The cover letter header is often the first thing a hiring manager sees, making it a crucial element in your job application. It’s not just about your name and contact information; it’s about making a strong first impression. A well-structured header immediately conveys professionalism and attention to detail, signaling to the recruiter that you’re a serious candidate.
This article will explore 12 different cover letter header templates, offering practical examples and expert advice on how to create a header that stands out. We’ll cover everything from traditional layouts to more modern and creative approaches, providing you with the tools and knowledge to craft a header that perfectly complements your resume and overall application.
12 Cover Letter Header Templates with Examples
Template 1: The Classic & Professional
This is a standard, time-tested format that works well for almost any industry. It’s clean, straightforward, and easy to read.
Example:
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager's Full Name]
[Hiring Manager's Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Best for: Conservative industries, corporate roles, formal applications.
Template 2: Modern & Minimalist
This template is a sleek and contemporary option, perfect for showcasing a modern and forward-thinking approach.
Example:
[Your Full Name] | [Your Phone Number] | [Your Email Address] | [Your LinkedIn Profile URL (Optional)]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager's Name], [Hiring Manager's Title]
[Company Name]
Best for: Tech companies, startups, creative industries.
Template 3: Emphasis on Digital Presence
This template highlights your online presence, particularly useful if the role involves social media or online communication.
Example:
[Your Full Name]
[Your LinkedIn Profile URL]
[Your Portfolio URL (If Applicable)]
[Your Phone Number] | [Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager's Name]
[Hiring Manager's Title]
[Company Name]
Best for: Marketing, design, web development, social media roles.
Template 4: Contact Information in a Single Line
This is a highly condensed format, ideal for saving space and presenting information concisely.
Example:
[Your Full Name] | [Your Phone Number] | [Your Email Address] | [Your LinkedIn Profile URL (Optional)]
[Date] | [Hiring Manager's Name], [Hiring Manager's Title] | [Company Name]
Best for: Situations where space is limited, brevity is valued.
Template 5: Creative & Bold
This template allows for a more visually striking presentation, using bold fonts or strategic spacing to draw attention.
Example:
[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number] | [Your Email Address]
[Your LinkedIn Profile URL (Optional)]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager's Name]
[Hiring Manager's Title]
[Company Name]
Best for: Design roles, creative agencies, industries that value innovation.
Template 6: Location-Specific
If you’re applying for a job in a different city or state, emphasizing your location can be advantageous.
Example:
[Your Full Name]
[Your City, State] - Ready to Relocate!
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager's Full Name]
[Hiring Manager's Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Best for: Candidates relocating for a job, positions where local knowledge is valued.
Template 7: Target Company Branding
This template subtly incorporates the target company’s branding elements, showing that you’ve done your research.
Example:
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]
[Subtle line with company color]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager's Name]
[Hiring Manager's Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Best for: Companies with strong branding, roles where attention to detail is critical.
Template 8: Simple and Aligned
A clean, left-aligned format that is easy to scan and read.
Example:
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager's Name]
[Hiring Manager's Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Best for: Most situations. Safe, standard, and professional.
Template 9: Reverse Chronological Emphasis
This format is similar to the classic, but puts the date first for emphasis.
Example:
[Date]
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Hiring Manager's Full Name]
[Hiring Manager's Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Best for: Situations where the application date is important, or when you want to stand out subtly.
Template 10: LinkedIn Profile Prominent
If you have a strong LinkedIn profile, make it a key part of your header.
Example:
[Your Full Name]
LinkedIn: [Your LinkedIn Profile URL]
[Your Phone Number] | [Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager's Name]
[Hiring Manager's Title]
[Company Name]
Best for: Professions where LinkedIn is heavily used for networking and recruitment (e.g., Sales, Marketing, IT).
Template 11: Adding a Title or Certification
If you have a relevant professional title or certification, including it can boost your credibility.
Example:
[Your Full Name], [Your Professional Title/Certification]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager's Full Name]
[Hiring Manager's Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Best for: Fields requiring certifications (e.g., Nursing, Accounting, Project Management).
Template 12: Focusing on Job Title and Department
This template is useful when applying internally or for jobs with specific departments.
Example:
[Your Full Name]
Applying for: [Job Title] - [Department Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager's Full Name]
[Hiring Manager's Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Best for: Internal applications, roles within large organizations.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Cover Letter Header
Crafting the perfect cover letter header is about more than just listing your contact information; it’s about making a positive first impression and demonstrating attention to detail. By carefully selecting a template that aligns with your target industry, role, and personal brand, you can significantly enhance your chances of landing an interview.
Remember to consider factors such as the company culture, the level of formality required, and your personal style. Whether you opt for a classic and professional approach or a more modern and creative one, ensure that your header is clear, concise, and easy to read. Always double-check for accuracy and consistency with your resume. A well-crafted cover letter header is a small detail that can make a big difference in your job search.