13 Short Cover Letter Examples by Industry and Experience Levels for Your 2023 Job Search

In today's fast-paced digital world, attention spans are short. Because of this, it’s so crucial for job seekers to learn how to write a compelling yet concise cover letter. 

A short, customized cover letter allows you to make a great first impression, even when the hiring manager has limited time.

And for job postings that you're genuinely interested in, taking the time to craft a thoughtful cover letter is well worth it. It allows your unique voice and enthusiasm for the work to shine through. 

The article below explains the steps you should take to create a winning, short cover letter. And it even showcases a variety of cover letters that you can use as inspiration throughout your job search.

So let’s get to it.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter aims to introduce yourself to the hiring manager, explain your interest in the position, and highlight the qualifications, skills, and experience that align with the job description.

It is an opportunity to personalize your job application and showcase your enthusiasm for the role. It is also helpful to hiring managers because it provides additional information about you that may not be included in your resume.

A well-written cover letter can also demonstrate your communication skills, attention to detail, and professionalism, which are all essential qualities in a candidate.

When should I use a short cover letter?

Keep your cover letter concise but compelling when the hiring manager's time is limited. For example, if you’re applying for a high-volume role or submitting your application during a busy season, a short cover letter cuts through the clutter to convey why you're a stand-out applicant worth further consideration. 

A short, personalized cover letter speaks volumes about your enthusiasm and qualifications, opening doors to new career possibilities.

When shouldn’t I use a short cover letter?

A long cover letter may be necessary for jobs that require robust experience, certain certifications and milestones, advanced degrees, or high-level skills.

These jobs need proper documentation from potential candidates. With that much experience, skills, and accomplishments, these candidates need extra space to connect those details with the job they are applying to.

How to write a short cover letter

In this instance, a simple cover letter format is the best option. You'll want to create a brief cover letter by choosing a basic cover letter template, which you can find by using the cover letter feature in Teal's Resume Builder.

Using a template or cover letter builder saves you time. It can also help get your job application past applicant tracking systems (ATS), which scan your resume for keywords related to the job posting.

Below we’ll talk through how you can format your short cover letters to optimize the job search.

How to format your cover letter

For a short cover letter, choose a straightforward yet engaging format. Use clear section headings to organize your thoughts,  with an opening paragraph, 1-2 middle paragraphs, and a closing paragraph. 

Use a simple, clean font like Times New Roman or Arial, sized between 10-12 points. 

Your cover letter should flow while packing a punch. Make every word count towards demonstrating your necessary skills, experience, personality, and enthusiasm for the role so they invite you to interview. And as a reminder: keep your short cover letter to one page.

The right cover letter format and copy will open doors if done well.                    

Address the hiring manager by name

What's the best way to address a cover letter? Knowing the hiring manager's name will always go over well in your cover letter. If their name is not listed in the job post, there are some easy hacks you can do to find it.

1. Visit the company's website and look the hiring manager up by job title
2. Search LinkedIn for the company and job title and see which name pops up
3. Get in touch with the company's office manager and ask for the hiring manager's name

If you must go through step three, double-check that you have the proper spelling, as a misspelling in a cover letter can cost you.

These extra steps to get the hiring manager's name only take a few minutes, but personally addressing the hiring manager in your cover letter writing process can be the difference between getting an interview and not.

Create an attention-grabbing introduction

Many hiring managers have a mountain of cover letters to sift through, which is why the first sentence of your cover letter is so imperative. Every word must pack a punch if you're writing a short cover letter. 

Start things off by sharing a short story or anecdote about your career. This could be an accomplishment related to the current position, a creative job you took on and executed flawlessly, an example where you used your leadership skills - anything eye-catching that positions you as the ideal candidate.

Show why you are an asset to the company

After you've written your attention-grabbing intro, use the next portion of your cover letter to share any previous positions, career highlights, or transferable skills that connect your experience with the job you are applying to.

Since you're writing a short cover letter, it is recommended to use bullet points to quickly and concisely communicate your relevant skills and move on to the next portion of your cover letter.

Share what you're excited to learn about the company

Now that you've laid out your experience and skills in a way that best fits a short cover letter format, you can use the next paragraph to share what interests you most about the company and job opportunity.

Incorporate your emotional connection to the company's mission or values, or your desire for a nurturing environment that fosters personal development, into your cover letter. Being a good culture fit is just as important as being a good role match, so take two-to-three sentences in your cover letter to explain what intrigues you the most.

Include a call to action at the end

In addition to your professional sign-off, adding a call to action is recommended as the formal closing of your short cover letter.

Examples of a call to action in your cover letter include:

• Adding your phone number or email in your signature
• Using action phrases like "I look forward to hearing from you."
• Reiterating the key reasons why you are the best fit for the role
• Explaining your availability so you make it easy for the hiring manager to schedule an interview

A call to action in your cover letter shows you are serious about the job and want to take the next steps.

Review and edit your cover letter

To ensure your cover letter is in its best shape to send to hiring managers, you’ll need to carefully review and edit your content. 

When reviewing and editing your cover letter, look for the following:

1. Opportunities to use more action verbs
2. Whether you are speaking in active or passive voice (your cover letter should be active voice)
3. Areas you can condense your writing
4. Any buzzwords to replace 
5. Spelling and grammar errors
6. If the hiring manager is addressed by name

If possible, have someone else review your cover letter to see if there is something you didn’t catch. 

Short cover letter examples by job stages

Every person has different experiences, and job stages, which means no cover letters are built the same.

A cover letter for an internship, or for someone with no experience, will be much different than a cover letter for a senior employee.

Below are some short cover letter samples for various job stages. Use one of these short cover letter examples as a template and customize it based on your own experience.

Cover letter example for an internship

Dear [Company Name],

I am writing to express my interest in being a summer intern at your nonprofit organization. As a college student majoring in Communications, I have developed a keen interest in the work that your organization does, and I am excited about the prospect of contributing to your mission.

During my time at university, I have gained valuable experience working in the Communications Department, where I have developed a range of skills, including writing, social media management, and event planning. I am confident that my skills and experience make me an excellent candidate for this internship.

I am passionate about making a positive impact in the world, and I believe that your organization is the perfect place for me to start. I am eager to learn from your team and contribute my skills to your cause.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Cover letter examples for an entry-level position

Dear Bill,

I am excited to apply for the teller position at your bank. As a recent graduate with a degree in finance, I am eager to apply my skills and knowledge in a professional setting.

While in college, I focused my studies on financial analysis, investment, and accounting. I also gained hands-on experience in the accounting department of my parents' small business, where I assisted with bookkeeping, payroll, and tax preparation.

I am confident that my academic background and work experience make me a strong candidate for this position. I am detail-oriented, analytical, and possess strong problem-solving skills. I am also committed to delivering excellent customer service and am comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.

I am excited about the opportunity to work at your bank and contribute to your team. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Cover letter examples for a mid-level professional

Dear [Company Name],

I am excited to apply for the floor manager position at your production facility. With five years of experience in the operations industry and a bachelor's degree in business, I am confident that I have the necessary skills and qualifications to make an immediate contribution to your team.

As a manager in my previous roles, I have overseen the operations of various teams of over 10 employees, ensuring efficient and effective productivity while maintaining high standards of safety and quality. I am comfortable with all aspects of production management, including scheduling, resource allocation, and performance management.

My degree in business has equipped me with the necessary knowledge to manage budgets and financial plans, as well as develop strategies to increase productivity and reduce costs.

I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and experience to your production facility and contribute to the success of your organization. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Short cover letter sample for a senior-level professional

Dear Bill,

I am excited to apply for the vice president position at your company. With 20 years of experience in the retail industry, including eight years in e-commerce, I am confident in my ability to contribute to the success of your company.

In my previous roles, I have consistently increased profits by 5% year over year through a combination of strategic planning, effective team management, and a deep understanding of customer needs. I am passionate about leveraging data and analytics to inform decision-making and identify opportunities for growth.

As a senior-level candidate, I am eager to bring my leadership skills and expertise to a dynamic and innovative team. I am committed to fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your company's growth and success.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further and learn more about the exciting opportunities at your company.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Short cover letter sample for a job seeker with employment gaps

Dear [Company Name],

I am excited to submit my application for the [Position] role at [Company]. As an experienced professional with [number of years] of experience in [industry/field], I am confident that I have the skills and qualifications necessary to excel in this position.

I understand that my resume may show a few employment gaps, and I wanted to address this directly. During these periods, I took the opportunity to focus on personal development and enhancing my skills through [relevant experience, education, or training]. While I did not have traditional employment during this time, I am confident that these experiences have made me a stronger and more well-rounded candidate for this position.

I am eager to bring my passion and expertise to your team at [Company]. I am committed to contributing my best work and collaborating with others to achieve common goals. Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Short cover letter sample for a career pivoter

Dear [Company Name],

I am excited to submit my application for the [Position] role at [Company]. As someone with a diverse background in [previous industry/field], I am eager to pivot my career towards [new industry/field], and I believe that this position is the perfect opportunity to do so.

Through my [number of years] of experience in [previous industry/field], I have gained valuable transferable skills such as [relevant skills] that I believe will be an asset to your team. I am confident that I can quickly adapt to the demands of this new role and make a significant contribution to your organization.

I am excited about the prospect of joining a company that values innovation and growth, and I am eager to bring my unique perspective and skill set to your team. Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Short cover letter samples by industry

Like job stages, writing your cover letter according to your industry is important, as it shows your aptitude within that industry.

Below are short cover letter samples for seven different industries.

Short cover letter sample for engineering

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I am excited to apply for the [Position] role at [Company]. As a highly motivated and skilled engineer with [Number] years of experience in the field, I am confident that my qualifications and expertise align with the requirements of this position.

Throughout my career, I have demonstrated proficiency in a variety of engineering tasks, including [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3]. My strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to think creatively have allowed me to consistently deliver innovative solutions to complex problems.

In my current role at [Current Company], I have been responsible for [Key Responsibility/Project] which has helped [Result/Impact]. Additionally, I have experience in [Other Relevant Experience], which has given me a diverse set of skills and knowledge in the engineering field.

I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and experience to the team at [Company] and contribute to the success of the organization. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing my qualifications further.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

What this short cover letter template gets right is giving hard facts right away. Within the first sentence, the years of experience is listed and hard skills are featured in the second paragraph. These examples are concrete ways to show you know how to tackle the job.

Short cover letter sample for healthcare

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I am excited to apply for the [Position] role at [Company]. With [Number] years of experience in the healthcare field, I am confident that I have the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in this position.

Throughout my career, I have gained experience in a variety of healthcare settings, including [Setting 1], [Setting 2], and [Setting 3]. My strong communication and interpersonal skills have allowed me to build positive relationships with patients, families, and healthcare teams. Additionally, I have a deep understanding of healthcare regulations and policies, and I am committed to providing the highest quality of care to patients.

In my current role at [Current Company], I have been responsible for [Key Responsibility/Project] which has helped [Result/Impact]. Additionally, I have experience in [Other Relevant Experience], which has given me a diverse set of skills and knowledge in the healthcare field.

I am passionate about the opportunity to join the team at [Company] and contribute to the organization's mission of providing exceptional care to patients. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing my qualifications further.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

What this brief cover letter sample gets right is outlining the various healthcare settings. The healthcare industry is large, with many different jobs and settings, so listing these settings shows a hiring manager you are adaptable and up for new experiences within your job.

Short cover letter sample for education

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I am excited to apply for the [Position] role at [School]. As a dedicated and experienced middle school teacher with [X] years of teaching experience, I am confident that my skills and knowledge align with the requirements of this position.

In my current role at [Current School], I have been responsible for [Key Responsibility/Project] which has helped [Result/Impact]. Additionally, I have experience in [Other Relevant Experience], which has given me a diverse set of skills and knowledge in the education field.

Throughout my career, I have developed a deep passion for teaching and have helped hundreds of students achieve academic success. My ability to create engaging lesson plans, manage a classroom, and build positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues have been essential to my success as a teacher.

I am excited about the opportunity to join the team at [School] and contribute to the academic and personal growth of students. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing my qualifications further.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

What this short cover letter example gets right is describing the current workload, day-to-day experience and highlighting a large project. This paints a picture of what you are currently doing in your job that can transfer to a new job.

Short cover letter sample for accounting and finance

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I am excited to apply for the [Position] role at [Company]. As an ambitious and detail-oriented accounting and finance professional with [Number] years of experience, I am confident that my skills and expertise align with the requirements of this position.

Throughout my career, I have gained valuable experience in a variety of accounting and finance tasks, including [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3]. My strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to work collaboratively have allowed me to consistently deliver accurate and timely financial reports and analyses.

In my current role at [Current Company], I have been responsible for [Key Responsibility/Project] which has helped [Result/Impact]. Additionally, I have experience in [Other Relevant Experience], which has given me a diverse set of skills and knowledge in the accounting and finance field.

I am eager to take on new challenges and advance my career in the accounting and finance field. I am confident that the skills and experience I bring to the table will make me a valuable asset to the team at [Company]. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing my qualifications further.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

What this cover letter example gets right is aligning skills and experience with the job description immediately. Hiring managers want to know if you can execute the job tasks, and the best way to communicate that is by connecting your skills, accomplishments and experience to the role.

Short cover letter sample for customer service

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I am excited to apply for the [Position] role at [Company]. As a dedicated and experienced customer service representative with [Number] years of experience, I am confident that my skills and expertise align with the requirements of this position.

Throughout my career, I have developed a deep understanding of customer service principles and have gained experience in a variety of customer service tasks, including [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3]. My ability to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and work collaboratively have allowed me to consistently provide exceptional customer service to clients and build positive relationships with them.

In my current role at [Current Company], I have been responsible for [Key Responsibility/Project] which has helped [Result/Impact]. Additionally, I have experience in [Other Relevant Experience], which has given me a diverse set of skills and knowledge in the customer service field.

I am eager to take on new challenges and advance my career in the customer service field. I am confident that my leadership skills, strategic thinking, and ability to motivate a team will make me a valuable asset to the management team at [Company]. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing my qualifications further.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

What this cover letter example gets right is to list both the necessary skills for the job but also give an example of how your responsibility positively impacted a company.

Short cover letter sample for leisure and hospitality

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I am excited to apply for the [Position] role at [Company]. As a dedicated and experienced customer service professional with [Number] years of experience, I am excited to take my career to the next level and apply for a management position.

Throughout my career, I have developed a deep passion for customer service and have gained experience in a variety of customer service tasks, including [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3]. I believe that my experience and expertise in customer service will be an asset to your company and will allow me to lead a team of professionals to success.

In my current role at [Current Company], I have been responsible for [Key Responsibility/Project] which has helped [Result/Impact]. Additionally, I have experience in [Other Relevant Experience], which has given me a diverse set of skills and knowledge in the customer service field.

I am confident that my experience and management skills will make me a valuable asset to the management team at [Company]. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing my qualifications further.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

What this cover letter example gets right is immediately state your intentions to step into management and leadership. The second paragraph highlights key skills that show you are ready for the responsibility. 

Short cover letter sample for human resources

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I am excited to apply for the position of [Position] at [Company]. As an experienced HR professional with a track record of success in supporting and engaging employees, I am confident that I am the ideal candidate for this position.

Over the course of my career in human resources, I have developed a passion for employee engagement and have actively sought opportunities to contribute to this area. I believe that a company's success is driven by the engagement and well-being of its employees, and I am committed to using my skills and expertise to create a positive and productive work environment.

I am eager to bring my experience in [relevant skills and accomplishments] to your team at [Company]. I am confident that my enthusiasm for employee engagement, along with my experience in human resources, make me an ideal candidate for this role.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further and to contribute to the success of your organization.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

What this short cover letter example gets right is focus on a key area. In this example, the human resources area of focus is employee engagement. 

How can I make a short cover letter quickly?

Teal is a one-stop-shop resource for anyone wanting to advance their career. Available as both a Chrome extension and web application, Teal offers many tools to enhance your career journey.

With Teal, you can craft a customized short cover letter in seconds. Using AI, Teal scans your resume with the job description to formulate cover letters highlighting your professional achievements, previous jobs, and key skills and connecting them with the job you are applying for.

Sign up for Teal for free today to give it a try and see for yourself!

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