a short cover letter sample

8 Effective Examples of Short Cover Letters (+Sample Phrases)

By Status.net Editorial Team on September 17, 2024 — 11 minutes to read

Short cover letters grab attention and highlight your best qualities fast. You can stand out from other job seekers with just a few sentences. A brief intro, your top skills, and why you want the job is all you need. In this article, you’ll find the best examples of short cover letters, as well as a collection of example phrases to use.

Short Cover Letter Examples

Short cover letter example.

This letter highlights specific technical skills and quantifiable achievements relevant to the job:

“Dear [Recruiter’s Name],

I’m applying for the […] position at […] Company. With 3 years of experience in […] and […], I’ve contributed to projects that improved system efficiency by 30%.

At my current job, I led a team that developed a new […] system. This project was completed ahead of schedule and under budget.

I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my skills to your innovative team.

Sincerely, [Your Name]”

Entry-Level and Graduate Cover Letters

When you’re just starting out, focus on your education and any relevant experience.

“Dear Hiring Manager,

I’m excited to apply for the Marketing Assistant role at […] Company. As a recent graduate with a degree in Marketing, I’ve developed strong analytical skills through my coursework and internship at […] Corp.

During my internship, I helped increase social media engagement by 25%. I’m eager to bring this experience to your team.

Thank you for your consideration, [Your Name]”

This letter highlights your education and a key achievement from your internship. Related: 4 Examples: Impressive Resume with No Work Experience for Students

Career Change Applications

When switching careers, you can show how your skills transfer to the new field:

“Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I’m writing to express my interest in the Graphic Designer position at your company. While my background is in accounting, I’ve always had a passion for design.

Over the past year, I’ve completed several design courses and built a portfolio of work for local businesses. My attention to detail and client communication skills from accounting have proven valuable in my design projects.

I’d love to discuss how I can contribute to your team.

Best regards, [Your Name]”

This letter shows your enthusiasm and how your past experience relates to the new role. Related: 3 Examples: How to Write a Career Change Cover Letter

Internship Cover Letter Example

“Dear [Hiring Manager],

I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Position] internship at [Company]. As a [Major] student at [University], I have developed skills in [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3], which I believe align well with the requirements of this internship.

Through my coursework and extracurricular activities, I have gained experience in [Relevant Experience]. I am eager to apply my knowledge and contribute to [Company]’s goals.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team.

Promotion Cover Letter Example

“Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the [Position] role within our department. During my [Number] years as a [Current Position], I have consistently demonstrated my ability to [Achievement 1], [Achievement 2], and [Achievement 3].

In addition to my strong performance in my current role, I have taken on additional responsibilities, such as [Responsibility 1] and [Responsibility 2]. I am confident that my experience and skills make me an excellent candidate for this promotion.

I am excited about the opportunity to take on new challenges and contribute to the company’s success in a greater capacity.

Thank you for your consideration.

Relocation Cover Letter Example

I am writing to apply for the [Position] role at [Company] as I prepare to relocate to [City]. With [Number] years of experience in [Industry], I am confident that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate for this position.

In my current role at [Current Company], I have successfully [Achievement 1] and [Achievement 2]. I am excited to bring my expertise to [Company] and contribute to your team’s success.

I am planning to relocate to [City] by [Date] and would be available to start work immediately upon my arrival.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to [Company].

Networking Cover Letter Example

“Dear [Contact’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out because I am interested in exploring opportunities at [Company], and I noticed that you are currently working there as a [Contact’s Position].

With [Number] years of experience in [Industry], I am seeking new challenges and opportunities for growth. I am particularly drawn to [Company] because of [Reason 1] and [Reason 2].

I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to connect with you and learn more about your experience at [Company]. If you have a few minutes to spare, I would love to schedule a brief call or meeting at your convenience.

Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to the possibility of connecting with you soon.

Follow-Up Cover Letter Example

I wanted to follow up on my application for the [Position] role at [Company]. I remain extremely interested in this opportunity and believe that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate.

I am excited about the possibility of joining [Company] and contributing to your mission of [Company’s Mission or Goal].

Thank you again for considering my application. Please let me know if there is any additional information I can provide to support my candidacy.

Example Phrases for Effective Cover Letters

Effective opening paragraph.

“I’m thrilled to apply for the Marketing Manager role at […] Corp.”
“Your ad on LinkedIn caught my eye, as I’ve been following […]’s innovative campaigns.”
“With 5 years of experience in digital marketing, I’m eager to contribute to your team.”
“My passion for sustainable fashion aligns perfectly with your company’s mission.”
“As a recent graduate with a 3.9 GPA in Computer Science, I’m excited about this opportunity.”
“Your company’s commitment to renewable energy inspired me to apply.”
“I was impressed by […]’s recent product launch and would love to be part of future projects.”
“My background in data analysis makes me a strong fit for this Research Analyst position.”
“I’ve admired […]’s community outreach programs and would be proud to join your team.”
“Your company’s growth in the tech sector has been impressive, and I’m keen to contribute my skills.”

Showcasing Relevant Skills and Experience

In this part, pick 2-3 of your top skills or experiences that match what the job needs. Use real examples of how you’ve used these skills in past jobs or projects.

Use numbers when you can. Did you boost sales by 20%? Manage a team of 10? These details make your skills more concrete!

“I increased website traffic by 50% through SEO optimization.”
“As team lead, I managed 5 developers to complete projects 15% faster than expected.”
“I created a new filing system that saved 3 hours of work per week.”
“My customer service skills helped reduce complaints by 30% in just 3 months.”
“I developed a mobile app that now has over 100,000 downloads.”
“During my internship, I pitched an idea that saved the company $10,000 annually.”
“I speak fluent Spanish and have experience translating technical documents.”
“My social media campaign reached 1 million views and increased engagement by 75%.”
“I’ve written over 200 articles for top industry publications.”
“As a volunteer coordinator, I managed events with up to 500 participants.”

Tailoring to the Job Description

Look closely at the job posting. Use some of the same words they use to describe skills and duties – this shows you’re a good fit!

If they want someone who’s “detail-oriented,” give an example of how you pay attention to details. If they need a “team player,” you can talk about a time you worked well in a group.

“Your ad mentions needing strong project management skills. I’ve successfully led 15 projects to completion on time and under budget.”
“You’re looking for someone with Adobe Creative Suite expertise. I use Photoshop and Illustrator daily in my current role.”
“The job requires excellent writing skills. I’ve written over 50 blog posts that have been shared over 10,000 times.”
“Your description emphasizes customer service. In my current role, I maintain a 98% customer satisfaction rate.”
“You need someone familiar with SQL. I’ve used SQL to manage databases with over 1 million records.”
“The position requires public speaking skills. I’ve given presentations to groups of up to 200 people.”
“You’re seeking a candidate with budgeting experience. I’ve managed annual budgets of up to $500,000.”
“The job calls for leadership abilities. I currently supervise a team of 8 employees.”
“Your ad mentions needing someone who can work under pressure. I thrive in fast-paced environments, often meeting tight deadlines.”
“You’re looking for innovative thinking. I’ve introduced 3 new processes that improved efficiency by 25%.”

Strong Closing Statement

End your letter with a clear call to action. Say you’d love to talk more about the job. Thank them for their time and show you’re eager to hear back.

“I’m excited about the chance to discuss how I can contribute to your team. Thank you for your time and consideration.”
“I look forward to speaking with you about this opportunity. Thank you for reviewing my application.”
“I’d welcome the chance to further discuss how my skills align with your needs. Thank you for your consideration.”
“I’m eager to learn more about this role and how I can help […] achieve its goals. Thanks for your time.”
“I’d be thrilled to speak with you about how my experience can benefit your team. Thank you for your consideration.”

Personalizing Your Cover Letter

A personalized cover letter helps you stand out to employers. It shows you’ve done your research and are truly interested in the job.

Addressing the Hiring Manager by Name

Try to find the name of the person who will read your cover letter. Look on the company website or job posting. If you can’t find a name, call the company and ask who’s in charge of hiring.

Use “Dear [Name]” instead of “To Whom It May Concern.” This small touch makes your letter feel more personal. It shows you put in extra effort.

If you really can’t find a name, “Dear Hiring Manager” works too. It’s better than a generic greeting.

Adding a Personal Touch

Show your passion for the job and company in your letter. Mention why you’re excited about this specific role. (Maybe you love the company’s products or admire their work culture?)

Bring up something you learned about the company from your research. It could be a recent project or award. This proves you’ve done your homework and are truly interested.

Demonstrating Enthusiasm

A great cover letter shows your passion for the job and your professional skills. Let’s look at how to do this well in a short letter.

You can show your excitement for the job in many ways.

“I’m thrilled about this chance to join your team.”
“I’ve admired [Company]’s work for years, and I’d love to bring my skills to your team.”
“I’m excited about the chance to help [Company] tackle [specific challenge].”
“Your company’s mission aligns perfectly with my values.”
“I’ve been following your work for years and I’m eager to contribute.”
“This role is exactly what I’ve been looking for in my career.”
“I’m excited by the challenges this position offers.”
“Your innovative approach to [specific project] really inspires me.”
“I’m passionate about [specific aspect of the job] and can’t wait to dive in.”
“The opportunity to work on [specific project] is incredibly exciting to me.”
“I’ve always admired your company’s commitment to [specific value].”
“I’m ready to bring my energy and ideas to your team.”

These phrases show you’re truly interested in the job, and they help you stand out from other applicants.

“I look forward to discussing how my skills can benefit your team.”
“My experience in [specific skill] makes me a strong fit for this role.”
“I’m confident I can make a positive impact in this position.”
“I’ve attached my resume for your review.”
“Thank you for your time and consideration.”
“I’m available for an interview at your convenience.”
“I believe my background in [specific area] aligns well with your needs.”
“I’m eager to learn more about this opportunity.”
“Please let me know if you need any additional information.”
“I appreciate your consideration and hope to hear from you soon.”

Conclusion and Q & A

What are the key components of an effective short cover letter.

A good short cover letter has a few key parts. You need a strong opening that hooks the reader. Then, highlight your top skills and achievements. End with a call to action asking for an interview.

Make sure to include your contact info too. Keep it all brief and focused on why you’re the best fit for the job.

How can I make my cover letter stand out to employers?

To make your letter pop, tailor it to each job. Use the company’s name and mention specific things about their work.

What strategies can I use to keep my cover letter concise yet impactful?

To keep things short and sweet, focus on your top 2-3 selling points. Skip the fluff and get right to why you’re great for the job.

Use bullet points to break up text. This makes your letter easier to skim. (Cut any extra words or repeated ideas to keep things tight.)

Are there specific formats recommended for writing a short cover letter for a fresher?

For new grads, keep it simple. Start with a brief intro about your degree and career goals. Then highlight relevant coursework, internships, or projects.

End by expressing your eagerness to learn and grow with the company. A clean, easy-to-read format works best for freshers.

How do I highlight my qualifications in a brief cover letter without oversimplifying?

Pick your most impressive achievements and describe them with specific details. For example, instead of saying “I’m a great leader,” try “I led a team of 5 to finish our project 2 weeks early.”

Try to use numbers and concrete examples to show your impact: this paints a clear picture without taking up too much space.

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Resume and Cover Letter
Short Cover Letter Samples:...

Short Cover Letter Samples: Effective Examples for Job Applications

10 min read · Updated on September 11, 2024

Sometimes, a short and simple cover letter is all you need.

Today's hiring managers are inundated with resumes and cover letters, making it an impossible task to read everything that comes across their desks. Because of this, you need to make a great first impression as quickly as possible.

However, it can be a difficult task to condense years of experience, education, and career achievements into something concise. But you've come to the right place. Here, you'll find some short cover letter samples that will help you win the day.

Less is more

A lot of job seekers fall into the trap of trying to fit everything they've ever done into their resume and cover letter under the false impression that will help them land an interview. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The fact is, there isn't a hiring manager alive who is reading your resume and cover letter. Each document they get is quickly skimmed for pertinent information – details that prove the job seeker is the right person for the role they have open.

This is where the concept of a short cover letter comes into play. Don't be confused, though. Short doesn't mean that it lacks value. The idea is, instead, to relay only what's most important to the hiring manager to ensure you land a coveted interview.

Related reading: What is the 6-second test?

Get their attention

The goal is to grab the hiring manager's attention within six seconds. Once they come across something they find interesting, they'll slow down and read what you've provided. When it comes to writing a cover letter that sings your praises in a clear and precise manner, it's best to follow an outline.

Even in a short cover letter, structure is important as it makes it easy for the hiring manager to quickly find what they're looking for.

Start your letter with the hiring manager's name , if possible. You can use LinkedIn to try to find their name, or perhaps it's listed in the job description. If you absolutely can't find a person's name, then you can use a general greeting like “Dear Hiring Manager.”

The opening paragraph

This is your first opportunity to hook the hiring manager into reading. State your value proposition and let them know why you feel you'd be a great fit for the role. Be specific and mention the position by name – this is part of what's called tailoring your cover letter .

Try to avoid using redundant language. If you perform an online search for cover letter templates, it's a fair bet that most of them will start with some form of “I'm writing to express my interest in [job].” No kidding! There's no need to use “I'm writing to express my interest” because that's completely obvious.

Instead, use more impactful language like “My career is punctuated by the ability to lead companies through complex transformations to drive sustainable growth.” Here, you've immediately stated something of value that you bring to the table.

The middle paragraph

Since your focus is on writing a short cover letter, you don't have a lot of space to go into great detail about your achievements. Therefore, you should find something in the job description the company is really keen on getting from a new hire. Match that thing with an achievement from your past and write a blurb about it. Always try to use metrics – numbers – to prove your point.

For example, “In my previous role, I increased sales by 15% in just 6 months by building lasting relationships with executive decision-makers at client companies.”

Alternative to using a middle paragraph

It might be easier to make your point and keep it short if you replace the middle paragraph with a series of bullet points to break down your accomplishments. Even if you do this, you still want to focus on the parts of your career history that are relevant to the job you're applying for.

Bullet points keep things clear and readable, making it virtually impossible for a hiring manager to miss the point you're trying to make. Also, bullet points add white space which improves how easily someone can skim through what you've written.

Case in point:

Sentence in paragraph form:

“In my previous role as a Sales Manager, I led a team of 15 sales reps to increase revenue by 20% year over year.”

Sentence in bullet form:

Led a team of 15 sales representatives

Increased team revenue by 20% annually

You've said the exact same thing in both instances, but you make your point way faster in the bullet format than in the paragraph form.

The closing paragraph

Now, you express your enthusiasm for the role and the company – if you know enough about the company to be passionate about what they do. Don't forget to invite them to contact you and thank them for their time. Sign your name (or type your name) beneath this last paragraph. And, yes, it's okay to include your contact info on a line beneath your name.

Related reading: How to Write Your Ideal Cover Letter Closing Statement

Short cover letter samples

The beauty of writing a short cover letter is that you can do so whether you're fresh out of college or have decades of experience under your belt. Though admittedly, it does get more difficult the longer your career. To give you some ideas of what yours could look like, here are some short cover letter samples for different roles and experience levels.

Avoid copying and pasting these as your own because no two careers are alike, and your cover letter needs to be properly targeted to the job you want. But you can absolutely use them as inspiration for writing your own short cover letter.

Entry-level short cover letter sample

First & Last Name

Bennington, NE 68007 | (123) 456-7890 | [email protected]

Marketing Assistant

Dear Mr. Richardson:

I've always been fascinated by what it takes for companies to connect with potential customers in a way that encourages sales. So, I went to school and obtained a Bachelor's degree in Marketing, where I developed a strong foundation in digital marketing, social media management, and content creation that I know will benefit [Company Name]'s team.

One of my proudest moments came during an internship at Digital Horizons, where I partnered with the Social Media Manager to oversee campaigns and analyze audience engagement. I created a new strategy for Instagram that resulted in a 25% increase in followers within three months. This experience not only sharpened my ability to create compelling content but also taught me how to interpret analytics and adjust strategies to drive better engagement.

I may be new to the industry, but I'm ready to make an impact with [Company Name] in [insert a keyword from the job description]. Thank you for taking the time to review my candidacy. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss how I can contribute to your team's success.

One of the reasons this short cover letter works is the conversational tone. Your cover letter doesn't have to use the same stuffy language that your resume does. When you write your cover letter like this, it feels more approachable and engaging. Other than the tone, this short cover letter instantly highlights your degree and talks about practical skills you've gained. Even though there's not a lot of experience to draw from, it's still possible to find a way to inject an achievement.

Professional, experience-based short cover letter sample

Queen Creek, AZ 85142 | (123) 456-7890 | [email protected]

HR GENERALIST | ADMINISTRATIVE CULTURE LEADER

Dear Hiring Manager:

After leading HR operations across 7 locations in the Southwest and Pacific Northwest, I've developed an understanding of managing complex, multi-site HR functions while fostering a cohesive and positive work culture. My ability to drive continuous improvement in diverse environments will make me a great addition to [Company Name]'s team.

It took me less than a year to transition from an administrative role into a leadership position in my last job, and since I'm a jump-in-with-both-feet type of person, I quickly founded and chaired a Culture Committee and led company-wide events. One such event was attended by over 300 people. In fact, it was so well-received that I earned leadership buy-in on additional programs that supported employee engagement and professional development, including a Rosetta Stone Language program.

I am eager to bring my capabilities in motivating staff and managing change to your team, and I know that an employer/employee relationship will be a mutually beneficial endeavor. Thank you for the opportunity to discuss how my background aligns with your needs. I look forward to hearing back from you.

This short cover letter works because it gets to the point in just a few sentences. There are key accomplishments – like leading HR operations across multiple locations and founding new committees – and enough detail to make the point without overwhelming the reader. On top of that, the tone is engaging without being verbose. There's even a polite yet confident call to action at the end.

Executive-level short cover letter sample

Orlando, FL | (123) 456-7890 | [email protected]

DIRECTOR: FRAUD OPERATIONS (AML/BSA/SAR/OFAC)

I would like to present 3 decades of experience in anti-money laundering and fraud prevention/management to you in response to the open [Job Title] at [Company Name].

If you're looking for someone to take the reins on innovating fraud prevention tactics and complying with the many regulations imposed on the banking industry while simultaneously leveraging transformational leadership as a member of the Board of Directors, then I'm your person. Not only have I restructured BSA and Fraud departments, but I've also implemented cutting-edge programs that automate reporting and compliance processes, saving upwards of $1.2M annually. Over the years, I've built a reputation as someone who can quickly solve complex problems, even if the answer involves building new programs. In fact, some of the programs I've built have won awards multiple years in a row.

All of this is easily repeatable for [Company Name]'s team. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and achievements align with your team's needs.

Even at the executive level, this short cover letter works because it is bursting with value. It immediately zeros in on the amount of experience you have in a niche, highly regulated field and quickly talks about achievements. It also shows hiring managers that you're capable of leading both at the strategic and operational level by mentioning Board of Director experience. It may be written in a conversational tone, using phrases like “take the reins,” but it does so in a way that conveys confidence without sounding arrogant.

Short is still impactful

As you write your short cover letter, remember the focus should be on clarity and professionalism while keeping it concise. It's easy to relay the value you can offer a new team without presenting a wall of text that is not only tedious to read but overwhelms the hiring manager into skipping your application altogether. Short doesn't mean less effective; it means more targeted.

Did you know that TopResume can help you fine-tune your cover letter ? Since more than 50% of employers want to see a cover letter, you should think about getting one written that'll help you stand out from the crowd.

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