Crafting a Killer Cover Letter: Harvard’s Best Examples

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

I am writing to express my keen interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Platform where you saw the ad]. As a recent graduate of [University Name] with a degree in [Your Major], I have developed a strong foundation in [Relevant Skills/Knowledge].

During my studies, I gained practical experience through [Internship/Project] where I [Describe your responsibilities and accomplishments]. I am proficient in [List specific skills like software, languages, etc.] and eager to apply my abilities to contribute to [Company Name]’s success.

I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]’s commitment to [Company Value/Mission]. My passion for [Industry/Field] aligns perfectly with your company’s goals, and I am confident that I can make a valuable contribution to your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume for your review and welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further in an interview.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With [Number] years of experience in [Industry/Field], I have a proven track record of success in [Key Accomplishments].

In my previous role at [Previous Company], I was responsible for [List key responsibilities and quantify your achievements]. I successfully [Describe a significant achievement with metrics]. I am adept at [List key skills and expertise].

I am particularly impressed by [Company Name]’s [Specific achievement or initiative]. My skills and experience align perfectly with your company’s needs, and I am confident that I can make a significant contribution to your team.

I am eager to learn more about this opportunity and discuss how my expertise can benefit [Company Name]. My resume, which is attached, provides further detail on my qualifications. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With over [Number] years of experience in [Industry/Field], I have a distinguished career driving strategic growth and innovation within [Industry/Field].

Throughout my tenure at [Previous Company], I led [Team/Department] to achieve [Specific achievements with quantifiable results]. I have a proven ability to [Key leadership skills and expertise].

I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]’s vision for [Future goals or initiatives]. I am confident that my leadership skills and industry expertise align perfectly with your company’s strategic objectives, and I can help propel [Company Name] to even greater success.

I am eager to explore how my experience can contribute to [Company Name]’s continued growth. My resume, which is attached, provides further detail on my qualifications. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Platform where you saw the ad]. While my background is primarily in [Previous Field], I have developed a passion for [New Field] and am eager to transition my skills and experience into this exciting industry.

In my previous role at [Previous Company], I honed skills in [List transferable skills]. These skills are directly applicable to the requirements of the [Job Title] position. I have also actively pursued knowledge in [New Field] through [Courses/Certifications/Personal Projects].

I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]’s innovative approach to [Specific company project/initiative]. I am confident that my dedication, transferable skills, and passion for [New Field] make me a valuable candidate for your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume for your review and welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further in an interview.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

I hope this letter finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am writing to you based on the recommendation of [Mutual Contact Name], who I understand you know from [Relationship to Mutual Contact].

[Mutual Contact Name] suggested that I reach out to you regarding my interest in [Area of Interest] and the work being done at [Company Name]. I have been following [Company Name]’s work in [Specific Area] for some time and am deeply impressed by [Specific Achievement/Project].

With [Number] years of experience in [Industry/Field], I have developed skills in [List Key Skills]. I am eager to explore potential opportunities at [Company Name] where I can contribute my expertise. My resume, which is attached, provides further detail on my qualifications.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I would appreciate the opportunity to connect with you for a brief informational interview to learn more about your work at [Company Name].

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in contributing to [Specific Project Name] at [Company Name], as highlighted in [Source where you learned about the project]. The innovative approach to [Project’s Goal] deeply resonates with my experience and passion for [Relevant Field].

In my previous role at [Previous Company], I led a team that successfully [Describe a similar project and quantify your achievements]. I have expertise in [List key skills relevant to the project] which I believe would be directly applicable to the challenges and opportunities presented by [Specific Project Name].

I am particularly excited about the potential of [Specific Project Name] to [Potential positive impact]. I am confident that my skills and experience align perfectly with the needs of this project, and I am eager to contribute to its success.

My resume, which is attached, provides further detail on my qualifications. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to [Specific Project Name].

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], a role that requires strong leadership and strategic vision. Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated the ability to lead teams, drive innovation, and achieve ambitious goals.

At [Previous Company], I served as [Your Role] where I was responsible for [Key Responsibilities]. I successfully [Describe a significant leadership achievement and quantify the results]. My leadership style is based on [Describe your leadership philosophy – e.g., collaboration, empowerment, innovation].

I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]’s commitment to [Company Value/Mission related to leadership]. I am confident that my leadership skills and experience align perfectly with your company’s needs, and I can help drive your team to achieve even greater success.

My resume, which is attached, provides further detail on my qualifications. Thank you for your time and consideration. I welcome the opportunity to discuss my leadership experience further in an interview.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]’s reputation for innovation and its commitment to tackling complex challenges, areas where my problem-solving skills excel.

In my previous role at [Previous Company], I was faced with [Describe a challenging situation]. I analyzed the situation, developed a [Describe your solution] and implemented it successfully, resulting in [Quantifiable positive outcome]. I am adept at [List problem-solving skills like critical thinking, analysis, etc.].

I am confident that my problem-solving abilities and analytical skills align perfectly with the requirements of the [Job Title] position. I am eager to contribute my expertise to [Company Name] and help solve challenging problems that will drive your company’s success.

My resume, which is attached, provides further detail on my qualifications. Thank you for your time and consideration. I welcome the opportunity to discuss my problem-solving experience further in an interview.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. My passion for [Industry/Field] began [Describe the origin of your passion] and has continued to grow throughout my career.

I have actively pursued opportunities to deepen my knowledge and experience in [Industry/Field] through [List activities like attending conferences, taking courses, reading industry publications, etc.]. In my previous role at [Previous Company], I [Describe how your passion manifested in your work and achievements].

I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]’s [Specific initiative/achievement that aligns with your passion]. I am confident that my passion for [Industry/Field] combined with my skills and experience would make me a valuable asset to your team.

My resume, which is attached, provides further detail on my qualifications. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my passion for [Industry/Field] and how I can contribute to [Company Name]’s success.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I have been following [Company Name]’s work for some time and am deeply impressed by its [Specific aspects of the company culture – e.g., innovative spirit, collaborative environment, commitment to social responsibility].

I believe my values and work style align perfectly with [Company Name]’s culture. In my previous role at [Previous Company], I thrived in a [Describe a similar work environment] and consistently [Describe behaviors that align with the company culture – e.g., collaborated effectively with colleagues, embraced new challenges, contributed to a positive team atmosphere].

I am confident that I would be a valuable addition to [Company Name]’s team. I am eager to contribute to a positive and productive work environment while utilizing my skills and experience to achieve the company’s goals.

My resume, which is attached, provides further detail on my qualifications. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to learn more about [Company Name]’s culture and discuss how I can contribute to its success.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. While my resume shows a period of [Duration] where I was not formally employed, I want to assure you that I have been actively engaged in [Describe activities during the gap – e.g., professional development, volunteer work, personal projects].

During this time, I [Describe specific skills or knowledge gained during the gap]. For example, I [Explain a specific accomplishment during this period and how it relates to the job requirements]. I have remained current in my field by [Mention activities such as reading industry publications, attending webinars, or completing online courses].

I am now eager to re-enter the workforce and contribute my skills and experience to [Company Name]. I am confident that my past experience, combined with my recent activities, make me a valuable candidate for your team.

My resume, which is attached, provides further detail on my qualifications. Thank you for your time and consideration. I welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications and address any questions you may have about my employment history.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

I am writing to express my excitement about the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I am particularly drawn to your company’s mission to [Company’s Mission] and its innovative approach to [Industry/Field].

I thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments and have a proven track record of success in start-up settings. In my previous role at [Previous Company], I [Describe experiences that are relevant to a start-up environment, such as wearing multiple hats, taking initiative, and adapting quickly to change]. I am comfortable with ambiguity and am eager to contribute to a growing company.

I am confident that my skills and experience align perfectly with [Company Name]’s needs. I am eager to contribute to your company’s growth and success and am excited about the opportunity to work alongside a passionate and driven team.

My resume, which is attached, provides further detail on my qualifications. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to learn more about [Company Name] and discuss how I can contribute to your team.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Platform]. I was particularly excited to see that project management skills are highly valued in this role, as this is an area where I have significant experience and a proven track record of success.

In my previous role at [Previous Company], I served as [Your Role] and was responsible for managing [Number] projects simultaneously, ranging in scope from [Brief description of project types]. I utilized [Project Management Methodology – e.g., Agile, Waterfall] to ensure projects were completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. A specific example includes [Describe a project where you successfully applied project management skills and quantify the results – e.g., “leading a team of 5 to deliver a new software feature 2 weeks ahead of schedule, resulting in a 15% increase in user engagement”].

I am proficient in using project management tools such as [List Tools – e.g., Jira, Asana, Trello] and am confident in my ability to quickly adapt to any new systems. I am eager to bring my project management expertise to [Company Name] and contribute to the successful execution of your strategic initiatives.

My resume, which is attached, provides further detail on my qualifications. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my project management experience and how it aligns with the requirements of the [Job Title] position.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

I am writing to express my keen interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Platform]. I was particularly excited to see that fluency in Spanish is a requirement for this role, as I have been a fluent Spanish speaker for [Number] years.

My fluency in Spanish stems from [Explain the origin of your fluency – e.g., living in Spain for 5 years, being raised in a bilingual household, completing an intensive language program]. I have used my Spanish language skills extensively in my professional career at [Previous Company] where I [Describe how you used Spanish in your previous role – e.g., communicated with Spanish-speaking clients, translated documents, conducted training sessions in Spanish].

I am confident in my ability to communicate effectively in both written and spoken Spanish. I am eager to leverage my language skills to contribute to [Company Name]’s success in [Specific market or area where Spanish fluency is beneficial].

My resume, which is attached, provides further detail on my qualifications. Thank you for your time and consideration. I welcome the opportunity to demonstrate my Spanish language proficiency in an interview.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I have a passion for creating innovative marketing campaigns that capture attention, drive engagement, and deliver measurable results. I am particularly impressed with [Company Name]’s recent [Mention a specific marketing campaign or initiative you admired].

In my previous role at [Previous Company], I was responsible for [Key Responsibilities]. I consistently sought creative solutions to marketing challenges, resulting in [Quantifiable achievements – e.g., a 20% increase in website traffic, a 15% improvement in lead generation]. For example, I [Describe a specific creative campaign you developed and its impact].

I am eager to bring my creative energy and marketing expertise to [Company Name]. I am confident that I can contribute to the development of innovative and impactful marketing strategies that will help your company achieve its goals.

My resume, which is attached, provides further detail on my qualifications. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my creative marketing ideas and how I can contribute to [Company Name]’s success.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, I believe adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning are essential. I possess a strong ability to quickly learn new skills, adapt to changing priorities, and thrive in dynamic environments.

Throughout my career, I have consistently sought opportunities to expand my knowledge and expertise. For example, in my previous role at [Previous Company], I was tasked with [Describe a situation requiring adaptability – e.g., implementing a new software system, taking on a new role with unfamiliar responsibilities]. I quickly learned the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed, resulting in [Quantifiable positive outcome]. I also regularly [Describe activities demonstrating continuous learning – e.g., attend industry conferences, take online courses, read relevant publications].

I am confident that my adaptability and learning agility would make me a valuable asset to [Company Name]. I am eager to embrace new challenges and contribute to your company’s continued success in a constantly changing world.

My resume, which is attached, provides further detail on my qualifications. Thank you for your time and consideration. I welcome the opportunity to discuss my adaptability and learning agility further in an interview.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With a strong foundation in [Relevant Field – e.g., finance, statistics, mathematics] and proven experience in quantitative analysis, I am confident in my ability to contribute to your team’s success.

In my previous role at [Previous Company], I was responsible for [Key Responsibilities involving quantitative analysis]. I utilized [Specific tools or techniques – e.g., statistical modeling, data mining, financial analysis software] to [Describe how you used quantitative skills to solve problems or achieve results]. For example, I [Describe a specific accomplishment quantifying the impact – e.g., “developed a model that improved forecasting accuracy by 10%, leading to a $500,000 reduction in inventory costs”].

I am proficient in [List quantitative skills – e.g., statistical analysis, data modeling, financial forecasting, Excel, SQL, R, Python]. I am eager to leverage my quantitative expertise to contribute to [Company Name]’s success in [Specific area where quantitative skills are valuable – e.g., improving financial performance, optimizing marketing campaigns, enhancing data-driven decision making].

My resume, which is attached, provides further detail on my qualifications. Thank you for your time and consideration. I welcome the opportunity to discuss my quantitative skills and how I can contribute to [Company Name]’s goals.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], particularly because it offers the flexibility of remote work. I have a proven track record of success working independently and collaboratively in remote environments.

In my previous role at [Previous Company], I successfully managed my responsibilities while working remotely for [Duration]. I am proficient in using communication and collaboration tools such as [List tools – e.g., Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams] to maintain effective communication and teamwork. I am also highly organized and self-motivated, enabling me to manage my time effectively and meet deadlines consistently.

I am drawn to [Company Name]’s commitment to [Company Value/Mission] and believe that my skills and experience align perfectly with your company’s needs. I am confident that I can be a productive and valuable member of your team while working remotely.

My resume, which is attached, provides further detail on my qualifications. Thank you for your time and consideration. I welcome the opportunity to discuss my experience working remotely and how I can contribute to [Company Name]’s success.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

I am writing to express my continued interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. Thank you for the opportunity to learn more about the role and the company during our previous conversation.

Regarding salary expectations, based on my research of similar positions with my experience and skills in the [Location] area, I am seeking a salary in the range of [Salary Range]. However, I am open to discussing this further and am more focused on finding the right opportunity where I can make a significant contribution to [Company Name]’s success.

I am confident that my skills and experience align perfectly with the requirements of the [Job Title] position. I am eager to contribute to your team and am excited about the potential to grow with [Company Name].

My resume, which is attached, provides further detail on my qualifications. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

Thank you so much for taking the time to interview me for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] on [Date]. I truly enjoyed learning more about the role, the team, and the company’s vision for the future.

Our conversation further solidified my interest in the [Job Title] position. I was particularly excited to hear more about [Specific aspect of the role or company that resonated with you]. I am confident that my skills and experience in [List relevant skills] align perfectly with the requirements of this role and that I can make a significant contribution to [Company Name].

Thank you again for your time and consideration. I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity and look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to follow up on my application