Document text
VERSION A — EXPERIENCED CANDIDATE
You have done this work before. Lead with a result.
[YOUR FULL NAME]
[CITY, STATE ZIP] · [PHONE] · [EMAIL] · [LINKEDIN OR PORTFOLIO URL]
[MONTH DAY, YEAR]
[HIRING MANAGER NAME]
[TITLE]
[COMPANY NAME]
[STREET ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]
Re: Application for [POSITION TITLE] — [JOB ID, IF ANY]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. LAST NAME or "Hiring Manager"],
I am applying for the [POSITION TITLE] position posted on [WHERE YOU SAW IT]. In [X] years as a [CURRENT ROLE] at [CURRENT COMPANY], I have [HEADLINE RESULT, e.g. grown repeat orders by 18% in two years], and I would like to bring the same focus to [COMPANY].
Your posting asks for [REQUIREMENT 1] and [REQUIREMENT 2]. Two examples from my recent work:
• [REQUIREMENT 1]: [WHAT YOU DID], which [RESULT WITH A NUMBER].
• [REQUIREMENT 2]: [WHAT YOU DID], which [RESULT WITH A NUMBER].
I am drawn to [COMPANY] because [SPECIFIC REASON — product, mission, recent project, team]. [ONE SENTENCE ON HOW YOUR EXPERIENCE FITS THAT].
I would welcome the chance to discuss how I can help [COMPANY] with [GOAL FROM THE JOB POSTING]. I am available for an interview [DAYS/TIMES] and can start [START DATE / after NOTICE PERIOD]. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[YOUR FULL NAME]
Enclosure: Resume
VERSION B — RECENT GRADUATE / ENTRY LEVEL
Little or no full-time experience. Lead with training, internships and how quickly you learn.
[YOUR FULL NAME]
[CITY, STATE ZIP] · [PHONE] · [EMAIL] · [LINKEDIN OR PORTFOLIO URL]
[MONTH DAY, YEAR]
[HIRING MANAGER NAME]
[TITLE]
[COMPANY NAME]
[STREET ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]
Re: Application for [POSITION TITLE] — [JOB ID, IF ANY]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. LAST NAME or "Hiring Manager"],
I am writing to apply for the [POSITION TITLE] role at [COMPANY]. I recently completed my [DEGREE/PROGRAM] in [FIELD] at [SCHOOL] ([MONTH YEAR]), and I am eager to start my career in [FIELD] with your team.
During [INTERNSHIP / PART-TIME JOB / CAPSTONE PROJECT] at [ORGANIZATION], I [WHAT YOU DID], and [RESULT OR WHAT YOU LEARNED]. In my coursework I worked with [TOOLS/SKILLS IN THE POSTING], and I [ONE EXAMPLE: led a team project, tutored classmates, won an award].
I am reliable, quick to learn and comfortable with [SOMETHING THE JOB NEEDS — customers, deadlines, data]. I would be glad to bring that energy to [COMPANY].
My resume is attached. I would appreciate the opportunity to meet and learn more about the role. I can be reached at [PHONE] or [EMAIL]. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
[YOUR FULL NAME]
Enclosure: Resume
VERSION C — CAREER CHANGE
Moving into a new field. Show the bridge between old and new.
[YOUR FULL NAME]
[CITY, STATE ZIP] · [PHONE] · [EMAIL] · [LINKEDIN OR PORTFOLIO URL]
[MONTH DAY, YEAR]
[HIRING MANAGER NAME]
[TITLE]
[COMPANY NAME]
[STREET ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]
Re: Application for [POSITION TITLE] — [JOB ID, IF ANY]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. LAST NAME or "Hiring Manager"],
I am excited to apply for the [POSITION TITLE] role. After [X] years in [PREVIOUS FIELD], I have moved into [NEW FIELD] by completing [COURSE / CERTIFICATION] and [PROJECT, VOLUNTEER OR FREELANCE WORK].
My background gives me strengths that carry over directly:
• [TRANSFERABLE SKILL]: in my role as [OLD ROLE] I [EXAMPLE WITH A NUMBER].
• [TRANSFERABLE SKILL]: [EXAMPLE].
• New skills: [TOOLS/METHODS FROM YOUR TRAINING], applied in [PROJECT].
[COMPANY]’s work on [SPECIFIC THING] is the kind of work I changed careers to do. I would bring [PERSPECTIVE FROM THE OLD FIELD] that is rare in [NEW FIELD].
I would welcome the chance to discuss how I can help [COMPANY] with [GOAL FROM THE JOB POSTING]. I am available for an interview [DAYS/TIMES] and can start [START DATE / after NOTICE PERIOD]. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[YOUR FULL NAME]
Enclosure: Resume
VERSION D — SHORT APPLICATION EMAIL
For online postings that ask you to apply by email.
Subject: Application — [POSITION TITLE] — [YOUR FULL NAME]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. LAST NAME or "Hiring Team"],
Please accept my application for the [POSITION TITLE] position listed on [SITE]. I have [X years of experience in / training in] [FIELD], most recently [ONE RESULT]. My resume is attached as a PDF.
I would welcome a short call to discuss the role. Thank you for your time.
Best regards,
[YOUR FULL NAME]
[PHONE] · [LINKEDIN URL]
TIPS — delete this page before sending
• Keep the letter to one page: three or four short paragraphs. Delete the versions you do not use.
• Name the exact job title and job ID from the posting; recruiters often handle several openings at once.
• Match two requirements from the posting with two real examples. Numbers make examples believable.
• “Application letter” and “cover letter” are usually the same document in US hiring: a letter that goes with your resume.
• Send as PDF unless the posting asks for Word. In Layers you can send it with tracking (see who opened it and for how long) and set a reminder to follow up after about a week.
Field labels in [SQUARE BRACKETS, CAPITALS] must be completed or deleted. Alternatives are separated by a slash (e.g., [HIS/HER]). © Layers (layers.md), licensed under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). You may adapt and reuse this template with attribution. Letter template — replace every [FIELD].
Letter template — replace every [FIELD]. © Layers (layers.md) · CC BY 4.0