Practical cover letter examples

Why start from an example (but not copy it)

An example is there to show you the structure, not to be copied and pasted. Every industry has a different tone and every situation has a different goal. A recruiter at a bank reads differently from one at a tech startup. Use the examples below as a template, then swap in your own details, names and concrete proof. The underlying structure always stays the same: you'll find it explained in the guide The perfect cover letter.

Example for a recent graduate (first job)

With no work experience, you prove your value through your studies, internships and transferable skills.

"Dear [Name], I'm writing to [Company] about the [Role] position. During my degree in [Subject] I coordinated a six-person group project that we delivered ahead of deadline. Your focus on [specific company value] mirrors the way I like to work. I'd be glad to tell you how I can contribute to your team."

The key: turn university experiences into evidence of competence (organisation, teamwork, working independently).

Example for a career change (experienced profile)

Here it's measurable results that count. Skip the story of your career: just the numbers the recruiter wants to read.

"In three years as [Role] I grew revenue from my client portfolio by 20% and cut delivery times by two weeks. I'm looking for a setting like [Company] where I can apply these skills to larger projects."

Open with your strongest result. Then connect that result to what the company is looking for in the listing.

Example for a speculative application

With no open position, your hook is the company itself. You have to prove you're not writing to a hundred identical firms.

"I've followed [Company] since you launched [product/initiative]. As a [Role] with experience in [area], I believe I can contribute to [concrete goal]. I'd like to suggest a brief introductory chat to explore where my skills could be useful."

Mention a real, recent detail. That's the signal that sets you apart from the generic emails.

Example for a creative industry vs a formal one

The tone shifts with the industry. At a creative agency or a startup you can be direct and show some personality:

"I do one thing, but I do it well: I turn messy data into dashboards that management can read in thirty seconds."

In banking, law or the public sector, keep a formal, understated register, with complete sentences and no jargon. Same substance, different tone.

Mistakes to avoid in every example

• Opening with "I'm a dynamic, motivated person": it's an empty phrase, cut it.
• Summarising your CV: the letter adds context, it doesn't repeat.
• Forgetting the closing call to action: always end by asking for an interview.
• Leaving the wrong company name in from a previous application.

Generate your letter from your CV

Starting from scratch every time is the main reason letters end up generic. With EuroCV Pro you generate a cover letter straight from your CV: the system pulls out your skills and experience and tailors them to the role, keeping the right tone for the industry. You polish the company-specific details. Try it and start from a draft that's already personalised instead of a blank page.