COVER LETTER

While all cover letters should be written for each individual position you apply for, there are
some common elements in all cover letters you should include. Here is a template you can use as
a general point of reference to ensure you include all necessary information in your next job
application:

[Your name]
[Your phone number]
[Your email address]
[Optional: Your mailing address]

[Date]

[Employer’s name]
[Employer’s mailing address]

[Greeting],

[The first sentence should include your name and the role you intend to apply for. Use the second
and third sentences as an overview of your strengths and greatest accomplishments. In the last
sentence, express your excitement and appreciation for the opportunity.]

[In the first sentence of your second paragraph, introduce your most recent professional title and
overview of your accomplishments as it pertains to your duties. In the second and third
sentences, select your most relevant and impressive achievement and explain the impact you
were able to produce. Use numbers to quantify your successes whenever possible.]

[In the first sentence of your third paragraph, provide an overview of what makes you uniquely
qualified for the role. In the second and third sentences, support your claim with specific
examples from previous professional or educational experiences. Again, use numbers to quantify
your successes whenever possible.]

[In the first sentence of your closing paragraph, express gratitude and excitement for the
opportunity. Use the second and third sentences to explain why you are applying for the position
and looking forward to hearing from the company.]

[Closing statement],
[Signature]

Cover letter example

Here is an example cover letter following the above template. Please keep in mind that your
cover letter will vary depending on the employers and jobs you’re applying for. As long as key
information about your background and qualifications are included, the order of the sentences
can be changed as you see fit:

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Cover letter for dental hygienist:

Dear Hiring Manager,

I’m excited about the possibility of working as a dental hygienist at Crane & Jenkins. As a
person who is detail-oriented and intuitive, I excel in meeting the needs of my dental patients,
finishing appointments ahead of schedule, and applying improved methods to ensure the best
results during cleanings. I would love the opportunity to offer my talents to Crane & Jenkins, a
leading dental provider in the area.

During my previous employment at River Tech, I acted as the dental hygienist for two dentists,
educated patients regarding their oral health, and helped select software to streamline the
appointment booking process. When a new system was implemented to book appointments, I
went above and beyond by obtaining the manufacturer’s certification, which allowed me to train
dental assistants and other hygienists on the system. The new system increased the number of
appointments by 40%.

I am attentive to the needs of my patients and strive to create a relaxing environment and to
ensure their comfort during cleanings. As a consummate professional, I enjoy challenging cases.
For instance, many of my patients at River Tech had advanced gingivitis, so I became extremely
vigilant to any signs of pain or distress. To ensure a high level of cleanliness, I also meticulously
cleaned my instruments and the equipment and fixtures in the treatment rooms.

Thank you for your time and attention. I can’t wait to hear more details about the dental
hygienist position at Crane & Jenkins. Growth is vital to my success as a dental hygienist, and I
am committed to applying my skills and experience to support dentists and future patients.

Sincerely,
Sofia Flores

Cover letter tips

Consider the following tips to write and refine your cover letter:

Read the job description

Before drafting your cover letter, read the job description closely. This can help you understand
exactly what employers are looking for in their ideal candidate. Use this information and
select keywords that emphasize the skills, qualities and experience you have that will benefit
them.

Pay attention to instructions

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The employer might ask you to provide specific information or answer a certain question in
your resume, so pay attention to any instructions included in the application or job description.

Include the right information

If you are writing a cover letter directly in an email, you do not need to include your name,
contact information, date or the employer’s information at the top. If you are attaching a word
document or PDF to an email or application portal, you should include these pieces of
information.

Address your contact appropriately

If you do not know the name of the recipient, it is acceptable to put the company’s name and
address at the top instead. You should address them as “Dear Sir or Madam” or “Dear Hiring
Manager” in your greeting, or use another popular cover letter opening addresses.

Related:

 Cover Letter Checklist: What to Review Before You Submit

 How to Use Cover Letter Samples
 7 Key Elements of a Successful Cover Letter