driving growth through client-focused strategies.
2. Align your cover letter with the position and company
Imagine you’re applying for an IT role, and your big pitch is that you’re “a hard worker with great communication skills.” These are solid qualities, but they can apply to any job in any field. If you want to get noticed, get specific.
Tailor your cover letter to the job description. Does the role ask for troubleshooting and programming expertise? Focus on those abilities. Use examples to back up your relevant skills and show how you’ve applied them in real situations. Your cover letter should show why you’re the perfect match for this job. You can save unrelated stories for small talk at the holiday party.
But it’s not just about having the right skills — you have to prove you’re a good fit for the team. Check out the company website and add details that show you’re aligned with their culture and mission. If they’re all about collaboration and sustainability, mention your group project or eco-friendly work incentives.
Here’s how to tailor your cover letter to the role and company:
I admire Green Tech’s commitment to sustainability and your recent Eco-Efficiency software platform launch. In my previous role, I was part of a team project to develop an eco-friendly software solution that reduced energy usage by 15%. I’m eager to bring that same ambition to contribute to your mission of creating environmentally conscious tech solutions.
Don’t stop at tailoring your cover letter. Find out more: 5 Hacks to Tailor Your Resume
3. Use keywords and reflect the company’s tone
Knowing what a company wants isn’t some big mystery. Most employers spell it out in the job description. Pinpoint key or repeated skills or phrases and naturally weave them into your cover letter with concrete examples to show you have what they need. Plus, if the company uses Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), these keywords can help you get past the digital gatekeeper.
You should also adjust your cover letter to reflect the company’s tone. Activate your inner detective by heading to their website, reading their blog, and checking their LinkedIn. Are they using professional language, or are they more relaxed? Echo that tone in your cover letter. If they’re more traditional, keep it polished. If they’re casual, you can sound conversational — just avoid slang or anything that might sound too informal.
When you’re done, read each sentence and ask yourself if it leaves a positive impression. Does it sound like you fit in with the company’s culture? The goal is to show you’d slide seamlessly into their team, not just with your skills but your personality.
Here’s an example of a cover letter for a casual start-up company:
Your recent post about making marketing ‘human and relatable’ really struck a chord with me — it’s a similar approach I used in my last role, where I led a campaign that boosted engagement by 30% with diverse, people-first content. I’m all about bringing creative ideas to the table, and I think my knack for connecting with audiences would blend well with your culture.
4. Focus on the value you can bring to the company
Employers hire for a reason — they’ve got a problem that needs solving. Your job is to figure out what that problem is and position yourself as the solution. Look at the job posting carefully and think: Why is this role open? Once you’ve got an idea, tailor your skills and experience to match those needs.
Be clear about why you’re interested in this job and company. Hiring managers want to see that you’re excited about this opportunity, not just any old job. Highlight your skills with real examples that show quantifiable results — let them picture you already succeeding on their team.
If you’re a recent grad, focus on your academic achievements, projects, or relevant extracurriculars to show you’re capable. Are you changing industries or have career gaps? Don’t apologize for a lack of direct experience. Instead, emphasize what you have accomplished; whether through work, volunteering, school, or unique experiences that built relevant and in-demand skills.
Here’s an example of how a candidate without experience can show their value:
I’m excited to apply for the Retail Associate position at Trend Apparel. As a recent business graduate with a passion for customer service and fashion, I can’t think of a better place to start my career. During college, I organized campus pop-up shops that boosted sales for local artisans and received great feedback for my friendly, engaging approach.
5. Don’t make it all about yourself
There’s a fine line between showing your value and making it all about you. Imagine you’re on a first date, and the other person won’t stop talking about themselves. Hiring managers have their own way out of that situation — skimming through your cover letter and moving on. Why? Because it feels one-sided. A job isn’t just about you; it’s about how you fit into the company’s puzzle.
Frame your skills and experiences in a way that matches what they need. Show you’re thinking about their goals and how you’ll help meet them. That way, your cover letter reads as, “I can help your team thrive,” not “I’m here for what I get out of this.”
Remember, your cover letter isn’t your professional autobiography. Employers don’t need to know everything about your career or personal history. Stick to the most relevant experiences and qualities that match the job.
Here’s how you can show what you have to offer without making all about yourself:
Your company emphasizes a commitment to proactive customer care and teamwork — strengths I honed in my previous role, where I contributed to initiatives that boosted customer satisfaction across departments. But it wasn’t just about the numbers; I aimed to create a supportive environment for customers and colleagues. I’m excited to bring that focus on collaborative, results-driven service to TeleBase and help enhance the customer experience.
6. Balance personality and professionalism
Show your enthusiasm for the role and the company, but keep it in check. It’s great to be excited, but saying “Landing this job would be my dream come true” can come off as too much. Instead, keep it authentic and balanced, like “I’m looking forward to contributing to your team’s innovative work” — it’s genuine and enthusiastic without feeling forced.
Let your approachability shine through by keeping your tone conversational. Imagine you’re writing to a colleague you respect — professional, but warm. It’s okay to slip in a touch of humor if it feels natural and fits the company’s culture. Just don’t overdo it or veer into casual slang.
And it should go without saying — avoid including unrelated personal information like hobbies, marital status, or any details that don’t connect directly to the job. While it’s tempting to share your passion for rock collecting, stick to the qualities that highlight how you’ll fit into the team and contribute.
Here’s how to add a personal touch while keeping your cover letter professional:
I’m excited about the chance to join Blueprint Design’s creative team and contribute to your bold projects. With over three years of experience translating complex ideas into engaging visuals, I’m eager to bring my unique style to your next campaign. While I could talk about my love for typography all day, I’ll focus on using that passion to elevate your brand’s impact.
7. Avoid repeating your resume
What’s the point of a cover letter if you just repeat your resume? Let’s be honest — hiring managers are skimming through dozens of applications, so if they take the time to check out your cover letter, make it count.
Don’t just rehash your bullet points with extra fluff. Instead, pick a standout job or achievement and add value by telling a quick story or explaining how you made it happen. Show the steps you took and what actual results you delivered.
You can also bring up a relevant project or experience that didn’t make it onto your resume but shows your ability to contribute in the future. The cover letter isn’t just about your past — it’s how your background makes you the right person for the job now and moving forward.
Let’s say your resume says you “organized weekly team meetings,” you could expand on your cover letter like this:
I created focused agendas, rotated team leads, and integrated quick feedback sessions, leading to a 20% boost in project turnaround. It’s this kind of dedicated approach I’m excited to bring to your company.
Still working on your resume? Get the full lowdown: How to Write a Resume
8. Use the STAR method
The STAR method is commonplace in interviews to prevent waffling — and you can apply the same technique to your cover letter. If you want to keep everything concise, the STAR method will stop you from going off track with irrelevant details or side quests.
So, what’s STAR? It stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Situation: Set the scene and describe where and when this experience happened.
- Task: Explain your specific responsibility or the challenge you need to tackle.
- Action: Explain what you did to handle the task and be specific about your steps.
- Result: End with the impact of your actions and show what changed or improved.
Weaving STAR into your cover letter doesn’t mean you need a long-winded story — keep it concise. Choose one or two impressive examples that align with the job you’re applying for to demonstrate your qualifications in a structured way.
Here’s how to use the STAR method in your cover letter:
At my last job, I noticed that our client onboarding process (Situation) was causing delays, frustrating both the team and new clients (Task). I took the initiative to map out the entire workflow and introduce a new project management tool (Action). As a result, onboarding time was reduced, and the team felt more organized (Result).
9. Keep your cover letter concise
Hiring managers don’t have time to read through walls of text — they’re scanning dozens, if not hundreds, of applications. So, what’s the right cover letter length? Stick to a one-page, 250 to 400 words. However, a basic letter can be even shorter, around half a page.
Use simple language, concise sentences, and short words. You don’t need to impress anyone with complex vocabulary, and hiring managers shouldn’t need to reach for the dictionary. Straightforward writing wins every time. It makes your letter easier and faster to read, which is the best way to convey your message and show off your communication chops.
And make sure you trim the fluff. Only keep sentences that add real value or directly support your case for why you’re the best fit. Once you’re done writing, read it over and ask yourself, “If I were a busy manager, would I skim this and feel convinced?” If the answer’s no, refine it a little more.
Here’s a cover letter example full of lengthy words and unnecessary fluff (see how long it takes for you to zone out):
I am writing to express my sincerest interest in the opportunity to become part of your prestigious team. As an exceptionally hardworking individual with unparalleled dedication, I am confident that my myriad of qualifications and extensive background align with the standards of your organization. I possess a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in customer relationship management, stemming from my robust experience in multifaceted roles that required keen attention to detail and sophisticated problem-solving skills.
And here’s what it looks like after some much-needed editing:
I’m excited to apply for the customer service role at Get Social. With hands-on experience managing customer relationships and solving problems, I bring the dedication and adaptability needed to keep clients happy. I’m confident I’d contribute positively to your team, enhancing service quality and boosting customer experience.
10. Get feedback and proofread before sending
How many times did teachers tell you to double-check your work? We might’ve rolled our eyes back then, but they were onto something. When you’re applying for a job, mistakes could cost you an interview — typos or awkward sentences make it seem like you didn’t put in the effort or just weren’t paying attention.
It’s easy to miss your own mistakes since your brain fills in what you meant to write. Use grammar tools like Grammarly or built-in spell-checkers, but don’t treat them as your only line of defense. They’re helpful, but not flawless, so always do a manual read yourself.
Better yet, get a second opinion. Ask a friend, family member, or mentor to look it over. Fresh eyes can catch odd wording or confusing phrases you might miss. Plus, they can tell you if your points make sense and if your tone matches what you’re going for.
Dig deeper with more cover letter advice: Cover Letter Tips & Examples
How to Format a Basic Cover Letter?
Imagine opening your inbox first thing in the morning and seeing an email packed with a solid block of tiny text. Best case? You mark it for later. Worst case? You skip it entirely. If this sounds familiar, you already know the importance of formatting.
Even if your experience is stellar and your skills tick all the boxes, a poorly formatted cover letter can get overlooked simply because it’s tough to read — or, at the very least, leave a bad impression from the start.
Here’s a straightforward guide to nailing your cover letter layout:
Address
Start by including your contact information at the top: your name, phone number, and professional email. Below that, write the recipient’s details, like their name, job title, and the company’s name. Including a cover letter address keeps things organized and shows you mean business.
Font
Opt for a simple, professional font like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica — they’re modern and easy on the eyes. Steer clear of overly fancy or outdated fonts (yes, even Times New Roman). Your font size should be 10–12 points and consistent with your resume for a cohesive look.
Spacing
Single-spacing is the standard, but you can push it to 1.15 spacing if your font is on the small side. Just don’t go overboard — overly wide spacing screams “filler” and looks like you’re stretching for content (remember, there’s nothing wrong with keeping things concise).
Margins
Standard 1-inch margins on all sides are perfect for a polished letter. If you need a little more room, shrinking them to ¾ or even ½-inch is fine, but don’t go any smaller — it’ll be harder to read and look cluttered.
Learn more about the ins and outs of cover letter formatting: How to Format a Cover Letter
How to Write a Basic Cover Letter for a Job?
Now that you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to put that wisdom to work in four main sections. Here’s a quick breakdown of the four essential parts of a cover letter and what to include in each one.
- Open with a professional greeting: Begin by addressing your letter with “Dear” followed by the hiring manager’s name for a personal touch. If you can’t find their name, use “Dear Hiring Manager” or a similar title. Avoid generic phrases like “To Whom It May Concern.”
- Start with an introductory paragraph: Introduce yourself, mention the role you’re applying for, and where you found it. Briefly explain why you’re a great candidate and why you’re excited about this specific company.
- Include a memorable main body: Highlight key skills and relevant experiences, with brief examples that show how you meet the job requirements. Connect your background to the company’s mission or projects to show genuine interest.
- End with a concise closing paragraph and sign off: Reiterate your enthusiasm and thank the reader for considering your application. Invite them to reach out for an interview and end your cover letter with “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name.
For more details, take a look: How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job
Summary
Here’s a breakdown of the cover letter basics to make a standout first impression:
- Start with a professional greeting, like “Dear Mr/Ms [Hiring Managers’ Name]”. If the name isn’t available, “Dear Hiring Manager” works. Avoid generic openings like “To Whom It May Concern.”
- Introduce yourself with a strong opening paragraph and state the job you’re applying for. Highlight why you’re interested in the position and your main selling point.
- Mention specific details about the company or role to show you’ve done your research and genuinely care about joining their team.
- Focus on your most relevant skills and accomplishments connected to those listed in the job ad. Use specific examples to show how your background matches the position requirements.
- Write in a confident tone that balances your personality with professionalism. Show enthusiasm, but keep it genuine — no over-the-top language.
- Wrap up by reiterating your interest and thanking the reader. Invite them to contact you for further discussions and sign off with “Sincerely” or “Best regards.”
- Use a professional font like Arial or Calibri, 10–12 point size, and maintain single spacing. Stick to standard 1–inch margins for an easy-to-read layout.
- Aim for 250 to 400 words, no more than a page. Every sentence should add value, so skip irrelevant details or overly complex language to keep it simple and clear.
- Typos can be deal-breakers. Use tools like Grammarly for a first check, then read it yourself and have someone else review it for a fresh perspective.
FAQ
What is the point of a cover letter for a job application?
The purpose of your cover letter is to introduce yourself beyond your resume by telling your story and explaining why you’re the right fit for the job. Focus on your enthusiasm, highlight key experiences, and connect your skills directly to the job’s requirements.
You should also use your cover letter to show you’ve done your homework on the company and genuinely want the role — not just any job. A great cover letter adds a personal touch that makes hiring managers more inclined to remember you and reach out.
What to include in a cover letter for a resume?
Your cover letter should include these key elements: a strong opening that mentions the job you’re applying for, a middle section with relevant skills and achievements, and a closing paragraph that reiterates your interest and invites further conversation.
Include specific examples of your experiences and explain how they make you the perfect candidate. Tailor the content to show that you’ve researched the company and understand how your background aligns with their needs.
Learn more about the key features of a cover letter: What Should a Cover Letter Include?
How to structure a cover letter?
Structure your cover letter with a professional greeting, such as “Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name]”. Write a compelling opening paragraph, then follow with one or two main body paragraphs where you link your experiences to the job requirements, using concrete examples. End with a closing paragraph to emphasize your interest, thank the reader, and include a call to action for further discussion. End with a formal sign-off, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name.
What’s the best way to start a cover letter?
Start your cover letter with a statement highlighting your enthusiasm or connecting directly to the company. Mention the specific job title and why you’re interested in the company. This sets the tone and shows you’ve done your research, grabbing the reader’s attention from the start.
For example, “I was excited to see [Company’s] recent push for sustainable solutions, and I would love to bring my project management skills to contribute to those efforts.”
Find out more: How to Start a Cover Letter
Should a cover letter be double-spaced?
No, your cover letter shouldn’t be double-spaced. Single-spacing is best to keep the document looking clean and professional. You can add a blank line between sections (e.g., between paragraphs or before the closing) to make it easier to read. Too much spacing can make your cover letter look stretched out or like you’re trying to fill space.
What’s the proper email cover letter format?
If you’re sending your cover letter via email, include the cover letter in the body of the email unless the employer asks for an attachment. Start with a clear subject line: “Application for [Job Title] - [Your Name].” After your main content, end with a polite close, with your name and contact details. Attach your resume and any other required documents, and ensure your formatting is simple to avoid display issues.
