Cover letter template (short & specific)

A cover letter has one job: connect YOUR experience to THIS job, in about three short paragraphs. Generic letters get skipped; specific ones get interviews. Replace every bracket.

The letter

[Your name]
[Your phone] · [Your email]
[Date]

Dear [Hiring Manager name, or "Hiring Team"],

Paragraph 1 — the match. I am applying for the [job title] position at [company]. [One sentence on why this company or role: something true and specific — their reputation, the neighbourhood they serve, the kind of work they do.] With [X years] of experience in [your field], I bring [your two strongest, most relevant strengths].

Paragraph 2 — the proof. In my work at [employer or your own business], I [achievement with a number: "maintained a route of 25 regular clients with a 98% on-time record"]. I also [second achievement: "train new staff on safety and quality checklists"]. These are the same skills your posting highlights — [name two requirements from the posting] — and I would be glad to put them to work for [company].

Paragraph 3 — the close. I would welcome the chance to discuss how I can contribute to your team. I am available for an interview at your convenience and can be reached at [phone] or [email]. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your full name]

Before you send

• Read it out loud once — anything that sounds stiff, rewrite the way you would say it.
• Under one page, always. Short and specific beats long and impressive.
• Double-check the company name, the job title and your own contact details. These three typos are the most common — and the most costly.