Cover letter examples · For job seekers
Application Letter Template and Examples
Application letter template with the right format, how to start and end it, and sample letters for a first job, an experienced hire and a teaching post.
The short answer
A good application letter is three or four short paragraphs: the role and one specific reason you want it, one or two pieces of work that match the advert, how you work, and a short close. Below are 3 full example letters (fill-in application letter template, short application letter for a first job and teacher application letter) and the structure behind them.
- Greeting: Address a named person if the advert or company site gives one (“Dear Ms Santos”).
- How to start an application letter: The first sentence names the exact job title, where you saw it, and one reason you are a strong fit.
- Body: your evidence: One or two short paragraphs that match the advert’s main requirements with things you have actually done.
An application letter is the one-page letter you send with your resume or CV when you apply for a job. In the US and much of Europe it is usually called a cover letter, in the UK a covering letter, and in the Philippines, India and many other countries an application letter; the document is the same. Its job is to say which role you want, why you fit it, and why you want this employer in particular. This page gives a fill-in application letter template, the standard layout, how to start and how to end the letter, and full sample application letters for three common situations, including a teacher application letter.
Example Application Letters
Illustrative examples: the people, employers and projects are invented. Replace everything in brackets, and every detail, with your own.
Fill-in application letter template
[Your full name]
[Phone number] · [Email] · [Town or city]
[Date]
[Hiring manager’s name]
[Company name]
[Company address]
Dear [Mr/Ms/Dr Surname, or Hiring Manager],
I am writing to apply for the [job title] position advertised on [where you saw it]. With [your most relevant experience or qualification], I am confident I can [the main thing the role needs].
In my current role at [employer], I [one achievement that matches the advert: what you did and what changed]. I have also [a second relevant achievement, skill or qualification], which has prepared me for [a duty named in the advert].
I am particularly interested in [company name] because [a specific reason: its customers, product, values or a recent piece of work]. I would welcome the chance to bring [one or two strengths] to your team.
My resume is attached. I would be glad to discuss my application at an interview at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely,
[Your full name]
Short application letter for a first job
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to apply for the Junior Office Assistant role advertised on [job board]. I graduated this year with a degree in business administration, and I am looking for a first role where I can be useful from the start while learning how a busy office runs.
During my final year I worked part-time on the front desk of the university library, where I answered queries in person and by email, kept the booking system for study rooms up to date, and trained two new student assistants. I also organised the finances for my university’s debating society, keeping a simple spreadsheet of income and spending that our committee used for every decision.
[Company] stood out to me because of [specific reason]. I am organised, quick to learn new software and comfortable being the first person a visitor speaks to.
My resume is attached. I would welcome the chance to discuss the role with you. Thank you for considering my application.
Kind regards,
[Your name]
Teacher application letter
Dear [Headteacher’s or Principal’s name],
I am writing to apply for the Year 5 Class Teacher post at [School], advertised on [website]. I have taught Key Stage 2 for four years, and your school’s focus on reading for pleasure is something I have worked hard to build in my own classroom.
At [Current school], I introduced a weekly class book club and a reading corner run by the pupils themselves. Over the year, the number of children choosing to read during free time rose noticeably, and several reluctant readers began recommending books to classmates. I plan lessons in small steps with frequent checks for understanding, and I adapt work for pupils with additional needs in close partnership with our SENCo and teaching assistants.
Outside the classroom I lead the after-school chess club and have helped coordinate our Year 6 residential trip. I value strong links with parents and keep them informed through short, regular updates rather than only at parents’ evenings.
I would welcome the opportunity to visit the school and to discuss how I could contribute. My CV and completed application form are enclosed. Thank you for your consideration.
Yours sincerely,
[Your name]
How to structure it
- 1
Header and layout
Put your name, phone number, email and town or city at the top, then the date, then the employer’s name and address if you have it. Use one font, normal margins and single spacing with a blank line between paragraphs. Keep the whole letter to one page. If you are pasting it into an email or an online form, drop the addresses and start at the greeting.
- 2
Greeting
Address a named person if the advert or company site gives one (“Dear Ms Santos”). If not, “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear [Department] team” works. Avoid “To whom it may concern” and “Dear Sir/Madam” where you can find a name.
- 3
How to start an application letter
The first sentence names the exact job title, where you saw it, and one reason you are a strong fit. “I am writing to apply for the Customer Support Associate role advertised on your website. I have two years of handling customer queries by phone and chat…” is better than any line about being honoured or excited.
- 4
Body: your evidence
One or two short paragraphs that match the advert’s main requirements with things you have actually done. For each, say the situation, what you did and what changed. Use the employer’s own words for skills where they are true of you, so a reader comparing your letter with the advert sees the match quickly.
- 5
Why this employer
A sentence or two showing you know who you are writing to: their customers, a product, a school’s values, a recent project. This is what separates a real letter from a template sent to fifty companies.
- 6
How to end a letter of application
Say you would welcome an interview, mention that your resume or CV is attached, and thank the reader. Sign off with “Yours sincerely” if you used their name, or “Kind regards” in most other cases, followed by your full name.
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Phrases to adapt
- I am writing to apply for the [job title] position advertised on [source].
- With [experience or qualification], I am confident I can [main requirement of the role].
- In my role at [employer], I [action], which [result].
- I am particularly drawn to [company] because [specific reason].
- My resume is attached for your review.
- I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my application at an interview.
- Thank you for your time and consideration.
Mistakes to avoid
- Sending the same application letter to every employer with only the company name changed.
- Opening with your life story instead of the job title and why you fit.
- Repeating every line of your resume rather than expanding on one or two achievements.
- Running over one page, or writing in a single dense block with no paragraph breaks.
- Using “To whom it may concern” when the hiring manager’s name is on the advert.
- Typos in the employer’s name, the job title or your own contact details.
- Forgetting to attach the resume the letter refers to.
Common questions
What is the correct format for a job application letter?
Your contact details at the top, then the date and the employer’s details, a greeting, three or four short paragraphs (the role and why you fit, your evidence, why this employer, and a close), and a sign-off with your name. Keep it to one page with a blank line between paragraphs.
Is an application letter the same as a cover letter?
Yes, for most jobs. “Cover letter” is the usual term in the US, “covering letter” is common in the UK, and “application letter” or “letter of application” is widely used in the Philippines, India, Africa and elsewhere. A letter of introduction or a letter of intent is slightly different: it is usually sent when there is no specific vacancy advertised.
How do I start an application letter?
Name the exact job title and where you saw it in the first sentence, then give your single strongest reason for being a good fit. For example: “I am writing to apply for the Accounts Assistant role advertised on your website. I have spent two years processing supplier invoices in a busy finance team.”
How do I end a letter of application?
Ask for the next step, mention your attached resume or CV, and thank the reader. Use “Yours sincerely” if you addressed a named person and “Kind regards” or “Yours faithfully” (UK, when you wrote “Dear Sir/Madam”) otherwise.
Should I send my resume and application letter together?
Yes. The letter introduces you and argues why you fit; the resume or CV gives the full record. Send them as two files, or as one PDF with the letter first, unless the employer asks for something different.
How long should an application letter be?
Three or four short paragraphs, comfortably on one page. A short application letter that is specific to the job reads better than a long one that could be sent anywhere.
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